Cobble Hill Archives - Adventure, baby!

Brooklyn Neighborhood Guide: Cobble Hill

July 22, 2014 / Brooklyn Bites, Cobble Hill, New York, New York Food / 0 comment

The quiet neighborhood of Cobble Hill is home to a LOT of strollers. It’s often joked that once Manhattanites start breeding, they move to Brooklyn. If this is the case, then a lot of these new parents must move to Cobble Hill, as it is literally bursting at the seams with babies, toddlers and lots of kiddie fun.

Best Breakfast: Ted & Honey
This little cafe is the go-to breakfast sandwich spot. Order an egg sandwich on your choice of multi-grain, brioche or ciabatta (the bread is freshly baked from nearby Caputo’s bakery). The haloumi and avocado is our fave. While you’re waiting, look on the bottom shelf for books and puzzles to entertain your little one. If your child is not the sitting and eating kind, get your sandwich to go and sit in leafy green Cobble Hill Park next door. 264 Clinton St, Brooklyn

Best Quiet Nook: Cobble Hill Park
This little oasis of calm amongst the brownstones is a popular haven for mothers’ groups during the week, and families on weekends. A little play area at the end of the park entertains older kids with a sand pit and climbing structures. The park is lovely year-round, but is especially pretty in spring when tulips and daffodils are blooming.
Clinton St. Between Verandah Pl. and Congress St., Brooklyn

Best Lunch Spot: BareBurger
Grab an all-natural burger, shake and fries for lunch at Bareburger. Kids can order a Cubby Meal, choosing from items like a grilled cheese panini or “grizzly” burger (with a quinoa veggie patty option). Adults: order from a wide variety of burgers (including “build your own”), sandwiches and salads, all made with organic ingredients free of hormones, pesticides and other unsavory elements.
149 Court St., Brooklyn

Best Playground: LICH Playground
This large playground has climbing structures for toddlers and older kids, plus a few swings. The main attraction for the toddler set, however, is the ever-changing walker and car toys that are routinely “donated” to the park throughout the year. The park is well-shaded on afternoons, and the trees put on a beautiful display of color in the fall.
Henry St. and Amity St., Brooklyn

Best Kids’ Store: Picnic
Dress your little one like a Brooklyn hipster at Picnic. Owned by local mom Lindsey Engler, the store stocks adorable outfits and accessories for kids from baby and up. You’ll also find a range of NYC and Brooklyn books and toys.
192 Amity St., Brooklyn

This article was first published on MommyNearest.

Your New Regular Coffee Shop: Konditori, Cobble Hill, New York

March 11, 2014 / Brooklyn Bites, Cobble Hill, New York, New York Food / 0 comment

We are always searching for a new great coffee place that will deliver my flat white-obsessed husband with a consistent cup of decent coffee. His most recent obsession is Konditori, a Swedish cafe that aspires to combine the hominess of Swedish Coffee Culture with the edginess of Brooklyn. I’ve never been to Sweden, so I can’t comment on how accurately the cafe represents the “Swedish coffee hominess”, but what I do know is my husband has been stopping by this cafe twice a week on his way to deliver Cheese to pre school since it opened, and gets REALLY mad if Cheese isn’t ready for school in time for him to get his regular cup of jo.

Since I’m not a coffee drinker he promised me a good hot chocolate and selection of fine baked goods, which was enough for me to accompany him and Cheese on their regular coffee ritual one morning.

As well as a seriously good cup of coffee (the husband obviously has stamped it so) you can pick up a hand rolled kettle boiled bagel, gourmet muffins and Swedish treats like Cardamom Bread (coffee bread with almond filling), Kanelbulle (cinnamon rolls) and Coco Balls.

The cafe also has a fresh juice bar, which has a little IKEA train set running around the tip jar — a magnet for toddlers and adults waiting for their juices alike. Cheese was obsessed with the trains, and we were both very happy when told it was fine for her to take the train back to the table play with (bless you!).

In the back of the store is a huge foosball table (another prime toddler distractor) and plenty of room if you need to park your giant stroller.

