Gates Avenue (J, Z)
When you first exit this station, the immediate area looks like an African-American and African/West Indies diaspora hub. There are also some signs of hipster gentrification, like the L Train Vintage store right next to the station entrance.
If you poke up into Bushwick, or down into Bed-Stuy, you’ll notice cool spots, which would ordinarily indicate gentrification, but around this stop at least, these hip spots seem to be welcoming to the pre-existing community.
To get a flavor of Bed-Stuy
Project 472 recommends you head south on Ralph Ave from the station, then turn left on Halsey until you end up at the Halsey (J) stop. It’s like you’re making a little triangle with Broadway Ave.
Some gems along Ralph Ave:
OneTwoOne Cafe for wine and coffee, community events, classes, local artist of the month displays, and overall great vibes. It’s run by a really great husband and wife couple, Emilienne and Eric Gray, who are genuinely invested in their community and it shows in their space.
Adanne Bookshop for Black & feminist inspired gifts and a cute, approachable book selection.
Chez Alex for coffee or a bite with the local scene. (Though if you’re willing to walk one block further west, try Passionfruit Coffee.)
Toad Style for actually good vegan burgers. Not the gross soy kind, but like, genuinely fresh patties. It’s lined with pop-art posters, and filled with little booths. Perfect for takeout or dine in.
Noir Yoga serves the local community and is really well-rated.
Now for the rest of the Bed-Stuy recs along Halsey St, go to the Halsey (J) stop.
To get a flavor of Bushwick
The part of Bushwick around this stop is less gentrified than other parts (*cough* Jefferson L). I’d weave up through any of the cute townhome streets from the station into Bushwick to get a sense of its Black, Brown, and occasionally gentrified residential feel. If you’re looking for a destination deeper in Bushwick to help anchor your explorations, consider Sunrise/Sunset for organic wine, or Caffeine Underground for board games or just an arty hangout vibe. Yeah, they’re a bit far from the station (around a 10 min walk), but the walk will give you that local and charming residential Bushwick flavor.
The vibes immediately outside of the station.
Adanne Bookshop on Ralph Ave
Toad Style, vegan legend, on Ralph Ave
Chez Alex on Ralph Ave
Well since I’m talking about it so much, here’s Ralph Ave
Emilienne and Eric, sitting on one of the pews inside OneTwoOne Cafe. The space used to be a church and they maintained some of the original decor.
