Clinton Hill is a small neighborhood in Brooklyn sandwiched between Bed-Stuy and Fort Greene. From the rooftops, you see the Manhattan skyline and maybe even parts of Prospect Park. It was also the New York City neighborhood we called home while we lived in Brooklyn and a place we revisit every return trip. We were looking for something we could afford that wasn’t too far off the subway lines. With so many unique neighborhoods in New York City, choosing a place to live or even a place to spend a day exploring can be overwhelming. We are going to break down why this is one of our favorites.
The Clinton Hill neighborhood is filled with history and character. While there aren’t many large business areas, you’ll still find many incredible restaurants and bars in Clinton Hill. Historic brownstones make up a lot of quiet blocks, so it’s a beautiful place to stroll in any season. Let’s dive into some important information and a list of our favorite bars and restaurants in Clinton Hill.
A Neighborhood Guide for Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
This guide will give you a quick introduction to this little slice of Brooklyn and hopefully leave you wanting more. New York neighborhoods are best explored on foot, so add this to your list of areas to explore, and you are likely to fall in love as we did.
A Brief History of Clinton Hill
Clinton Hill sits at about 95 feet elevation, which means it’s on one of the tallest points in the area. This “hill” is named for Clinton Avenue, which got its name from New York Governor DeWitt Clinton. This neighborhood, along with Fort Greene, were established areas in the 1840s for people who could travel to Manhattan by carriage and the Fulton ferry.
Over time, the mansions were replaced by apartment buildings and tighter row houses. Today, the neighborhood is popular for professionals who want easy access to Manhattan while enjoying the quieter streets of Brooklyn.
How to Get to Clinton Hill
The Clinton Hill Neighborhood is accessible by the A, C, and G trains. It is bordered by Bed-Stuy, Prospect Heights, and Fort Greene. If you’re driving, the neighborhood is directly off of the BQE. It’s about a 25-minute drive from Times Square if there isn’t traffic. The same trip is about 35 minutes on the train.
What Makes the Clinton Hill Neighborhood Unique
The Brooklyn Brownstone has become a dream piece of real estate for many. In Clinton Hill, you’ll find many blocks of beautiful historic homes mixed in with a few large apartment buildings. You’ll meet some residents that have owned their property for decades and many new transplants to the area.
I think what made this area feel unique for us was the combination of quiet, tree-lined streets and quaint local spots, plus incredibly easy access to other areas of Brooklyn and the other Burroughs. It’s a 20-minute walk to downtown Brooklyn. Everything we loved about New York City was easily accessible without being overwhelming and nonstop. Who knows how long the neighborhood will stay like this because everything changes so quickly in the city?
Top Spots to Eat and Drink in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
There are a lot of fantastic restaurants in Clinton Hill. We tried as many as possible but settled on a few favorites that we just kept returning to. There’s a little something for everyone on this list. Make sure to let us know in the comments if you try any of these spots!
For a good beer, visit Mekelburgs.
Mekelburgs is our favorite spot in the neighborhood. Hands down. It is a cheese shop and small gourmet grocery store with a great bar tucked into the back half of the building. They have a wonderful back patio area if the weather is good. The food menu is great for snacking or a meal. Our favorite is the Mek & Cheese or a cheese board. The best part is the rotating 16 craft beers on tap. They work with many local breweries and always have brand new places I’ve never heard of.
For a fancy cocktail and an excellent bartender, visit The Mayflower.
Looking for a speakeasy, romantic cocktail bar? The Mayflower has a few signature cocktails on the wall, but the bartender there will ask you what you like and create something extraordinary. The evening we visited, the bartender was lighting lemon rinds on fire. It was magical. If you’re hungry, you can make a dinner reservation next door at Aita – another super popular neighborhood spot owned by the same group.
For a quick morning pick-me-up, check out Choice Market.
Choice Market was our favorite morning stop (unless you count our bodega for greasy breakfast sandwiches.) The coffee is fantastic, and the selection of pastries and breakfast items is extensive. My go-to there is a Guava filled croissant and an oat milk latte. If you get there during a slower time, you might be lucky enough to grab a seat at the large table inside.
For a great brunch, head to Walter’s.
Technically, this is in the Fort Greene neighborhood, but it’s an easy walk from most places in Clinton Hill. Walter’s is the spot we went on the day we checked out Clinton Hill for the first time, and it instantly felt right. It’s a mix of people from the neighborhood and visitors. Time your visit to overlap the Fort Greene Farmer’s Market, and you can make an entire morning out of it.
To try the pizza voted as one of the best in the country, go to Speedy Romeo’s.
Speedy Romeo’s features a menu of wood-fired pizzas that have made many lists of “bests.” Plus, pizzas are always served with a magical jar of peppers perfect for everything. The White Album is our favorite because it’s a simple combination, but they have many famous and weird combinations.
For a top-rated restaurant, find Locanda Vini & Olii
The food at Locanda Vini & Olii is delicious, but the service, wine selection & dessert are exceptional. You’ll find it by looking for Levi’s Drug Store. They converted the old pharmacy into a beautiful restaurant with some outdoor patio seating in the warmer months. The service was amazing, and when we still had some wine when we finished dinner, we allowed ourselves to be talked into dessert and cheese. Trust me, you can’t miss their desserts.
