Eats
Cafe Steinhof
422 Seventh Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 369-7776
Cross Street: 14th Street
Directions: F at 7th Ave
Citysearch Editorial Profile -- By Lisa Marie Rovito
Come for the German beers, stay for the Austrian comfort food.
Editorial Rating: Recommended
The Scene
A lengthy, shiny dark-wood bar is telling of this Austrian restaurant's aspirations--and its customers. In true Viennese style, Paul Goebert (Max & Moritz) created a casual place where a pint of lager or glass of Gruner Veltliner is an event in itself, to be shared, and shared often. Vintage movie posters, German beer signs, booze and smokes strike a chord with young Slopers, who brave unfamiliar menu choices to find hearteningly home-style fare.
The Food
The Austrian menu features classics, like weiner schnitzel (pounded breaded veal) and saurbraten (marinated beef), as well as more inventive dishes. Start with flaky smoked trout, a Steinhof favorite, or the bold cheese-and-meat plate, including pâte, sour cherries and gherkins. Move on to the delicious chicken paprika, stewed on the bone and served with a creamy sauce over spaetzle. The staff's favorite treat: Rich chocolate custard buried under whipped cream.
Shops
Hooti Couture
321 Flatbush Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11217-2833
(718) 857-1977
Directions: D at 7th Ave
Citysearch Editorial Profile -- By Lisa Marie Rovito
Vintage for the timid--let yourself be lured.
Editorial Rating: Highly Recommended
The Scene
Owner Alison Houtte loves to decorate Park Slope's corner of 7th Avenue and Berkeley Place, just steps from her nearby shop. And she does so often, using a jumble of barnyard bric-a-brac, a dress form in a party frock and sidewalk-chalk arrows that point the way to her store. A charming tactic, it draws weekend women of the neighborhood in droves.
The Goods
Loud with a laugh and a compliment, Alison keeps her shop hopping with chit-chat and friendly flattery. She handwrites the coaxing pricetags ("You Need This For Saturday Night!") on her fabulous swing coats with fur collars, sequins-trim cardigans, flower-print minis and chunky pearl chokers. She stocks fashions that are girlie and funky all in one look--and she'll convince you that look is yours. Very high in style and quality, but with prices that know how to sweet-talk your wallet.
Lodgings
Saddle Down Bed & Breakfast
266 Washington Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 399-7913
Cross Street: DeKalb Avenue
Citysearch Editorial Profile -- By Gayot.com
Apartment-style bed-and-breakfast done up Old-West style.
Editorial Rating: Recommended
The Scene
Debbie Dangerfield left her beloved Oklahoma behind when she came to Brooklyn in 1974, but she refused to be homesick. That's how this spacious, second-floor apartment was converted into the city's only bed-and-breakfast with a distinctive Western theme. It's close to Brooklyn, and guests can wander to the Brooklyn Academy of Music, or to the breathtaking promenade overlooking the Statue of Liberty. For in-house entertainment, there are board games galore and an ancient baby grand in the parlor.
The Details
Cowboys and Native Americans live in harmony here. The parlor, dining room and three themed bedrooms are adorned with artifacts that recall old-fashioned Western living, such as saddles, headdresses and a quilt with a desert motif. Although rooms share a bathroom, they each come thoughtfully outfitted with cable TV, a DVD player, a phone, a refrigerator, robes and slippers. Hot breakfast is served in the morning.
Hangouts
Boogaloo
168 Marcy Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 599-8900
Cross Street: Between Broadway and S 5th Street
Directions: J, M, Z at Marcy Ave; L at Lorimer St; G at Metropolitan Ave
Citysearch Editorial Profile -- By Citysearch Editors
Neighborhood lounge bridges north and south Williamsburg in style.
Editorial Rating: Not Rated
In Short
Neighbors from all sides of the tracks stop in for this Williamsburg bar's house cocktails and atmosphere. Cushioned group seating and down-tempo music make this a popular spot for conversation. Specialty drinks are named for local theaters, past and present--owner Chance Johnston's Commodore is a margarita made with guava juice. A ladder in the corner of the back room leads to an outdoor deck.
