Gravesend - Brooklyn, NY Area Guide

Gravesend housed some of the greatest racetracks in the country in the late 1800s. Millionaires developed the north end of Sheepshead Bay, building mansions and stables for the horses that ran at the Sheepshead, Gravesend and Brighton race tracks. The racing season ran from early May through Halloween, allowing gamblers a chance to bet on a large stakes race nearly every weekend. Charges of cheating and a reform movement finally closed the tracks down in 1910.

Since that era the neighborhood is mostly inhabited by working and middle class families and professionals with careers in Manhattan.

The Coney Island Museum lies just south of the center of the neighborhood. The museum preserves the history of Coney Island and the surrounding area, including Gravesend. Admission costs $5 for adults and $3 for children and opens from noon to 7 p.m.

There are no art museums or annual events held inside Gravesend. Tourists tend to visit other places like the Brooklyn Museum in Prospect Heights. Coney Island has a massive July Fourth celebration each year that includes a world-famous hot dog eating contest.

Often rated the best seafood restaurant in Gravesend, Chateau De Capitaine features elegant decor and a refined ambiance that makes it an sophisticated spot for date night. Located on the northeast side of the neighborhood, the restaurant serves lunch and brunch as well as dinner. Fish dishes here run the gamut from raw sushi to king crab legs and grilled sturgeon tail. The menu also includes cold and hot meat dishes such as chicken pate and filet mignon. The Living Room has hookah and food in a relaxing environment, making it a great place to hang out with friends. La Boheme Lounge and the Blue Velvet Lounge also both offer a full night of fun for Gravesend residents.

Located on the northern end of Gravesend, Pio Pio provides an authentic Peruvian experience. With dishes that include homemade empanadas and Peruvian style mussels, the restaurant makes an affordable lunch or dinner spot for people who want something different. The restaurant also serves some of the best sangria drinks in the area. While here try Peruvian sashimi and a whole rotisserie chicken — both local favorites.

Plenty of car and limo services serve the Gravesend neighborhood. Local residents tend to hail taxis which are always on the street and reasonably priced. Uber and Lyft also offer ride sharing service in the neighborhood.

Bikers are plentiful in the neighborhood and provide an excellent mode of transportation. Bike lanes make it safe for bikers living and commuting inside the neighborhood. Many people in the neighborhood also walk since there are plenty of amenities scattered throughout and easily accessible.

Professionals who work in Manhattan or the other boroughs to get to work quickly via the N-train, E-Train and D-train, all of which run through the center of Gravesend. Rides on the Metro cost $2.50 per person one-way.

Public parking is all throughout the neighborhood with parking meters on most streets and several parking garages offering daily and monthly rates.

Ocean Parkway on the east side of the neighborhood and the Shore Parkway to the south both provide easy access to other boroughs and destinations outside of New York City. It's a quick ride on the Shore Parkway to all the entertainment and employment options in New Jersey.

Residents enjoy several parks in Gravesend, including Lafayette Playground and Scarangella Park. Both sit next to each other in the center of the neighborhood. Parents go to Lafayette Park because admission is free and children enjoy the clean and safe playground equipment and basketball courts. Dogs are welcome if leashed and cleaned up after.

Scarangella Park provides a nice quiet place for a picnic or to relax. This park is also and dogs on a leash are welcome. Children are also welcome but enjoy Lafayette Playground more.

The largest park situated at the bay edge of the neighborhood attracts many residents because of its size and location as well as its amenities. Calvert Vaux Park features bocce ball and basketball courts as well as acres of beautiful waterfront space. The park also has baseball fields and handball courts.

Families enjoy this park because it is clean, safe and offers a wide variety of activities. People fly remote control airplanes at the model aircraft field while others play on the soccer fields. Admittance into the park is free and leashed dogs are welcome. The park also has a playground with modern and safe play equipment for children.

The cost of living in Gravesend runs parallel to surrounding neighborhoods. A typical one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood averages $1,385 per month. The homes and apartments in Gravesend are very spacious and offer a big bang for the buck.

Transportation compares to neighboring areas of Brooklyn. A cab ride going one block starts at $3.50 while a trip to John F. Kennedy Internationl Airport costs about $50. Metro tickets to ride the train are $2.50 and provide the most cost-effective way to get around the city.

A beer at the local bar or pub varies. A domestic can or bottle is around $3 and specialty or craft brews run from $8 and up, depending on the beer and the establishment.

Gas prices in Gravesend hover around the New York City average and are about 10 percent higher than the national average. Prices are about 5 percent above the New York State average.

Don't let the name fool you, located on Stillwell Avenue Garage Clothing is a popular upscale and high-end men's clothing boutique in Gravesend. The boutique carries everything a man needs from corporate wear and club wear to party wear. The shop also carries children's suits and clothing along with men's shoes and accessories at boutique prices.

Dor L Dor hides in the heart of Gravesend on Avenue U. The small high-end women's boutique carries all types of fashion and accessories to match. Women come here to find everything from sweaters and trendy pants to gorgeous evening and party or club dresses. Prices reflect the high-end items sold here.

Gravesend houses many grocery stores and specialty markets selling different foods for all types of cuisine. Key Food Supermarket carries everyday items and lies conveniently within the neighborhood on Avenue Z. For organic or specialty foods, residents tend to shop at Clemente's Fine Foods, also located in the center of the neighborhood.

No farmers markets can be found inside Gravesend, so residents and visitors shop at the many specialty delis and convenience shops in and around the neighborhood.