A couple days ago we took a walk from our offices in Greenpoint to our store in Williamsburg. We could have done a tour of the coolest or the newest places, but we went to the ones we personally like and frequent the most. Maybe you'll like them too.
Adsum Guide: From Greenpoint to Williamsburg
Homecoming
107 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Located at the heart of Greenpoint, Homecoming is often the first stop of the day for morning coffee.
It's more than cold brew and oat milk though. Pick up a Record or Apartamento mag, grab a hand-thrown mug, or get the Homecoming specialty—flowers for a special someone.
There are a lot of great spots to grab coffee around us, but why not do it at the place surrounded by beautiful plants.
Littleneck Outpost
128 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Another gathering spot for Greenpoint locals, we're going to Littleneck for either coffee or lunch. The coffee is La Colombe and the vibe is "New England seafood cafe" which means they have an anchor on their logo and a prediliction for white painted wood.
Academy Record Annex
85 Oak St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
We have to be honest here, we dont come into Academy much; however, it's probably the place we end up reccomending to people the most. Why? Because it's hands-down the best record store in the area. Whenever we have friends visiting from overseas, they all inevitably want to do some crate digging. Friendly staff, big space, natural light, laid back atmosphere; you can spend hours in here.
Pop's Popular Clothing
128 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Sometimes you need to grab a Carhartt balaclava for your winter soccer league game. Maybe your Dickies are on their last legs and could use a refresh. Family owned and staffed since 1949, Pops is a North Brooklyn mainstay. Steve, the owner, has been there every time we walk in, and is always eager to help you out with a smile. Without a doubt a hidden gem for all your workwear needs.
McCarren Park
776 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
McCarren Park sits on the border of Williamsburg and Greenpoint Brooklyn.Opened in 1906 as “Greenpoint Park”, it was renamed after state senator Patrick H McCarren in 1909. McCarren grew up in Brooklyn and worked as cooper in the iconic sugar refinery that stands next to the Williamsburg Bridge. McCarren sat on New York State legislatures for multiple years and was considered the boss of Brooklyn’s democratic organization. The eastern section of the park recently had its soccer field and track resurfaced. It’s one of the best fields to catch a game of pick up soccer in the neighborhood when it’s not extremely crowed on the weekend from the buzz of the Saturday morning farmers market.
10 ft Single by Stella Dallas
285 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Whether we’re looking for inspiration for a new season or just shopping for ourselves, Stella Dallas is our go-to spot in the neighborhood for vintage and second hand goods. Running through the racks at the purposefully cluttered shop, you’re likely to stumble across anything from a Made in USA Brooks Brothers Oxford to a pair of deadstock Olive Military Trousers from the 1940’s. Going into the shop without a specific item in mind is our favorite way to browse here because that’s when the true gems reveal themselves.
Adsum Flagship
97 N 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Located two blocks away from the Bedford stop off the L train lies our own contribution to the neighborhood. Sam, a burgeoning photographer coming from St. Alfreds in Chicago, and Queens native and former Noah/ Alife/ Patagonia man, Marcel, would be happy to help you out.
Depanneur
242 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Directly across the street from Pilgrim is Depanneur. In Montreal, a Depanneur is a classic corner store, convenience store or bodega. Dep in Williamsburg is an elevated bodega serving premium coffee, cheeses, meats and beers from local sources. Try #6 sandwich but be prepared to have garlic breath for the remainder of the day.
Pilgrim
68 N 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Cracking open the nautical cleat door handle and walking into Pilgrim Surf Supply is something we do often. They have a selection of some of our favorite brands (Norse, Nanamica, Beams, Howlin to name a few) alongside their private label brand which makes classic high quality clothing. They’ve got a full wall of surfboards, a shoe wall featuring Vans, Converse and Diemme boots and backing the cash wrap area is a backlit sunglasses wall.
Main Drag Music
330 Wythe Ave # 1E, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Williamsburg has been rapidly changing over the past 25 years. Main Drag Music has been open since 1997 and you get that vibe walking through its doors to the sub street level instrument shop. Keys, guitars, bass and drum is what the main focus is on. It’s unique in its presentation of both guitars and drum that are stacked 2 and 3 levels high due to the super high ceilings in the space. As a musician it’s a unique spot that is rarely busy so you take your time seeing what’s new or head into a soundproof booth to try an amp or guitar. Even if you’re not a musician it’s a nice place to spend some time and even check out the message board for local events or drum circles to join, if that’s your flavor.
Dandy Wine & Spirits
37 South 4th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Not to be confused with Dandelion Wine in Greenpoint, Dandy is the more recent offshoot located in Williamsburg. The owner, David, is great and makes you feel comfortable while explaining and pointing out some of his recommendations and favorites. We like Dandy because of the selection as well as the origin stories of the lesser-known wines that David and his partner Lily bring into the shop.
Commodore
366 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Tucked away in a dimly lit, unassuming space on Metropolitan Ave is the Commodore Bar. Home of the best chicken sandwich and nacho plate in NYC, this spot is a must for cheap bar food and cocktails in Williamsburg. One might say that eating and drinking in an atmosphere that feels like a party in your grandma’s basement is odd, but the Commodore has a special place in our hearts regardless.
Brouwerij Lane
78 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
It's hard not to like a bar directly across the street from where you work. Brouwerij isn't your average bar though. Specializing in craft beer, Brouwerij has been around since 1999 and boasts a rotating list of about 20 beers on tap and fridges full of 100+ canned beers. We usually stick to NY based producers like Suarez Family, Industrial Arts, and KCBC (Kings County Brewers Collective).
By no means is this a definitive list, but, hopefully, whether you're visiting, or a long time native, you found a new place to explore.