Betty Bakery
448 Atlantic Ave.
(between Bond and Nevins streets)
Don’t scoff at the girly, pink-and-green color scheme—serious cake lies in store. Scarf down a slice of red velvet, three layers tall and covered in gooey cream cheese frosting, or, if it’s available that day, try a six-layer (!) slice of their hazelnut cake with mocha buttercream and chocolate ganache. Those averse to a sweet slab of carbohydrates can sample Betty’s lemon curd, salted caramel, and mixed berry tarts, or get their fruit fix through a steaming slice of pie.
Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Pkwy.
Absorb art from all over the world while wandering around this five-story complex, or duck into the smaller collections showcasing up-and-coming artists from around the borough. Architecture buffs will admire the lofty, sun-dappled space, as well as the exterior juxtaposition of the museum’s classical facade with its glass-and-steel entry portico. Those interested in ancient Egypt will particularly appreciate the extensive mummy collection. Admission is donation-based, which is perfect for us cash-strapped college students.
Bacchus Bistrot À Vins
409 Atlantic Ave.
Looking to impress a date? Head to Bacchus for a surprisingly reasonable French dinner. Try the mussels and frites (all-you-can-eat on Tuesday nights) or the homemade goat cheese gnocchi for around $15. Eat indoors and pretend you’re dining in 1920s Paris, or enjoy a glass of wine from Bacchus’s 200-plus bottle selection on the tree-covered patio.
Barboncino
781 Franklin Ave.
(between St. Johns Place and Lincoln Place)
If you’d prefer a pint of beer and pizza to wine and French fare, seek out Barboncino. The chefs churn out Napoli-style pizza (read: heavy sauce, fresh cheese, richly toasted crust) from a wood-fired brick oven. Adventurous eaters will enjoy the more unusual toppings such as cherry stone clams, while traditionalists will find the margherita or the four-cheese equally delicious. (Bonus points to the proprietors for making their massive Neapolitan meatballs in-house.)
