BROOKLYN BABY

It’s that vibrant borough that captivates visitors with its diverse cultural tapestry. Join me as we embark on a journey through the art galleries, iconic restaurants, and of course, whiskey distilleries that make Brooklyn a must-visit destination for every traveler looking for an authentic experience

DRINKS

Brooklyn's whiskey distilleries offer a unique opportunity to taste the spirit of this borough and America. Start your adventure at Kings County Distillery in the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard. This award-winning distillery not only produces exceptional whiskey but also offers informative tours that delve into the fascinating recounting of distilling in Brooklyn.

Next, go to Industry City, situated in the historic Sunset Park neighborhood. It was the first facility of its kind in New York City and was the largest multi-tenant industrial property in the United States, dating back to the 1890s. Today’s iteration has turned it from a shipping and warehousing complex into a lively hub that showcases a diverse range of artisanal shops, food markets, and cultural events. Be sure to stop by the Brooklyn Made Store in Building 5 for everything from lotions to snacks to artwork and so much more.

The Brewers + Distiller's section of Industry City proudly showcases some of Brooklyn's finest tipple, such as Fort Hamilton Distillery, a personal favorite. This brand celebrates the original American whiskey made from rye grain, malted barley, yeast, and water. Take the chance to also sample their bourbon and gin in their lively tasting room! Standard Wormwood Distillery is another highlight, using wormwood in the distilling process of all their spirits, giving them a phenomenal flavor - move over absinth. Barrow's Intense Ginger Distillery crafts a delightful ginger liqueur that pairs perfectly with spirits from across the entire state - which they proudly sell and serve up in their amazing tasting room. For those who appreciate craft beer, Big Alice Brewery is a must-visit and Gun Hill Publick House shares several of their award winning brews on tap. Then… introducing (drumroll, riff, drumroll) Brooklyn Kura, New York's first sake brewery. So, so good!

Some notable bars for a fine dram include The Moonlight Mile in Greenpoint, Travel Bar Brooklyn in Carroll Gardens, The Brazen Head in Boerum/Cobble Hill; Saint Elias in Bed-Stuy, and The Whiskey on Grand in East Williamsburg.

There are so many other whiskies, spirits, and beverages coming out of Brooklyn, including whiskies by Breukelen, NY Distilling, The Widow Jane, Van Brunt, Misguided, and newcomer, Abisola with her blend of bourbon & malted barley. There’s the gin explosion from Halftone Spirits, Greenhook Ginsmiths, and Brooklyn Gin. Then there’s Sorel, a hibiscus liqueur by Jack from Brooklyn, not to mention breweries like Brooklyn Brewery which happens to have an amazing tasting room in Williamsburg. Did I mention the wineries? Yeah, that’s right, we’ve got urban wineries like Red Hook Winery, Brooklyn Winery, and Rooftop Reds. Who needs Napa? Come and get your drink on!

Three Brooklyn producers of Empire Rye.

Brooklyn Made is brought to you by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce

Barrow’s Intense Ginger Tasting Room

EATS

Brooklyn's culinary scene is as diverse as its population, offering a mouthwatering array of flavors from around the world. I’m only naming a few below but trust, I could go on for days.

Start your gastronomic adventure with breakfast! It’s New York, get your bagel on! Grab a BEC (bacon, egg & cheese on a Kaiser roll) from the deli/bodega, or sit down in any of the many neighborhood spots around town!

For a taste of Caribbean cuisine, make your way to the Little Caribbean neighborhood in and around Flatbush and savor the flavors of jerk chicken and other delights at Exquisite Express, note this place is take-out only! Alternatively, feast on plantain sandwiches at BunNan, a Haitian spot by culinary author, Nadege Fleurimond in the Flatbush Caton Market (FCM). If you want to sit and dine in style, MangoSeed is it, near the Prospect Park Skating Rink.

If Italian is your flavor profile, then Lilia in Williamsburg is your spot for elegant, creative, and mouthwatering dishes. Williamsburgh is also home to Bamonte’s, owned by the same family since 1900 and featured several times in HBO’s The Sopranos! It must be doing something right. Turn up the heat in Sheepshead Bay at Randazzo’s Clam Bar, known for its adjustable spice level, red sauce, bliss!

