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.
Dads and babies. Always photo-worthy.
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.
Hipsters of all sizes line up to eat at this popular brunch spot in Greenpoint. It’s a fave of the Aussie expat crowd too, thanks to its Kiwi manager with his refreshing down-to-earth manner, and its Aussie-style brekkie and coffee. The Aussie connection comes from Five Leaves’ inception – owner Jud Mongell was friends and business partners with actor Heath Ledger. The two planned to open the restaurant and bar in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, before his sudden death. With the release of funds from the actor (and Brooklyn resident’s) trust by the Ledger family, Five Leaves was opened.
Aussie friends!
Five Leaves draws creative-types from all over the city, with its bohemian vibe and hearty brunch. We often catch the G train (when it’s running!) to meet our Aussie friends there for a stack of pancakes, big fry up brekkie, or a solid burger and fries.
Outdoor dining with hipsters.
The interior is tiny and squished, so we always end up seated outdoors. This is preferable with a baby anyway, giving us more room to spread out, and meaning we don’t have to worry if she gets fussy.
Five Leaves Burger.Ricotta pancakes
My favourite dishes are the ricotta pancakes, because they come absolutely covered with seasonal fresh fruit, and the big brekkie, with its perfectly poached eggs and roast tomatoes.
Last bite: While the food is delish, the lines are long, so be prepared to wait anywhere up to an hour or longer for a table. With restless babes, put your name down and walk across the road to the park to play while you’re waiting.
Highchairs: No. Request an outdoor table that you can park your stroller at if your kid isn’t big enough to sit in an adult chair. Stroller storage: No. No room for strollers inside at all. Easy access: Yes (one or two stairs). Change tables: No. Kids’ menu: No.
Five Leaves
18 Bedford Ave,
Brooklyn 11222
(Btwn Lorimer St & Manhattan Ave)
Phone: (718) 383 5345 (no reservations)
