Summer in February, Junior’s Love Stories, Pony’s in Red Hook & More
We're sharing neighborhood openings, events, happenings and more.
Here’s what’s happening this week:
✨ Local Happenings and New Openings ✨
A new cocktail bar Pony’s NYC is planning to open at 424 Van Brunt Street in Red Hook, led by owners Elana Shvalbe and Michael Furac, who previously operated the pop-up Five Seats in a barbershop. Early filings describe an approximately 1,100-square-foot space with daytime-through-late hours, centered on cocktails and a small, shareable food menu. Sample dishes include marinated feta, smoked trout, and cucumber salad, along with simple desserts like chocolate babka and apricots with honey.
Bar Bruno is getting a new chapter in Carroll Gardens under the team behind Greenpoint Fish & Lobster, who’ve purchased both the Henry Street and Williamsburg locations. They’re reopening soon with a refreshed look, upgraded margaritas and cocktails, and keeping their warm, family-friendly vibe. Andrea Strong gives the full scoop HERE.
In need of some inspo for your weekend plans? We’ve curated a cozy Carroll Gardens day here.
Atlantic Avenue and nearby blocks in Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, and Boerum Hill form one of NYC’s most vibrant hubs of Arabic culture. From Lebanese and Syrian bakeries to Yemeni cafés, Palestinian restaurants, halal butchers, and perfume shops, this stretch reflects generations of family-run businesses and enduring traditions. Explore this guide to the flavors and institutions that continue to shape this historic corridor.
Check out our round-up of Black-Owned businesses in honor of Black History Month HERE.
The newly opened Confidant has created quite the buzz on Atlantic Ave. We checked it out for ourselves. Check out the recap of our visit here.
These futuristic cabins were designed as private VIP retreat spaces for artists on the Brooklyn Mirage rooftop - but the performance venue never reopened. Now these “PEBL Grand” cabins by Hello Wood are basically sitting idle and looking for a new home.
Feel Good News: Love was in the air at Junior’s in Downtown Brooklyn, where four couples from across the country renewed their wedding vows inside the iconic cheesecake destination. Couples were selected from more than 1,000 submissions, each one sharing how Junior’s has been part of their love story.
Art fans- save the date! Brooklyn Fine Art Print Fair is set to return to Powerhouse Arts in Gowanus Apr. 9–12th. Tickets are on sale now!
✨ Continue reading our ‘Cobble Hill Insider’ section at the bottom just for paid subscribers who want to stay a step ahead - soft openings & exclusives!
Do you have a story we should be sharing? 🗞️ Text us at (607) 301-1215, submit anonymously here, or email us
Our Top Picks
Events with an asterisk* tend to sell out- reserve tickets early!
Today, February 19:
Black Future Festival @ Brooklyn Children’s Museum (through Saturday Feb 21st, 10:00am-5:00pm: Join Brooklyn Children’s Museum for Brooklyn’s boldest celebration of Black imagination, invention, and joy, shaped by Black creators. Make art, learn dances, create music, and envision the future that celebrates Black culture and the African Diaspora. FREE with museum admission ($15).
Speed Dating @ Planted Cafe (7:00pm-8:30pm)*: This high-energy Speed Dating Mashup Night is designed to spark real connections in a relaxed, plant-powered setting. Guests rotate through timed meetups across fun themed tracks before the evening rolls into open mic night. Tickets HERE.
Friday, February 20:
Goatroper @ Jalopy Tavern (8:00pm): Enjoy a live honky-tonk set and expect a night of two-steppin’, country tunes, and dance-floor energy.
Saturday, February 21:
Lunar New Year Celebration @ City Point (Saturday February 21, 1:00pm-3:00pm): Brooklyn Bridge Parents is teaming up with City Point to host a Lunar New Year celebration. Families can enjoy Lion Dance performances, free Lunar New Year–inspired kids’ crafts, and festive fun for all ages—wear red to welcome good fortune. RSVP HERE.
Speed Friending @ Strong Rope Brewery (Gowanus) (6:00pm-8:00pm): This free, fun event designed to help newbies (or locals who are happy to add to their circle of friends) meet new friends in the area. Bring a book you love (or grab something new from Books Are Magic), and there will be 10-minute speed rounds to find your people. Like speed dating, only better. FREE.
Sunday, February 22:
Poetry Workshop @ Brooklyn Museum (11:00am-1:30pm): Contemplate the Brooklyn Museum’s Asian Art collection and the Rubin Museum Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, and follow your poetic instincts. Join Tsering Wangmo Dhompa, associate professor of literature and creative writing at Villanova University, in the galleries for this generative creative-writing experience. The workshop will begin with an overview of the installation by Joan Cummins, Lisa and Bernard Selz Curator of Asian Art at the Brooklyn Museum. $35/$21 for members.
Monday, February 23:
Book Club Meet Cute @ Saturn Road (7:00pm): A new book club kicks off Monday for all the Sallys and Harrys with a relaxed, no-pressure first meetup focused on mingling and getting to know each other IRL (no reading required). Bring friends, bring a crush, or just bring yourself and come ready to connect. RSVP HERE.
Tuesday, February 24:
Summer in February @ Rooftop at Time Out 5th floor (6:30pm-9:30pm)*: Get a head start on summer at the Summer in February | Sing for Your Summer fundraiser. This festive night of cocktails and karaoke benefits the park’s beloved Long Summer Days programming, with 100% of proceeds supporting Brooklyn Bridge Park. Tickets include a signature cocktail and Time Out Market bites, with additional eats available from Fornino, Tanoreen, Rogue Panda, and Bark Barbecue. Karaoke slots for the Brooklyn Bridge Belt-Off are up for grabs too! Get your ticket HERE.
Wednesday, February 25:
Twice Desired Popup @ Café Brume (5:00pm-9:00pm): Stop by for an evening of curated vintage and designer fashion plus unique home finds, with happy hour cocktails and nibbles available as you browse. Details HERE.
Drink n’ Draft @ Anaïs Wine Bar (7:00pm): Enjoy a cozy night of wine and creative writing games. All genres and experience levels are welcome.
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Neighborhood Job Board
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✨ Cobble Hill Insider ✨
This week’s Insider section includes: A new ice cream shop coming soon to the neighborhood • A new beer garden spotlighting rotating breweries and new pizza slice shop opening soon in Gowanus • The latest housing lotteries for affordable units