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I may be biased because I lived there for years but in my opinion Cobble Hill is one the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn, and probably in all of New York City. The neighborhood has got everything you need: charming townhouses, great restaurants and bars, plenty of shopping, and a ton of outdoor space. Plus, we’ve got a Trader Joe’s which is always a win! Any 4 Days in New York itinerary should include a visit to Cobble Hill, be I warn you, you may just want to move here (like I did)! This guide will cover everything you need to know about visiting the NYC charming historic district of Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.
Where is Cobble Hill, Brooklyn located?
Cobble Hill is located in Brooklyn, NY, just south of Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Brooklyn. It is surrounded by the nearby Brooklyn neighborhoods of Boerum Hill, Carroll Gardens, and Red Hook. Just to the west of Cobble Hill you’ll find Brooklyn Bridge Park (and incredible views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge). The Cobble Hill zip code is 11201.
How to Get to Cobble Hill
The best restaurants in Cobble Hill can be easily reached by the NY subway. The subway station at Bergen St is serviced by both the F and G subway lines. Alternatively you can take the 4/5 or 2 to Borough Hall.
You will need a metrocard to ride either the bus or the subway in NYC. A single ride on either costs $2.75. You can purchase a 7-day unlimited card for $33, which is a great deal if you plan to use public transportation frequently. Metrocards can be purchased at most subway stations. You can also use Apple Pay and ride using your cellphone.
Best Bars in Cobble Hill
Despite being known as a more residential neighborhood, Cobble Hill has got plenty of bars, from dive bars to cocktail lounges, plus a few natural wine bars. The crowds skews a bit older, as Cobble Hill is a very popular neighborhood for young families.
Elsa
Elsa is a classic cocktail bar in the heart of Cobble Hill on Atlantic Avenue. Elsa has both indoor seating, in a swanky cocktail bar interior, and a back patio. Elsa doesn’t serve dinner, but you can grab a small snack such as their PB&J or a Homemade Linzer Torte.
Their cocktail menu offers a range of cocktails from $13-16. They also have a great selection of craft beers and ciders, ranging from $6-11. Most snacks cost $5.
Location: 136 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
The Long Island Bar
The Long Island Bar is a Cobble Hill NYC staple, serving up food and drinks for over 55 years. They serve a selection of cocktails, but I recommend trying their Frozen Cosmopolitan. If you’re a fan of something fruity, I promise you won’t be disappointed! If you’re planning on dining at The Long Island Bar, then you have to try their famous burger. Although, the bowl of fries or cheese curds are never bad options either.
You can grab a cocktail at The Long Island Bar for $15, or check out their selection of wines and beers. A glass of wine ranges from $11-18 a glass, with beers priced at $7.
Location: 110 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Henry Public
Henry Public is your spot in Cobble Hill for excellent bar food, plus a great drink to wash it down. From their hamburger to their baked macaroni, you won’t be disappointed. You’ll find a large selection of beer, wine, and classic cocktails.
You can grab a burger and a beer for about $25. Not the cheapest spot in town, but a classic nonetheless.
Location: 329 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Bohemian Bar
Bohemian Bar is cute and trendy all in one. Plus, they serve a fruity cocktail in a butt-shaped mug, so it doesn’t get much better than that. Stop by for a ladies night for a cocktail and some of their delicious shoestring fries.
A cocktail at Bohemian Bar costs $15, with glasses of wine starting a few bucks less than that.
Location: 97 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
June
If you’re a fan of natural wines, then I highly recommend a visit to June Wine Bar. June offers an incredible selection of wines, including both organic and natural wines. June offers wine by both the glass and wine by the bottle. They have a small dinner menu as well, featuring small bites such as Buratta, Hummus and Pita, and an Escarole salad.
Bottles start around $54/bottle and go up from there. You can grab a glass instead for around $15.
Location: 231 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Clover Club
If you’re looking for a great cocktail in a dark, cozy bar, then Clover Club is the spot for you. Plus, they serve brunch which is always a win if you’re looking for a weekend treat.
Location: 210 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Best Restaurants in Cobble Hill
Colonie
I know this is the first restaurant on the list, but I recommend you pause what you’re doing and make a dinner reservation here right away! I specifically recommend getting a reservation at the pasta bar, which is Colonie’s version of a chef’s counter.
You’ll want to start with the shaved celery salad, as well as another seasonal veggie option. In the summer months there is a shishito watermelon salad, whereas fall welcomes a zucchini panzanella. You pretty much can’t go wrong with anything in the small plates section. Same goes for the pastas. Skip the entrees and opt for any of the delicious pasta dishes instead. And whatever you do, make sure that you finish up your meal with the sticky date cake.
The food here is some of the best, and I’m embarrassed to admit that it took over 2 years of living just a block away to finally visit. Although, this probably saved my wallet a bit because it is on the pricier end compared to the other restaurants on this list. Small plates, which are still decently large, range between $15-20, while their pastas are closer to $29-30 a plate.
Location: 127 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
La Vara
La Vara might just be the best restaurant in Cobble Hill, and trust me that a big accomplishment. La Vara serves Southern Spanish dishes with Jewish and Moorish influences. Dishes are served as Spanish tapas, or small plates. The octopus is my personal favorite, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Most small plates range for $15-30 each. For a dinner for 2 they typically recommend 4-5 plates. Despite a high price tag, this spot is just about always busy. I recommend making a reservation ahead of time to secure your dinner.
