Sheepshead Bay/Brighton Beach

A walk along Brighton Beach Ave. can make you forget you’re in the United States (well, ignore the elevated Q train on which you will likely arrive). Many signs are in Russian and you may not understand too many conversations going on around you if you don’t speak the language. However, this is an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with Russian food, whether you want to shop in a Russian store or sample one of the many restaurants along Brighton Beach Ave. and many of the side streets.

Neighboring Sheepshead Bay is not to be ignored either. This area is home to more than 120,000 residents as has given us comedians like Andrew “Dice” Clay and Larry David as well as sports icons like Vince Lombardi and Lee Mazzilli. Since many people from the former Soviet Union have settled here (like in Brighton Beach), there’s an eclectic mix of restaurants to choose from. For Tajik food, try Cafe Dushanbe. When you’re finished, take a stroll across the Ocean Avenue Pedestrian Bridge, where you may see locals fishing in the bay. After you cross, turn in either direction onto Shore Blvd. and admire the multi-million dollar mansions.