158 Bedford Ave (near N 8th St). 718-384-0158. Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-12am. L to Bedford Ave. $1 per scoop.
The name refers to the prize item at this old-fashioned sweets shoppe: the $1 ice-cream scoop. The size of the scoop matches the price (meager), but the mini-cones are so petite and adorable that they add to the charm. Penny Licks also specializes in vegan baked goods, which many swear far surpass the norm. Moon-pies, cupcakes, and Peanut Butter Moose Bombs are among the best of their selection.
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287 Bedford Avenue (near S 1st St). 718-782-7728. Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-12am. L to Bedford Ave. $2.50 for 3 tacos.
$2.50 for 3 delicious, filling, fresh tacos is a pittance, and the obvious reason to go to this Cali-style Mexican taco shack. For just a bit more, you can score specialties like tofu-sour-cream, brown rice, and a plethora of vegetable options. Seating is cramped and the music is loud, but the food is ever delicious. The street-front ordering window is a great option for a cheap takeout meal.
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179 Bedford Ave (between 7th & 8th St). 718-599-4550. 11am-5am. L to Bedford Ave. Slices $2-4.
Locals come to get the best slice of pizza this side of the East River. Slices piled high with inches of toppings in delicious combinations like veggie, ricotta, and broccoli make Anna Maria’s a crowded hotspot at lunch, dinner, and in the wee hours of the morning, when people stumble in from bars to satisfy their munchies.
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488 Driggs Ave (at N 9th St) 718-599-1706. L to Bedford. Cones $3-8.
Eks is a standard addition to the ever-increasing list of trendy fro-yo spots like Pinkberry and Yolato. But it attempts to spice up the appeal by having more than just the traditional tart yogurt and green-tea flavors, such as ‘Dr. Coconut’ and ‘Dr. Coffee’. The ‘Dr.’ reference seems arbitrary, but the new flavors are a refreshing change. Fruit and other toppings are available as well, and at a lower price than their Manhattan cousins.
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225 Wythe Ave (near N 3rd St). 718-963-4546. Mon-Thurs, Sun 11am-12am, Fri-Sat 11am-1am. AC to Broadway-Nassau, L to Bedford Ave. Average entrée $10.
Inside this unassuming and lovably tattered restaurant, you’ll find a classic 50′s diner gone slightly upscale, complete with leather booths, egg-cream walls, and a garden patio. The food matches the d�cor with a small, unpretentious menu offering classic combinations, proving that bold and delicious food doesn’t always require adventure. The chef lets the ingredients speak for themselves, adding a light touch that makes each ‘classic’ dish his own.
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178 Broadway (at Driggs Ave). 718-387-7400. Mon-Thurs 11 45am-9 45pm, Fri-Sat 11 45am-10 45pm, Sun 12 45pm-9 45pm. JMZ to Marcy. Average entrée $40. Reserve far in advance.
Sometimes a restaurant’s owners understand that they have made their mark, and this is when they dispense with all pretension and begin to do things their own way. Peter Luger is such a restaurant. Rated the city’s best steakhouse for more than two decades, it offers wooden tables and wisecracking waiters, and asks that its patrons bring wads of cash to cover their bills. The menu must (and should not) be asked for. At lunch, it is the burger. At dinner, order your table a porterhouse for every two people. If you see steak sauce on your table, this is not for your steak: it is for the classic tomatoes and onions that should be ordered for starters. Those who pine for something green are arguably lost, except that Luger’s has (but does not boast) the best creamed spinach in the five boroughs. In terms of what to wear, just know it’s O.K. to wear something less expensive than your steak.
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80 Berry St (near N 9th St). 718-387-0711. Mon-Wed 5 30pm-10 30pm, Thurs-Sat 5 30pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-3 30pm, 5 30pm-10 30pm. L to Bedford Ave. Average entrée $19.
Miranda is no-nonsense, no-gimmick, good food. Innovative chefs combine Latin American and Italian flavors to create dishes that are as stunning to the eye as they are to the palate. The Orata a la Plancha exemplifies the restaurant’s multicultural mission, fusing Mexican molé sauce with Mediterranean-style bass to create a wonderful entrée. The pasta dishes, made with fresh in-house noodles, are conveniently available in either small or large portions. Fettuccine in particular is a perfect balance of buttery pasta and richly flavored mushrooms. Step out of your comfort zone and order something unfamiliar‐it’s guaranteed to be good. The cozy atmosphere, wide-open windows, and delicious food make it a perfect place for a romantic outing or a quiet dinner.
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425 Graham Ave (near Frost St). 718-389-2060. Sun-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm. L to Graham Ave. Average entrée $14.
This cozy neighborhood joint presents traditional French fare, as well a smatter of Spanish and Mexican dishes, with a cheeky flair. The emphasis on fresh ingredients and bold flavor shows; carrot soup strikes the perfect balance between hearty and refreshing, and skirt steak is as beautifully prepared as one found in a far stuffier restaurant, except here it’s for half the price. The real standout, however, is the classic croque monsieur, a mouth-watering triumvirate of buttery bread, smoky Swiss cheese, and tender slices of ham. Sip a few cocktails in the lovely backyard garden and try the fluffy lavender blanc manger or the creamy espresso flan for dessert. Remember to make a reservation on weekends; the space is small and tables are few.
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This airy eatery boasts an imposing bar, which would suffice for a relaxed Sunday afternoon drink or a nightcap, but obviously the real draw is for gastronomes willing to splurge on an elegant meal in a friendly, laid-back setting. The French-influenced menu is laden with well-executed, familiar gourmet items like diver scallops, duck, short ribs, and Berkshire pork chop and belly, as well as elegant, more out of the ordinary appetizers’not to mention a thick, damn good burger. Of note is the friendly yet unobtrusive service, as well as an outstanding wine list with lesser known bottles from Portugal and South Africa.
149 Broadway (near Bedford Ave). 718-384-6343. Mon-Thurs 6pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 6pm-12am, Sun 5 30pm-10 30pm. Brunch Sat-Sun 11am-3 30pm. Mid-day Sat 3pm-6pm, Sun 3 30pm-5 30pm. L to Bedford Ave.
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204 Grand St (between Bedford & Driggs Ave). 718-599-6599. 4pm-12am. L to Bedford Ave. Average entrée $16.
This destination transforms everyday pizzas into gourmet treats. Crusts are baked to perfection in a wood-burning oven imported from Naples and smothered with mozzarella and fresh toppings. Avoid the meat selections, which can be overcooked and under-seasoned. Pasta is a better bet, enjoyed with either a creamy cheese sauce or meat ragu. In warmer months, diners can savor their meal al fresco on the wood-paneled patio. Service is relaxed, and occasionally, painfully slow. The large wine list includes a selection of mostly Italian varietals. Dessert is prepared competently, if not adventurously.
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