Your Guide to the Brooklyn Flea’s Best Shops & Eats

Shopping in NYC can be freaking expensive. Unless you’re okay with strolling through the same old high street stores that are in every mall around the country, you will typically pay a pretty arm and a leg to buy anything from New York’s various boutiques. I’ve even tried vintage and second hand in Manhattan and still have trouble finding a mass of stores that don’t charge exorbitant prices.

It took me a while, but I finally figured out the secret – Brooklyn.

Brooklyn has a variety of boutiques — both new and vintage — that often offer affordable alternatives to the shops in Manhattan. Plus, Brooklyn has deep-seeded “local pride” similar to Seattle, so its neighborhoods truly appreciate good artistry.

The Brooklyn Flea is an indoor/outdoor flea market where 100-200 local vendors set up shop to sell their wares. From April – Thanksgiving, The Brooklyn Flea is outdoors in Fort Greene on Saturdays and Williamsburg on Sundays. In the winter, however, it is indoors in Williamsburg – right alongside the lovely Smorgasburg, which features fabulous local food stalls and trucks. I’m a big fan of both of these markets, so having them in the same place at once during the winter months is a huge bonus.

I go to the Brooklyn Flea every time I visit NYC, which is a lot since I travel back east often for work and to visit family. The flea is hands down my favorite shopping haunt in New York City. I know how hard it can be to find insider tips when traveling, so here is my (continuously updated) ultimate guide to the Brooklyn Flea.

Not planning a trip to NYC soon? No worries, most of the vendors below sell online — happy shopping!

Best Brooklyn Flea Shops

1. Olde Good Things

While this shop has a few stores around NYC and sells a variety of goods, hands down my favorite items are the tin mirrors and wall art. I’ve been lusting after these since I discovered them six years go, but never committed. However, it finally started making 24″x24″ tin wall art, which is the perfect size for right over my couch. So next time I head to Brooklyn, I’m going to be purchasing these for sure!

2. Flux Productions

This shop features gorgeous, well-crafted bags and leather goods. I love how the owner makes them in his Ft. Greene apartment by hand, each showing his impeccable taste level. I’m partial to the laptop cases but the handbags are just as worthy of the investment.

3. She Hits Pause Studios

I’ve had this shop on my radar for a while. It’s owned by Polaroid photographer Matt Schwartz, who creates whimsical prints featuring girls, surfing, and various destinations from his travels. I’ve been thinking about purchasing this print after seeing this one in my best friend’s bedroom.

4. Nina Z Clogs

This shop is owned by Nina Ziefvert and offers modern clogs handcrafted by 5th generation shoemakers in Sweden using all natural materials. And trust me when I say modern — I. don’t. do. clogs…or so I thought. However, I am definitely reconsidering these gems.

5. Octavia Brown

This shop rents and sells various home furnishing, but its best items include those from its vintage barware collection. Owner Liz has an impeccable curating eye. While we couldn’t imagine not owning these products, items are also available to rent for events and set design.

6. Claudia Pearson

This shop features great illustrated prints and tea towels. I’ve been thinking about purchasing a few of the tea towels and framing them to add some texture and depth to a gallery wall. If you steal the idea please send photos to help me decide if it’s a good idea!

7. Apotheke

You might recognize this shop name because it recently scored a partnership selling its organic candles through West Elm. While you can buy these at a big box retailer, I still like buying it directly from the shop owner because she doesn’t sell all of her flavors through West Elm. If you’re not visiting and buying blind online, I highly suggest the peppermint ginger tobacco, tomato, and grapefruit scents.

8. Vintique Gallery

This shop’s website might be a joke (no seriously, is that real?), but it sells fabulous vintage furniture, particularly drool-worthy Eames chairs. Unfortunately the prices aren’t the most affordable, but if you’re on the market for furniture and able to take the plunge these are great investment pieces.

Rue St. Denis

This shop sells vintage clothing for both men and women. You barely need to do much digging, as owner Mikael carefully selects on-trend items. While the online shop doesn’t feature them, the best goods are definitely the vintage military and surplus jackets for both men and women. I bought a men’s one this past trip that I plan on featuring next week — stay tuned! Note, this shop is not listed in the style guide image above.

Best Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg Eats

The Milk Truck

This food vendor is by far one of my favorite stops at The Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg (they are often at both locations). I personally think the grilled cheeses are better than the mac n’ cheese — to be specific the three cheese grilled cheese that features apples and carmelized onions. However, depending on the day, I might not always get food here. But I ALWAYS make room for its vanilla bean shakes. They are unreal and a great way to finish off a day of feasting.

The Brooklyn Wok Shop

This food vendor makes dumplings and won tons filled with unique combinations. While I’ve seen items on the menu like Reuben sandwich-stuffed dumplings and mushroom and leek, my favorite is by far the duck confit dumplings. The duck is just so moist and flavorful, and it features tangy tamarind sauce for dipping. Don’t miss this unassuming gem in the middle of Smorgasburg.

Red Hook Lobster Pound

This food vendor serves a few different lobster roll varieties. All of them are really good, but I am partial to the Connecticut style roll that nixes the mayo for a butter base. While I love how the Maine style roll is light on the mayo, the Connecticut really highlights the lobster. While these are a bit pricey at $16 each, they are well worth the splurge and are a good size that still leaves room for tasting a few other vendors.

Porchetta

The food vendor (along with The Milk Truck) was one of the first memorable feasts I had during my first visit to the flea. It took me a second time to realize that I prefer it without the skin, as its crackling is almost teeth breaking. However, ask for one without the crackling and you’ll get a modest pork sandwich filled with just flavorful, tender meat. Pro tip: go to this vendor early to get it hot, as it does not have a heating mechanism but just serves the pork on a cutting board. I prefer it warm vs. room temperature.

Last updated Jan 19, 2014. Image Credits: First Brooklyn Flea photo by Kate Glicksberg. All product photos from the sellers’ websites.