Author Archives: Chad Purkey

Name: Trivia Night
Start: 2026-07-02T20:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-07-02T22:00:00-04:00
Location: Putnam’s Pub & Cooker

Barber Shops for the Holidays & Beyond

If you are looking to be as sharp as you want to be this holiday season — while attending holiday functions, opening up gifts, out on a date, out and about shopping locally–definitely stop in at one of the barber shops on Myrtle Avenue. You are guaranteed good customer service, great conversation and quick and expert service, and of course, a good fresh cut.

Many of the barbers on Myrtle have been in the business a long time, having had great opportunity to really perfect their craft, including Mr. Jefferson, pictured above, long time barber at Doo’s Barber Shop who has been in the barbering biz since 1967. “We’re like a fine wine which gets even better with time,” shared one Myrtle Avenue barber.

A regular haircut runs from about $10. Shave plus haircut, designs and more will run you more.

For holiday and everyday freshness–stop in!

Doo’s Barber Shop

435 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly
(718) 624-8769

Miracle’s Barber Shop

473A Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue & Hall
(347) 406-2911

Myrtle His & Hers Barber Shop

349 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton & Adelphi
(718) 637-3955

Ray’s Barber Shop

331 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Park & Carlton
(718) 834-0225

Tree Lighting in Fort Greene Park

Come Join Us on Sunday, December 7th for the Holiday Tree Lighting in Fort Greene Park (entrance at Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park). This event is sponsored in partnership with the Fort Greene Park Conservancy.

Song, Snacks and Santa, and Fun!

Ring In 2015 with Final Steam Whistle Blow at Pratt Institute

cover and inside photo credit: Scott Lynch, Flckr

It’s going to feel, well, quite frankly, odd to sing Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight this coming 2015 during the time-honored annual steam whistle blow at Pratt Institute to mark the entrance of the new year. The tradition has been intact at the college for the past 50 years.

Will the song’s rhetorical first line, “should old acquaintances be forgot” feel even more so? Will we be belting out the lyrics in reference to the year just past, or will we be questioning our ability to retain the beautiful memory of this much-loved and soon also much-missed ceremony.

A press release shared by Pratt earlier today confirmed that January 1, 2015 will mark the steam whistle’s final blow, the end to the distinctive tone caused by piped steam forcing through thin-mouthed whistles to chime in each New Year.

Pratt cites the closure of the ceremony primarily as a staffing issue as the school is closed Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day, which does not allow the school to provide appropriate staffing for the event each year. Advanced set up for the event normally includes hoisting the 250 pound pipes that feed the steam whistles and the whistles themselves which weigh between 20 and 150 pounds each.

Mr. Conrad Milster, who has worked at the college since 1958 and has run the whistle blow early on will continue at the college in the capacity of chief engineer (there have been only four chief engineers in the history of the college) and will continue to run the college’s power plant, which supplies heat for the entire Brooklyn campus and including the historic engine room.

The final whistle ceremony will take place on the Pratt Main campus located at 200 Willoughby Avenue. Hope to see you there.

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Those who wish to honor Mr. Milster’s long, great history and current work at Pratt can do so through the scholarship fund named for him and his late wife, the Phyllis and Conrad Milster Endowed Scholarship, offered to students in Pratt’s Industrial Design Program (www.pratt.edu/give) or by calling the school at (718) 230-6810.

Holiday Tree Lighting at Fort Greene Park

Elected officials and locals came to join us in lighting the Holiday Tree at Fort Greene Park this past Sunday at the corner of Myrtle Avenue & Washington Park. This was a special moment in the community, as it was the first time that a Holiday Tree is displayed at the Park. Families and friends gathered to witness this occasion as local performers led the crowd in singing carols and Assemblyman Joseph Lentol held his own in a surprise performance. Those with a sweet tooth enjoyed hot chocolate served up by the family-run Castro’s and cookies by Pushkin Creperie Bakery. Kids did not let the bitter cold bother them while they took their spontaneous photo with Santa. Others that joined in the festivities were Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Council Member Laurie Cumbo, and District Leader Olanike Alabi.

