Clinton Hill has a new sushi bar starting today, with the opening of U-gu on Myrtle Avenue. The spot serves up classic and signature rolls, but offers up something unique with their “create your own” sushi bowls. Click here to view their full menu. The restaurant is now open at 541B Myrtle Avenue, between Steuben and Emerson.
Lunch specials for under $10 are also available.
U-gu, 541B Myrtle Avenue, (718) 857-0222.
The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership Board of Directors & the Host Committee invite you to celebrate Thomas F. Schutte. After more than two decades as President of Pratt Institute, Dr. Schutte will retire this June. Join us to honor his vision and service to our community on Tuesday, June 6th, 5:30pm-8pm.
Come enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres & entertainment.
BUY TICKETS HERE.
All proceeds from ticket sales & silent auction will benefit Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project & the newly established Tess & Tom Schutte Community Arts & Culture Fund. The Fund will bring public sculpture, cultural events, and exhibitions to the public spaces and storefronts of Myrtle Avenue, leveraging our neighborhood’s creative capital to create opportunities for local artists and increase access to art for community members. When you purchase tickets, you can also make a donation directly to this fund to honor and continue Dr. Schutte’s commitment to the arts in our community.
Host Committee:
Michael Blaise Backer, Seth Edwards, Bernell K. Grier, Gary Hattem, Rob Walsh, Antonia Yuille, New York City Public Advocate Letitia “Tish” James, New York State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, New York State Assembly Member Joseph R. Lentol, New York State Assembly Member Walter T. Mosley, New York City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo, New York City Council Member Brad Lander
A limited number of discount community tickets are available. Email rebeca@myrtleavenue.org for information.
Generous support for this event is provided by:
Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, TD Bank, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn Sweet Spot, Cardiff Giant, Gnarly Vines, Jill Lindsey, St. Joseph’s College.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner…again! According to our sources, local mothers find it surprising how often their children, spouses or significant others forget to show appreciation on the annual holiday. “What happened?” they ask. Fear not, we’ve created a step-by-step action plan for those of you who need help in celebrating the mothers in your lives.
Perhaps the nicest and most classic way to celebrate mom is with a relaxing Sunday brunch. Lots of great options on Myrtle Avenue, but all of them with limited seating, so hurry and make your reservation ASAP. A few suggestions: SoCo, Putnam’s Pub & Cooker, Larina, Bar Bolinas, Gentleman Farmer, Myrtle + Gold, Da Ciro, and the list goes on.
You can always keep it casual with a lovely picnic in Fort Greene Park. Grab some carry-out from Myrtle Bagel, Peck’s, or Bergen Bagel and be on your way. Don’t forget to bring a blanket.
Gift options abound at 21 Tara, 388 Myrtle Ave.
When it comes to buying a gift, the options can be overwhelming. Try to see life through the eyes of a mom. If you’re shopping for a…
Greeting card from Green in BKLYN (432 Myrtle Ave)
Local pharmacies (see the full list here) carry a full selection of cards at just about every price point. But if you’re looking for something with an extra special touch, we recommend a visit to Green in Bklyn or Jill Lindsey.
Plenty of local shops carry fresh-cut flowers – including Greeneville Garden and Khim’s Millenium Market, – but for a full selection of floral arrangements pay a visit Julio at Bella Rosa Flowers and Gifts.
Image courtesy of “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”
Moms need a little peace and quiet too sometimes. Grab the kids and give the lady an hour or two for herself. Meanwhile, enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.
Sacred Yoga is now open at 334 Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene.
Fort Greene yogis have a new studio in the neighborhood where they can stretch, breath and meditate. Sacred Yoga officially opens its doors today at their second studio location at 334 Myrtle Avenue, between Carlton Avenue and Washington Park.
Sacred Yoga – whose original location is in Clinton Hill on Clifton Place near Bedford Avenue – offers a full schedule of yoga, dance, and fitness classes.
New visitors can easily, and affordably, test out the new studio with a $20 offer for two weeks of unlimited classes. The studio also offers a number of weekly classes for free or at a sliding scale.
Sacred Yoga, 334 Myrtle Avenue. (347) 715-4112.
402 Myrtle Avenue, at the corner of Vanderbilt Avenue, in Clinton Hill.
New housing is slated for Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill, according to permits filed with the NYC Department of Buildings.
Plans submitted by the property owner call for a five-story building to occupy the corner site, with a mix of residential and commercial space. The ground floor, currently home to a Chase Bank branch, will retain the existing 3,884 square feet of commercial space as 10 new housing units spread across 8,627 square feet rise on the upper floors, increasing the building height to 60 feet, about 12 feet higher than 406 Myrtle Avenue, the four-story building next door.
