Curbed Editor Kelsey Keith Shares Her Favorite Bed-Stuy Spots
After four years of living in Williamsburg, Kelsey Keith moved in with her journalist boyfriend Eli Rosenberg, bringing with her a flair for Scandinavian modernism and some very unique items culled from her travels and assignments at Curbed and Dwell. (Their stylish Bed-Stuy one-bedroom was included in our 10 Beautiful Brooklyn Homes feature.) Along with her things, Keith brought an eye for design and a taste for great food. Now that she’s spent six months getting to know the neighborhood, she shared her favorite places to shop, eat, and drink in Bed-Stuy.
Where to Shop
Sincerely, Tommy: Kai Avent-deLeon lives in a building she inherited from her grandmother; in the ground floor she’s carved out a boutique with edgy women’s clothing (Toit Volant, Moroccan leather slides), jewelry (Holly Ryan), and home accessories (Natalie Weinberger ceramics).
343 Tompkins Avenue
Bed-Vyne Wine: What started as a wine shop is turning into a mini-empire: a liquor store with rare finds is right next door, and a cocktail bar is down the street. They have a few house blends, including a red from Portugal, that are well-priced and fantastic.
370 Tompkins Avenue
Where to Eat
Le Paris Dakar: French-by-way-of-Senegal-owned crêperie with great coffee.
518 Nostrand Avenue
Crocus Juice Bar & Café: Super chill cafe with a back patio that serves made-to-order juice, coffee, and doughnuts from Dough.
328 Tompkins Ave
The Civil Service Cafe: They make a mean latte, a mean egg sandwich (to which you should definitely add the garlicky hot sauce), and a mean carrot cake.
279 Nostrand Avenue
Natural Gourmet Deli And Grill: Better than your average bodega sandwich.
1095 Bedford Avenue
Saraghina: Laidback pizza and pasta joint with a rustic-chic design that’s staffed mostly by Italians. I dare you to find someone who doesn’t like this restaurant.
435 Halsey Street
Peaches HotHouse: Nashville-style fried chicken that’s searingly hot. I’m from Tennessee, and am powerless to resist fried chicken.
415 Tompkins Avenue
Where to Drink
Lovers Rock: Hot crowd, lots of mezcal, and vibe-y decor (neon! cacti!). You can count on DJs playing good music on vinyl.
419 Tompkins Ave
Dynaco: Good spot to cozy up with your main squeeze, especially in the winter when the fireplace is on.
1112 Bedford Avenue