Taking the long subway ride to Brighton Beach in Brooklyn is like traveling to another world. With Russian scrawled on food and shop signs, mosques for Muslims to pray, and a number of Korean marketplaces, the many ethnic groups here make this an extremely diverse and interesting place.
Nicknamed "Little Odessa" due to the large number of residents from this Ukrainian city, Brighton Beach has long been a neighborhood of people from many different cultures trying to find their place. The waves of immigrants arriving here since World War II, many to escape anti-Semitism in their own counties, contribute to a sad, nostalgic atmosphere sometimes felt in Brighton Beach, especially on cold, dreary days. However, it has one of the largest Russian communities in the country, and the Russian energy is infectious. While exploring, you may hear more Russian than English as women sit outside chatting, families stroll the boardwalk, and workers wander the beach selling cold drinks.
Brighton Beach has a great variety of ethnic restaurants and cafes. If you are the adventurous type, stop by Café Kashkar for a sampling of Uzbek cuisine where you can try dishes such as lamb rib kebobs, lagman soup (a kind of noodle soup), or samsa (a lamb and onion pastry). Be sure to check out the huge M&I International Foods, a market that offers an impressive selection of sausages, salads, pastries and more. But if you are in the mood for something more familiar, don't worry -- truck vendors usually sell hamburgers and hot dogs along the beach.
Another obvious advantage to visiting Brighton Beach is the actual "beach" part of the destination. The fresh, salty smell of the Atlantic Ocean lingers in the air as powerful waves crash along the shore. Brighton Beach's big waves and reputation as one of the cleaner beaches in New York draw a considerable amount of visitors during holidays and summer weekends, so be prepared for a crowd if you plan on visiting during these times -- although the unique ambience is well worth it. So if you like a little Russian flavor added to your typical beach getaway, take a seat on the boardwalk, grab a cold drink, and bask in the eclectic atmosphere of Brighton Beach.
Attraction Information
- Subway Stop:
- B, D, Q to Brighton Beach
- Contact:
- Brighton Beach Neighborhood Association: www.brightonbeach.com
