The phrase "Fifth Avenue" may bring to mind legendary stores like Tiffany's and Cartier, but in Brooklyn, the Fifth Avenue shopping experience is marked by independent fashions and one-of-a-kind finds. This popular shopping area, situated in the heart of brownstone-filled Park Slope, is dotted with fun boutiques, restaurants, and shopping gems galore.
Fifth Avenue Shopping in Brooklyn: Getting There
There are several subway lines (B, Q, 2, 3, 4, 5, D, M, and N) that stop at the Atlantic Center Terminal, and Fifth Avenue is just a short walk from there. Alternatively, you can take the 2 or 3 train to Bergen Street, or hop on the B63 bus, which begins in Cobble Hill and then hits Fifth Avenue, where it runs all the way down to Bay Ridge.
Fifth Avenue Shopping in Brooklyn: Shops Not to Miss
If you start at the north end of Fifth Avenue and walk south, you'll find shops catering to all different kinds of shoppers. It's fun to explore them as you go, but here are my top picks:
- LuLu's Cuts & Toys (48 Fifth): Even if your little one doesn't need a haircut, there's bound to be some irresistible toy at Lulu's that he'll want to take home. The creative toys here are educational and fun, a parent's dream come true.
- Beacon's Closet (92 Fifth): Beacon's Closet is the mother ship of Brooklyn thrift stores. While the Park Slope offshoot isn't as big as its sister shop in Williamsburg, it still holds an amazing amount of bargains. Here you'll find used designer clothes, coats, and shoes, all for a fraction of their original prices.
- Cog & Pearl (190 Fifth): Design fiends will love the unique goods at Cog & Pearl, a store filled with art and handcrafted jewelry, mostly created by Brooklyn-based designers. The store stocks interesting purses, kitchen wares, jewelry, and more.
- Bob & Judi's Coolectibles (217 Fifth): If you're a thrift store shopper and/or lover of all things vintage, then Bob & Judi's will be right up your alley. This shop is crammed with vintage merchandise: everything from jewelry to antique linens and fun, retro posters.
- Goldy + Mac (219 Fifth): This fashion-filled boutique sells the latest styles in clothes, shoes, and bags, all at reasonable prices.
- Scaredy Kat Cards & Gifts (229 Fifth): Wrap all of your newly purchased goods with paper from Scaredy Kat, a giftwrap/card/stationery emporium that's filled with enough goods to satisfy all of your paper needs.
- Matter (227 Fifth): Matter offers modern takes on home products: A designer-made magnetic calendar, hip salad bowls made from plastic Army men, and je t'aime totes are just a few of the finds here. The store also sells modern furniture and lamps.
- Lucia (272 Fifth): With multiple designer shoes, clothes, and jewelry, Lucia is a boutique that offers great merchandise, often at great prices. Definitely drop in if the store is having a sale: You might score a new dress or coat for next to nothing.
- 3r Living (276 Fifth): This home and lifestyle store is devoted to all things green and eco-friendly. Whether you're looking for organic body products, vases made from recycled materials, or even an all-natural broom, you'll find it here.
- Bird (316 Fifth): The prices at Bird aren't cheap, but the fashions are totally of the moment. Here you'll find coveted brands like Stella McCartney, 3.1 Phillip Lim, A.P.C., and Alexander Wang, to name a few. This high-fashion store also sells children's clothing and accessories.
Fifth Avenue Shopping in Brooklyn: Where to Eat
Park Slope is a neighborhood known for its great restaurants, and plenty of them are located on Fifth Avenue. If you're in the mood for a hearty Italian meal, head to Al di La (248 Fifth), a popular spot that critics have been raving about for years. Blue Ribbon (280 Fifth) offers great American fare, and at the V-Spot (156 Fifth), you'll find delicious vegan food. Miriam (79 Fifth), an always-busy brunch favorite, offers reasonably priced American and Israeli dishes.
If it's just a quick break that you need, stop at Gorilla Coffee (97 Fifth), where the Brooklyn-roasted beans are some of the best in the borough. Not quite decadent enough for you? Head to The Chocolate Room (86 Fifth), where you can feast on all things chocolate (cakes, cookies, shakes, and more) while sipping a steaming cup of hot cocoa.