Even though Milly’s Neighborhood Bar is technically not a restaurant, don’t let that stop you from experiencing the food at this Bed-Stuy gem. Newcomers to Greene Ave, Milly’s makes you feel like you’re stepping into a family party. You’ll be greeted by the friendliest staff (often it’s co-owner Ron Leakey himself, who opened the bar with his longtime friend, Hamilton star Anthony Ramos), who immediately make you feel like a regular. The menu isn’t extensive, but it feels intentional. There’s something for everyone, including what I call bar food re-imagined. A few of my favorites: the chopped cheese egg rolls (dip them in the spicy banana ketchup even if you don’t like banana, trust me), the guava BBQ-glazed wings, Debbie’s Caesar, and the “Milly’s Burger” has never let me down. —Gaetane Lewis, audience director
229 S 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
While seasonal small plates restaurants are a dime a dozen in Brooklyn, Traif has a memorable elevator pitch: smack-dab in an ultra-Orthodox community, the restaurant is dedicated to an unkosher menu. But this isn’t just a provocative concept: the food is excellent (the pomegranate-cherry-cinnamon glazed ribs and the beef and foie gras meatballs were a particular highlight of my last visit), and the staff is also tremendously kind. Traif may be constantly changing up their menu, but the dessert is always consistent. The key lime pie, especially, is not to be missed. —H.J.
184 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
Located in my favorite neighborhood, Fort Greene, is my go-to spot: Miss Ada. It serves, in my opinion, the best Mediterranean food in New York—no contest. The space is always buzzing, and I’m happiest grabbing a seat at the bar or out in the courtyard. The whipped ricotta is a must—it usually hits the table first, right when I’m at my hungriest, but even if it came last, it would still steal the show. I also always order the halloumi and the short rib hummus, both just as memorable. If there’s a wait, I promise it’s worth it. Put your name down and take a stroll through Fort Greene Park. It’s beautiful year-round, but especially perfect on a summer evening! —Molly Barstein, associate manager, audience development
1451 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Not only is the food at this Senegalese spot in Crown Heights delicious, filling, and reasonably priced (don’t sleep on the mafe), but the shop and salon next door—Marche Rue Dix—is stocked with fab vintage treasures and thoughtfully made beauty products, making this the perfect spot to hit for brunch followed by a browse with friends. —Emma Specter, culture writer
123 Havemeyer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Photo: Courtesy of Leo
