The Septic Riviera it may be. But the action in Gowanus has only continued to amp up since its waterway was named a Superfund site last year. Joining an existing slew of nightspots are local booze-slingers like Halyards and the music hall going up on Second Avenue. There are daytime traffic generators, too: the coffee-pouring and pie-making operations Crop to Cup and Four & Twenty Blackbirds, plus artist-minded work spaces. And if those aren’t legitimizing enough, a Whole Foods will, someday, rise from a brownfield on Third Avenue and 3rd Street.
439 Third Ave.; 718-499-2917
Sisters Melissa and Emily Elsen’s impeccable pie shop has risen to destination-dessert status in just over a year.
2. Cut Brooklyn
461 Third Ave.; 646-247-9955
Knife-maker Joel Bukiewicz turns out meticulously handcrafted blades, which often sell out during his twice-weekly open-studio hours.
3. Issue Project Room
232 3rd St. (at the Old American Can Factory); 718-330-0313
One of the neighborhood’s revitalization pioneers, the performing-arts venue features programming that is, in a word, eclectic.
4. Halyards
406 Third Ave.; 718-532-8787
Woodworker Edward Colley’s two-month-old labor of love is a pint-size, mahogany-outfitted bar serving ultralocal spirits like Breuckelen gin.
5. Crop to Cup
541A Third Ave.; 917-531-8754
The socially conscious java maven’s new home includes a coffee bar (with forthcoming garden) and holds classes on espresso-making and alternative brewing techniques.
6. Yet-to-be-named venue
177 Second Ave.; no phone yet
An incoming 5,000-square-foot concert and dance space will feature live soul and R&B acts.
7. Littlefield
622 Degraw St.; 718-855-3388
Gowanus’s everything-for-everybody arts venue hosts a diverse roster of musicians (including occasional kiddie rock heroes), holds weekly comedy nights with Kristen Schaal and Kurt Braunohler, and serves cocktails invented by wd-50 mixologist Tona Palomino.
149 7th St.; 718-643-6510
South Brooklyn’s preeminent concert hall has earned an unrivaled rep for indie talent and elaborate parties.
249 Fourth Ave.; 718-230-5740
Though nominally a sports bar, the Bowery Ballroom guys’ clubhouse doubles as an indie-rock venue.
10. The Green Building
452 Union St.; 718-522-3363
The former brass foundry’s event space holds weddings, screenings, and the occasional Jens Lekman concert.
11. Gowanus Print Lab
54 Second Ave.; 718-788-3930
For first dibs on its four- and six-color presses, you need a membership. But no commitment is required for printmaking and digital-media courses.
12. Gowanus Studio Space
166 7th St.; 347-948-5753
With an in-house workshop, gallery, and printmaking studio, the 24-hour shared work space is a one-stop shop for arty freelancers.