According to the branch manager at Chase, the bank will remain in place and continue to operate through the construction.
The architect on file for the project is Isaac Stern Architects, the same firm that provided designs for the recently completed five-story building at 491 Myrtle Avenue, between Hall and Ryerson streets.
Preliminary plans for the addition were filed with the NYC Department of Buildings on April 28th and are still awaiting approval.
For our full round up of construction projects taking place along Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, click here.
Image Source: Gold Coast Bank.
Gold Coast bank made their New York City debut this week with their official opening of the new branch in Fort Greene. The Long Island-based bank opened their seventh branch with a big celebration this week at 176 Myrtle Avenue.
Branch Manager LaVasia Peterson and her team are excited to welcome community members who are looking for a new, and locally based, banking option. Visit Gold Coast Bank online to learn more about their various banking products, including personal and business checking and savings accounts.
Gold Coast Bank, 176 Myrtle Avenue, (929) 295-8104.
We are pleased to say that the construction of Myrtle Avenue Plaza is winding down. A significant amount of seating, including benches, tables, and platform seating has been installed and is already proving popular with the local lunch crowd.
Additional seating and plaza amenities will continue to arrive as construction continues. Below is a recap what’s already in place and what’s still to come in the Plaza:
Clinton Hill gained a new eatery today with the opening of JJ Kitchen on Myrtle Avenue. The restaurant looks to become a popular lunch spot with their menu of Chinese classic dishes.
For main courses it’s strictly noodles – egg, wonton, rice, or udon – all dressed up in your own personal choice. A full slate of smaller eats, including dumplings, wontons, buns, and spring rolls, are also available. View the full menu below.
JJ Kitchen, 473B Myrtle Avenue, (718) 636-0468.
With each visit down Myrtle Avenue, it appears there's yet another storefront preparing for a new business to open its doors. The commercial strip in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill is currently seeing a boom of commercial activity, with 11 new shops and restaurants on the way. Below is a round-up of new businesses planning an opening in the upcoming months:
The Commissary Kitchen
Offering up classic Greek dishes in a modern setting, The Commissary Kitchen (pictured above) will be a 32-seat restaurant at the corner of Myrtle and Steuben in Clinton Hill.
Pipsqueak Children's Shoppe
This popular Bed-Stuy children's boutique is expanding from Bedford Avenue and opening a second location at 469 Myrtle Avenue. In addition to offering a full stock of children's goods - including clothes and toys - the shop will also offer children's haircuts. Pipsqueak's owners are planning on opening in May.
Depanneur
Borrowing its name from the French-Canadian word for bodega, Depanneur puts a thoughtful spin on the omnipresent corner store. Opening this spring at 519 Myrtle Avenue (the corner of Myrtle and Grand Avenues) the store will offer a curated selection coffee, pastries, prepared sandwiches, and shelves stocked with goodies from the pantry and home. Grab a preview of what's to come by visiting their original location at 242 Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg.
Image Credit: Masterson Architecture & Design
Hudson Jane
Operating as an all-day cafe, Hudson Jane will be a go-to place in Fort Greene from morning to night. Around the clock visits could include grabbing coffee and breakfast snacks in the morning, enjoying midday lunch, picking up freshly prepared dinners after work, or spending an evening at the wine bar. A late spring opening is planned for this new eatery at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Adelphi Street.
Locals
Finding quality meats locally is about to get a whole lot easier. Locals will offer a butcher counter, focused on organically and locally raised meats, in addition to prepared foods that can be taken home for dinner. Throughout the day, customers can enjoy coffee, fresh baked pastries, and lunch at the cozy Fort Greene shop. The opening is slated for late May at 332 Myrtle Avenue, between Washington Park and Carlton Avenue.
Uguyt
This new sushi bar is planning on opening in May 2017, offering Clinton Hill a full menu of both classic and signature sushi.
MetroPCS
Opening soon at 329 Myrtle, near the corner of Washington Park, is an independently-owned and authorized MetroPCS store.
JJ Kitchen - NOW OPEN
Taking over the former Crepe House space, JJ Kitchen will open this spring with a lunch-focused menu of sandwiches, wraps, juices and teas.
Gold Coast Bank- NOW OPEN
This Long Island-based bank will make their NYC debut with their new branch at 176 Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene. Gold Coast Bank plans on opening their doors in the next few weeks.
European Wax Center
This international chain offers a full menu of waxing for both men and women will bring their popular services to Clinton Hill this spring when they open at 531 Myrtle Avenue, between Grand Avenue and Steuben Street.
