botdual.com; 1737 N 12th Ave, Sunset Park; mains $16-22; h11:30am-10:30pm Sun-Thu, to 11pm Fri & Sat; v; bD train to 9th Ave-18th St) 6Mamoun's FalafelMIDDLE EASTERN$ MAP GOOGLE MAP ) This busy takeout shop makes New York–style falafel fresh every day and serves them up in a pita or on a salad. Either way, the spicy combination of chickpeas, parsley, onion, garlic and spices never disappoints. Take out or order at the cafeteria-style counter. ( %718-484-7124; 1845 N 6th St, Sunset Park; sandwiches $5-10; h11am-8pm Mon-Fri, noon-8pm Sat; v; bR subway to 8th Ave) 6Doughnuts Desserts & CafeDESSERTS$ MAP GOOGLE MAP ) Just the name of this café is enough to make you salivate: 'Doughnuts Desserts & Cafe' features handmade doughnuts, desserts and all things sugar. The shop also has pastries, gourmet coffee, teas, smoothies and more and serves dinner (think pork schnitzel and apple streusel pancakes). You can also indulge with a coffee or beer on the outdoor patio. ( %718-833-2921; www.doughnutsdessertsandcafe.com; 901 4th Ave, Sunset Park; mains $5-10; h8am-midnight Mon-Thu, to 1am Fri & Sat, 11am-11pm Sun; v; bC train to 50th St) 6Yak & YetiCHINESE$ MAP GOOGLE MAP ) A real find in a neighborhood short on Indian eateries, this cozy joint is a real gem. It offers a well-executed selection of Northern Indian fare, from Punjabi tandoori chicken to delectable vegetarian _kati_ rolls. There's always a meat-free option for vegetarians. The ambience is intimate and casual. ( %718-857-6266; 1410 56th St, Sunset Park; mains $9-15; hnoon-10:30pm Mon-Thu, to 11pm Fri & Sat; v; bR subway to 8th Ave-Nevsky Pky) 6Manna Food KitchenMIDDLE EASTERN$ MAP GOOGLE MAP ) A kosher takeout joint, Manna serves up huge portions of traditional and inventive Middle Eastern fare. Most people come for the delicious falafel sandwiches, but there's also a great hummus selection, chicken schwarma and couscous. All meats are made in-house and are delicious. For vegetarians, there's always falafel. ( %718-384-7388; www.manna-nyc.com; 1449 5th Ave, Sunset Park; sandwiches $6-8; h10am-10pm Mon-Thu, to 11pm Fri & Sat; v; bR subway to 8th Ave-Nevsky Pky) 6Pomegranate HavaNazirVEGETARIAN$$ MAP GOOGLE MAP ) A bright, cheerful vegetarian place serving up some of the best Middle Eastern fare in town. It's a bit on the pricey side, but if you're willing to splurge, the hummus platter, felafel plate and roasted eggplant are all winners. There are also plenty of great soups and salads and a decent wine and cocktail list. ( %718-633-5680; www.pomegranatehavanazir.com; 1808 8th Ave, Sunset Park; mains $14-18; h8am-10pm Mon-Fri, 10am-10pm Sat, 10am-9pm Sun; v; b4, 5, N, Q, R subway to 14th St-Union Sq) 6Taiwan CafeCHINESE$$ MAP GOOGLE MAP ) Folks line up out the door for the tasty and authentic Taiwanese food here, including crispy noodle bowls (the _huo guo fen_ with pork and beef are recommended), dumplings and a long list of desserts. The lunch specials (most mains $6 to $12) are good deals. ( %718-596-8888; www.taiwancafes.com; 1324 5th Ave, Sunset Park; mains $11-25; h11:30am-10:30pm; v; bR subway to 8th Ave-Nevsky Pky) 6TangbaoASIAN$$ MAP GOOGLE MAP ) This cozy, unassuming place serves a variety of delicious, authentic Taiwanese dishes, including pork in peanut sauce, whole-fish soup and steamed pork buns. Wash them down with an ice-cold beer or a refreshing glass of _tang yu_ (the island's version of lemonade), which has a light, sweet and tart taste. ( %718-833-3968; www.tangbao.com; 1401 5th Ave, Sunset Park; mains $10-17; h11am-10pm; v; bR subway to 8th Ave-Nevsky Pky) l Local Life **Coney Island** Few neighborhoods scream summertime more than Coney Island, with its squealing rides and old-school carny games. The famous Cyclone roller coaster may be out of commission since 2011, but this boardwalk was home to the very first one, back in 1927. The Coney Island branch of **Smorgasburg** ( GOOGLE MAP ) ; %718-372-2655; www.smorgasburg.com; Coney Island Ave & W 8th St, at Stillwell Ave; h11am-6pm Sat & Sun Jun-Oct; bD, F, N, Q to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave) in Brooklyn has over 100 artisanal vendors selling everything from barbecue and beer to ice cream and furniture. **Sideshows** (www.coneyisland.com/sideshows.html; h10am-midnight May-Oct) features live performers on street corners and free daily shows at the famed Cyclone Theater (the world's first steel roller coaster); it's open most days, though off-season performances may only be staged in the theater. Understand **Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill & Downtown Brooklyn** Like its neighboring community of Manhattan, Brooklyn has evolved into one of the most densely populated places in the city. The result is a remarkable melding of old and new, where the area's history is intricately bound to its contemporary life, with old Victorian brownstones and grand Greek Revival and Renaissance mansions mingling with new luxury condos and a bustling waterfront. ### NEW YORK CITY FOR KIDS If your children are old enough to enjoy a multistory playground, head to the **Brooklyn Bridge Park** on the Brooklyn side of the bridge ( %718-222-9939; www.bricartsmedia.org; Jay St, at Furman St; h6am-midnight; b2, 3, 4, 5 to Borough Hall; B, Q, R to Court Sq). There are two playgrounds at ground level, plus a great summertime playground and picnic area on the bridge itself. A favorite stop for families is the **Brooklyn Children's Museum** ( %718-735-4400; www.brooklynkids.org; 145 Brooklyn Ave, at St Marks Ave; admission $8; h9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat & Sun; c; b2, 3, 4, 5 to Franklin Ave; F to York St), where there's plenty for little ones to do, from an interactive sound studio and art room to a playroom for kids aged 2 to 5. In warm weather the adjacent fountain is a favorite spot to cool off. 1Top Sights Brooklyn BridgeC3 New York Public LibraryC3 5Eating 1GreenwoodC4 2Café OrlinC4 3Red LanternB4 4CookshopB4 5Brooklyn CrabB2 6SmorgasburgD2 7Fifi'sB4 8Mighty Quinn'sB1 9SobhaB4 10Pera MüsliB4 11Noodle PudD3 12Yemen SanaaniD1 13BarbounyaB2 6Drinking 14BirreriaD3 15Karen's BarC4 16DyKnotC4 17Brass MonkeyC4 3Entertainment 18St Ann