Carroll Gardens is a neighborhood in Brooklyn that offers timeless elegance. Rows of historic brownstones, quaint corner cafes and local boutiques tell the story of a bygone era.
The small neighborhood offers a break from the fast-paced nature of city life. The neighborhood has something for everyone, let’s cover the best things to do in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn!
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +3 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Things to Do in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
Carroll Gardens is one of Brooklyn’s most charming neighborhoods, and I never get tired of exploring it. Here are my favorite things to do there.
Table of Contents. Carroll Gardens Activities
Table of Contents. Carroll Gardens Brooklyn Guide
Get the 3-Layer Cake at the Chocolate Room
Website. The Chocolate Room
Address. 269 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
I’ve been here in every season. My favorite? Fall, when the light hits just right.
As the name suggests, the Chocolate Room is a haven for dessert lovers. Part-cafe, part-shop, this cozy neighborhood joint offers a tantalizing spread of house-made chocolates and desserts, all crafted with high-quality ingredients.
In fact, Oprah dubbed the three-layer chocolate cake “luscious and perfect.” Having tried it myself, it’s hard to disagree!
Pop Into Books Are Magic
Website.Books Are Magic
Address. 225 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Pro tip. most people rush through here. Take your time. It’s worth it.
Books Are Magic, one of the best bookstores in NYC, was opened by local author Emma Straub. Visiting the bookstore is one of the best things to do in Carroll Gardens thanks to a picked selection of new releases, classics, and local picks.
The impetus of the bookstore is just as important as the service it provides to the community. Books Are Magic was opened in 2017 shortly after the closure of the neighborhood’s sole independent bookstore, BookCourt.
Inviting and charming, the interior is best described as “industrial Scandinavian” and feels like the only place to be on a rainy autumn day. Don’t miss the great reading events and speaking panels.
A place this good shouldn’t be this easy to miss.
Pizza at Lucali
Website.Lucali
Address. 575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Lucali is a pizza joint that has been one of the most popular destinations in Carroll Gardens since 2006. It was founded by lifelong-local Mark Iacono who made a name for himself with handmade brick oven pies. The restaurant’s rustic atmosphere is known for attracting celebrities (including Beyoncé and Jay-Z).
As one of NYC’s best pizza spots, Lucali is well worth the (sometimes hours-long) wait. The restaurant does not offer reservations, takeout orders, or slices. It’s cash-only and opens at 5 pm, but the line starts forming around 3-4 pm. Arrive early, put your name on the wait-list and enjoy a lovely stroll while visiting Carroll gardens, the wait is worth it!
Local’s tip. Sometimes the wait at Lucali is too long to work into your schedule. If this the case, Baby Luc’s is a slice shop (with little to no wait) run by the Lucali team and only five minutes away!
Stroll Gowanus Waterfront Park
Address. 100 1st St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
If you only do one thing on this list, make it this one.
Gowanus Waterfront Park is a growing collection of green spaces along the Gowanus Canal. Once lined with factories and warehouses, the area’s industrial past is undergoing redevelopment efforts to create new public parks.
The park is full of green spaces, art galleries (housed in old warehouses), and waterfront dining options. Because it’s still a work in progress, construction is to be expected, but it’s one of the best outdoor activities in Carroll Gardens regardless.
Local tip. Between you and me, the seasonal menu is always better than the regular one. Ask what’s fresh today.
Try Thrifting at Yesterday’s News
Website.Yesterday’s News
Address. 428 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Yesterday’s News is a treasure trove of pre-loved furniture and clothing. The thrift shop is full of gems that date back to the 1970s. Whether you’re hunting for a mid-century sideboard or a one-of-a-kind dress, their picked selection offers something for every taste at a reasonable price.
Breakfast by Salt’s Cure
Website.Breakfast by Salt’s Cure
Address. 428 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Breakfast by Salt’s Cure in Carroll Gardens is a beloved breakfast and brunch spot known for its delicious and hearty American fare. An outpost of the acclaimed Salt’s Cure in Los Angeles, the restaurant is committed to locally sourced, sustainable ingredients.
Diners can enjoy classic breakfast dishes with a creative twist. For example, their signature oatmeal griddle cakes are famously void of syrup and made from scratch. The cozy ambiance and outdoor seating options make it perfect for starting the day off right while visiting Carroll Gardens.
Other Half Brewing Co.
Website.Other Half Brewing Co.
Address. 195 Centre St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Other Half Brewing Co. is famous for innovative brews, especially the juicy IPAs and knock-out stouts (there’s around 15 brews on tap). Founded in 2014 by two friends, the brewery is a favorite for locals. Visiting the tap room is one of the best things to do in Carroll Gardens, it’s the original location! However, they don’t serve food, so have dinner before (or after) your pint.
Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain
Website.Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain
Address. 513 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain is an old-school diner that feels like a nostalgic walk down memory lane. Housed in a former drug store, the sugar shop received some help from Discovery Channel’s Construction Intervention (season 1, episode 10) to breathe new life into the 100-year-old building in preparation for its 2010 opening.
Today, Brooklyn Farmacy serves classic egg creams, milkshakes, ice cream and frozen hot chocolate. Craving something more? They also have burgers, grilled cheese, and even beer and wine. But between you an me, stick with the egg creams and frozen hot chocolate.
Relax at Carroll Park
Website.Carroll Park
Address. President St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Carroll Park’s storied past dates back to the 1850s. Named after Charles Carroll (a signer of the Declaration of Independence), the park spans 3.28 acres and offers a playground, basketball court and dog run. If you’re visiting Carroll Gardens on Sunday (between 8am—2pm), swing by the Carroll Gardens Greenmarket for fresh produce, baked goods and artisanal products sourced directly from local producers.
Try the Famous Hero at Defonte’s Sandwich Shop
Address. 379 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Defonte’s is a cash-only sandwich shop that has a century of tradition (the shop dates back to 1922). They craft generously-sized Italian heroes that have become legendary across the city. The humble potato and egg sandwich seems to steal the show, though.
Technically speaking, the sandwich shop is in Red Hook, but it’s worth popping into while visiting Carroll Gardens since it’s only a block away. Speaking of Red Hook, make sure to read.12 Best Things to Do in Red Hook, Brooklyn (Besides Ikea, Of Course).
What to Do in Carroll Gardens Brooklyn (Post Summary)
- Enjoy a Sunny Afternoon at Carroll Park
- Sample the Goodies at The Chocolate Room
- Pop Into Books Are Magic
- Grab a Pie at Lucali
- Stroll Over to Gowanus Waterfront Park
- Find a Gem at Yesterday’s News
- Devour a Griddle Cake at Breakfast by Salt’s Cure
- Savor the Beer at Other Half Brewing Co.
- Try the Famous Hero at Defonte’s Sandwich Shop
- End With Something Sweet at Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain
Carroll Gardens Things to Do (Map)
We highlight the top activities and attractions in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn in this comprehensive guide, from popular landmarks to hidden local favorites.
Absolutely! Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn offers a unique mix of experiences that we detail in this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions. Carroll Gardens Guide
Carroll Gardens is named after Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, whose ancestors once owned the land in the area.
The zip code for Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn is 11231.
Carroll Gardens is bordered by Gowanus to the east, Red Hook to the south and west, Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill to the north, and Boerum Hill to the northeast.
Carroll Gardens maintains a reputation for being a safe neighborhood in Brooklyn, with low crime rates compared to other parts of the city.
More Brooklyn Neighborhoods to Explore
- 12 Best Things to Do in Red Hook, Brooklyn (Besides Ikea, Of Course)
- 15 Great Things to Do in Greenpoint, Brooklyn
- 20 Top-Notch Things to Do in DUMBO, Brooklyn
- 15 Wonderful Things to Do Williamsburg, Brooklyn
- 15 Best Things to Do in Brooklyn Heights
I hope you’ve enjoyed all the best things to do in Carroll Gardens! Enjoy the neighborhood, it’s a gem.
Until next time!
Final Thoughts
That wraps up our guide to Fun Things to Do in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn (Local’s Guide). Have a favorite spot we missed? Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these Things to Do Carroll Gardens options won’t disappoint.
Have you been here before?
If you liked this guide, you might also enjoy exploring my other local recommendations.
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