“I’ve been in Clinton Hill for about three and a half years now,” Compass real estate broker Andrew Booth tells me. “What I love about the neighborhood is the diversity and the sense of community. I’ve met some amazing people who have since become very good friends. There are people on my block whose families have been on my block for generations, and I love hearing the stories and the history of the neighborhood.”
Though he has many local favorites, he also likes a good night at home. “During the week, I’m either ordering-in or cooking at home and on the weekends, I’m usually out and about in the neighborhood,” he says. “It’s a great balance, because on a random Tuesday I may cook and invite some neighbors over and before you know it I’m setting the table for ten and, on the weekends, we all love getting together so none of us have to do the work.”
Here are those places that he can be reliably found popping into on weekdays and weekends alike, for everything from a quick coffee to a cocktail to grocery shopping to a full-on meal, along with a handy Google Map for finding them.
Otway
930 Fulton St.
“In the mornings, I love going to Otway for either their egg sandwich or if I’m in the mood to treat myself I will get a homemade pastry and a latte,” says Booth, of this bright corner spot on Fulton. “It’s all amazing.”
Sisters
900 Fulton St.
“Lunch is always at Sisters,” he says. “In the summer, they have a pea salad that is off the charts.” Sisters, which is right next door to Otway, is also a neighborhood staple for its cocktail program.
Roman’s
243 Dekalb Ave.This is Booth’s Italian staple. The ingredient-driven restaurant on Dekalb Avenue is bright and airy, and it’s part of Andrew Tarlow’s Diner empire of haute Brooklyn restaurants.
Speedy Romeo’s
376 Classon Ave.While Roman’s is his Italian staple, when a pizza craving hits, Booth goes for Speedy Romeo’s, which has served a wood-fired Neapolitan style since its opening in 2012.
Peaches
393 Lewis Ave.“Peaches has some of the best fried shrimp ever,” says Booth, of the large Lewis Avenue restaurant known for its southern staples.
Always and Forever
1081 Fulton St.
“If I’m feeling lazy and want to go out for a cup of coffee,” says Booth, “I’m heading to Always and Forever.” The bright blue corner café is new to the area, but has already become an essential in Clinton Hill.
Primrose Café
147 Greene Ave.
When Booth is out on showings, he loves heading to this airy, brownstone café that serves pastries, all-day breakfast, and has beer and wine.
Peck’s
455A Myrtle Ave.
Peck’s is a prepared food and specialty market with coffee, house-made baked goods, sought-after breakfast sandwiches, matzo ball soup, rotisserie chicken, prepared vegetables, and other items—like charcuterie, cheeses, and craft beer. This is another spot where Booth likes to go while bouncing between showings.
Mekelburg’s
293 Grand Ave.When doing day-to-day shopping, Booth swears by Mekelburg’s. “Mekelburg’s on Grand is a one stop shop,” he says. “They have the best baked potato you will ever have, great beer selection but the speciality food shop in the front has some really interesting items especially if you’re entertaining and need provisions.”
Diamond Reef
1057 Atlantic Ave.An Atlantic Avenue staple despite its relative newness, Diamond Reef—with its big backyard and expertly crafted cocktails served at high volume—has become a regular weekend haunt for Booth and friends.
The Great Georgiana
248 Dekalb Ave.
Another great spot for weekend drinks, The Great Georgiana also offers pub fare and charcuterie.
Dick and Jane’s
266 Adelphi St.
Whenever he wants more of a speakeasy vibe, Booth heads to Dick and Jane’s, a tile-lined bar with a great liquor selection.
Putnam’s
419 Myrtle Ave.
A pub for all occasions, Putnam’s is a bar for burgers, craft beers, and a relaxed hang.
Izzy Rose
214 Greene Ave.Booth loves to spend a Sunday at this brand-new bar, “which has great cocktails and vegan bar food,” he says.