I ordered a hot chocolate ($2.25) and one of the gourmet muffins ($2.50). I thought it was blueberry banana, but I could only find blueberries, so who knows, maybe I read the sign wrong. Either way, it was a good, solid muffin, and the hot chocolate was delicious.

I had to act quickly to snap Alec’s latte ($3.50) and croissant ($2.50) before they disappeared. Part of his weekly ritual with Cheese is for them to enjoy croissants together.

The Konditori staff were very happy to make a special “toddler” hot chocolate for Cheese. Basically this means I ask them to dilute the hot chocolate heavily with whole milk, and put it in a straw cup for her to drink. This both takes away from it being too chocolately for a toddler, and also brings it down to the perfect temperature for toddlers straight away, so we can skip the “you have to wait, it’s too hot!” talk.

Last Bite: Great coffee, friendly staff, and plenty of room and distractions for toddlers. Stop by to find us hibernating at Konditori all winter long.

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage: Yes – room for strollers!
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

Konditori
114 Smith St,
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (646) 696-0257
Pries: $
Hours: Daily, 6am-8pm
Get directions

Bareburger, Cobble Hill: Kid-Friendly Restaurants, Brooklyn, New York

June 4, 2013 / Brooklyn Bites, Cobble Hill / 1 Comment

As a vegetarian and fussy eater in general, I really struggle to find good burgers. My husband has been a fan of Bareburger for a while, but I’ve never had the opportunity to go until the new branch opened recently in Cobble Hill. There are about a gazillion burger joints in New York—so what makes Bareburger special? They partner with local artisans and organic farmers to give diners the tastiest, locally-grown and humanely-sourced food possible. The result is healthy and delicious food that will fill you up and make you feel good in the inside—happy tummy, happy soul.

The new Bareburger in Cobble Hill is a little tight inside—be prepared to wiggle between tables. We rocked up at prime lunch time and were sat immediately. They have minimal space for strollers, so our jumbo one had to wait patiently for us on the sidewalk. They had room for folding stroller, however, so bring your umbrella stroller or carrier where possible.

Our friendly server couldn’t do enough to make Cheese happy. Crayons, colouring paper and a cute little cup filled with iced water. “Would she like anything else? Juice?” The thoughtfulness was great and made us feel super welcome.

My favourite burger is very simple – patty, tomato, cheese and ketchup. Since I always get the veggie patty, it’s difficult for me to just get the simple burgers I love so much. Anywhere I can build my own burger is guaranteed to become a firm favourite of mine, very fast.

Alec and I split a banana shake—it was huge, and half each was the perfect amount. We also loved that it arrived with two glasses and straws, so we could each have our own half-sized shake, meaning less fighting over who drank the most shake.

We also ordered a big side of fries. It came with a bunch of dipping sauces—Cheese tried them all and declared the curry ketchup her favorite.

My vege burger was fantastic. A hint of spice, tasty cheese, and a whole grain bun. Delicious and filling, and possibly even, dare I say it, healthy?

My friend who came with us has a gluten and dairy allergy. If you have any similar special dietary requirements, Bareburger is the place for you. My friend had what she described as an amazing burger, with vegan cheese and a tapioca rice bun.

Last bite: Bring your kids and a big appetite for a great burger, shake, fries or salad. Leave your big stroller at home, and enjoy the Bare experience!

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes – but minimal. Bring a folding stroller if possible.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: Yes.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

Bareburger Cobble Hill
145 Court St.,
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (347) 529 6673
Hours: Sun-Thur 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

Get directions.

Cafe Pedlar: Kid-friendly Cafes, Cobble Hill, New York

May 9, 2013 / Brooklyn Bites, Cobble Hill, New York, New York Food / 0 comment

For a coffee-picky Australian (like, say, my husband), finding a great latte is like discovering a sparkly unicorn living in your neighbourhood. Our favourite cafe to stop by every Sat (and Sun!) morning for coffee is Cafe Pedlar, an artisanal coffee shop in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. Their coffee beans are roasted by Stumptown Coffee Roasters in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and their baristas are all well-trained in the delicate art of making lattes and more. In addition to freshly baked pastries, they also serve some light lunch items such as sandwiches and cut fruit.

