Bed-Stuy has an astoundingly rich cultural history that has raised or attracted many notable singers such as Jay-Z, Lena Horne, Aaliyah, Norah Jones and Martha Wainwright; writers such as Frank McCourt, June Jordan and Jack Newfield; actors such as Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan and Gabourey Sidibe; and politicians such as New York’s current mayor Bill DiBlasio and former Congresswoman Shirley Chilsolm.
Bed-Stuy, like many of New York City’s neighborhoods, was particularly hit hard in times of economic struggle. However, it has always been community-oriented with a strong sense of family ties. It is famous for its “stoop” culture, where many of its long-time residents chat with neighbors. Although New York City is not known for having the warm fuzzies, don’t be surprised when you receive a warm “hello” from a long time resident. Bed-Stuy is one of the friendlier neighborhoods in New York City.
ARTICLES ON BED-STUY
http://gawker.com/a-bed-stuy-state-of-mind-gentrification-shaken-and-sti-1533824681;
http://brooklynbased.com/blog/2014/03/14/beyond-the-brownstone-our-neighborhood-guide-to-bed-stuy/
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BED-STUY, HERE ARE A FEW RECENT ARTICLES
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/13/realestate/bedford-stuyvesant-diverse-and-changing.html
http://nymag.com/nymetro/realestate/neighborhoods/features/11775/
http://www.6sqft.com/bed-stuy-from-harlem-and-hip-hop-to-hipsters-hassids-and-high-rents/
LOCAL BED-STUY ORGANIZATIONS/EVENTS
http://brownstonersofbedstuy.org
BED-STUY RESTAURANTS
Bed-Stuy is fast becoming a go-to area for modern Brooklyn fare. People travel from all over the world to Bed Stuy to enjoy some of the following culinary spots:
Ali’s Trinidad Roti Shop: Bed-Stuy is known for its great Caribbean fare. Ali’s is one of its most popular. Located on Fulton Street between Arlington Place and Nostrand, it’s right around the corner. No website for this simple place, but go ahead and google it for its great reviews and high Zagat rating!
Alice’s Arbor: Farm to table American fare. www.alicesarbor.com
Bedford Hall: down home cooking in a well-preserved Prohibition era setting with live weekend jazz during brunch.
Beso Restaurant: Latin American cuisine. www.brooklynbeso.com
Brooklyn Wine Yard: An intimate lounge that offers wines and delicious small plates, brunch and dinner menus. www. brooklynwineyard.com
Daily Press: a locally sourced coffee house. www.dailypresscoffee.com
David’s Brisket House: New York’s melting pot at its finest- a delicious low-cost Jewish deli run by Muslims. http://www.davidsbriskethouseinc.com
Dough: some of the best donuts you’ll ever eat.
Moloko: a neighborhood bar and kitchen serving cocktails, wine and beer until 4 a.m. daily, food until 3 a.m., and weekend brunch from noon to 4 p.m.. http://www.molokobarnyc.com
Peaches/Peaches Hothouse: Modern twists on soul food and BBQ. www.bcrestaurantgroup.com
Saraghina: Italian with local organic ingredients. www.saraghina.com
Sud: a very reasonably priced and reputable local southern Italian restaurant. www.sudvinoecucina.com
Willow: Modern American fare with seasonal ingredients. www.willowbk.com
BED-STUY BARS AND WINE STORES
Beast of Bourbon: Known for its whiskey and in-door beer garden. Live music. http://beastofbourbonbk.com
Bed-Vyne: Has two locations- one focused on beer, one on wine. www.Bed-Vyne.com
Dyanco: A cash-only known for its beer selection and rotating pie and cake menu. At Bedford Avenue and Quincy. https://foursquare.com/v/dynaco/51971065498ef767dfaa6b6c
Olivino Wines: www.olivinowines.com
Therapy Wine Bar: an intimate bar with backyard seating and full menu. https://vimeo.com/29975351
NEARBY BEER HALLS:
Radegast: www.radegasthall.com (Williamsburg)
Berg’n: www.bergn.com (Crown Heights)