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.   

This shimmering chrome-panelled, neon‑lit corner of Metropolitan and Union Avenues has been feeding both early birds and night‑shifters since 1928. After shuttering and reopening in 2024, the menu mixes diner staples with a Tex‑Mex spin – dishes like guajillo‑braised short rib hash, jalapeño‑tinged wings, fried Texas toast, and strong, Southern-inflected cocktails. Inside, that storied stainless steel now shines alongside warm new touches: curved ceilings, glossy counters, and booths made for lingering. Not too hungry this morning? Return for breakfast food at the end of the night. It’s open 24/7, and late-night diner food is a New York rite of passage. 

With romantic, almost Parisian interiors (spot the lovely pressed metal ceilings overhead) and hand-scrawled descriptions, this wine shop has been around since 2013, quietly curating bottles from small producers. Pick up a bottle (consider something you can’t find back home, like New York producer Forthave’s delightful botanical spirits – their aperitivo simply titled “Red” makes an elevated swap for Campari) or stop in for a free tasting in their sweet backyard on Fridays from 6 to 8 pm.   

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.