A "toastie" at Milk Bar. Photo by Charla Harlow.

The best part of living in Brooklyn is by far the weekend brunch, a day’s delicious sustenance in one sitting. To help Brokelyn readers through the midweek slog, I’ve compiled a list of ten favorite spots that offer sumptuous fare at reasonable prices, with complimentary extras ranging from baskets of fresh baked goods to bottomless mimosas. Did I miss your favorite Brooklyn brunch spot? Do tell! (more…)

The unforgettably named STD Wines & Liquors, photo by Kelly Murphy

When I mention to people that I live in Kensington, people typically think it’s in England, no matter how long they have been in NYC. The small neighborhood stretching roughly from the Prospect Park Parade Grounds to Green-Wood Cemetery may not be the best-known Brooklyn enclave, but what Kensington may lack in Brownstoner buzz it more than makes up for in amazing ethnic food. Within a few blocks you can find authentic Indian, Middle Eastern, Polish, Mexican, Thai, Russian, Greek, and Serbian eats at Brokelyn-worthy prices. Here are some of my local favorites, all within walking distance of the F or G train to Church / McDonald. Sorry there’s no fish and chips. (more…)

With everyone’s most and least favorite Hallmark holiday a mere 42 days away, love is practically almost in the air. As we begin to figure out how to shower our loved ones (or ourselves…for the perpetually alone like myself) with gifts and affection, Team Brokelyn is looking for suggestions for the most romantic places in our favorite borough. It can be anything from a candlelight neighborhood haunt to a special place that inspires chaste hand holding or semi-inappropriate PDA sessions; anywhere you deem perfect for a romantic day or night out. Brunch spots, spas, restaurants, theaters, music venues… let ‘em rip, No need to worry about anything budget-related either; we’ll be taking care of that. Just fire away in the comments!

Williamsburg's Fatty 'Cue, a Bib Gourmand newbie.

Who knows good food better than a puffy white dude shaped like a… tire? The 2011 Michelin Guide to New York hit shelves last week, and included again this year are the guide’s Bib Gourmand picks—restaurants where $40 or less will get you two courses and a glass of wine or dessert (tax and gratuity excluded). New York had among the most such spots in the world, and it’s no surprise they’re on the rise in Brooklyn, with four new entries since last year. Here they are, along with the rest of Bib Gourmand in BK. (more…)

Bring some wine. We have a big table.

As we’re pretty staunch proponents of imbibing on the cheap and, of course, we like good food, we’d be remiss not to highlight the perfect marriage of the two: BYOB restaurants. Here’s a guide to Brooklyn’s best, so you’ll no longer have to fork over an exorbitant sum for a carafe of “house red” that tastes suspiciously like Carlo Rossi.  And even better: It seems that pesky corkage fee is a rare animal in these parts. (more…)

So we’ve taken care of decadent, meaty, succulent… anyone for some greens on their raffle-won menu? It’s easy to pledge a new healthy diet, but footing the bill for that local, organic, free-range goodness—that can prove a deal-breaker when it comes to turning over a new leaf. And there lies the appeal of Green Kitchen, the brand new Park Slope fresh-eats spot where $60 from the RAFFLE OF THE CENTURY will bring in quite a haul. (more…)

Wouldn't your mom love her very own avatar?

So it’s kind of a Hallmark holiday—you want a card with that perfect “thank you” that puts a tear in your mom’s eye and lets her know you love her, and you didn’t mean to not call her back for a month. Gifts are good too, and the show-your-love clock is ticking, so you need something good, fast. And not too expensive. We’ve all gone the last-minute, impersonal route—the candle, the soaps the Amazon gift card. But just because it’s, like Thursday, doesn’t mean it’s too late to do something more interesting. Here are 10 suggestions: (more…)

Roots Cafe. Photo by Jennifer Holder.

The great outdoors: leafy trees, blooming flowers, trickling brooks… coffee at a sidewalk café, cheap beer and tacos at a backyard bar. This is Brooklyn, we’re talking about here, land of ball-field taco trucks and water-views from the Fairway café. And of course there’s this dinner view just a notch or two above our price range. But there are still so many other great places to eat outside—to get your sunlight and sustenance in one foul swoop. With a few old faithfuls and some new highlights, here’s our list of affordable outdoor food and drink spots around Brooklyn. As always, please add your own favorite haunts in the comments. (more…)

Buckley's in Marine Park is worth a visit, says the Daily New.

I’m still trying wrap my head around this article in the Daily News pronouncing the best food in Brooklyn. The piece nods impressively to some establishments I’ve never heard of (like Buckley’s in Marine Park), and covers the far reaches of the borough, with neighborhoods including Ocean Hill (best West Indian food) and Homecrest (cheap health food). But if the lineup sounds pretty random so far, you’re not wrong.  (more…)

applewood

The time of year has arrived to get out and splurge on a nice meal, but splurge a little less than usual. Dine in Brooklyn starts this Monday, Mar. 15, and over 200 of the Borough’s fine (and some really fine) restaurants are taking part. We’re excited about the $25 three-course dinner—or $20.10 lunch—at places like al di la Trattoria, applewood, Bocca Lupo, Chestnut, iCi, Miriam, Northeast Kingdom, Taci’s Beyti Restaurant and many, many others. And to make the deal even sweeter, the list includes more than a smattering of places where $25 covers a meal for two. See all of them here.

Whether the event means trying somewhere a $ or two above your usual fare, or you’re returning to an old favorite, let us know where you’re heading next week.