On the Grid is a local designers guide to areas of New York. Clara and I were recently asked to contribute places for the Nay Yard guide. We spent a few weekends running around the Navy Yard area eating in our favorite spots and having lots of coffee. These are the cream of the crop:
1. Bar Bolinas
This might be our favorite restaurant in all of Brooklyn, and is definitely our favorite in the Navy Yard. A new addition to the neighborhood Bar Bolinas serves various small plates during dinner more on the vegetarian side. During brunch you can indulge in the fried chicken sandwich in NYC. If your going to pick a place to eat in the area, this should be it.
2. Oaxaca Taqueria
This brand new Mexican restaurant hasn’t been found by all the locals yet. Oaxaca makes amazing flavor packed food. The backyard is a great place to hangout with a taco and beer.
3. Kings County Distillery
Tucked in the old Paymasters Building inside the Navy Yard is the Kings County Distillery. For 8 dollars you can get a tour of their beautiful facility and a brief history of whiskey and it’s relationship with New York City. The tour ends with a whiskey tasting. Out back in the garden you can order a cocktail using the distilleries spirits. This is a perfect weekend trip, and awesome for anyone out of town.
4. Parlor Coffee
Parlor Coffee in Williamsburg is well known, but few know you can visit where Parlor roasts their own beans. On Sundays from 12-4 you can stop by Parlor for a cup of coffee ground and brewed from freshly roasted beans. With limited seating is never crowded and remains the perfect place to relax on a Sunday.
5. Grapeshot
This is out go to wine store for the Navy Yard. The owner is equally friendly and knowledgeable. Describe your meal and he’ll find you the perfect pairing. With a shifting library of wines they have started doing tastings every Friday night to try the newest wines.
You can check out the entire guide here: