Often called “Little
Odessa” because of its strong Ukrainian community, Brighton Beach
is equally called “Little Russia” because of its vibrant and ubiquitous Russian
community. Originally made up mostly of Russian Jews (immigrated in the late
1960s) the community has now grown to include a much wider Russian demographic.
Unlike many of the watered down foreign communities across the United States, Brighton Beach
is as Russian as it gets and doesn’t really try to cater to tourists. This is
ideal for outsiders as you are treated to the everyday lives of this Russian
community and it provides a sense of authenticity. On a stroll down Brighton Beach’s streets you will see a plethora
of Russian delis, butchers, cafes, book stores, and clothing boutiques. Often
when entering stores, you are greeted in Russian, but if you appear confused,
English is almost always a second option. If you plan on making an entire day
trip out of it, you’ll be amazed to see the transformation as restaurants turn
into night clubs. When it comes to getting a taste of
Russia without actually visiting the beautiful
country,
Brighton
Beach is definitely a
must visit.
Some of the
neighborhood treats include:
Winter Garden: The
Winter Garden, located on the boardwalk of Brighton Beach
is a pleasant place to sit and drink great Russian beer over a nice
conversation. The Winter Garden is at the end of a row of Russian eateries and
provides colorful décor and delicious food. We recommend any of their salads
and grilled meats.
Address: 3152 Brighton 6th
Street, Brooklyn, NY 11235
Primorski Restaurant
: Opened in 1981, Primorski Restaurant has a friendly atmosphere and a grilled
lamb to die for. Other treats include
the breaded chicken and the mix of chopped chicken and mushrooms.
Address:
282 Brighton Beach Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11235
Tatiana Restaurant: Tatiana Restaurant
is said to have the neighborhood’s best smoked fish, caviar and cheese if
you’re in the mood for these specific dishes.
Address: 3152 Brighton 6th
Street, Brooklyn, NY 11235
St.
Petersburg Bookstore:
St. Petersburg Bookstore is a mecca for readers
and students of Russia’s
language and culture. Often billed as the world’s largest Russian bookseller
outside of Russia,
you can get lost in this neighborhood gem.
Address: 230 Brighton Beach Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11235
Getting to Brighton Beach via subway is your best bet.
Simply take the Q or B to the Brighton
Beach stop.
If you can’t make it
out to Brooklyn for some fine Russian cuisine, there are a couple notable
establishments in Manhattan
as well:
The Russian Tea Room:
The Russian Tea Room is a very colorful and vibrant restaurant with an array of
Russian cuisine including their delicious pork tenderloin and cherry and cheese
blintzes.
Address: 150 West 57th Street New York, NY 10019
Brasserie Pushkin:
Brasserie Pushkin is a three story restaurant with two dining areas and a
private vodka bar. It can make for a pricey meal but the service is great and
you’ll feel like Russian royalty as soon as you walk in.
Address: 41 West 57th Street New York, NY 10019
In addition to
Brighton Beach,
there are other
New York City
neighborhoods that Russians call home.
Sheepshead
Bay, Brooklyn: The influence of
Russian Americans is strong in this Brooklyn
neighborhood - most businesses have signs in Russian and English.
Bath Beach, Brooklyn: Located at the southwestern edge of
Brooklyn, Bath Beach is becoming increasingly populated
by Russian immigrants as well as Chinese and Latino.
South Beach, Staten Island: For a more modern and affluent
Russian community, you can visit South
Beach. Seems like the
Russians like the beaches!