This event was the first of its kind and the Partnership & Fort Greene Park Conservancy will be seeking future sponsors to help make this an annual tradition.

If you missed the event it is not too late to catch a glimpse. Take a stroll on Myrtle Avenue before or after dinner and take a photo with friends and family.

A special thank you to Castro’s & Pushkin Creperie Bakery.

Click HERE to see a time lapse video of the tree set up.

Polish Bar of Brooklyn Moves to New Digs at 475 Myrtle Avenue

Hi Beauty Mavens, Polish Bar of Brooklyn has a new address–475 Myrtle Avenue.

After nearly 9 years in business, Polish Bar of Brooklyn is pleased to announce their new sleek digs (#newpolishbar) located just across the street (from their old), so it will be easy to find them between Washington Avenue and Hall Street.

The comfy-sophistic space that is Polish Bar of Brooklyn offers manicures, pedicures, makeup applications, waxing, lash applications and brow shaping. New upgrades, include pipe-less (hygienic) pedicure spa chairs with full massage capability, additional service rooms and more nail polish than ever before.

Congratulations, Polish Bar of Brooklyn!

Polish Bar of Brooklyn is located at 475 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street. They can be reached at (718) 622-5363.

Holiday Cards at Green in BKLYN

Green in BKLYN carries a full line of holiday cards, from the serious to the whimsical, you are guaranteed to find one that says ‘happy holidays’ in just the right way.

Stop in for a holiday card, as well as to check out the hundreds of other wonderful gift and household items, including many Brooklyn-centric items, including books, wine totes, toys, purses, quilts, Soda Streams, solar backpacks, key chains, chocolates and more.

Green in BKLYN is located at 432 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Clinton Avenues. The store can be reached at (718) 855-4383.

Something For Everyone at 21 Tara

21 Tara offers a wide range of beautiful gifts and clothing. Gifts vary in price, offering gifts for every budget. Small woven coin purses, for example, start at just $5, cotton glove pairs start at just $8, minerals, such as palm-sized amethyst and quartz stones run for just under $10 and small wooden jewelry boxes start at the $8 to $10 range. Colorful Himalayan wool blankets are now on sale for $40.

Dresses, blankets, scarves, hats, rings and bracelets with semi-precious stones, shoulder bags, wallets and decorative masks are just a few of the wonderful items available at 21 Tara.

21 Tara is located at 388 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont & Adelphi. They can reached at (347) 916-0045.

2015 Myrtle Avenue Shopping & Dining Guide Released

The printed 2015 Myrtle Avenue Shopping & Dining Guide hit stores today. Please pick up your copy at any Myrtle Avenue business, or on Small Business Saturday, 11/29 at Citibank’s ‘Shop Small’ table. The handy guide is just in time to help navigate stores during the busy holiday gift buying season.

The new 12-page guide features listings of over 160 primarily small businesses located along Myrtle Avenue, along with their addresses and cross streets and phone numbers.

The front cover of this year’s guide features photos from the interior of many Myrtle Avenue businesses, a glimpse of the wonderful products and services contained within.

A rendering of the upcoming Myrtle Avenue Pedestrian Plaza is on the back cover, the upcoming 25,000sf new public space which is expected to be completed in late 2015. Along with the rendering is a map of the Plaza area, which of course includes businesses in the area which which are open for business, all throughout the Plaza construction.

The business listings in the 2015 guide represent the rich and wide diversity of enterprises along the Avenue, from much loved old and new cafes and restaurants; to the local hardware store; to the popular dance and yoga studio as well as jiu jitsu studio; to beauty salons and barbers, to bike shops and clothing stores.

The guide also includes a 2-paneled ‘Meet the Merchants’ section featuring a representative few of the small business owners that make our Myrtle Avenue district special and unique, a 2-paneled map, complete with arrows to local subway and bus lines and Citibike stations and a list of local jaunts and destinations, including Fort Greene Park and the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument, the former homes of author Richard Wright and poet and editor Walt Whitman.

