This week Liesbeth and I got on our bikes (with helmet and all) and toured around Brooklyn, one of the hippest places in New York full of artistic hipsters. We weren’t too familiar with the area, so luckily we had our tour guide Tony (who we referred to as Tony Chocoloney) with us. He promised us we’d make a few pit stops for a drink and a snack along the way, and you might have guessed it already, but those are the joints I’m going to share with you. Oh and by the way, you don’t have to cycle per se, Brooklyn is only one subway stop away from Manhattan. Though cycling is way more fun and perhaps even a better option cause the places I’m about to share with you aren’t really all that skinny-proof. Just add an extra mile to your run through Central Park the next day.

Dun-Well Doughnuts

“The best donuts in New York.” So it hasn’t been the case that I’ve tried and tested a dozen donuts in my life, but I can compare these to the ones I have eaten. And holy moly, these bad boys were crunchy and creamy; heaven for any donut addicts. It’s a vegan joint so if you order a cappuccino they’ll serve it with almond milk and no dairy has been used for any of their sweets. Their display case if full of donuts with different toppings. Chocolate/almond, sprinkles, coco flakes, cinnamon, vanilla/blueberry/hazelnut, maple, you name it. And that’s only just the beginning. After ordering your donut they either package it in a nice little take out box or they serve it to you on a funky little platter that looks like a sawed off piece of wood. The coffee beans are all freshly roasted and pretty much everything there is homemade. You’ll be lucky if you manage to grab a place to sit on their bench outside.

Roberta’s

When you’re standing outside of Roberta’s Pizza you’re kinda thinking nay, but as soon as you set foot inside you think yay. The building is some sort of a dilapidated warehouse, one you would want to stay as far away from as possible in the evening. But don’t. The pizza scent is irresistible. You are seated around cute wooden tables and picnic benches. Order a bottle of wine and a bunch of different pizzas, cause sharing is inevitable. The crowd is very hip. So hip that you’re having a hard time realizing whether someone hasn’t showered in five days or if that is the look they are going for. Don’t get me wrong here, it’s not like they smell bad, I just need some time adjusting to hipster reign here in the city. Oh and on a side note, don’t make any plans for after dinner cause there is usually some kind of event or DJ performing at Roberta’s in the evening.

Bread Brothers Brooklyn Cafe

Leaving the States without having had a bagel is kind of a rule you can’t break. So if you want a great one, this is the place to be. That is, if you can handle a bunch of options. Their menu is endless and then I haven’t even mentioned their cream cheese assortment. Cream cheese with cucumber, with olives, walnuts, jalapeños, artichoke, spinach, and tofu; to just name a few. With on top a slice of chicken, turkey, salmon; whatever you please. Other than bagels they also have a bunch of different wraps and sandwiches you can order. You don’t have to worry about being hungry after dropping by this place, except I would advise getting take away since they don’t have many places to sit and eat.

Fortunato Brothers

This place will briefly transport you all the way to Italy. Perfect for a short pit stop for a little gelato and a, very strong but very good, mini-espresso. Fortunato Brothers is huge with three isles filled with sweet tables for you to pick and choose from. I went for a scoop of their heavenly coconut ice cream which actually had small chunks of coconut shavings in it. Their window display also has a bunch of massive bridal cakes and nothing is more fun than dropping by with a bunch of your girlfriends trying out their different flavors. All in all, a real treat.