The Penny is a relaxed, design-forward hideaway with a joyful air. Just beyond the edges of McCarren Park in neighbouring Greenpoint, this poppy lifestyle hotel blends vintage-inspired interiors with a distinctly local spirit. Walls double as a gallery for emerging Brooklyn artists, the rooftop terrace serves up sweeping views alongside natural wine and neighbourhood energy, and there’s a partnership with a local dog rescue. Some rooms are more compact than others, so consider the Supreme Queens for a touch more square footage.  

Mo’s General does something between a Detroit and a grandma style (square shaped and plushy) with quaint outdoor seating, and wonderful cocktails (the frozen painkiller is really killer).

Slinging tacos until the wee hours, Birria Landia’s beloved taco truck specialises in Tijuana‑style birria de res: tender beef stewed in a rich, adobo‑fuelled broth, folded into tacos, mulitas, or tostadas, always paired with a generous cup of piping, salty consommé for dipping. Prices are modest, and while the line can get heavy on the weekends, it’s all part of the fun. Gobble it street-side.