Pick up a copy of the 2015 Myrtle Avenue Shopping & Dining Guide starting TODAY. In addition to Myrtle Avenue stores, guides will also be available to pick-up at the Brooklyn Tourism Center, BLDG 92, BAM and Fort Greene SNAP.

Holiday Sale at Barking Brown

On these oh so cold days, Barking Brown has a holiday special that will help keep us warm and toasty. Buy 1 scarf, and get a 2nd scarf of a pair of gloves for 30% off.

Barking Brown has a wide array of wonderful clothing and accessory items for more formal to more casual occasions.

Barking Brown is located at 468 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street and can be reached at (718) 638-3757.

Holiday Gift Guide

Clockwise from top left: Kenyan soapstone bowls at Owa Afrikan Market; roasted coffee at Brewklyn Grind; NYC-made chocolates at Green in BKLYN; glove and scarf sets at Barking Brown; Himalayan wool blankets at 21 Tara; in-house label duffle bag at Leisure Life NYC; and minimalist iPhone & iPod speakers at Jill Lindsey.

We’ve scoured Myrtle Avenue’s shops in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill to find the top holiday gift finds for 2014. We’ve compiled a list of great new products, special promotions and local holiday events in our annual holiday gift guide. Whether you’re in need of winter accessories (30% off at Barking Brown), a new bag for the man in your life (30% off at Leisure Life), or perhaps a cool new speaker for a tech friend (under $100 at Jill Lindsey), the shops on Myrtle Avenue can help you find the perfect guide.

Click here to view the 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.

Holiday Gift Guide
The gift guide highlights eight different local gift ideas, but there of course are hundreds of more other great finds in Myrtle Avenue’s shops. You can visit the district’s online shopping guide to find other stores. And many of the local restaurants and hair salons or barber shops also sell gift certificates as well!

Take a look at daily local gifts posted HERE.

Scaffolding Comes Down at 490 Myrtle Avenue

Scaffolding has begun to come down at the new building at 490 Myrtle Avenue, on the corner of Hall Street, in Clinton Hill. The seven-story building will have retail on the ground floor, with apartments above. Associated Supermarket will be returning to the site, along with a new TD Bank branch. The upper-floors will contain 93-units of housing, with 20% slated to be marketed as affordable .

A second building will soon begin construction directly to the east of 490 Myrtle Avenue, replacing the one-story commercial row that was home to the Pratt Station Post Office. Plans for 504 Myrtle Avenue have been pre-filed and reveal that it will be six-stories, with 92 housing units and commercial on the ground floor. In total, the two new buildings will contain 35,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space.

Knife and Spork Kitchenware Store Opens on Myrtle Avenue

A new kitchenware store, Knife and Spork, opened today in Bed-Stuy at 602 Myrtle Avenue, on the corner of Taaffe Place. The new shop is carrying “regionally sourced and independently designed cooking gear; unique culinary, EDC, and survival knives; and top-rated appliances,” according to their website. We spoke with the owner yesterday and he said they’ll be continuously adding new inventory in the next few weeks, adding even more to their currently collection of kitchenware goods.

Knife and Spork, 602 Myrtle Avenue, corner of Taaffe. (718) 622-0234.

Local resident, Renee Robinson Champions Small Business Saturday

If she looks familiar, it’s because she’s a Clinton Hill neighbor who has lived in the area for quite some time. Renee Robinson has a passion for seeing small local businesses thrive. Stop by Citibank (430 Myrtle Avenue, corner of Clinton Avenue) on Small Business Saturday — Saturday, November 29th, where Renee will be joining forces with Citibank to giveaway ‘Shop Small’ canvas bags and a number of other ‘shop small’ goodies.

Small Business Saturday is an annual event held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year as a way to promote shopping at your small, locally owned businesses during the holiday season. Myrtle Avenue shops and restaurants will be offering up specials and hosting events on that Saturday, November 29th. Stay tuned throughout the month to hear about their special offerings!

