Avenue U (N)

In this part of Gravesend, the cultural smorgasbord starts to funnel into two dominant cultures: Mexican and Chinese, but of course with intercultural flavor.

Avenue U’s vibe around its N Train stop.

I found one of the cheapest salon options in NYC out here at Empire Beauty Salon.

Zoom in on that price list! $25 for a mani-pedi? Yes, please. My guess is even as the prices increase with time, they’ll still be lower than what you’d find elsewhere.

Across the street, T-L Food Market Inc. (pictured above) is a must-visit for Asian snacks.

Interestingly, some of the best chai I’ve had in NYC (like, real chai, with the milk film on top) was at Grizzly Coffee, a Mexican-meets-South-Asian gustatory phenomenon. Featuring rasmalai tres leches cake, gulab jamun donuts, dhood pathi, gur wali chai, and even kashmiri kahwah, this place is legit. Plus, it’s got wifi and a cute hangout space. Damn. Ok, Gravesend, I see you.

And, for those into billiards culture, come watch the pros (or play with them if you dare) at Gotham City Billiards Club.

Billiards culture is alive and well in Gravesend.

Overall, though, I recommend walking into whatever catches your eye off Avenue U. You’re bound to find something interesting, like a giant display of miniature figurines within a Russian pharmacy. That’s Gravesend for you!

Pharmacy Anteka is, yes, a pharmacy, that sells miniature figurines. And why not poke around Ravioli next door!