As well as making killer coffees, Cafe Pedlar is nice and roomy, with some tables and chairs if you want to sit down. Bonus – they have enough room for you to park your stroller at the tables. Take your coffee and enjoy it on one of the benches outside the cafe, or grab a pastry (on good days they have little pretzel bread rolls) and a window seat for a sweet morning ritual.

Cafe Pedlar, Cobble Hill, New York — Entertaining the kid while waiting for coffee.

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage: Yes. There’s lot of room for strollers of all sizes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

Cafe Pedlar
210 Court St
Brooklyn, NY
Phone: (718) 855 7129
Hours: Mon-Sun 7am-7pm

Get directions.

Happy Friday! Have a Beautiful Brunchy Weekend!

May 3, 2013 / Brooklyn Bites, Cobble Hill, Weekly Links / 1 Comment

cheese_smorgasborg — Cheese, being sassy on a spring day.

Hope you’re planning to enjoy the beautiful spring weather that looks like it’s FINALLY here to stay. (We know Cheese is ready for more ice-cream outings.)

The Brunch With My Baby team is looking forward to relaxing with our families – and checking out more kid-friendly restaurants to review. Alexis plans on taking Baby J and Big J to try someplace new in the city (that will be her reward for driving out to New Jersey today AND Saturday to visit friends and family). Christine and Co. might just be forced to sample more treats from Smorgasburg. For work, you know.

We hope you enjoy your weekend and have a chance to enjoy some of the many delicious places and sights NYC has to offer. Here are a few fun links from around the web to help inspire you:

Brooklynites, check out these great dishes, and where to eat them.

Want suggestions for fun weekend outings?

This great new website for stylish new mamas and mamas-to-be is a must-see.

OXO Tot’s awesome new cutlery, plate, bowl and cup for toddlers that want to be big kids. Genius.

Ever wonder how much you should be eating? (On second thought, maybe we shouldn’t click…)

Bare Burger just opened in Cobble Hill! Ahhhhh!

Healthy eating for your family is made easy with these wholesome, nourishing meal plans.

Have a good one!

Christine + Alexis

Moo Burger; Kid-friendly Restaurants, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

March 16, 2013 / Brooklyn Bites, Cobble Hill, New York, New York Food / 5 Comments

We’re at Moo Burger a lot – it’s our go-to place in the neighbourhood for burgers, shakes and fries. Despite Shake Shake being only a block away, we prefer to walk over to Court Street – for me, it’s because I dream about the uh-mazing sweet potato fries and shakes made with Blue Marble Ice Cream.

The Moo folks sure know their audience. We’re always sat at a table with no wait and Cheese is quickly given a cute little straw cup with water.

Moo’s pitch is “gourmet, organic burgers, sides and drinks, all handcrafted with fresh, local ingredients”. We bring a lot of visitors to eat here and everyone ends up full and very happy.

Especially Miss Cheese. She LOVES the fries. What makes them so great? They’re soft in the middle and crispy on the outside. Basically, your perfect sweet potato fry.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes (stroller must fold up however). On days when it’s not too busy you can fit a larger stroller at the tables.
Easy access: Yes (one step).
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: Yes.
Kid-friendly rating: ♥♥♥♥-

MooBurger
240 Court Street,
Brooklyn, NY
Phone: (718) 246 8259

Hours:
Mon 5pm-10pm Tue/Wed/Thu/Sun 12pm-10pm
Fri/Sat 12pm-11pm

[googlemaps https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Mooburger,+Court+Street,+New+York,+NY&aq=0&oq=MooBurg&sll=40.723795,-73.952515&sspn=0.00896,0.02105&ie=UTF8&hq=Mooburger,&hnear=Court+St,+Brooklyn,+Kings,+New+York&t=m&ll=40.685774,-73.994396&spn=0.01201,0.006295&output=embed&w=425&h=350%5D

61 Local; Kid-friendly Restaurants And Bars, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, New York

November 30, 2012 / Brooklyn Bites, Cobble Hill, New York, New York Food / 0 comment

A favourite with families, particularly those with babies, 61 Local sums up the general parenting attitude in Brooklyn – drink in one hand, baby in the other. On week days you’ll find mothers groups baby wearing their newborns, and SUV-sized strollers in the corners. Weekends see both parents drop by to meet groups of friends. The tolerant staff only ask that babies are changed in the bathroom rather than on tables. Fair enough. Food is simple and tasty – order and pay for food and drinks at the bar, making for fast getaways when the babes start fussing.

