North Brooklyn may not have the vast green destination of Prospect Park, but there are several scattered parks that are perfect for picnics. We’ve put together a list of places that offer take away options to full-service picnic gear that can make a day laying in the grass so much more enjoyable. Whether you plan to lay out a blanket or just sit on your jacket, these bites are quick and easy for a meal in the park.
Transmitter Park: Greenpoint
Maman | 80 Kent Street
Monday-Friday open at 7am, Weekends open at 8am
Maman offers a picnic-worthy takeaway menu featuring quiche, sandwiches, and a special discount on salads: $6.50 each or two for $10. Take this to go and enjoy the Manhattan skyline from the riverside park at the end of Greenpoint Avenue.
McGolrick Park: Greenpoint
Mongers Palette | 192 Driggs Avenue
Tuesday-Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 11am-7pm
Not only does the place offer a cheese and charcuterie plate for two for $25 (pictured), there is also a complete picnic kit for two available for $76.99 that includes reusable plates, forks, knives, napkins and a blanket, all tucked away in a charming picnic basket. Just fill and go!
Brooklyn Standard | 188 Nassau Avenue
Open daily from 7am
Not your standard deli. This place has a great variety of sandwiches and salads to go. You can place your order online for pickup and save time waiting. There are also tons of vegetarian and vegan options. Chips, dips, beverages and better-than-average desserts also available. (Pro tip: Breakfast burritos are only sold before 10am and after 3pm.)
Maria Hernandez Park: Bushwick
Arepera Guacuco | 44 Irving Avenue
Open from Noon on weekdays, 11am on weekends
While you may not be enjoying your arepa on a Venezuelan beach as the name suggests, you can get yourself a freshly made arepa to enjoy at nearby Maria Hernandez Park. Portable and not requiring utensils, these are perfect for a low key picnic. Arepas and empanadas range from $5-$8 dollars each. Arepas are made from gluten-free corn meal and the Vegana Picante is vegan-friendly.
Green Streets Salads | 67 Irving Avenue
Open from 11am on weekdays, Noon on weekends
For a lighter lunch option head over to Green Streets Salads, but call ahead on a weekday to place your order for pick-up as they can get busy at lunch time (AKA prime picnic time). You can build your own custom salad or order one of their creations for $8.
McCarren Park: Williamsburg
Calexico | 645 Manhattan Avenue
Open daily from 11:30am
Tacos are always a good idea. Mix and match your favorites at Calexico and take them to go. Have a margarita at the bar while you wait for your order. Tacos are $5 to $6 and be sure to order an elote ($6) because this delicious messy corn dripping with butter, lime and cheese is best when enjoyed outdoors.
Oasis | 161 North 7th Street
Open daily from 11am
If you are taking the L train in, this is the perfect stop for affordable Middle Eastern food. The falafel is just $4 and if you get it or the shawarma in a sandwich, you don’t need utensils. Side salads and platters are also available.
Parkview Market | 95 Bedford Avenue
Open Monday-Saturday at 7am, Sunday at 8am
Your one-stop-shop for all picnic needs (except wine). Get yourself some sammies, beers, or whatever your heart desires at this deli/market that could not be more conveniently located. Perfect for picking up items for a group or a last-minute decision to skip waiting for a table at brunch.