Wine Legend
This full wine store will no doubt become a popular spot in Downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene once it opens at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Fleet Place. The shop is also slated to feature a wine bar.
Stay up to date on when these businesses open and other local news by following Myrtle Avenue on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Clinton Hill's newest eatery offers up quick and inexpensive options for diners on the go. Pollitos Cafe opened their doors today at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Ryerson Street, next door to their sister restaurant and long-time neighborhood favorite, Los Pollitos III.
Their brief menu features traditional Mexican street food, all made in house. Morning hour offerings include coffee and breakfast tortas, while lunch and dinner menus also feature chalupas, empanadas, and gorditas.
Pollitos Cafe, 419-Rear Myrtle Avenue, (718) 636-6125. 
341 Myrtle Avenue, home to Worldwide Discount Store, will soon be replaced with a new six-story mixed-use building.
341 Myrtle Avenue, as seen in 1999.
Children will be hunting for 2,000 eggs in Fort Greene Park on Saturday, April 15 from 11am-2pm.
This March Myrtle Avenue is celebrating Women’s History Month by honoring the women that help make our community great. Every day, these women strengthen the bonds within our community. Whether they’re collecting information for fellow community members or providing a gathering space for the community to come together. Their actions add up to something bigger. These women, and many more, are the community in Fort Greene/Clinton Hill. We are so proud to honor them during this special month.
Stay tuned to this space as we release new features each week.
Lead Instructor Q at Champion's Taekwondo, 434 Myrtle Avenue.
The New York City Parks Department held a second community input session Thursday night to discuss the upcoming $7M improvements to Fort Greene Park. The local park is one of eight selected by the department to receive upgrades through the new city-wide Parks Without Borders program. Over 100 people attended the event on Myrtle Avenue at the Ingersoll Community Center to hear initial ideas from Parks and to give their input on how the money should be spent.
The program is solely focused on making improvements to the north side of the park, along Myrtle Avenue. Local residents and parks department discussed ideas for improving a number of areas, including sidewalks and seating along Myrtle Avenue, basketball courts, fitness areas, barbecue areas, the plaza at Washington Park, and the entrance at St. Edwards Street.
Missed the meeting? Suggestions and comments can still be shared by sending a message to the Fort Greene Park Conservancy or by calling the Fort Greene Park Director at (718) 722-3218.
Below are just a few of the ideas shared at the meeting:
First topic of conversation: possibly removing the mounds by the staircase. Hit ❤️ if you agree with any of the suggestions you hear tonight pic.twitter.com/Jam4vTAqgH
— Myrtle Ave Brooklyn (@MyrtleAveBklyn) February 17, 2017
Q: Will bball courts be removed? A: No. And there's opps to improve them or add more. Hit ❤️ if you wanna see more courts in #fortgreenepark pic.twitter.com/WxGQnaa7Z1
— Myrtle Ave Brooklyn (@MyrtleAveBklyn) February 17, 2017
There's a monument hidden in there. One suggestion: trim back or remove some trees to improve visibility of the Martyrs' Monument pic.twitter.com/86MMFzMd42
— Myrtle Ave Brooklyn (@MyrtleAveBklyn) February 17, 2017
Another suggestion: smooth the sidewalk along #myrtleave to make it easier, safer to walk on and reduce ponding. We give this idea 👍🏽👍🏽 pic.twitter.com/64WrGeqjUf
— Myrtle Ave Brooklyn (@MyrtleAveBklyn) February 17, 2017
Villa Pancho Taqueria, opened in January at 472 Myrtle Avenue.
UNTIL TOMORROW
A new cocktail and wine bar, with a stellar kitchen helmed by a former Blue Hill chef, officially opened their doors on January 25th. Found at 507 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill, between Ryerson Street and Grand Avenue, the new bar offers a creative drink and expertly crafted pub-grub classics menu.
Until Tomorrow, 507 Myrtle Avenue, (347) 987-4181. Hours: Everyday, 5pm-2am.
THE HALAL SPOT
Now open at 474 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill, the Halal Spot is quickly becoming a new go-to spot for quick and healthy dining. Only using all natural, organic meats in their rice dishes, wraps, and sandwiches, The Halal Spot ups the game on this standard NYC fare.
The Halal Spot, 474 Myrtle Avenue, (718) 230-4900. Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11am-11pm; Friday & Saturday: 11am-Midnight.
VILLA PANCHO
From the owners of Zaytoons comes the relaunch of a popular Bed-Stuy taqueria at 472 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill. This popular taco and burrito spot offers a fully affordable and delicious menu. And did we mention that their menu includes churros?
