Photo: Meredith Craig de Pietro This story is part of our “Brooklyn Classics” series, about well-known and underappreciated books set in the borough. Some books aim to startle, but Hubert Selby, Jr.’s “Last Exit to Brooklyn” takes a sucker punch. It’s an unflinching look at gritty 1950s New York, where union leaders, addicts, transgender sex […]
September culture calendar: 10 reasons to get excited for fall
Photo: Invisible Dog Welcome to the other side of summer, where fall has not officially begun but half-day Fridays and 8 p.m. sunsets have sadly come to an end. The good news is the city is brimming with art openings and premieres and concerts to make the transition a little less melancholy. Kate, whose singular […]
What to do this week(end): June 10-June 16
Photo by Avi Werde on Unsplash Awwww yeah, now we’re in the good stuff. Long, sunny days; warm, breezy nights; the ability to be outside for hours without losing half your body weight in sweat — this is the weather we dream about the other ~349 days of the year and it feels particularly well-deserved right now, wouldn’t […]
Brooklyn Bites: Guadalajaran hangover cures in Prospect Heights and hot tips for brunch
Cruz del Sur in Prospect Heights takes the jicama salad to new heights. Photo: Kara Zuaro This June, wouldn’t it be nice if we all got a real summer vacation? We could all use a couple of months of aimless bike rides, but these days most of us have to intentionally find ways to set […]
July culture calendar: 10 events to celebrate
Photo: Sebastien Cordat Happy July everyone! Given recent events, it feels like a weird one to be banging the drum about our great democracy and its supposedly guaranteed freedoms, but there are still some cultural and artistic events to celebrate this month and we’ve gathered some of them here for your convenience below. At the […]
What to do this week(end): July 8-14
Photo: Laura Peruchi Greetings from coastal Maine, where I just spent a lovely Fourth of July weekend/remote work week scarfing down vulgar amounts of shellfish and taking in the local color (which unfortunately involved way too many “Let’s Go Brandon” t-shirts for my taste). Here’s hoping you all got your fill of BBQ and red, […]
Summer Treats Bucket List: Brooklyn’s best frozen drinks, ice cream + more
Brooklyn’s Best Frozen Treat? Steve’s Key Lime Pie Swingle reigns supreme. Photo: Kara Zuaro Frozen drinks, frosty desserts, and other heat-relieving treats make summer in Brooklyn sustainable. You know, sometimes we just need to take the humidity and beat it with chocolate-dipped key lime pie on a stick (a.k.a. the Swingle, pictured above). This summer, […]
August Culture Calendar: Soaking up summer’s last drops
Oh we are in the thick of it now, my friends. Anyone who doesn’t think that August is the worst weather month in NYC is clearly a pod person, or least some insanely lucky duck who has access to a rooftop pool or a place to crash in the Hamptons or something. It’s hot and […]
Revisiting ‘Desperate Characters’ | Brooklyn Based
“Desperate Characters” by Paula Fox remains as relevant today as the day it was published. Photo: Meredith Craig de Pietro This story is part of our “Brooklyn Classics” series about famous and underappreciated books set in the borough. Paula Fox wrote Desperate Characters over 50 years ago, but the book remains as impactful now as […]
Chelsea T.’s Review of Pranna – New York (3/5)
I’ve been to Pranna a bunch if times. For a school alum happy hour, for birthday brunch, for late night parties (birthday and just for fun) and for the day party. Happy hour- my friend refuses to go…
Aleksa P.’s Review of Zinburger – Paramus (4/5)
I’ve been to Zinburger several times. I enjoy the casual atmosphere. Each time I’ve been seated promptly. And the service has always been quick, friendly and professional. The menu: They make a few…
Andrew K.’s Review of Row NYC – New York (4/5)
Can’t say I’m crazy about this place but I’m definitely not hating this place. It’s in a great location in the middle of Times Square, close to the subway, and near all the broadway shows. Some people…
Chelsea T.’s Review of Blue Smoke – New York (3/5)
3 stars until I go back another time! I came after a long day of partying and only ended up eating French fries. My friends who actually got meals seemed to enjoy them. Everything seemed overpriced…
Morgen B.’s Review of Sapolo – Brooklyn (4/5)
I like Sapolo. I like how they don’t pretend to be anything that they’re not and they’re killing the game. They’re like the Rihanna of Chinese food spots in Clinton Hill. Come here if you’re really in…
Wang R.’s Review of The Halal Guys – New York (4/5)
Right now, our DLC UL t8 lamp,DLC UL led flat panel lighting and Energy star UL 6inch led can light and 8inch commercial down lights are very popular in USA, Mastled lighting Technology Co., Limited…
Howard N.’s Review of Spice Thai Cuisine – Bloomfield (4/5)
Came here for only one time on a sudden night and fell in love with this place because of its goodness and faster job for me they have done. They impressd me with careful, fresh and attentive service.…
Jill R.’s Review of Toloache – New York (3/5)
After watching “Unique Eats” a while back, we decided to check this place out since it was in the area. We ordered de lechon tacos, quesadilla de huitlacoche y trufas, callo de hacha and trio de…
Andrew K.’s Review of Central Park – New York (5/5)
Simply put, this park has EVERYTHING! Never could’ve imagined it. I wish we had parks like this in Hawaii, but then again, this park is probably just a big as an island in Hawaii. I took a horse…
Morgen B.’s Review of Sneaker Pawn USA – Manhattan (2/5)
The business concept is brilliant, the shop itself is cool, and it seems like there’s a genuine need for a place like Sneaker Pawn. Overall, the service is spotty and inconsistent. The website looks…
Chelsea T.’s Review of 2 Bros Pizza – New York (3/5)
Can’t really go wrong with a $1 slice. This is usually a go to drunk food for me. I typically go to the $99 pizza spots but I’ll go to this place if it’s around. They tend to have more variety…
Lori D.’s Review of Salon Interiors Inc. – South Hackensack (1/5)
If you’re thinking of starting a salon or remolding , KEEP MOVING!! The claimed professionals left me with a HUGE bill and a salon that looks ok at best!! Too many things weren’t planned correctly and…
Jando S.’s Review of Vander Bar – New York (3/5)
From suits looking to blow some after work steam to tourists stuck in Midtown, it seems the only reason they hit up Vander Bar anymore is sheer convenience. Venturing to other more lively cocktail…
Jorge G.’s Review of City Rib – Jamaica (5/5)
Classic bbq, good drinks, great decor! -floor to ceiling glass windows– check! I counted about six flat screens- more on the adjacent seating area by the windows if thats your thing. Neighborhood…
JJ P.’s Review of Capizzi – New York (5/5)
On 4th of July My family of 4 stopped in to grab a bite before the fireworks. Capizzi’s was right by the Port Authority and got good reviews, so we went. The place was super cute inside. It was like…