On a cold day, try ramen from Samurai Papa
Nothing tastes better on a cold winter day than a hot bowl of Ramen. Samurai Papa has a great menu of ramen and Japanese bites. It’s a small place, but you can grab it to go or try and time your visit for a slower time.
To walk off your food, stroll down Clinton Avenue.
So many beautiful big historic mansions with history and fabulous gardens. This is the street that Clinton Hill is named for. If you’ve got some extra time, you can take a detour over to Waverly Ave, where you’ll find the old carriage houses that have been converted into some amazing houses and apartments themselves.
Other Incredible Clinton Hill Spots Worth Mentioning
Clinton Hill has so many wonderful spots, and it’s always changing. The Finch was one of our favorite restaurants of all time, and it didn’t survive the pandemic. With each place leaving, a new place has room to enter the conversation, and there are a few new spots that are excited to check out thanks to recommendations from others. Plus, we couldn’t have a list of the best things to do in Clinton Hill without including the Pratt Institute.
Pratt Institute Gardens
The Pratt Institute has a pretty awesome collection of sculptures throughout the campus. It’s a great place to bring a book and sit and read. Get inspired by all the crazy smart art students working and creating in this space. It’s quiet and green. It’s an incredible place to sneak away and just enjoy the beauty of this neighborhood.
Tarachi
Tarachi has opened since we moved away in a spot that sat vacant for a while. I never turn down a fish taco, so I would love to give this place a shot. With cocktails and a large menu of fun Mexican-inspired flavors, this is a perfect neighborhood spot for a date night or just a celebration of Taco Tuesdays.
Guevara’s
Guevara’s is number two on our list for our next visit to the old stomping grounds. It’s a Plant Palace that serves coffee, pastries, and vegan food. With a menu including empanadas and donuts that are completely plant-based, I think my wallet is happy that this place wasn’t open when I lived on the same street. I want a guava cream cheese donut and a daiquiri, even though it will probably require multiple visits.
Sisters
A favorite Brooklyn brunch spot is Sisters. We have been a few times and loved the breakfast cocktails. Our number one favorite spot closed during COVID, but I feel pretty good about recommending this spot as well. We’ve only had brunch there, but the menu covers brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Some Frequently Asked Questions and Additional Information
It wouldn’t be a Clinton Hill guide without some logistical information about the neighborhood. Here are a few of the FAQs about the area.
Is there parking in Clinton Hill?
We found parking to be a little easier in Clinton Hill than in other neighborhoods we visited often. Honestly, a car is not a necessity in New York City. We only had one because our company paid for it and required us to travel often to Long Island, Upstate, and New Jersey. Make sure to check the street sweeping signs.
Is Clinton Hill a safe neighborhood?
Clinton Hill is attracting more and more young professionals and young families. It’s a relatively safe and quiet neighborhood with easy access to Manhattan. I always felt safe walking the dogs and being in the neighborhood anytime. It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and vigilant, but I would consider this area safe.
How much does it cost to live in Clinton Hill?
The last update shows that the average monthly rental price for a one-bedroom apartment in Clinton Hill is $4379. It’s a neighborhood that has become much more desirable in the last decade for more people. Our apartment was about 700 square feet with an office/den, and we paid $2500. When we moved out, they raised the rent by hundreds of dollars and had a renter on the first showing.
If you’re new to apartment hunting in New York City, I recommend StreetEasy to search for apartments. It can be incredibly stressful with a lot of competition, so when you’re looking, be ready to sign paperwork when you find a place you love. We saw our apartment in Clinton Hill and signed on the spot.
What is Clinton Hill known for?
Clinton Hill is a small neighborhood in Brooklyn, but it has a few claims to fame. This is the neighborhood where Notorious B.I.G. grew up. You can find murals and street art dedicated to him all over. You may also bump into other celebrities who own homes in the neighborhood (but nothing like the West Village in Manhattan).
It’s also a popular filming location for many movies and TV shows set in New York City. One block was used so much in filming that neighbors complained and got a block on filming for an extended period of time.
The big event in the neighborhood is Halloween. Streets shut down, and people organize block parties for people to enjoy. It’s one of the best places to bring kids trick or treating because the area goes all out with decorations.
Closing Thoughts on Clinton Hill in Brooklyn
We loved calling this area home and, honestly, wish we could’ve stayed at least another year. I love returning and walking the same blocks that we walked the dogs every single day. Seeing some of the staples that we loved still thriving in the neighborhood makes me incredibly happy.
There will always be a debate regarding gentrification and how to protect the people who have called these neighborhoods home forever. New York City is an ever-changing monster, and it will break my heart if it loses all of the diverse, beautiful spaces that make it the greatest city in the world. All I know is that it’s critical to be an active member of your community, vote for politicians who understand the people they are representing and always support local businesses.
Clinton Hill is a gem, and I’m so grateful for the time we spent living there. If you want more NYC content, check out our full rundown of the best things to do in NYC at Christmastime.
Click on the map below to get more menu information and exact locations.
Enjoy your stroll around Clinton Hill, and let us know if you try any new places.
Pin this for later:
