Pump up your tires and grease that chain: May is National Bike Month! Bike-sharing networks make exploring your city as easy as, well… riding a bike. Combine the convenience of cycles-on-demand with the power of the Yelp app’s 148 million local reviews, and you’ve got everything you need to create the cyclists’ ultimate itinerary. Join us all month long as we explore some of America’s most bike-friendly cities, one station at a time. Next up? Brooklyn, New York by way of Citi Bike!
Top 10 Citi Bike Stations in Brooklyn
Brooklyn Bridge
1. Old Fulton Street – Not only does the lawn at Empire Fulton Ferry offer the best view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline, but this area also boast arguably the country’s finest pizza at Juliana’s. Stop by Brooklyn Roasting Company for a caffeine pick-me-up, score some seafood at the Luke’s Lobster stand, get chocolate everything from the man himself, Jacques Torres, and cap off the night with a cocktail and a bite at the gorgeous Atrium DUMBO.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
2. Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 2 – You’re already inside the beautiful oasis that is Brooklyn Bridge Park, but in between rides along the water, make some time for excellent ramen at Kogane, swing by the stellar happy hour (mac and cheese is a must!) at Jack The Horse Tavern, and Sushi Gallery: so fresh you can’t believe it’s served in a subway station. The Brooklyn Heights Promenade boasts incredible views too, and don’t be surprised if you see someone propose (or if they ask you to be their photog).
The Binc
3. Cadman Plaza E & Red Cross Place – If riding around didn’t exhaust all your energy, play a little pickup soccer in the park before replenishing your energy with some Heights Falafel or Untamed Sandwiches. Craving a cocktail after you hop off the bike? Hit up The Oyster Room or The Binc, which knows its biz (and the burger isn’t too shabby either). For a full dinner, Henry’s End or neighborhood Italian favorite Noodle Pudding will hit the spot. And of course, there’s always something happening in the Archway…
-321 Ice Cream Shop
4. South 5th Pl & South 5th Street – The Southside of Williamsburg is overflowing with amazing eats – from spectacular slices from L’industrie to Beehive Oven’s Southern hospitality to Traif’s top-rated small plates (don’t skip the sliders or the tuna tartare!). You can cool off with -321° Ice Cream Shop and then dance all night at Baby’s All Right, or find your zen at Harmony Tea House, explore natural wines at Four Horsemen, see what’s screening at Videology, and bring it all Full Circle with some Skee-ball.
Westlight
5. Kent Ave & North 7th Street – With awesome offerings like Wowfulls and Mighty Quinn’s, Smorgasburg’s Saturday market is the big draw next to East River State Park, and there’s no shortage of fun in the area. Satisfy a group’s hunger with Cafe Mogador’s Middle Eastern flavors or rockin’ ribs at Mable’s, catch a show at Brooklyn Bowl, have an intimate evening at Zenkichi, do it for the ‘Gram at Dream Machine, or revel in the rooftop views at Westlight.
Cheeseboat
6. Berry Street & North 8th Street – There’s too much deliciousness at this stop, so you’re going to have to pace yourself. First, set sail in a Cheeseboat, pick up some Pokebab, and follow it all with fried chicken and waffles from Sweet Chick’s original location. Federoff’s Roast Pork will fulfill your Philly sandwich craving, and even if you’re stuffed, the Caprices by Sophie and Martha’s Country Bakery are worth at least a look. Cap it off with a cocktail at Midnights.
Moe's Doughs Donut Shop
7. Bedford Ave & Nassau – We don’t advocate drinking and riding, but it’d be a shame not to check out TØRST, one of the finest beer bars in the country. For an escape (game), Komnata Quest has you covered. Beyond that, this stop has it all from doughnuts at Moe’s Doughs and Korean wings at Bulbap Grill to life-changing pastrami breakfast sandwiches found at Frankel’s, but since you should never leave Greenpoint without trying some Polish eats, make sure to pick up some white borscht at Krolewskie Jadlo.
Grand Army Plaza
8. Grand Army Plaza & Plaza Street West – It’s hard to miss the amazing arch that anchors Grand Army Plaza, but definitely stop by on Saturdays for the Greenmarket as well. When lunchtime rolls around, squeeze into the small space and enjoy the huge flavors at Bombay Kabab. Afterward, get some aggression out at Kick Axe Throwing, immerse yourself in African dance at Cumbe, and then reward yourself with a slice of Daly Pie. And if you’ve hit all of that? You deserve a Gold Star.
Celebrate Brooklyn
9. 15th Street – Prospect Park – It’s easy to Celebrate Brooklyn with free concerts happening all summer long at the Prospect Park Bandshell (check the schedule), and excellent neighborhood eats like Krupa Grocery and the East Wind Snack Shop As far as nightlife is concerned, Farrell’s is the old-school watering hole of your dreams, The Double Windsor is a well-rounded good time (just like their burger), and a free pizza comes with every drink at American Cheez.
Prospect Park
10. 3rd Street & Prospect Park West – Olmsted’s masterpiece of a park is the real attraction here, but spend some time watching the cute pups in the dog run! If all that playtime makes you hungry, Asian eats abound with an excellent omakase at Katsuei, properly done fusion at Talde, and everyday Korean at HANKI. This family-friendly ‘hood has it all though; stop by for some old-school Italian specialties from Russo (est. 1908!), and get your game on at Brooklyn Game Lab.
About Our Partner:
Citi Bike is New York City’s bike share system, and the largest in the nation. Citi Bike launched in May 2013 and has become an essential part of our transportation network. It’s fun, efficient and affordable – not to mention healthy and good for the environment. Citi Bike is available for use by locals and visitors 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, and riders have access to thousands of bikes at hundreds of stations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Jersey City.
