Map by Remie Geoffroi

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.

1. Four & Twenty Blackbirds

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.

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(Photo: Joel Bukiewicz)

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.

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(Photo: Christy Pessagno)

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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(Photo: Patrick Falle Parault)

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.

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8. The Bell House

149 7th St.; 718-643-6510

South Brooklyn’s preeminent concert hall has earned an unrivaled rep for indie talent and elaborate parties.

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9. The Rock Shop

249 Fourth Ave.; 718-230-5740

Though nominally a sports bar, the Bowery Ballroom guys’ clubhouse doubles as an indie-rock venue.

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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.

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(Photo: Courtesy of Gowanus Print Lab)

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.

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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.

Related:

• Archive: “Real Estate”
• Table of Contents: Apr 11, 2011 issue of New York | Subscribe!