Villa Pancho, 472 Myrtle Avenue, (718) 623-9016. Hours: Everyday, 11am-11pm.
HONEY NAIL SALON
This nail salon, with an existing location in Prospect Heights, has expanded to Clinton Hill with a new location at 490 Myrtle Avenue. The new space, found next door to Key Food and TD Bank, offers a full menu of manis and pedis.
Honey Nail Salon, 490 Myrtle Avenue, (718) 857-0030. Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10am-8pm; Sunday: 10am-7pm. 
We did it! We broke our record and raised over $12,000 in our crowdfunding campaign with your help. A big heartfelt thank you to our 80+ donors and to our largest community supermarket, Key Food. In the coming year, every dollar you donated will help us to provide programs that serve our local youth, older residents, food-insecure families & more right here in our own community. Thank you!
To keep up to date on our work in the neighborhood follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and sign up for our monthly e-newsletter. 
86 Fleet Place, at the corner of Myrtle Avenue, is accepting applications to fill affordable housing units while the building completes construction.
504 Myrtle Avneue in Clinton Hill, between Ryerson Street and Grand Avenue.
38 Sixth Avenue, near Barclays Center, in Prospect Heights.
To view a full list of affordable housing lotteries available throughout the city, visit NYC Housing Connect. Several storefronts along Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill will soon be home to several new businesses who are planning openings in early 2017. Below is a recap of the new eateries, shops, and services coming to the neighborhood:
HONEY NAIL SALON
NOW OPEN! This nail salon, with an existing location in Prospect Heights, has expanded to Clinton Hill with a new location at 490 Myrtle Avenue. The new space, found next door to Key Food and TD Bank, offers a full menu of manis and pedis.
Honey Nail Salon, 490 Myrtle Avenue, (718) 857-0030. Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10am-8pm; Sunday: 10am-7pm.
UNTIL TOMORROW
A new cocktail and wine bar will be opening in early 2017 at 507 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill, between Ryerson Street and Grand Avenue. Stop by during their soft opening on January 5th to check out the chic new space and to sip one of their specialty cocktails. Until then, follow Until Tomorrow on Instagram or Facebook to learn more.
LOCALS
Found at 332 Myrtle Avenue, just steps from Fort Greene Park, Locals will be a go-to spot for morning coffee and pastries, grab-and-go lunch options, and fine prepared foods to take home for dinner. They are planning an opening in the first few months of 2017, so stay tuned for more details!
EUROPEAN WAX CENTER
This international beauty chain is slated to open at 531 Myrtle Avenue, at the corner of Steuben Street, in spring 2017. Click here to find more details and how to enjoy complimentary services during their opening week!
GOLD COAST BANK
This Long Island bank is opening their first NYC-based location on Myrtle Avenue within The Giovanni, the newly opened building at the corner of Fleet Place and Myrtle Avenue. Click here to read more about the bank, which is slated to open in early 2017.
WINE LEGEND
Offering a full wine shop and wine bar, the Wine Legend storefront will be found at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Fleet Place. This is the company's fifth store in the NY Metro area, and its first in Brooklyn.
DÉPANNEUR
This popular shop and cafe in Williamsburg is opening their second location on Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill at 519 Myrtle Avenue. Depanneur, or Dep, which is a common name for convenience stores in Quebec, is a go-to spot from morning til night for coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, or items for your pantry and home. Stay tuned for more details on their opening in spring 2017.
HUDSON JANE
Serving as an "all day cafe and wine bar," Hudson Jane will be bringing something new to Fort Greene when it opens in spring 2017 at 360 Myrtle Avenue. While you wait to try their delicious sandwiches, wine bar, or other prepared foods, visit their website to learn about joining their supper club.
PIPSQUEAK
This popular Bed-Stuy children's store is set to open their second location at 469 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill. Once opened, they'll have a full selection of children's apparel, toys, home goods, plus a full calendar of children's events. Stay tuned for more details as they prepare for an opening in spring 2017.
THE HALAL SPOT
Opening soon at 474 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill, the Halal Spot will become a new go-to spot for quick and delicious to-go lunches and dinners. As you wait to enjoy their middle eastern fare, visit their website to view their full menu to whet the appetite.
VILLA PANCHO
From the owners of Zaytoons comes a new taqueria that'll be opening at 472 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill. This popular taco and burrito spot was most recently found on Bedford Avenue in Bed-Stuy and is slated to open in its new space in early 2017. Stay tuned for more details on their full menu and opening date! 
Students from Benjamin Banneker Academy learn tree stewardship and soil care in our tree beds along Myrtle Avenue.
