Flatbush Neighborhood Guide
(a perfect day)
I’ve been visiting every NYC neighborhood, trying to explore my own city the way I do when I travel. I’m 183 neighborhoods deep now and have documented it all on TikTok.
Now I’m on a mission to write it all out. Next up: Flatbush, Prospect Lefferts Garden, and Little Caribbean!
Often a neighborhood is easy to identify, but Flatbush is one of those large neighborhoods with so many different names, whether it be cultural or due to gentrification. Some of the names you might hear include East Flatbush, Little Haiti (as opposed to just Little Caribbean), Wingate, Pig Town, PLG (Prospect Lefferts Gardens), Ditmas Park, and Victorian Flatbush. But today were focused on a few, and I guess I will just have to map out where I haven’t been when this is all over!
Flatbush is a historical neighborhood in Brooklyn with roots stretching back to the 1600s. It’s been home to many waves of immigration, but since the mid-20th century it’s become synonymous with Caribbean culture. Flatbush has one of the largest West Indian communities in New York, with immigrants from Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad, Barbados, and other islands. Every year they have Carnival here. It’s also home to some of the most beautiful architecture in New York. So let’s get into it.
Here’s how to spend the perfect day in Flatbush:
Start off your morning at Lips Cafe. It’s a mother-and-son-owned coffee shop. It’s also kind of a creative space with artwork, merch, and books all around. This denim couch is just too cool.
Then for breakfast, right across the street, is Aunts et Uncles. They do elevated plant-based takes on Caribbean classics. Also black-owned. I tried this vegan lobster roll made with hearts of palm, and it was so delicious. I’m not vegan, and this was such a good bite.
After brunch, indulge in something sweet. Two options are:
Immacule, which is right next door. It’s a Haitian bakery.
Allan’s Bakery, a Caribbean staple since 1961, offering Trinidadian pastries like currant rolls and coconut drops.
Next on the agenda is to stroll down Nostrand Avenue. Tons of Caribbean culture here. Your first stop has to be Labay Market for fresh produce and unique goods. They outsource their fresh produce from the Caribbean.
Next door is Lil Mo’s, a black-owned liquor store that curates an excellent section of Caribbean liquor. It even shows you what liquor to buy based on what Caribbean food you’re eating.
Then check out African Record Center, which has African and Caribbean vinyl records.
And last but not least, i am caribbeing. It’s an arts and culture hub showcasing Caribbean creatives. This store was so amazing.
Walk through some beautiful architecture before getting a midday treat at Hibiscus Brew or Loud Baby. Hibiscus Brew is a Jamaican cafe known for their sorrel drinks made from hibiscus flower. Loud Baby is a female-owned cafe that describes itself as a clubhouse. Look at their little nook at the top—so cute for reading a book midday.
Continue to stroll down Flatbush Avenue. There are so many different shops to check out. I really like the selection of clothing at Grand Rue Market.
Next is Victorian Flatbush. I saw this flyer where you can do a writing workshop in a Victorian mansion—I just had to share that. I think that would be so cool for someone. This area was created in the late 19th century as a suburban retreat for affluent New Yorkers. Honestly, walking around here, I forgot I was in New York. It is so tranquil and stunning—a true hidden gem of historic architecture.
One thing you must do when coming to this neighborhood, and make sure it’s on a weekend, is to catch Operation GIG. It’s a local tradition of porch concerts. Basically, local musicians perform live on the porches of these grand homes. Just grab a spot on the lawn—all they ask for is a donation. The one I went to was at the Japanese house, which is the coolest experience ever.
Just a few blocks away is Prospect Park. Needs no introduction. Make your way there for golden hour. You can head to Drummer’s Grove, where you’ll find drum circles, spontaneous dancing, and concerts, essentially.
End your day back on Flatbush Avenue for dinner. If you want Caribbean food, you can grab a quick bite at Peppa’s Jerk Chicken, a very famous spot, or De Hot Pot, which serves up roti, doubles, and other Trini specialties. If you’re looking for something totally different, Risbo is a Parisian-inspired restaurant offering a blend of Caribbean and French food. This place is famous for its rotisserie chicken and has a stunning back garden.
Flatbush is a neighborhood that balances its rich Caribbean roots, unique architecture, and the constant changes of New York City. Let me know if I missed any of your favorite spots, and which neighborhood I should do next!