Summer is officially upon us! And that means it’s time to prepare for one of the hottest Black festivals of the year. Yes, Afropunk is returning to Brooklyn. And if you’re familiar with the city, it offers some of the best eats in the country.
What is Afropunk?
Afropunk is a summer festival that celebrates Black joy through music, art, and fashion. The festival is a nod to the many subcultures in the Black community. And featuring a lineup of musical artists like Burna Boy, Tierra Whack, and The Roots, it’s a great place to party with other fans of alternative music, fashion, and lifestyles.
Aside from the music, there are many things to do at Afropunk. You can sample good food from local chefs and food trucks at the festival. And as far as entertainment goes, there are plenty of interactive activities, art to see, and souvenirs to purchase.
When and Where is It?
Afropunk 2022 is happening on Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11. The 2-day weekend event takes place every year in the summer, so attendees have ample time to plan and prepare for their visit.
The summer festival is located at Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn, New York. Commodore Barry Park is the oldest park in the Brooklyn borough and also where you can experience authentic New York culture.
The Beauty of Local Food
Brooklyn is also a great place to find many eateries that serve delicious food. From jerk chicken to cheesecake, Brooklyn’s dining options are as diverse as its people. For good vibes and even better food, here are six restaurants you have to try while in Brooklyn:
1. Greedi Vegan
Greedi Vegan is a Black-owned, plant-based eatery serving tantalizing foods across the diaspora. There, you can find things like a Caribbean-inspired “Greedi Jerk Burger” or a New Orleans po’boy made from cauliflower! If you weren’t a believer before, you will be once you try the food at Greedi Vegan.
From sandwiches to salads, this place has everything you’re craving. To start, try the sweet “Coconut Ginger Fried Plantains” that are perfect when shared with friends. Then, for your meal, the “Fish Sandwich” is a good choice. It’s made with soy fish, kale and apple slaw, fresh veggies, and tartar and chipotle sauce on a chia seed bun.
Don’t forget to try Greedi Vegan’s refreshing “Cucumber Melon Lemonade” — the perfect treat on a hot summer day.
2. Peaches Hothouse
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Peaches Hothouse is another Black-owned restaurant that serves foods that are good for the soul. But at Peaches Hothouse, Southern hospitality is the name of the game. Many people praise the restaurant for not only its flavorful food but its warm service, too.
“The Best Chicken Sandwich Anywhere” is a customer favorite. And the fried chicken or fried catfish are also popular menu items at the restaurant. If you like spicy food, you can choose between regular, hot, and extra hot options. And even though these items come with a side salad, you can swap it out for their famous mac and cheese.
3. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Saw the new @GWAR documentary at the @AlamoNYC – it was great! Streaming on @Shudder now or real soon. pic.twitter.com/UYE4XWd54y
— bobbybloodfeast (@Thrawnsquatch) July 19, 2022
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, as the name suggests, is a movie theater that serves mouthwatering food and drinks. The theater features a number of films, from old classics to new releases.
Their menu boasts some pretty tasty food options like burgers and fries or even pasta. And you don’t have to worry about getting it to-go because your server will bring your order right to you.
But one of the best parts of the theater is its craft beers. Alama Drafthouse Cinema offers more than 30 craft beers on tap, plus bottled beers, too! And if beer isn’t your thing, you can try one of their handcrafted cocktails or milkshakes.
4. Ugly Baby
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Ugly Baby is a colorful restaurant where you can find some of the best Thai food around town. And with a name like ‘Ugly Baby,’ it’s sure to be a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
At Ugly Baby, you can sample authentic some popular Thai cuisines, like pad Thai or fried rice. But the restaurant is also an excellent place to find other traditional Thai foods. For example, their “Kua Kling,” is a dry curry dish made with flavorful minced meat. And their “Tom Som Pla Kra Pong” is a sweet and savory fish soup made with fragrant ginger and tamarind broth.
5. Kokomo Restaurant
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Kokomo Restaurant is a popular Black-owned eatery in Brooklyn known for its tasty Caribbean menu. And if you can’t get around to planning a tropical island getaway this summer, it’s the next best thing.
Kokomo Restaurant is open all day to serve brunch and dinner. For Sunday brunch, try their “Sweet Plantain Pancakes.” Topped with tropical fruit, coconut whipped cream, and their housemade syrup, it’s a great way to kickstart your day.
For dinner, their “Slow Braised Oxtail” is made with tender, braised New Zealand oxtail and served alongside traditional rice and peas and a seasonal vegetable.
And you can end your meal on a sweet note with their “Rum Raisin Bread Pudding,” served with vanilla ice cream, coconut whipped cream, and caramel rum syrup.
6. Spudz
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Spudz is a Black-owned french fry shop that sells fried potatoes like you’ve never seen before. With fun menu item names like “The Fresh Prince” or “Grandma’s Pie,” this eatery has a must-stop on your Brooklyn itinerary.
One of their most popular items is the “El Frito Loco.” This loaded fry dish is made up of french fries topped with jalapeno cheese sauce, roasted corn, and black bean salsa. And you can’t forget the guac!
And their “Beach House Fries” are a real summer treat. Made with steamed shrimp and crab, remoulade, and Spudz sauce on a bed of cajun fries, it’s everything we didn’t know we needed.