8 Best Shopping in Carroll Gardens, New York City

Part sandwich shop, part specialty food store, Court Street Grocers is a one-stop shop for Brooklyn’s most food-curious visitors. The shop’s owners scour the world for products, including regional sodas, chocolate bars, and potato chips. A long list of delicious sandwiches are sold in back: favorites include the Reuben made with house-corned beef brisket, sauerkraut and “come-back” sauce, and the Ultimate Warrior, with slow-roasted pork shoulder, broccoli rabe, provolone, and hot peppers on a Caputo hero.

This is the place to go for eclectic, anything-but-basic separates and accessories. Rollas straight-leg jeans, kitschy PepaLoves blouses, and style splurges like a statement kitten heel pump by Intentionally Blank come together in this fabulous shop. Look for on-trend yet affordable brands like Seaworthy, Jeffrey Campbell, and BB Dakota.

Looking for the chic-est women's wear in Brooklyn? You'll find it at this beloved boutique known for the high prices attached to its enviable items from Rachel Comey, Dries Van Noten, Jesse Kamm, and Ulla Johnson, as well as its own collection of seasonal dresses. Everything from knit sweaterdresses and cardigans to statement shoes and delicate gold jewelry share the cozy space. There are a few items for men available at the Williamsburg location, one of four NYC stores .

Counter service can be slow, but a visit to Italian fine food emporium Caputo’s for freshly made mozzarella and handcrafted pastas (fresh or frozen) is worth the wait. Italian-made ladyfinger cookies and mascarpone cheese are other favorites, as are imported olive oils and cured meats like prosciutto and various salami. This is the perfect place to pick up a Carroll Gardens food souvenir (although you might end up eating it on the way home). They close at 2:30 pm on Sunday.

Women’s boutique Néda specializes in edgy (yet not too flashy) party frocks, sundresses, and statement sweaters in bold colors, jumbo florals, and flirty and festive prints and patterns. Designers represented include Plenty By Tracy Reese, Umsteigen, Pepaloves, Atelier Nicole Miller, and Weston Wear. Check out the jewelry selection, which can be more affordable than the clothing.

Distinctive scarves and jewelry, durable, handmade fabric bags made by the owner, and mid-century furniture and vintage accessories beckon at this small boutique, but the real draw is the selection of traditional clogs, specifically Troentorp and Sven clogs in a variety of colorful and customizable styles.

If the name doesn’t tip you off, Stinky is a mighty fine cheese shop (the case is typically stacked with a couple dozen selections) that also sells sandwiches, coffee, and a selection of charcuterie and specialty fine foods from both far away and around the block. Craft beer is available by the growler, including brews from throughout Kings County. The staff are always willing to give you a taste, sip, or sniff.

If you're looking for a gift or a special trinket for that hard-to-shop-for friend or family member who has exquisite taste and an appreciation for the fine designs of nature, head to Swallow. Anatomy- and nature-inspired jewelry, vases, painted gold-leaf mirrors, chimes made of obsidian shards and dried eucalyptus, and other objets d’art and curiosities are just some of the offerings. Browsing here is a bit like traveling down the rabbit hole into a grown-up’s housewares wonderland.