Location: 268 Clinton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Luzzo’s
Luzzo’s is a great sit down pizza spot in NYC. Rather than by the slice, at Luzzo’s you can expect personal or shareable pies. Paired best with an aperol spritz or glass of wine of course.
$16-21 for a 12 inch pie, $22-27 for a 16 inch pie.
Location: 145 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Chez Moi
Chez Moi is another one of my “this just might be the best restaurant in Cobble Hill” restaurants. I know I know, they can’t all be the best, but I promise that Chez Moi is at the top of this list.
Chez Moi is a French restaurant on Atlantic Street that is known for their brunch and excellent dinner menu. All of their seafood is to die for, from their mussels to their escargot appetizer.
Location: 135 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Cafe Chili
What is a neighborhood restaurant guide without a quality neighborhood Thai spot. Cafe Chili is my go-to for takeout Thai. Top recommendations include the penang curry, drunken noodles, and the papaya salad. At least, that is my go-to order.
If you’re planning on dining in, they have an adorable backyard setup. Plus, they’ve got a great lunch special for those dining in.
Overall, prices are super reasonable for large portions. Plus, you can book through Seated for extra cashback rewards.
Location: 172 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Gersi
You will fall in love with the food at Gersi’s from the very first bite. And I mean that because they serve the most delicious garlic bean spread with their complimentary bread basket.
Do yourself a favor and order the lemon spaghetti. It’s cheesy, lemony, and so so delicious. I like the order a side of the garlic steamed broccoli and add that in as well.
Location: 316 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Joya
Joya is another quality Thai restaurant in Cobble Hill. The food is delicious, portions are big and prices are super reasonable. What else can you ask for? They have a large outdoor seating area which is perfect for warm summer nights.
Location: 215 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Shelsky’s of Brooklyn
Shelsky’s is a classic Jewish deli in the heart of Cobble Hill NYC. If you plan on stopping by on the weekend, I recommend arriving early, as the line can get quite long!
I recommend a bagel with their famous belly lox, plus a jar of their Gus’ half sour pickles. Bagel sandwiches average $14 or $15, while a quart of pickles is $6.
Location: 141 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Popina
A visit to Popina is worth it just for a taste of their Hot Chicken Milanese. I recommend starting the meal with a pasta dish and a Paper Plane cocktail. Next up the star of the show: the hot chicken. And don’t miss out on a slice of their famous Chocolate Chess Pie.
Prices are on the slightly higher end for the area with pasta dishes set at $24, $27-35 for the main dishes, and $10 for the desserts.
Location: 27 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Lillo Cucina
Take a step into Lillo Cucina and you’ll immediately be transported to Italy.
The menu changes daily but there are a few staples that you can always expect like the gnocchi and the classic cacio e pepe. Sandwiches range from $7-15, while most entrees range from $10-20. They also have some delicious, freshly baked desserts that are always worth checking out.
Note: Lillos only accepts cash so make sure to come prepared.
Location: 331 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Hibino
Hibino is easily my favorite Japanese restaurant in Cobble Hill, and a go-to for fresh and high quality sushi. They always have great specials, but I tend to gravitate towards their simple hand rolls.
Expect to pay $6-9 for a hand roll, $24-28 for an entree.
Location: 333 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Table 87
I know what you’re thinking, does this list really need another pizza place? But I promise you, this one is worth a visit. Everything on the menu is delicious! Highlights for me, however, are the margarita pizza and the chicken parm sandwich! Be sure to ask for a side of their garlic and roasted red peppers.
$29 for a classic 20″ margherita pizza. Pastas start at $19 and the plates around $25.
Location: 87 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Vekslers
I’m sad that it took me so long to finally check out this spot for dinner. Located a bit off the main road on Hicks St, Vekslers offers a cozy vibe with delicious (and affordable) food and drinks. They are known for their fried chicken and kung pao chicken, but the buffalo cauliflower is my favorite.
You can’t go wrong with $10 classic cocktails, including a delicious negroni.
Location: 521 Hicks St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Where to Shop in Cobble Hill
- Fish Tales – the best fish market in Cobble Hill
- Woods Grove – the perfect shop to find a present for just about anyone! You’ll find everything from candles and water bottles to jewelry and games
- Wanderlustre – a treat yourself kind of shop with all types of. beautiful trinkets. I personally love the boutique pjs and jewelry
- Cabin modern – your go-to shop for vintage mid-century modern furniture. Prices are high but it is fun to browse!
- Marine Layer, Lululemon, Free People – classic clothing retailers along Smith and Court Streets
Where to Find the Best Desserts in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
Court Street Pastry Shop
A classic Italian pastry shop along Court St. I love everything they sell, but if you stop by in the summer then a mango italian ice is always a great idea!
Ella Crown Bakehouse
The freshly baked cookies at Ella Crown Bakehouse rival those at Levain. At $4 a cookie, they aren’t cheap. However, I promise that 1 is enough to keep you feeling properly satisfied. Pro-tip, warm is up in the oven or microwave.
Things to do in Cobble Hill
Cobble Hill Cinema
A classic movie theater from the 60s. You can expect a mix of classic, first run and independent films. General admission is $15 for adults, but there are bargain $12 tickets every Tuesday and Thursday and Monday-Friday until 5pm (with a few exceptions).
Cobble Hill Park
Cobble Hill Park is the heart of Cobble Hill. From your morning coffee and egg and cheese (preferably from Smith St Deli) to social gatherings with a good drink in hand. In the mornings you’ll find preschool singalongs, neighbors with the dogs, or just slow morning book readers.
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