MARP Staff & 40 volunteers distributed 150 turkeys and 13,000 lbs of fresh food to 300 families at the Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry this Thanksgiving.
There are kids in need everywhere, including kids right here in Brooklyn, in our own neighborhood. This new year, 2017 Red Lantern Bicycles is kicking off a recycled bike giveaway program. Kids bikes will be given away for FREE to families in need of one. Red Lantern Bicycles is starting a program to help gather unwanted kids bikes and donate them to neighborhood families.
For Those Wanting to Donate:
The bicycle shop is taking donations of bikes (for kids ages 3-11) every 2nd Saturday of every month. Simply stop in and drop it off.
Anyone who donates a bike will not only feel good about their donation and sharing of resources, but they will also get 10% off coupon for their next purchase at the store of bikes or accessories.
For Families Wanting a Refurbished Bike
The bike shop is hosting bike giveaways every 4th Saturday of the month, while supplies on any given day last.
Staff will take the information of the parent or guardian and pair the child up with a bike.
*Please note: one bike per family. The child must accompany the parent.
Red Lantern Bicycles & Cafe, 345 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton & Adelphi
(718) 889-5338 
The answer to the question, "What do you love about Myrtle Avenue?" isn't quantifiable. We know we love it, but what makes it lovable is a myriad messy mix of people, things, ideas, and activities. And, you're a part of it. When you go to the store, when you walk down the street, you become part of the bustling city we've all come to love. So, this New Years we're asking community members to become a bigger part of Myrtle Avenue. Make your role on Myrtle Avenue purposeful, and make Myrtle Avenue yours. Because it is yours, and you are what there is to love about Myrtle Avenue.
As a BID, and a non-profit, we spend a lot of time trying to make Myrtle Avenue better. Whether that means picking up trash or improving safety for pedestrians, young people, and seniors, we spend our days trying shape Myrtle Avenue towards something sustainable, diverse, and enjoyable. But, we can't do it alone, and we shouldn't do it alone. One organization should not be responsible even to define what better is! So, we need your help. We need you, Myrtle Avenue needs you, to help shape it into the little piece of Brooklyn that it is, that it could be, or that it should be.
If you love that Myrtle Avenue is home to so many fantastic local businesses, become a frequent patron in 2017. If you, like us, think that Fort Greene Park is one of New York City's best parks, become a bigger part of the park. Use it like it's your park. Because it is! Volunteer with the Fort Greene Park Conservancy. Even better, get your kids to volunteer with the Conservancy. (A twofer!)
If you love your block just the way it is, show us why. Host a walking tour, or plan a street festival. We can help. Navigating the land of city permits can be daunting, but at Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership we have staff trained in this stuff. Yes, unsurprisingly, it takes a two degrees in city planning to figure out how to get a permit in this town!
If you're an artist, contribute to the public art on Myrtle Avenue. The DOT has several public art programs this year, and we're happy to help with your application.
Whatever your plan is, short of free parking on the sidewalk, let's make it happen!
The beginning of a new year is often personal, and we spend a lot of time thinking about self -improvement. But, we can make public resolutions as well. In 2017, commit to making our neighborhoods a better place. Join us in our quest to support local businesses, diversity, healthy food options, a wonderful park, and our historic districts. Join us in helping to make Myrtle Avenue a place you love.
It's the end of the year and time for some self-reflection. Take advantage of these studios & spas on Myrtle for quick access for much-needed rejuvenation.
Brownstone Spa
Specializing in body massage, sports massage, and reflexology Brownstone Spa is a real treasure. And best of all, it won't cost you a fortune to feel like royalty.
Lucky Lotus Yoga & Cafe
You can't go wrong with classes like, "70 Minute Reboot" and "Empower Hour." Lucky Yoga has some of the best teachers in the borough and a continually updated online schedule. Stretch out your stress at Lucky Lotus Yoga & Cafe.
Move with Grace Yoga & Juice Bar
Occupying two storefronts on the strip, Move with Grace Yoga & Juice Bar offers a variety of class types including Yoga 101, Vinyasa Flow, Yin Flow, Pilates, meditation sessions and more. Definitely worth a visit.
Just the 411:
Brownstone Spa
473 Myrtle Avenue
(Washington & Hall)
(718) 398-1968
Lucky Lotus Yoga & Cafe
334 Myrtle Avenue
(Washington Park & Carlton)
(718) 858-5758
Move with Grace Yoga & Juice Bar
431 Myrtle Avenue
(Clinton & Waverly)
(718)230-0013
Photo courtesy of Move with Grace Yoga & Juice Bar. 