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage: Yes – there is plenty of room for strollers.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

61 Local
61 Bergen Street (at Smith street)
New York, NY 11201
Phone: (347) 763 6624
Prices: $$
Hours: Mon-Thu 7am-12am, Fri 7am-1am, Sat 11am-1am, Sun 11am-12am
Get directions.

Extra image thanks to Yelp.

two8two Bar & Burger; Kid-friendly Restaurants, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, New York

November 29, 2012 / Brooklyn Bites, Cobble Hill, New York, New York Food / 1 Comment

The name says it all – this low-key joint is all about burger, burgers, and more burgers. They are super-welcoming towards families with kids of all ages too, so it’s a solid choice for a casual lunch out. Friendly, fast service certainly helps, as does the very kid-friendly interior, with very basic tables and chairs. No need to worry about toddlers acting up or throwing food around; they’ll certainly be in good company with the other kids enjoying a somewhat rambunctious weekend lunch with their families.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes – lots of room for strollers.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

two8two Bar & Burger
282 Atlantic Avenue (Between Smith st and Boerum pl),
Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 596 2282
Prices: $$
Hours: Mon-Thu 12pm–12am, Fri-Sat 12pm–1am, Sun 12–11pm
Get directions.

Images thanks to Yelp.

Bocca Lupo: Kid-Friendly Restaurants, Cobble Hill, New York

November 25, 2012 / Brooklyn Bites, Cobble Hill, New York, New York Food / 0 comment

——- CLOSED ———————

Brooklyn babies earn their foodie stripes at Bocca Lupo, noshing on authentic Italian fare with their (often hipster) parents. The restaurant is a mix of modern design, with huge glass windows, and traditional, with beautiful wooden accents. We loved the friendly staff, huge wine menu for parents, and the really tasty paninis and salads.

Bocca Lupo is extremely family-friendly, which makes it really surprising that they don’t have high chairs. Babies can be parked in strollers at tables, and we saw an adorable family with three young kids all lined up on a window bench in a row enjoying Saturday morning brunch.

Highchairs: No.
Stroller storage: Minimal – on the day we visited, there was a stroller parked at a table, but others parked outside the restaurant. Bring a stroller you’re prepared to leave outside (just incase), or a baby carrier.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

Bocca Lupo
391 Henry street (At Warren St),
Brooklyn 11201
Phone: (718) 243 2522
Prices: $$
Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11:30am-12am
Fri: 11:30am-2am
Sat: 10:30am-2am
Sun: 10:30am-12am
Get directions.

One Girl Cookies Cobble Hill: Kid-friendly Cafes, Brooklyn

November 15, 2012 / Brooklyn Bites, Cobble Hill, New York, New York Food / 3 Comments

Delicious cookies are not the only offering from this adorable cafe, but you’ll find it hard to leave without eating a few. Great for breakfast, brunch or afternoon tea, One Girl is the perfect place to meet friends for a catch up, especially during the week days when it’s quiet. Order a hot chocolate with a marshmallow and whoopie pie (their speciality), sit back and prepare to while away the afternoon with your babe.

Highchairs: No, but you can park your stroller at the tables.
Stroller storage: No.
Easy access: Kind of – entrance has only one step, but also has two doorways in a row on an awkward angle, making it a bit tricky to get in if you’re on your own with a stroller.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

One Girl Cookies Cobble Hill
68 Dean Street,
New York, NY 11201
Phone: (212) 675 4996
Prices: $
Hours:
Mon-Thu 8am–7pm
Fri 8am–8pm
Sat 9am–8pm
Sun 10am–7pm
Get directions.