New in the Neighborhood: Cafe By The Girls, Luo's Burgers, Ana Toli Co & Woof Gang + Events & Unique Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day
Among this week's neighborhood happenings: Thrive in 2025, Superbowl Parties, an Introduction to Hydroponics, Wine Tasting & Art, Trivia Night, Bachelor night at The Beer Garden.
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Here’s what’s happening this week:
So many openings! Luo’s Burgers opened at 568 4th Ave between 15th and 16th streets on February 1st. The restaurant serves a fusion of American, Hispanic & Asian cuisine. Dog bakery and grooming shop Woof Gang will celebrate their soft grand opening today, February 6th at 217 7th Ave between 3rd and 4th streets. Colombian coffee shop Cafe By The Girls will open on February 7th at 203 7th Avenue between 2nd and 3rd streets. Home & lifestyle brand Ana Toli Co, which previously had a pop up store on 7th Ave, will take over the old Brix Haus space at 347 5th Avenue between 4th and 5th.
A new report by Property Shark names Red Hook and Carroll Gardens among NYC’s ten costliest neighborhoods [Time Out].
Gone to the Dogs was recognized as a Small Business Honoree at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Annual Gala. The shop, located at 103 7th Ave between Union and President Streets, produces ethically-made dog apparel and toys,
Chef Nasim Alikhani of Prospect Heights restaurant Sofreh is a James Beard semi-finalist for the ‘Best Chef: New York State’ award for the third year in a row. [Eater].
Plus, scroll all the way to the end for our list of not-so-traditional things to do for Valentine’s Day!
— Mychal
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Our Top Picks
Events with an asterisk* tend to sell out- reserve tickets early!
Thursday, February 6th (Today):
Thrive in 2025 @ Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store, 7:30-9pm*: Join Annie’s for an evening of wishes and intention setting led by a very special guest, an art therapist! Make some unique jewelry pieces (bracelets & cabochons) while focusing on what you want from the new year and how you want to spend our time and energy. Price of admission includes supplies, drinks and snacks. $25.
Friday, February 7th:
A Night in Brooklyn Supporting the LA Fire Dept Foundation @ Littlefield, 8-10:30pm: Brooklyn based writer, comedian, & actor Dan Toomey hosts this night of comedy supporting the LA Fire Dept Foundation. $29.73.
Saturday, February 8th:
Taproom Yoga @ Talea Cobble Hill, 10:15-11:15am: This open-level vinyasa yoga class is set to music and hosted by Heatwise! The class will be 60 minutes of flow based on the creative expression of the teacher. Heatwise is on a mission to help people feel good by delivering a clean, comfortable, stress-free experience. Ticket includes $5 off a post-yoga drink. $20.
Year of the Snake - Lunar New Year Celebration @ Gone to the Dogs, 12-6:30pm: Celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake with an afternoon of fun, treats, and festivities for you and your furry friends! Featuring: puptail hour (treat your pet to a special Lunar New Year-themed drink!), red envelope treats (special surprises for loyal four-legged customers), happy hour for pet pawrents starting at 2 PM, and an Exclusive Giveaway! FREE— RSVP recommended.
Creators Pop Up @ Bayaal, 1-6pm: Celebrate Black History Month with The Bayaal Collective! This boutique showcases handmade, locally sourced, and fair trade items from Africa & worldwide. Join them for a series of inspiring pop-up events showcasing some of the shop’s favorite creators and artists. FREE.
Wine Tasting & Artist Reception @ Gowanus Wine Studio, 4-6pm: Pick up some artwork and wine for your Valentine! Gowanus Wine Studio is hosting this wine tasting and artist reception for their current featured artist, Jen Ferguson. Ferguson's new series of paintings, Upstated, was inspired by the long vistas, gentle hills, deep rivers, and stunning colors of the Hudson River Valley. In addition to her paintings, Ferguson will have new prints and mini art pieces available for purchase. Art and wine make a divine pairing for Valentine's Day! FREE.
4th Annual Allergy Season Market Extravaganza @ Ginger’s Bar, 2-6pm: Shop art & local vendors and then stay late to mingle and dance at this Ginger’s Bar annual tradition. FREE.
Sunday, February 9th:
Valentine’s for Trans Youth @ Old Stone House, 12-2pm: Everybody is invited to write messages of love and support to trans youth inside beautiful Valentine’s cards designed by youth and adults of trans experience. Completed cards will be distributed to LGBTQ+ organizations outside New York State that work directly with trans youth. This activity is organized by POGEK (Parents of Gender-Expansive Kids) at P.S.39 (Brooklyn, NY). FREE.
Sake Cup Glazing @ Brooklyn Kura (Industry City), 4-6pm: Josephine Heilpern of Recreation Center will guide this class through the experience of painting, stenciling, and glazing your very own sake cups!
Let your imagination run wild as you create your own masterpieces. Perfect gifts for your Valentine or just to treat yourself to a well-earned gift! Each ticket includes 2 sake cups handmade by Josephine. $95.81
Superbowl & Puppy Bowl @ Threes Brewing: Threes Brewing will have multiple screens showing the game, $22 pricing on select pitchers of beer starting at 6pm and food specials all day such as wings and fried shrimp baskets from Grand Army South. They will also be showing the Puppy Bowl from 1-4pm (kid-friendly!), with $1 from each flagship pint benefiting The Sato Project, which rescues stray dogs from Puerto Rico. FREE.
Superbowl & Moving Party @ Chuzo Culture, 6:30pm: Watch the big game with Chuzo Culture and wish them well on their last day of service in their 5th Ave location. FREE.
