Ridgewood is a neighborhood in Queens that has seen a lot of changes in the past few years, including a steady influx of hipsters and young professionals and the arrival of a Starbucks and a Blink Fitness. There has also been an increase in trendy cafés and restaurants and vintage and second hand stores. In the past couple of years, on our street alone, we have seen the opening of Rose Hip, a small but modern florist; Porcelain, an Austrian restaurant (the interior was used in Martin Scorsese’s recent film The Irishman) and a trendy second hand clothing store. Soon a pizzeria will be added to the list. It is an ethnically diverse neighborhood where old meets new, with ten national historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Ridgewood South Historic District comprising 210 buildings and the St. Matthias Roman Catholic Church (located directly opposite our apartment).
We have an expression in South Africa: local is lekker (= good/nice). And I think of this expression when I think of all the local businesses, eateries, bars and cool places around Ridgewood. So, for those who are unfamiliar with the neighborhood, here are my ten favourite local spots:
Julia's Beer and Wine Bar
This restaurant and bar opened in 2015 and the seasonal menu, consisting of high quality artisanal items, never disappoints. Not even Covid could dampen the great atmosphere. They have now created outdoor seating and strung some lights up, creating a safe and cozy space for dining and drinking.
My favourite item on the menu is the Chicken Club (lemon turmeric chicken breast, chopped bacon, white cheddar, mustard, herb mayo, house made pickles and arugula on a potato onion dill roll). When it comes to drinks, the Black Widow blackberry cider and Nine Pin ginger cider are my regular orders.
Rudy's Bakery
A family-owned and run bakery that has been a landmark in the neighborhood for decades. It was even featured in the NY Times a few years ago: "Even as Ridgewood, Queens, undergoes rapid transformations as one of New York’s neighborhoods du jour, Rudy’s Bakery and Café, on Seneca Avenue, remains loyal to its old-school identity. The soda-shop signage and unflashy storefront seem to be working just fine..." writes Elisa Mila.
My favourite items: head chef Cristina Nastasi's signature oatmeal cookies with marshmallow fluff in the middle, the silky smooth caramel-filled alfajoras, the sinfully chocolatey Nutella tartlet and the gluten-free brownies.
Burrito Republic
A quaint little Mexican café offering authentic Mexican dishes (with fresh, locally sourced ingredients) that include burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and nachos. Their goal is to serve their customers "good food, fast" and, in my opinion, they certainly achieve that goal. Their menu also offers vegan and vegetarian options.
My favourite item on the menu would be the grilled chicken nachos with a side of rice and beans, washed down with a Jarritos (Mexican soda).
Nomad Café and Eatery
Nomad is fairly new to the hood and has fast become one of my favourite spots. It offers an extensive range of coffees, teas, juices and smoothies and several mouth-watering pastries, muffins and cakes. I love the seating at the window, where I can enjoy my tea and pastry while people watching. There are also a couple of tables and chairs outside for the warmer months.
My favourite item on the menu is hands down the gruyere and ham croissant, which is delicious cold or warm. I can also recommend any of the mini quiches.
Cream
Another firm favourite when it comes to local restaurants. They have certainly achieved their goal of bringing "the warmest, friendliest and most comfortable dining experience in all of Ridgewood". They have a great outdoor area at the back which is popular in the summer but the indoor seating is equally comfortable. The service is excellent and their special Valentine's dinners have been outstanding.
My favourite thing to order is the Pulled Pork Burger (slowly cooked pork braised in their homemade bbq sauce topped with their delicious coleslaw and house made pickles, served on a pretzel bun and with a side of their amazing fries or tater tots).
Topos Bookstore
A cool bookstore selling new and used books and serving Variety Coffee. While I am not a coffee drinker, they also serve tea and an assortment of tasty pastries and baked goods. I have found a number of classics in store but they have a wide range of genres and interests. Definitely worth a browse followed by a cup of something and a sweet treat.
Deep Cuts Record Store
As a vinyl collector I was very excited to see a record store opening a block away. The space is small but there are a lot of great finds from any genre you can imagine (including one simply labeled "weird shit") at pretty good prices. There are also some cassettes (because people are buying those again) and a few used books.
Stay Forever
Stay Forever is a brick and mortar gift shop featuring "handmade jewelry, natural apothecary, home goods, stationery, and one-of-a-kind gifts". The store has only been open for two years but it has become a favourite in Ridgewood. Whether you are looking for a gift for him or her, a newborn or a toddler, a housewarming or a wedding or just a treat for yourself, you will easily find something in this store.
Ridgewood Reservoir
Ridgewood Reservoir, which operated as a water supply for Brooklyn from 1858 to 1959, is part of Highland Park, a stunning green space offering locals and visitors a place to picnic and escape the urban surroundings or take a stroll or cycle around the reservoir. For bird watchers, more than 120 bird species have been recorded in the reservoir, some of which are threatened or endangered species.
Vander Ende-Onderdonk House
The historic Dutch house and its two acres of gardens is located on the border of Bushwick and Ridgewood. According to the house's official website, it was built in 1709 by the Vander Endes, making it the oldest Dutch Colonial stone house in New York City. Its mission is "to preserve the past and enrich our future through events and programming that engages our community through history". Events (pre-Corona) have included a fall harvest festival, Dutch festival and a Christmas market and St Nicholas Day celebration with holiday crafts, singing and tree lighting.
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