Books are Magic is a great local spot for bookworms. The staff is warm and friendly with regular events happening monthly. 

The Brooklyn Museum is a great place to visit for contemporary and historical exhibitions, showcasing a range of international and local artists as well as its socially engaging and creative program it also hosts a party on the first Friday of every month. Its a great place to see performances (like these two cool cats) and mingle with the locals in the neighbourhood as well as art enthusiasts who come from afar to get down together and party in between the Rodin sculptures.

This is my go-to spot in my neighborhood. The food is fantastic. They have an ever changing selection of beers and the staff is friendly, attentive and down to earth. Love this place.

When I first visited NY in 2010 the New Museum left a permanent impression. I love the architecture and the concept of the piled-white-shoe-box look-a-like building at the edge of the Lower East Side neighborhood. The exhibition program is appealingly different, and the bookstore in the foyer is not to be missed!

This burlesque club contains a stripper pole, but is hardly worth it unless you know someone who will hook up drinks.