If you like your neighborhoods with a dash of historic charm, make your way to Ridgewood, Queens. With its long-standing establishments, tree-lined streets, and general air of unpretentiousness, you’ll feel as if you’ve stumbled back in time. So, hop on the M train and make your way to these great spots in Ridgewood:
📷@lajuli
Serving loyal customers since 1932, this bakery has old world charm and some seriously tasty baked goods. Flaky Tarts, scrumptious Blueberry Crumb Turnovers, and delicious Oatmeal Marshmallow cookies are just some of the hits locals and newcomers gobble up on a daily basis.
📷 @superpollorestaurant
✔Juicy rotisserie chicken ✔ Crispy empanadas ✔Homemade sangria
If you’re beginning to salivate, then Super Pollo is the spot for you. This sit-down joint boasts an affordable menu and outdoor seating. Chips and salsa are complementary and a glass of Sangria will run you $8. It’s a low-key place to grab dinner or lunch, and the green sauce has become a personal friend of mine.
📷@cypressinncafe
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, make your way over to local haunt, Cypress Inn Cafe. Nibble on a sandwich, grab a healthy green salad, or indulge in a pastry or two. The homey vibe and reasonable prices make this a neighborhood staple.
This tree-lined landmarked street is flanked by beautiful, yellow, brick row houses, each complete with doric-columned porches. The street itself is paved with bricks of the same hue, making it the only one of its kind in Queens. I half expect Dorothy to greet me from the porch and offer me a glass of lemonade.
📷@thewindjammer
Located on a quiet corner, Windjammer is a great place to toss one back. A pool table floats in the back room of this nautically themed dive. Drinks are cheap and spirits are plentiful. If you get a lil hungry, the chips dangling behind the bar are there for you.
📷@bushwickdaily
If you’re looking to escape your apartment and sit in a cozier candle-lit apt that serves alcohol, The Bad Old Days is your home away from home. Lounge in a comfy chair and sip on your favorite classic. Grab a book from the small library or play a board game with a group of friends. Grandma won’t be coming home anytime soon.
Stop by this charming historic house museum to learn a little bit about the local history. Holding the title of the oldest Dutch colonial stone house in NYC, it is a well-preserved time capsule of early 18th century life in rural Queens. The museum is only open on weekends: Saturdays 1-4, Sundays 12-4. There is a suggested donation of $3.
📷@whileinkathmandu
📷@krishnalondon
This inviting restaurant is on a mission to introduce diners to the flavorful tastes of Nepali food. Try dishes like hoila roti, a flat whole wheat bread layered with tomato chutney, jerk style chicken, onion & cilantro. Or opt for some pork momos, delectable Nepalese dumplings that will have you coming back for more. If the weather is nice, you can snag a seat out back and enjoy your masala wings al fresco.
Check out our neighborhood guides for more things to do in beautiful Brooklyn!
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By Cory Keny