Be sure to visit the Myrtle Avenue shopping guide to help you find the oh so perfect holiday gift right here in the neighborhood!

Holiday Dinner Party Gift Ideas

Looking for a dinner party or hostess gift for Thanksgiving, or anytime this holiday season? Consider sweet, rich and delicious chocolates from Green in BKLYN. Green in Brooklyn now carries a full line of chocolate from NYC-based chocolate makers, including Mast Brothers, Raaka, and Li-Lac Chocolates. Green in BKLYN is located at 432 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly and Clinton, and can be reached at (718) 855-4383.

And of course, our Myrtle Avenue wine shops: Gnarly Vines, Corkscrew Wines and Tipsy always offer a wide variety of delicious wines for any occasion, including

At Gnarly Vines, pick up 4-and 6-packs of wines that pair well with holiday dishes. Gnarly Vines is located at 350 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Carlton, and can be reached at (718) 797-3183.

At Corkscrew Wines, seasonal 2- and 4- pack bottles of wine are available, ranging from $35 to $80. Corkscrew Wines Brooklyn is located at 489 Myrtle Avenue between Hall and Ryerson , and can be reached at (718) 230-9463.

At Tipsy, $20 OFF – Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial Champagne, a perfect pairing with holiday cheese plates. Tipsy is located at 584 Myrtle Avenue between Classon and Emerson, and can be reached at (347) 599-1672.

For other Myrtle Avenue holiday 2014 gift ideas, please click here!

Gratitude Special at Move with Grace, $25 for two

Pick a class, any class at Move with Grace Yoga, Dance, Fitness Studio and Juice Bar and take it for $25, for two.

From Move with Grace: “Bring your brother, lover, friend or mother to class and pay $25 for the two of you.” Sounds like a great special.

Move with Grace Yoga, Dance, Fitness Studio and Juice Bar is located at 469 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street. The studio can be reached at (718) 230-0013.

Pic of the Week: Myrtle Car Service is fast, safe and dependable

Two great and dependable car services are located in the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn BID district, including Myrtle Car Service at 525 Myrtle Avenue (entrance is on Grand). The Marin Family has owned and operated Myrtle Car Service for nearly 20 years.

24 hours per day, 7 days per week, luxury cars and SUVs, Myrtle Car will get you there. Service to NYC and Long Island, NJ, CT and PA, including all airports. Special rates for regular medical center visits can be arranged.

Myrtle Car Service is located at 525 Myrtle Avenue at Grand (entrance is on Grand) and can be contacted at (718) 230-8100 with questions or for pickup and reservations.

Small Business Saturday on Myrtle Avenue

Local resident Renee Robinson will be set-up in CitiBank on Myrtle Avenue, at Clinton, with Small Business Saturday gift guides and free goodies on Saturday, Nov 29.

UPDATE: On Small Business Saturday, Nov 29th, you can stop by CitiBank on Myrtle Avenue to find local resident and small business supporter Renee Robinson. Renee will be handing free Shop Small goodies, like tote bags, and local gift guides.

We’ve begun to prepare for this year’s Small Business Saturday, the annual event held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year as a way to promote shopping at your small, locally owned businesses during the holiday season. Myrtle Avenue shops and restaurants will be offering up specials and hosting events on that Saturday, November 29th. Stay tuned throughout the month to hear about their special offerings!

In the meantime, while you are making your gift buying list, be sure to visit the Myrtle Avenue shopping guide to help you find where you can buy the perfect gift right here in the neighborhood!

Myrtle Avenue businesses will be hosting special deals and events on Small Business Saturday, November 29th.

Refreshing, homemade lemonade at John’s Donut

If you have not tried the homemade, freshly squeezed lemonade at John’s Donut & Coffee Shop, you are missing a treat. A pretty tall cups runs less than $2–ice cold, substantial lemon flavor and pre-sweetened.

John’s is a popular old-fashioned neighborhood diner. Affordable, good, hearty meals like eggs, home fries, toast and coffee plus tip for $5.