No visit to Brooklyn would be complete without trying some authentic pizza. Try Di Fara Pizza in Midwood, where the legacy of its late founder, Dom DeMarco, lives strong so be prepared for a wait. If a thin Neopolitan is your bag, Sottocasa Pizzeria in Boerum Hill on Atlantic Avenue is for you! In case you’re craving Sicilian, then Spumoni Gardens has you in Gravesend, a hop, skip, and jump from my high school alma mater. Dewey or Don’t We?!

There are so many excellent pizza joints and bakery creations, like Shloimy’s chocolate rugalach, but for my money, I’m happiest when I’m eating a Black & White cookie, light, lemony heaven. Speaking of heaven, at some point you simply must visit the iconic Junior's Restaurant & Bakery. This Brooklyn institution has been serving delectable cheesecakes since 1950.

ARTS

Begin your artistic exploration by venturing into DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) where you’ll find some of the borough’s top galleries and ever-changing street art. Check out A.I.R (Artists in Residence, Inc.) known for its feminine focus; Smack Mellon for new and up-and-coming artists and so many more! See Art in Dumbo for listings!

But if you think DUMBO has a monopoly on galleries, think again! The whole borough is bursting with artistic creativity (because we’re cool like that). There’s Kustera Project and Pioneer Works in Red Hook; Land Studio & Gallery in Bed-Stuy; Kris Waldherr Art and Words in Flatbush; and please don’t sleep on Bushwick! The Bushwick Collective has achieved international acclaim and Microscope is killing it with both visual and performance art! While Williamsburg is giving everything from cutting-edge contemporary galleries to underground exhibits.

A visit to Grand Army Plaza unveils the splendid Brooklyn Museum. The neoclassical architecture draws you in, revealing a world-class collection of Egyptian art and an extensive collection of works spanning various periods and cultures. Grand Army Plaza, bordering the neighborhoods of Park Slope, Prospect Heights, and Crown Heights, also hosts the lovely Brooklyn Botanic Garden; Mount Prospect, the second highest point in Brooklyn and entry to Prospect Park; and the magnificent art deco architecture of the borough’s main public library.

Murals for the Movement in DUMBO: African Diaspora and Contemporary Afro Futurism by Artist Marka27

CONEY ISLAND

I feel Coney Island deserves its own category and since I’m writing it, so mote it be! First, some fun facts! It’s not an island, it’s a peninsula with about 3 miles of beach and a boardwalk by which all others should be measured (my article, my facts). Coney Island has three attractions that are on national registries: The Cyclone, our wooden roller coaster celebrating its 100th birthday in 2027; the much loved, almost 120-year-old B&B Carousel; and last, even though it’s no longer in use, the 250-foot Parachute Jump Tower. Coney Island inventions and firsts include: the hot dog - that classic American sammy was born here (yes, it’s a sandwich, again, my article); and delectable frozen custard came from where? Right here. Coney Island was the birthplace and home of the Switchback Railway, the world’s first commercial roller coaster. Along those lines, the world’s first electric roller coaster, electric railway, and electric escalator all came out of this wonderland.

Coney Island currently houses two main amusement parks, Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park. Though both parks are typically closed for the winter, Luna Park will be running Frost Fest from November 18, 2023 - January 7, 2024 and hopefully every winter thereafter.

You’ll find Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs - we know, you can get them at the market, but why? Grab a dog, breathe in the sea air and enjoy! Hop on the Wonder Wheel (great place for proposals…just saying); there’s an amphitheater; the New York Aquarium and for a few years, it had its own beer tasting room! Though Coney Island Brewery announced the closure of its tap room, we’re told their delicious brews will continue to flow through area restaurants.

A personal fact about Coney Island, it’s where I spent both my Jr. High and High School senior ditch days!

For a customized itinerary, please submit an inquiry: Whiskey Her Away Inquiry

HOTELS & TOURS

You could stay in Manhattan and taxi, subway or walk to BK, but why not stay in the coolest borough? Brooklyn has some fantastic lodgings just waiting to be enjoyed! The following are a few of our favorites.

1. Ace Hotel 4* Boerum Hill on the edge of Downtown

2. Tillary Hotel Brooklyn 3.5* Flatbush Avenue, Downtown

3. The William Vale 5* Williamsburg, walk to Domino & McCarren Parks

4. Wyndham Garden Brooklyn Sunset Park 4* Walk to Industry City

MORE HOTELS - Click Here

BROOKLYN TOURS - Click Here

For a customized itinerary, please submit an inquiry: Whiskey Her Away Inquiry