East New York, NY Road Trips

Cypress Hills is a small ethnically diverse subsection of East New York separated from the rest of the neighborhood by Atlantic Avenue. East New York like many Brooklyn neighborhoods is rich in its own history with homes where farms once stood and its many parks like Highland Park where children can roam free to play. The Gateway Mall is one of the few suburban-like malls in the city and the City Line subsection or Liberty Avenue is where residents can come and do their shopping for food and clothing. Alongside the projects, parks and new homes are popping up everywhere. Like Brownsville, East New York is one of the most dangerous communities in New York City, though the crime rate has dropped quite a lot since the bad old days a few decades ago. Most visitors to New York City only pass through on their way to or from John F. Kennedy Airport on the A and J trains or the B15 bus. Canarsie is a West Indian neighborhood with somewhat of a "small-town" feel, largely composed of 1- and 2-family houses. The major commercial streets are Rockaway Parkway and parts of Seaview Avenue. Mill Basin and Bergen Beach are largely residential areas, predominantly occupied by Italian, Jewish, and Russian inhabitants.

1 Cypress Hills Cemetery. A military cemetery on the border of Brooklyn and Queens. 2 Marine Park, Shore Pkwy., Avenue U, Filmore Ave. bet. Brigham St., Gerritsen Ave., and Flatbush Ave.. Brooklyn's largest park, which includes 530 acres of protected grassland and salt marsh.

1 Original's Pizza, 2351 Ralph Ave. Original's Pizza, or "OG's" as the locals refer to it, is home to some of the most authentic pizza you can find in South Brooklyn. You'll come for the plain, but you'll stay for the other creative slices they offer. (updated Mar 2016) 2 Dolly's Ices, Ave U and 58th St. A summertime favorite for South Brooklyn residents, Dolly's boasts a wide array of flavors which keep locals coming back for more. (updated Mar 2016) 3 Mill Basin Deli, 5823 Avenue T, ☏ +1 718-241-4910. Known for some of the best pastrami in Brooklyn, the Mill Basin Deli is a true Brooklyn/Jewish Deli. If you find yourself in the area, a sandwich from here is a must. (updated Mar 2016)

1 Bill's Bar, 6326 Avenue N. A small watering hole found in Mill Basin, Bill's is one of the only bars in the area. Stop in here to get a taste of what the community is like.

1 North Brooklyn / 12 Towns YMCA, 570 Jamaica Ave (between Shepherd Ave and Highland Pl; Subway: J Z trains to Norwood Ave), ☏ +1 718 277-1600, fax: +1 718 277-2081. 97 single-occupancy guest rooms.

This area has relatively poor subway coverage compared to most of Brooklyn. There are no subways to the Flatlands area--the closest station is Flatbush Avenue-Brooklyn College on the 2 and (rush hours) 5 --almost an hour away by walking (though buses along streets like Flatbush Avenue and Avenue H can bring you there faster)! Canarsie is somewhat better served, with the L terminating at Canarsie--Rockway Parkway, which is about 25 minutes away from Jamaica Bay by walking (though the B42 bus goes to Canarsie Piers from the station). The L is somewhat difficult to access from elsewhere in Brooklyn, but the G, M, J/Z, and A/C all have transfers to it. On the other hand, if you're visiting East New York, probably the area of least interest to travelers due to the high crime, you are spoiled for choice. The 3 terminates at New Lots Avenue, the closest station to the Bay (but once again, still a distance). The A/C and J/Z also have lots of stops in East New York. If you're traveling directly to Brooklyn from JFK, you will probably pass through here--rest assured, the trains are safe. Long Island Railroad's Atlantic Branch has a single stop in this district at East New York. Trains stopping here are heading to or originate from Atlantic Terminal. The BM1, BM2, BM4, and BM5 express buses come here from Manhattan. Given the spotty subway coverage and high crime in some parts of this area, East Brooklyn may well be one of the few places best reached by car. The Belt Parkway and Shore Parkway circle Brooklyn and are very close to the attractions in the Jamaica Bay.