9 Great Things to Do in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (Local's List)

Dashi Okume is part Japanese grocery store, part restaurant and part ceramic shop. The store wears many hats, but the main draw is the dashi. First things first. What is dashi?

Made of seaweed and dried fish flakes, dashi forms the base of miso soup, broths and simmering liquids (think umami to the max). It’s a staple in Japanese cuisine and if you’re a fan of ramen, chances are high you’ll like this too.

Visiting Dashi Okume is one of the best it for foodies. The reason? You can create your own unique mixture of dashi to take home. Better yet, visit the little restaurant in the back of the shop and treat yourself to a proper meal (fish, rice and broth) centered around dashi.

Lastly, don’t forget to peruse the stunning ceramics picked by Cibone. True works of art, the peices are worth admiring (for the sticker shock alone). Dashi Okume is new to Brooklyn, but it’s been serving Japan since 1871. The Greenpoint location is their first US outpost, so you won’t want to miss it.

Okay, so I’ve been told that Paulie Gee’s top seller is the cheese slice, but, having tried both pepperoni and cheese. I’m here to tell you that the pepperoni is where it’s at. Better yet, get the square pepperoni with sesame seed crust (so good!).

A slice of pizza will set you back about $5, making this a great option for those exploring Greenpoint on a budget. There’s two locations to choose from, but don’t let it confuse you.

• Paulie Gee’s (at 60 Greenpoint Ave.) sells whole pies only.
• Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop (110 Franklin St) sells whole pies & pizza by the slice.

I typically swing by for lunch, so I’m more familiar with the slice shop. Simply place an order, find a table and wait 5 minutes while they heat up your slice in the industrial oven. If you opt for Paulie Gee’s whole pie restaurant, my thoughts are with you. The menu has 40+ pizza options (I’ve had college textbooks that were smaller than the menu at Paulie Gee’s).

I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that you’ve heard of the super famous rooftop bar in Williamsburg called Westlight (at the William Vale hotel). Well, same-day reservations are nearly impossible to score, so allow me to offer an equally great second option. Bar Blondeau at the Wythe Hotel.

Located a mere two blocks from the Westlight, Bar Blondeau is much easier to get into last minute and the skyline views are remarkable! The cocktails are strong and the light bites are satisfying. We met a friend for an impromptu catch-up on a Saturday evening and were promptly seated at a table.

We spent an easy hour enjoying each others company before parting for the night. It has since become my go-to rooftop bar in Brooklyn and one of my favorite it with friends.

Plan B Located a block over, the Westlight is one of the best rooftop bars in Brooklyn. Found on the 22nd floor of The William Vale hotel, brace yourself for spectacular views and price tags (make reservations in advance!).

Transmitter Park is tiny standing at a mere six and a half acres but believe me, the view is priceless. The park gets its name because from 1935 to 1990 it was home to two antennas for WNYC, New York City’s public radio. Present day it’s a simple green space where locals gather to get some fresh air.

Stopping by for the striking panoramas is one of the best it, especially if you time your visit for sunset. The park is across the East River from the East Village, so the vistas of Manhattan are stunning. The park also hosts a rotating array of activities including outdoor-survival classes and free outdoor movies.

Bakeri is often billed as the most charming cafe in Brooklyn and it’s hard to disagree. A colorful mural provides a backsplash of vibrant colors that set the tone for this relaxing Greenpoint experience. Opened in 2009, this local bakery attracts locals in hordes most weekend mornings.

The display case is filled with irresistible treats (both savory and sweet options are available) and the smell of fresh-baked bread is nothing short of intoxicating. Between the decor and great bites, I love suggesting Bakeri to folks visiting Greenpoint for the first time. It’s an easy place to love!

What can I say about Frankel’s Deli that hasn’t been said before? Locals have long declared these some of the best bagels in New York City, and I can’t say I disagree. Offering all the standard fixings of a typical Jewish deli, Frankel’s velvety lox sets them apart from the competition. The family-owned business makes some of the most popular bagel sandwiches in Brooklyn and is always worth the trek. Hand-rolled and soft as a pillow, swinging by for bagels is one of the best it for foodies.

When I was first researching things to do in Greenpoint, I came across Peter Pan Donuts. Folks were raving about this place so I made it a point to visit. I got in line and waited (seems like waiting is a part-time job for New Yorkers), and kept thinking to myself, were these donuts worth the wait? Spoiler alert. Yep.

The old school sour cream donuts are out of this world, you can’t find donuts like this just anywhere. Oh, speaking of old school, Peter Pan is a cash-only establishment. P.S. If you’re a Marvel fan, Peter Pan Donuts in Greenpoint may look familiar. This the bakery where Zendaya’s character, MJ, works in Spider Man. No Way Home.

My advice Moe’s Doughs is way less crowded than Peter Pan’s donughts (it’s only six-minute away). The donuts taste similar because the founder of Moe’s worked at Peter Pan’s for 18 years!

Straddling the border between Williamsburg and Greenpoint, McCarren Park is a wonderful place for some reprieve. The park has plenty of fields and courts that enable you to partake in a variety of sports ( soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball). As expected, strolling through the park is also a great thing to do in Greenpoint with kids.