Brownsville - Brooklyn, NY Area Guide

The Dutch originally founded the area that would become Brownsville, subsequently building 250 homes in what was named Browns Village. Early residents praised the neighborhood as a better and less crowded alternative to Manhattan's Lower East Side.

Brownsville hosts no museums or galleries, though nearby Bed-Stuy supports the Brooklynite Gallery for street art-inspired pieces by local artists, and Crown Heights has the Brooklyn Children's Museum for exhibits and fun activities for families. Neighboring Crown Heights hosts the Chile Pepper Fiesta at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in October.

Many of Brownsville's restaurants sit along East 98th Street at the neighborhood's western boundary and along its central thoroughfare, Rockaway Avenue. Many culinary choices can be found, including American, pizza, soul food, Caribbean, barbecue, diners, and seafood.

Locals say Tony's Pizza makes the best pizza in Brooklyn. This neighborhood staple has had the same friendly owner for more than three decades, and the pizza here is consistently cheesy. Delight in a bacon-topped slice, or order the meatball sub if sandwiches are more your thing. Tony's also delivers on those nights you just don't feel like venturing out to eat.

Stumpy's Spot brings locals in for large portions of Caribbean dishes, such as chicken roti, a spicy delight wrapped in warm Jamaican bread and calaloo rice. The owners work hard for their customers, filling the outside with amazing-smelling smoke from the barbecue grill. This spot has very few seats, though, so come prepared to take out or wait in line.

If you have a yen for Latin American food, give Loma #5 a look for its salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Authentic favorites, such as asopado de camarones, a soupy rice with shrimp, keep locals coming back for more. Most love the hole-in-the-wall vibe that delivers incredible food each time.

Lone Wolf in Bed-Stuy has a punk rock jukebox, DJs, and occasional live music, while Prospect Heights' the Way Station bar features steampunk decor and a TARDIS for a bathroom. If you want to dance, head to Brown Sugar Club, where you find a friendly dance floor to call your own.

In Brownsville, most locals prefer to get around via public transportation, as it proves relatively quick, easy, and cheap. Primary trains serving this area include the IRT 2, 3, 4, and 5 trains and BMT L train. Several bus lines also service this neighborhood.

Though you can easily make your way to the Jackie Robinson Parkway or the Belt Expressway from Brownsville, you may be better off leaving the car at home. Cabs can be spotty on the streets in Brownsville, so you may find that calling a cab service ahead of time can be helpful. Scheduling Uber pickups also proves easy online.

You don't need a car to complete errands here, since you can walk to most destinations. Since bike lanes exist in some areas with more to come, cyclists find the streets reasonably safe.

Betsy Head Park remains Brownsville's only park, with lots of open green space for running around, walking dogs, playing sports, or exercising. It's free of charge, and though locals say it could use some sprucing up, the park provides the basis for future development.

Brower Park in Nearby Crown Heights has basketball courts, a playground, handball courts, and lots of paths for walking or jogging. Bed-Stuy's Bedford Park has a quieter vibe, with visitors playing chess and people walking, chatting, or playing with their dogs.

The neighboring Grand Army Plaza hosts the West Indian Parade and Carnival in late summer.

Brownsville's cost of living sits lower than the New York average but higher than the national average, with a one-bedroom apartment in Brownsville renting for around $971 a month.

It costs around $3 to get to Manhattan via subway from here. Gas prices hover around 17 percent higher than the national average in this area.

Brownsville is home to a smattering of small boutiques, such as Shades of Brooklyn, where you can find a varied selection of eyeglasses and sunglasses as well as optician services.

The Little Red Boutique carries women's clothing, candles, and other must-haves in a warm, friendly atmosphere that may have you adding shoes, boots, and jewelry to your purchases.

Though Brownsville has a few larger grocers, such as Key Foods and Food Bazaar, most of the stores are smaller in size. Carolina Country Store endears itself to residents with amazing sandwiches and lots of great items in the butcher cases, while Alnassar Grocery Store has deli items covered, as well as a selection of daily essentials.

Brownsville doesn't have a farmers market, but nearby Bushwick has one on Thursdays that offers organic produce and jelly vendors.