Superbowl Watch Party @ Paddy’s of Park Slope, 6:30pm: Enjoy pop up food from The Poutine Guy & $20 domestic beer buckets all night. FREE.
Super Sunday @ Bar Louise 5pm-close: Prefer cocktails to cleats? Join Bar Louise for their ANTI-FOOTBALL Party! Free tarot and astrology readings, girl dinner with truffle popcorn, charcuterie, chicken skewers and more. It’s gonna be a good time! FREE admission.
Super Bowl @ Farm.One, 6pm: Enjoy the game on the big screen and a pizza pop up in the Brew lab! FREE.
Tuesday, February 11th:
Trivia Night @ That Bar Brooklyn, 8pm: Gather your crew, flex those brain muscles, and find out who takes home the ultimate bragging rights—and maybe a prize or two— at this weekly series hosted by Geeks Who Drink. FREE.
Wednesday, February 12th:
Intro to Hydroponics @ Farm. One, 6pm: Learn how to grow herbs, greens, micros & flowers indoors with hydroponics in a controlled environment and artificial light. This introduction to the high-tech world of indoor growing will open your eyes to the possibilities of year-round, pesticide-free, high-quality, high-yield agriculture suitable for any size. Students get hands-on experience from seed to harvest under the guidance of Director of Farming, Kate Lodvikov. $150.
Old 2 Begin @ Young Ethel’s, 9-11pm: Join Young Ethel’s for NYC’s only variety Open Mic for writers and performers age 35+! Perform or support neighbors and friends. FREE.
Ongoing events:
Henry IV @ Theatre for a New Audience (February 4th- March 2nd): Henry IV, Part One is one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, but Henry IV, Part Two is rarely produced. Dakin Matthews has taken Henry IV, Part One and Part Two and adapted them into one three-act play of 3:45 including two intermissions, creating one play approximately half the length of the two separately. With vivid, indelible characters drawn from 15th-century England’s civil war, the Adaptation is gripping and epic, exploring timeless questions about legitimate authority and how the private lives of rulers conflict with their public lives. $102-$132.
Book ahead for these popular events:
Queer Clay with Me @ Principles Cafe (February 15th, 2-5pm)*: Looking for a creative way to connect with others? Whether it’s your first time working with clay or you’re a seasoned pro, this event is your chance to relax, create, and make new connections in a safe, welcoming space. All materials (clay, tools) are provided—just bring yourself and your creative energy! Enjoy delicious coffee and pastries from Principles Café while you create in a cozy, relaxed environment. Perfect for all ages— feel free to come solo or bring a friend. $10.
Erotic Drawing @ Please, An Educated Pleasure Shop (February 23rd, 11am-1pm)*: Draw a spicy nude figure at a sex shop in Brooklyn!
Four poses, each for 15-20 minutes each with a short break in between. Pay-what-you-can (Suggested Donation: $20).
Submit an event to be considered for this weekly events roundup!
Note that a limited number of events are selected for this newsletter, and event listing promotions are available to guarantee the inclusion of your event (email us for more info).
Did we miss anything? Add in comments below. 👇
Local Business Buzz ✨
Bachelor Nights @ The Beer Garage: Every Monday until the big finale, visit The Beer Garage for a viewing & great specials:
🌹$50 bottle of wine + a charcuterie board
🌹$10 cocktails
🌹$2 oysters
Delicious New Offering at Whisk & Whiskey: Shirley Biscuit Soufflé Cheesecake – a rich, velvety treat infused with the nostalgia of a Caribbean staple! Shirley biscuits have been a beloved snack across the islands for generations, and now W & W is bringing that familiar flavor to a decadent cheesecake. Stop to indulge in this creamy, dreamy delight!
Untraditional Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Whether you’re celebrating being single, craving a night out with friends, or just seeking an alternative to the traditional romantic three-course meal, here are four creative ways to celebrate love in all forms this Valentine’s Day.
Vow for Girls Galentine's Day Fundraiser @ The Ripped Bodice (February 13th, 7-9pm)*: This fun-filled and lively evening will support the fight to end child marriage and help ensure every girl gets the happily ever after she deserves. This is a ticketed event with 100% of proceeds donated to Vow for Girls. Featuring an exciting lineup of romance authors plus special guest Stacey Abrams. $35.
Valentine’s Day Fight Night @ Strong Rope Brewery (Red Hook), 7pm: Get ready for a Valentine's Day like no other! This unforgettable evening of drag queen pro wrestling, tantalizing burlesque performances, and a vibrant selection of local vendors to shop the perfect gift (for your boo or yourself!) is perfect for those celebrating love, friendship, or just good vibes. Sip on craft brews, cheer on the queens as they battle it out in the ring, and enjoy a night that’s as fierce as it is fabulous. FREE.
Not My Slutty Valentine’s Day Dance Party @ Littlefield’s (Friday, February 14th, 10pm): The Not My Party crew is back with a lil sweet and flirty engagement to celebrate l-o-v-e in all its forms. Whether you're singling mingling, looking to get dolled up and twirl with the gals, your boyfriend has suspiciously excellent taste, or you're just here for the free (eye) candy... come get lost in the dance-chem. There will be a kissing photo booth, a disco ball, flash tattoos, floral estrangements, live tunes, chocolates, and Valentines galore! $9.95.
4th Annual Galentine’s Day @ Whisk & Whiskey (Saturday, February 15th, 2-6pm): Celebrate sisterhood with tarot readings, self-love letters, friendship bracelet-making, a pasties-making class, drink specials, and karaoke. Oyster Pop-Up: Hosted by @oystermikesrawbar in the evening! FREE.
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I walked by the Cafe by the Girls location the other night and totally forgot it was coming. The space looks totally different! Excited to try it.