A Design Lover’s Guide to Brooklyn

Okay so yes, technically speaking, Brooklyn is part of NYC — but it's so vast and filled with so many great places that we felt it deserved a city guide of its own. I'm partial to Brooklyn after living there for nearly 10 years. I loved exploring all the different neighborhoods, from the cobblestone streets of Cobble Hill to the graffiti filled corners of Bushwick, there's something special about being able to transport yourself into these different communities. This guide includes a span of recommendations: our favorite hotels, local retailers, watering holes, museums, and beyond, to keep you entertained as you explore all that Brooklyn has to offer.

Last updated
August 15, 2023
UR Fancy Shop
The William Vale
The Hoxton
TALEA Beer Co.
Sunday In Brooklyn
Su'juk
Salter House
Rule of Thirds
Rhodora Wine Bar
Public Records
Pips
Penny Williamsburg
Oxomoco
Mother of Junk
Mociun
Mister Sunday
Lolo
Llama Inn
June Wine Bar
Jane's Carousel
Humble House
Hotel Delmano
Home Union
Greenery Unlimited
Frankies 457
Edy's Grocer
Dream Fishing Tackle
Dobbin St. Vintage Co-op
Dinner Party
Court Street Grocers
Company XIV
Claro
Cherry on Top
Brooklyn Museum
Bohemien Bar
Big Night Brooklyn
BIG Reuse Center
Artists & Fleas Williamsburg
Ace Hotel Brooklyn
5ive Spice Tacos & Banh Mi
10 ft Single by Stella Dallas
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
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Stay

Swanky hotel, swankier lounge and bar area. Every time we have team offsites, or even friends in town, we gather at the Ace. TLDR: We're obsessed.

Pet-friendly
spoak team favorite

Made by the good people who created the beloved Freehand and NoMad hotels, Penny is a new hotel named in honor of a small dog with a large personality. Don't mind us sobbing.

Pet-friendly
spoak team favorite

Friendly staff and beautiful rooms, the Hoxton is a go-to recommendation for us to pass along to our friends. You can't beat the location here.

Pet-friendly
spoak team favorite

Eat & Drink

The tiniest, most charming dinner spot (that is also open for brunch now). Come here if you're looking for a special evening. They offer a prefix menu that changes weekly.

spoak team favorite

A tasty shared-plate menu with natural wine, a beautiful courtyard, and an old timey feel-good vibe.

spoak team favorite

A natural wine bar located in Bushwick with the best selection of wine and snacks. We recommend ordering the house red and a side of their fancy toast.

spoak team favorite

A little slice of the coastal Italy tucked away in Brooklyn Heights.

spoak team favorite

Cheap and delicious Vietnamese eats. The inside is designed like a Vietnamese market stall so it's an authentic feeling dine-in experience, but takeout is just as good too.

spoak team favorite

Not an actual hotel, but we wish it was because the vibes are just that good. Order a tasty cocktail here or something from their raw bar.

spoak team favorite

Do & See

A huge museum with over 500 square feet to roam, and over 500 unique artworks on display. Pro-tip: You can get into the museum for free on the first Saturday of February-August and October.

Not for pets
spoak team favorite

Imagine a giant dance party with a bunch of strangers. This is what Mister Sunday (and Mister Saturday Night) is all about.

Not for pets
spoak team favorite

A restored 1922 carousel right on the waterfront of Dumbo. Swing on for a ride and then enjoy the views of the neighborhood.

Not for pets
spoak team favorite

Shop

A weekend-only market with a ton of cool artisans and vendors. We love coming here around the holidays to get our gift shopping done.

Not for pets
spoak team favorite

This is beyond your normal plant shop. When you walk into Greenery, it feels like you’re walking into a literal tropical oasis.

spoak team favorite

Massive warehouse of home goods, from new to used to vintage, and everything in between.

spoak team favorite

A garage filled with funky knick knacks, furniture, and just about anything else you can imagine.

spoak team favorite

With multiple store locations, Dobbin St. is a great place to go hunting for vintage pieces and eclectic homeware. P.S. This is their latest store opening, which is rumored to be a very good (and large!) one.

spoak team favorite

Come here for colorful gifts and Turkish handmade objects.

spoak team favorite
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