Ranked as NYC’s #1 most livable neighborhood by New York magazine, and selected by The American Planning Association as one of the 10 Great Neighborhoods in America, Park Slope boasts a diverse mix of restaurants and businesses, along with a robust and active community. Park Slope is one of Brooklyn’s most famous neighborhoods for its picture-perfect brownstone blocks, mom-and-pop shops, and proximity to the green expanse of Prospect Park—from which the streets slope downward, hence, the literal name.

The neighborhood faces the western end of the park, with surrounding residential blocks boasting some of the city’s most prized architecture. While the neighborhood is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Park Slope's two main thoroughfares, 5th and 7th Avenues, boast a plethora of cafes, bars, and restaurants that cater to a younger clientele. Industrial 4th Avenue is starting to become a thriving commercial hub, as well.

Park Slope’s strong sense of community is exemplified by its many organizations and the popularity of the 17,000-member Park Slope Food Co-op. Park Slope is also home to some of borough’s finest eateries such as al di la Trattoria (the restaurant that arguably started the 5th Avenue retail revolution), Talde, Fonda, Stone Park Café, Convivium Osteria, and Blue Ribbon.

Colloquially separated into three distinct sub-neighborhoods — North Slope, Center Slope, and South Slope — Park Slope is, geographically, one of Brownstone Brooklyn’s largest neighborhoods, stretching from Prospect Park to 4th Avenue and Flatbush Avenue to Prospect Avenue. 

Check out some Park Slope favorites!

AL DI LA

A Park Slope favorite for the past 20 years, al di la helped establish 5thAvenue’s fabled “restaurant row.” Al di la offers a seasonal menu of unfussy, traditional Northern Italian dishes in a rustic-chic setting with warm and convivial service. The restaurant still does not accept reservations, but the adjacent wine bar eases the long wait times.

NITEHAWK CINEMA

A welcome addition to the neighborhood in December 2018, Nitehawk took over the old Pavilion Theater space at Bartel-Pritchard Square. The perfect date night awaits with a unique experience that includes chef-inspired dining, inventive cocktails and a 650-seat movie theater showing the latest independent films.

GREENMARKETS

Park Slope offers not just one, but three farmer’s markets, including the wildly popular Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket, where foodies from near and far gather on Saturdays for the freshest local produce along with farm-fresh meats, local fish, artisanal cheeses, delectable baked goods, colorful flowers, and more. On Sundays, Down to Earth Farmer’s Market sets up at the Old Stone House on 4th Street near 5th Avenue. Bartel-Pritchard Square is home to a Wednesday Greenmarket, as well.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Just beyond Park Slope’s borders in neighboring Prospect Heights is this 52-acre urban oasis, which includes a wide variety of specialty plant collections and magnificent gardens with more than 10,000 species of plants to leisurely explore. Each April, the Cherry Blossom Festival draws crowds from all over the tri-state area. Members enjoy many perks, including discounted entry fees and free admission on Tuesdays. The iconic glass-walled Palm House can be booked for exquisite private events for up to 275 guests.

Brooklyn Public Library

The impressive Brooklyn Central Library at Grand Army Plaza is housed in a dramatic Art Deco limestone structure with an opulent, sweeping lobby. The vast collections that the library offers are endless. More than 1.3 million people visit the library each year.

Puppetworks

Puppetworks is a cozy, not-for-profit theater on an unassuming Center Slope corner that has been presenting puppet-show versions of classic tales since 1980. Children and adults alike are entertained by the intricately-designed handmade puppets, artful imagery, and lively music.

Community Bookstore

Established in 1971, Community Bookstore is an unpretentious, welcoming neighborhood mainstay offering a carefully-curated selection of books, both new and old. Shoppers are encouraged to relax in their garden and say hello to their friendly pet cat and turtle. In 2013, the owners also opened up Terrace Books in Windsor Terrace.