As of September 14, 2023 the Center for Brooklyn History (now part of the NYPL system) has reopened…read moreafter renovations! This isn't the fanciest or biggest library, but it has a beautiful research library and all the librarians and staff are super nice and helpful. Plenty of great architecture. Not just the research library, but their main staircase and the brick and moulding outside. They have temporary exhibits as well as many fascinating speakers and programs.

The Center for Brooklyn History was not on our agenda. We were passing by and had a few minutes so…read morewent in. There is no fee to go since it is part of the Brooklyn Library system. And there is a library on the 2nd and 3rd floors. On the first floor, after you enter, there is a section in back with maps and historical artifacts on the walls. They play a slideshow on a loops displaying a Brooklyn neighborhood, what they are known for, and a bit on the history. We found that was very interesting. The room in comfortable, so we sat for a while and watch the show go by a few times. Restrooms are on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The elevator is tiny - it holds two people. I chose to ride the elevator up, but to walk down. I noticed there were a number of oil paintings showing historical figures and historical Brooklyn. This is a great place to stop to learn more about Brooklyn and its neighborhoods. We didn't go into the actual library, but we did look through glass doors and saw many, many books. On the 3rd floor, there was a research library only available to historians. It would be interesting to get a peek in there.

When my sister told me about a museum dedicated to the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan scandal, I…read morecouldn't believe it. Could there really be a space focused on such a specific event, and how do you even get enough pieces to make it a complete museum? However, my curiosity made me want to check out THNK1994, and I was really glad I did. My sister and I went with my nephew, and I will admit that this place may seem lame if you didn't grow up knowing about this 1994 Olympic scandal. We tried to make our excitement contagious, but he could not be bothered. However, we enjoyed seeing the tabloid covers, memorabilia, and artwork inspired by the Harding/Kerrigan kerfuffle. There was one floor each dedicated to both skaters, and it was fun talking to the owners about the inspiration behind the museum. The museum also has rotating exhibits: when I was there, they had a Real Housewives-inspired show. It's a kitschy, campy place that is definitely worth a visit if you are looking for a unique experience!

Hands down the best attraction in Brooklyn right now. The insanely intelligent and hilarious Matt…read moreand Viviana have created a beautiful space that showcases social phenomenons through artifacts and beautiful pieces of art. The events they host are a blast and are cheaper than stupid cover fees at your favorite bar or club. All the hype you're reading online is real, go see it for yourself.

A great gallery space right on the Brooklyn waterfront and under the Manhattan Bridge. Smack Mellon…read moreoffers interesting art shows as well as a studio residency program, an annual open call for artists, and educational programs for the public. Check out the space the next time you're in DUMBO.

OK, I'll admit it; I think that Smack Mellon is a cool name…read more It is also a cool place to display art. The space is truly spacious, with huge windows. In addition to providing natural light, the windows provide a great view of the Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn waterfront. It also helps that they show innovative and cutting-edge art. While the art will cost you, it is free to enter and enjoy the exhibits. It is a wonderful place to check out if you walking through DUMBO.

This is as underground as it gets: a metal door with no sign, wooden steps up to the second floor,…read morethen knock on a door that just looks like an apartment door. I just love that! Behind the door you will find a small bar ($4 for beers), a small lounge area with red couches and a piano, and a stage space. There is also access to the roof, with an industrial view of Bushwick and the Empire State Building in the distance. This performance space for theater, art, and music right by Bushwick Park, "is a full-scale not-for-profit performance venue and Presenting Organization dedicated to bringing a continuum of art and artists to the Bushwick community". VH and I came here for the Rockers Galore dance party last Saturday, and we had a lot of fun. It made me curious about their theater productions too. Keep an eye on this place.

Underground bar/dance club. Very well hidden, so you must know the right people to get into this…read moreplace. LOL. Showed up here on a Saturday night for a dance party. There was a metal door with, "Bushwick Starr" written on the front, you go up a flight of stairs, and once on the landing, it looks like an apartment floor or a place for studios. Its easy to find once you've climbed a flight of stairs. Very interesting venue. Small, but cozy. Feels like someone's living room. There was free champagne before 12. Too sweet, but I aint complaining about anything free. Music was ok, but didn't get me in the mood to dance. Left around 1PM when the party was starting up...god we're so lame.