John’s Donut & Coffee Shop is located at 481 Myrtle Avenue, on the corner of Hall Street. They can be reached at (718) 638-0412.

1908 Unveiling of the Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument

Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument unveiling, November 14, 1908.

Over a century ago, in 1908, a new Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument was unveiled in the center of Fort Greene Park. The monument commemorates more than 11,000 people who died here in the neighborhood during the Revolutionary War. For seven years during the war, the British held American prisoners aboard ships in Wallabout Bay, where the Brooklyn Navy Yard sits today. Due to lack of hygienic conditions, sanitary food, water and rampant spread of disease, thousands of prisoners lost their lives aboard these ships. Remains of some of those killed aboard the ships were moved to a crypt that sits below the monument.

You can read more about the fascinating history of the prisoners and efforts to memorialize their lost over at “On the Ground History” blog.

Rendering Revealed for New Building at Myrtle & Vanderbilt

ODA Architects, who have designed a new building for the northwest corner of Myrtle and Vanderbilt Avenues, have released a rendering for the new mixed-use building. The building will have 8,100 square feet of new commercial space and 3,200 square feet of community facilities space on the ground floor. Upstairs will be 45 new housing units, spread across 41,000 square feet.

The very contemporary design is a stark contrast to the neighboring 19th-century homes and row buildings found in Wallabout Historic District, which includes the properties sitting just next to the site. It’s also quite different than other new buildings construed on Myrtle Avenue in the past few years, including 379 Myrtle Avenue (which houses Walgreen’s), Pratt Institute’s Myrtle Hall, and 490 Myrtle Avenue which is currently under construction and will be home to the returning Associated Supermarket at Myrtle and Hall Street.

This site is not located within a historic district and is not subject to any design review process with the City.

Make Reservations Now for Thanksgiving Dinner on Myrtle Avenue

The Runner will be using their wood fired oven to create classic Thanksgiving dishes.

If you’re looking to not spend Thanksgiving in the kitchen but want to enjoy a traditional holiday meal, then Myrtle Avenue’s restaurants have got you covered. The following restaurants are accepting reservations for Thanksgiving day and can provide you turkey and all the fixings, without all of the work.

Want to enjoy Thanksgiving meal in the comfort of your own home? Check out Myrtle Avenue’s small markets, including Peck’s and Greene-ville, which are offering up prepared food items to-go.

The Runner

The Thanksgiving menu is available as prix fixe per person, or you can place a reservation for a group of 6 or more, for one flat rate. You can view their menu here. The three course meal features soup, turkey, brioche stuffing, housemade cranberry sauce and more than half a dozen sides to choose from. Click here to make your reservation

The Runner, 458 Myrtle Avenue. (718) 643-6500.

Putnam’s Pub & Cooker

Putnam’s has been serving up a traditional Thanksgiving menu in their cozy holiday-decorated space for the past few years. They’ll be offering up the same this year, with a menu that includes the holiday’s mainstays – turkey, stuffing, pie – along with their regular menu and special seasonal cocktails.

Putnam’s Pub & Cooker, 419 Myrtle Avenue. (347) 799-2382

Maggie Brown

Maggie Brown’s chef is preparing a special Thanksgiving menu that includes all of the day’s favorite menu items. The restaurant has been a favorite Thanksgiving Day dining spot in the neighborhood for years.

Maggie Brown, 455 Myrtle Avenue. (718) 643-7001.

Broken Glass Thursdays at Clinton Hill Art & Framing Gallery

Photo: Clinton Hill Simply Art Framing

Every Thursday you can get an instant 50% off any picture frame glass replacement at Clinton Hill Simply Art & Framing Gallery. This means that you can replace or upgrade any picture frame glass, including UV, reflection control, museum glass or acrylic or glazing at 50% off.

Clinton Hill Simply Art & Framing Gallery is located at 583 Myrtle Avenue between Classon and Taaffe. Please call (718) 857-0074 for more details.

