You can send a letter to someone in Cobble Hill, but it’s best if you use the zip code to set up your GPS and visit this panoramic section of Brooklyn. Park your car, because the best way to see Cobble is on foot. The residential area, home to many Brooklyn families, is just steps from the Brooklyn Bridge and the cobblestone streets of Brooklyn Heights. From a walking tour to an evening out in the sophisticated nightlife of Cobble Hill, there is plenty to do in this part of Brooklyn. Here are four ways to enjoy a day at Cobble Hill.
Shopping on Smith and Court Streets
If you are taking the tube to Cobble Hill, get off the F train stop on Bergen Street. The subway drops you at Smith Street, one of the two main shopping centers. Walk down Smith Street, stopping at the many boutiques that line the street. Once you have completed your shopping on Smith Street, turn right on any side street and walk onto Court Street. Located one avenue from Smith Street. Court Street is home to many shops and restaurants. Lily stands out, a boutique that offers clothing and accessories for women.
Take a walking tour
Of course, you can spend the day window shopping and strolling through Smith Street and Court Street, but you will miss the charm of Cobble Hill. Begin your walk at Atlantic and Clinton Street. Stop at the Swallow Cafe at Atlantic and Clinton and have a coffee. While drinking your beer, walk down the brownstone lined Clinton Street until you reach Congress Street, where you will see Cobble Hill Park, reminiscent of an English square. If you have kids in tow, this park has a simple but popular playground, or you can steer clear of the playground scene and sit on a picnic bench and soak up the atmosphere of this quaint park.
After your break, head to Henry Street, marveling at the architecture. Go back to Clinton Street once you have reached DeGraw Street.
Eat your way through Cobble Hill
Cobble Hill is full of good restaurants. On Henry Street, you’ll find the local favorite, La Vara, a tapas restaurant located on a charming and quiet residential street. Further up Henry Street towards Atlantic Avenue is Hibino, serving the best Japanese food in the neighborhood. For more options, head to Smith Street where you can choose from great restaurants. Consider dining at Battersby, a popular restaurant with seasonal cuisine. For a tasty sandwich, visit the Red Star Sandwich Shop or check out our list of the best sandwiches, many of which can be found in Cobble Hill and neighboring Carroll Gardens.
Also, don’t forget about dessert. You can easily spend an afternoon enjoying pastries and coffee on the patio at Mia’s Bakery, which is also on our list of the best bakeries in Brooklyn, along with other Cobble Hill favorites. Thai fans should take a seat in the backyard of Joya, a longtime Cobble Hill favorite.
Craft cocktails, beers, and dive bars
After dinner, have a drink. Although this area is home to many places to have a craft cocktail, my personal favorite is Local 61, which has numerous craft beers. For those who love craft cocktails, visit the Swank, Clover Club for Manhattan and other classic drinks or walk to Henry Street for a drink at the quaint Henry Public. Wine lovers can spend an afternoon in June or at the Congress on Court Street. However, if you’re a fan of dive bars, you’re in luck because Smith Street is packed with them.
From Boat Bar to Camp, you can hop bar along this beautiful block. Enjoy!
Edited by Alison Lowenstein