Before I begin this particular Yelp I should let anyone who reads my offerings know that I cannot…read morerecall ever having even been to this part of Brooklyn before in my life. While I've known about the section affectionately known as "Little Caribbean", I've just never found myself over there before. That ended today when I was working nearby on a quick project and since I remembered that one of the YES events had been held there not too very long ago, I decided to wander in and experience the vibe for myself. I was glad that I did. For starters it was bone cold that day so being inside a quaint shop like this just to browse their offerings for a few minutes was quite welcome since it let me warm up as well. Now according to their staffer, Oliver, they had been there a couple of years now and they appear to stock all sorts of wonderful trinkets and shirts and some spices all with that Caribbean vibe. The store features numerous vendors from the islands and that is what makes it the most interesting to me. They are the place that lets you find scores of creatives and that keeps it fresh since you never know who might end up using this space to bring you their stylish island creations. For me, the cakes and the spices spoke to me the loudest but holiday budgeting only found me snagging one of the cakes to have at home later on. The rest of the items that I observed are suited to those who you might know from the assorted Caribbean regions or maybe even planning on heading there for some vacation. It was 100% a very unique establishment and I wish them the best of success in bringing the vibe of the islands here to Brooklyn, especially on super cold days like this one where I would swap for someone on beach in a heartbeat. With the holidays heading our way you should look into this shop if you have friends or relatives that this speaks to the loudest.

An amazing gem in one of the most culturally rich neighborhoods in NYC…read more I Am Caribbeing not only does a fantastic job of highlighting Brooklyn's diverse history, but showcasing Caribbean culture from the store's jewelry to its books. The staff was extremely helpful in showing me different sizes and colors of a sweatshirt I purchased and ensuring I left with a smile on my face. As a native New Yorker, my partner loves the crewneck I gifted him from here and has yet to take it off! Great place to buy one of a kind gifts or items to treat yourself while learning about the neighborhood and the people that make this city so wonderful.

This museum is such a hidden gem. I loved the exhibition layout where you walk from floor to floor…read moreand discover the different decades and wars of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. There are unique interactive items in the exhibition and they are expertly explained. This is perfect for an American studies class field trip or for anyone interested in boats! Personally, I love museums and this one is one of the best in Brooklyn. There are cool movies and explanations and I feel like you can learn something new every time. If you are ever heading to the Brooklyn bridge or DUMBO -- I highly recommend going out of your way for a little bit to check this museum out!

Great museum. 1) It…read moreis FREE! 2) It has a giant anchor from an assault ship and a 200+ year old cannon. 3) Excellent place to learn about the shipping/maritime importance Brooklyn had.

Small art show space, well actually decent size for Manhattan if you lives there. Repop room seems…read moreto change it's theme alot. I have been here almost a years ago for Soundwall display and more recently during NY Fashion Week got a treat. I attended the Fashion That Pops event here on 29th street. There was a display of clothes, food or better yet Champagne brunch. I tell you the truth, did not even go crazy just had two small glasses of the bubbly but there was plenty of water it champagne to be had. Love the space plan to definitely come back. I got there late but still sampled don't sushi and some chicken on a skewer. Chef Jordan Andino was there and was the main one cooking here. Soundwall, Souda, Vincetta, were some of the sponsors here that showcased their goods.

Had a great time here tonight at the Soundwall party! Intriguing art, fascinating and dynamic…read morepeople, and the space is fresh, semi-spacious, and trendy. Great place for a small art show gallery.

I am a fan of this place. What better way to wind up Sunday with a party by Mister Sunday…read more The spot is cool and is located right by a lake. When we walked the place was almost dead , there is a cover charge of $10 bucks to get in. In the next few hours the place started getting more and more people.The mister Sunday party is thrown by Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin. The Mister works to create an experience that's truly fun and engaging for everyone involved - party people, DJs, bartenders and doormen alike.The unique thing was that there were people from all the different age groups right from youngsters to families with kids at the day party venue. The place actually looks like a back side of a warehouse but with DJ floor in the middle and all the decorations of lights and a disco ball in the middle, this place is a very unique spot for a Sunday day party.They did have a bar serving beer, vodka and sangria though it was not a full bar but it serve the purpose. Also had a makeshift taco joint inside the premises. Definitely would be back here!

So what if the Gowanus is a Superfund site right? Oh don't tell that to an environmentalists...I…read moreblocked that out of my public health mind. Just don't go swimming in the Gowanus, you might just come out with supernumerary appendages and three headed sperm. A friend let me in on a great secret. And I am ever so grateful. I love to shake my bon bon and I like to do it outdoors when the air is warm, and you can be one with nature. Too bad the day I came, Mother Nature was being a bitch. She was moody all day. Spitting, no spitting, sun, no sun. I swear she was schizophrenic. But even despite the uncooperative weather, there were still some diehard dancers out. And the place wasn't crowded, so I was able to get down. Nothing like dancing in the rain. They serve beer and sangria. But ice service was late, so we were drinking warm beers and room temperature sangria. There is also a Red Hook vendor serving up tacos. I didn't have any but my friends liked the tacos. I like house music and with a soulful woman singing in the background. They played a lot of that, so naturally, I was in my element. I forgot what it was like to dance and just be around people who love to dance. I can't stand it when you go to a venue and people aren't really feeling the music and the venue is a meat locker. I am not into meat. Such a great feeling! There was an amazing Asian dancer there who knew how to dance, and I was mesmerized. I really was in love with the energy in this place. It was infectious and I contracted the bug immediately. Come check out the "yard" to get your grove on. Shake your ass and dance with a few strangers. Make some friends and make love to the dance floor!