Pic of the Week: Duncan’s Fresh Fish Sandwiches

There’s nothing like crunching into a delicious fresh fish sandwich at Duncan’s Fish Market. If the combination of the seasoned just right fish and the tangy store-made tartar sauce weren’t enough, at $4.25 the heaping sandwich is extremely affordable. Choose between whiting, porgies and snappers. Lots of tasty sides and desserts including macaroni and cheese, potato salad, string beans, banana pudding and red velvet cake available.

One side of the store is prepared foods. The other side of Duncan’s has fresh seafood, from shrimp, fish, scallops and more.

Duncan’s Fish Market is located at 385 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont and Vanderbilt Avenues, and can be reached by phone at (718) 923-1115.

Where to Pre-Order Your Favorite Thanksgiving Foods

Peck’s Pecan Pie.

Already thinking about the delicious Thanksgiving meal you’re going to enjoy at the end of the month? And already dreading all of the grocery shopping, cooking, and clean-up? Don’t despair, because Myrtle Avenue’s shops and restaurants will help you enjoy your favorite holiday dishes without all of the hassle. You can also find a list of Myrtle Avenue restaurants that will be serving a special Thanksgiving dinner menu over here.

Jive Turkey at Greene-ville Market – Only A Few More Left (as of 11/24/2014)!

If you’re like us, you miss former Myrtle Avenue restaurant Jive Turkey all year, and the longingness for their delicious deep-fried Turkey just grows even more each November. After becoming a Clinton Hill favorite, life ended up taking Jive Turkey to Chicago, where they quickly reopened shop and fortunately, for us, have begun selling their turkeys nationally. You can still grab their turkey’s in the neighborhood just in time for Thanksgiving at Greene-ville in Brooklyn. Contact Greene-ville for the full details on when you can pick your your prepared, deep-fried turkey at this Myrtle Avenue grocer.

Greene-Ville Market, 373 Myrtle Avenue, between Adelphi & Clermont. (718) 222-3733

Peck’s – Order by November 20th!

The specialty food shop has already posted their full Thanksgiving menu, which you can pre-order from starting today through November 20. Everything is available, from full organic turkeys ($6.99/lb), to sides (including stuffing, potato gratin, cranberry sauce – all $8), to the breads (including corn muffins $9/dozen), and even dessert (pies $35/each). Or you can make it very simple and choose their Thanksgiving Dinner Bundle for 4, which includes an entire meal for $230. Visit Peck’s in person or on their Facebook page to get full menu and ordering details.

Peck’s, 455A Myrtle Avenue, between Waverly & Washington. (347) 689-4969

Brooklyn Eats Preps for Nov. 13 Opening

Brooklyn Eats, the upcoming comfy ping pong eatery located at 474 Myrtle Avenue which specializes in delicious dishes priced at $8 to $12, plans a November 13th opening.

A 10/18 restaurant tasting featured a few of the restaurant’s menu offerings, including Chef Coughlan’s 3-cheese mac & cheese, fried pickles, hearty red bean chili and stuffed mushroom. Ping pong table action was in full effect.

Ping Pong table at Brooklyn Eats. Photo Credit: Fort Greene Focus.

If owner, Paul Perez, Sr., above, looks familiar it’s because he’s born and raised in Fort Greene (Cumberland Hospital) and is co-owner of Myrtle Avenue’s Energy Fuel Restaurant. Paul is very passionate about the neighborhood, including investing in it. If Chef Coughlan looks familiar, you may have had a chance to taste and love his delicious fare at Park Slope’s now defunct, Fort Reno.

Keep your eye on the blog as there is lots more to report as we inch closer to opening day.

Brooklyn Eats is located at 474 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street.

From left to right: Brooklyn Eats owners Paul Perez, Jr., Paul Perez, Sr. and Carmen Perez with Chef Tim Coughlan, 2nd from left.

From left to right: Brooklyn Eats owners Paul Perez, Jr., Paul Perez, Sr. and Carmen Nunez with Chef Tim Coughlan, 2nd from left.

Cover Image (seen on homepage) Credit: Fort Greene Focus.