Maybe Prospect Heights’ Vanderbilt avenue was never the bees knees to you, but personally I used to holler a lot, what with $12 1L bottles of Korean rice liquor aka Soju at Noo Na (now closed), Weatherup’s beautiful backyard and pristine ambience, and wild nights at Soda bar. But it’s 2009 people. Noo Na is now a corny spot (aptly named Cornelius), Weatherup’s $15 cocktails are kinda recession-taboo and Soda bar is kinda tired. Never fear - just one block over is Washington avenue, not only my favorite street to bike commute on, but also a haven for neighborhood gems. Washington Commons is a brand new casual (read:cheaper) bar with back garden, while Idalia’s salon-boutique is the ideal place to get a last minute Friday night outfit (it’s open ’til 10pm!). You can get really good coffee and chocolate chip cookies at Sit and Wonder, and Gen is probably the best Japanese restaurant in Brooklyn. Other highlights include the vegan Caribbean bakery, Tom’s bomb brunch diner, the giant burritos at the Taqueria, and the women’s hardware store. Sorry to take you to the cleaners, Vanderbilt, but your day is done.
