Iris Café
Despite its newcomer status on the café scene, it seems that this one’s here to stay. Whether you’re craving a full brunch, an avocado sandwich or just a good cup of coffee, Iris Cafe is the spot to go. Their pastries are all home baked (we recommend the “oatmeal-raisin-chocolate-chocolate-chip cookies”) and their sandwiches are made with all with local ingredients. One of the owners of the cafe, Rachel Graville, also edits Brooklyn’s local food magazine, Edible Brooklyn.

Bargemusic
A floating concert hall at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge (do you really need another reason to see it for yourself?) boasting performances from world-class musicians like Yo-Yo Ma and Isaac Stern, this unique revenue should be one of your main stops next time you find yourself in Brooklyn. If you’re ready to cash that pay check, maybe one of the many concerts they host each month will suit your fancy; if you’re just in the mood for a glass of wine and gorgeous skyline views, that’s okay too.

Heights Books
With the Brooklyn Book Festival going on this weekend, it’s essential to check out the only used bookstore in the area. If you’re low on cash, you can search for local writers’ and professors’ work, which are regularly donated to the store. If you’re looking for the sort of art books and photo tomes that might be found in the Met and MoMA gift shops, they’re in stock here as well. If you’re in the mood for American/European history, this shop offers some great choices. Although a bit cluttered, the quaint feel makes it a must-visit during your day in Brooklyn.

Noodle Pudding
It’s inevitable that Manhattan’s many high-end restaurants might make you hungry for something good and cheap. When this time comes, make your way to Noodle Pudding in Brooklyn Heights. Be warned: The wait can be long and it’s cash-only, but we promise you the osso buco and the sticky mushroom risotto will be worth it. Noodle Pudding has foregone the social media route of many of its competitors with no Twitter, no Facebook, and not even a website. But with 16 years of regular customers waiting in line night after night, it doesn’t seem to have stunted their success among locals and adventurous tourists alike.