Brooklyn is the preferred New York travel destination because it offers a reprieve from the chaotic Manhattan but is still teeming with art, food, and culture. And for Australians, Brooklyn is a home away from home. Australian expats have over the past decade turned the borough into a hub for great Aussie coffee, food, art, and culture. Strolling down Cobble Hill and Williamsburg is oddly reminiscent of Melbourne, with all the pastries, avocado toast, and flat white brews.
But if you are new to New York, finding these spots may not come easy. So here is a guide to all the places you can experience Australian greatness while visiting – or even living – in Brooklyn. In addition to exploring the vibrant Brooklyn scene, you can immerse yourself in Australian culture by attending events like the annual Australia Day celebration or checking out local Australian-owned cafes and restaurants that serve delicious Vegemite toast and flat whites.
With the fast and secure in-house WiFi, you can even connect with Australian gaming communities and visit GambleOnlineAustralia to enjoy some online games from the comfort of your Brooklyn home. Williamsburg Bridge and Domino Park are also close by, offering stunning views and recreational activities that will enhance your Australian-inspired Brooklyn adventure.
Butler Bakeshop
Butler Bakeshop’s exterior may seem unremarkable at first – it looks like any other coffee and pastry shop – but you will not want to leave once you sit down. Located in Williamsburg, this charming café serves delicious coffee accompanied by tasty breakfast and lunch sandwiches, including a runny egg option with truffle aioli, cheese, and bacon on brioche. Butler’s Bakeshop is also home to a Michelin-rated pastry chef who serves up savory baked goods like the buttery sausage roll. And as you enjoy the hearty homemade meals.
Egg Shop
Husband and wife Demetri Makoulis and Sarah Schneider share a love for the universally acclaimed egg sandwich. It is this shared interest that saw them open their first Egg Shop location in 2014 in SoHo. Alongside chef Nick Korbee, the two produce increasingly versatile egg-centric meals that will feel both familiar and creative. The Egg Shop outpost in Williamsburg, opened in 2017, is bigger, livelier, and an excellent place to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner amidst Aussie culture. You can also enjoy the wide selection of cocktails, fresh juices, and organic wines.
Citizens
Opened in 2016, Citizens is an expat café group that perfectly melds Australian culture with the New York City vibe. Patrons can enjoy Melbourne coffee and Australian brunch cuisine all served with an American twist. The location is also decorated with local art installations and regularly hosts comedy shows, family brunches, and movie nights, making it the perfect melting pot of both cultures.
Abbotsford Road Coffee Specialists
Abbotsford Road has been in Brooklyn longer than many of the locations on this list. Opened in 2002, the store and café is a one-stop shop for all things coffee. Abbotsford sources and roasts its own coffee, much of which is inspired by the Land Down Under. The menu is widely varied, featuring a wide range of fused New York and Australian flavors. Abbotsford Road even offers professional barista training.
Five Leaves
Five Leaves feels extra-Australian because it was co-founded by famous actor Heath Ledger. And while he did not get to see it – he sadly passed away before it opened – the spot is as hipster as he would have wanted it to be. Five Leaves stands out from other cafes and chill spots on this list because it is pet-friendly. It features outdoor sitting for patrons with dogs. While lounging with your furry friend, you can also enjoy Australian beer, coffee, and a wide range of meals from the lunch and breakfast menu.
Prospect Park Zoo
Located on the east side of Prospect Park, the Prospect Park Zoo is the perfect place to visit for Aussie nature lovers. The zoo is home to about 180 species and more than 900 animals, including the indigenous dingoes and emus. You can enjoy strolling through the park on weekends or sign up for volunteer programs – an excellent way to meet other members of the community.
Midwood Athletic Complex
Australian football is hard to find in the US but, luckily, Brooklyn has that one spot that will scratch your itch. Every mid-year, Midwood Athletic Complex hosts a Brooklyn Kings rugby league that is very close to the football Aussies know and love. The team was founded by an Australian expat.
Sweatshop
Sweatshop is a design studio and coffee shop notable for its laid back Australian hospitality. Opened in 2014 by Aussies Ryan De Remer and Luke Woodard, the space serves the meanest flat white and other Australian classics like Vegemite sandwiches and avocado toast. Sweatshop is also a collaborative workspace where freelancers can enjoy the cozy atmosphere as they bounce ideas around at the communal table. This is definitely a place you want to visit when you are new to Brooklyn.
Chasm
Brooklyn is the home of art and you will not have trouble running into Aussie artists and their works in the many galleries. However, if you are feeling particularly homesick, the Chasm gallery is an exclusively Australian exhibition. It features art by contemporary Aussie artists in all the colors and shapes of home.
Wrapping Up
Visiting the borough should be on your to-do list if you are touring New York. The relatively laid-back pace and ethnic diversity is both refreshing and familiar, especially when you experience pieces of Australia away from home. And while most of these locations are indoors, Brooklyn boasts many open green spaces where you and the friends you make in your Aussie-inspired trip can take in some sunlight and nature.
