Claro is a great Oaxacan-inspired restaurant that’s even better when you’re sitting in the backyard.

Lavender Lake could get away with being a just great bar with a large outdoor patio. However, it scores extra points from us for putting some care into curating a small but solid selection of bar s...

A solid addition to Gowanus, Freek’s Mill is all about the wood-burning oven. It’s best when things don’t get too fussy.

Don't make the trek down to Gowanus just for Runner & Stone, but if you want a reliable meal in the neighborhood, go for it.

Fletcher's serves up some great pulled pork, and is a solid local BBQ stop if you're around Gowanus. We just wouldn't travel for it.

Givers and Takers is an under-the-radar bar in Gowanus with a nice little patio.

The Roof is a big rooftop bar on top of Whole Foods in Gowanus and it’s a surprisingly nice place to hang out.

Bar Salumi is an Italian small plates place in Gowanus.

Kick Axe Throwing is a place in Gowanus where you can drink beer while you learn how to throw an axe.

Bar Tano is a casual neighborhood Italian restaurant in Gowanus.

Ghenet is an Ethiopian restaurant on the border of Park Slope and Gowanus.

If you’re in Gowanus, and you need a normal bar that’s just a little nicer than a dive, go to Halyards. There’s a pool table and occasionally a DJ.

Royal Palms is a great place to day drink while also doing an “activity.”

Threes Brewing is one of the better places for a laid-back big group hang in Brooklyn.

Insa is an upscale Korean barbecue place in Gowanus. That also happens to have karaoke.

Black Mountain Wine House is a very cozy wine bar (with a fireplace) in Gowanus. Bonus points: it both looks and feels very much like a cabin.