Eating and drinking

Brooklyn Label

Affordable brunch fare (oatmeal, omelettes, steak and eggs; $5–$10) at this Wi-Fi-equipped diner satisfies the local scenesters, who wait patiently in line outside. Avoid crowds by popping in at night for a burger, or a grilled cheese on thick, nutty bread. 180 Franklin St at Java St (718-389-2806)

Café Grumpy

On a quasi-industrial stretch of the ’hood, Café Grumpy’s welcoming presence is a sunny oasis devoted to making exquisitely brewed coffee. You’ll find exposed brick, colorful abstract art on the walls and a hushed atmosphere for those savoring iced lattes ($4) while glued to their laptops. 193 Meserole Ave at Diamond St (718-349-7623)

Christina’s Restaurant

Christina’s has all the trappings of a lackluster diner. Instead of just the usual fare, though, the menu favors home-cooked Polish recipes such as tasty, crisp Hungarian pancakes folded over chunks of chicken bathed in a tangy tomato sauce ($7.25). 853 Manhattan Ave between Milton and Noble Sts (718-383-4382)

Greenpoint coffee house

Greenpoint Coffee House

The elegant lamps and curvy booths create a romantic European aura at this charming coffeehouse. On a lazy afternoon, linger with a book and a decent cup of joe (caffeine addicts should remember this isn’t a diner: refills cost a dollar) or a glass of freshly squeezed, not-too-tart lemonade ($3). 195 Franklin St at Green St (718-349-6635)

Lamb & Jaffy

Couples and multigenerational families arrive bearing wine and beer (the slightly upscale restaurant is BYOB) to wash down L&J’s gussied-up American classics: Dishes like bacon-wrapped dates and seared scallops are served in the breezy main dining room or back garden. 1073 Manhattan Ave between Dupont and Eagle Sts (718-389-3638)

Mark Bar

Walk in and you’ll find local beer snobs debating the rotating selections (there are 75 in all). And even if you can’t weigh in on the Sly Fox Dunkel vs. Stoudt’s Maibock debate, the stellar bar snacks from Lamb & Jaffy (shepherd’s pie, pigs in blankets) will keep your mouth in gear. 1025 Manhattan Ave at Freeman St (718-349-2340)

Old Poland Bakery & Restaurant

Cafeteria-style Old Poland is where the old-time locals hang out, chattering in Polish over mammoth veal cutlets. Peruse the overwhelming menu, but order something simple, like plump potato-stuffed pierogi with a mess of onions ($4.25), and on your way out, don’t forget to pick up a loaf of homemade rye bread ($1.90). 190 Nassau Ave at Humboldt St (718-349-7775)

The Garden

Paloma

This multitasking eatery is also a gallery, a salon and a performance space. The menu’s appropriately eclectic, featuring tasty specials like Puerto Rican Plantain Pie ($10), a sweet and salty lasagna of sorts layered with plantains, olives and ground beef. 60 Greenpoint Ave between Franklin and West Sts (718-349-2400)

Pencil Factory

This mellow, wood-trimmed pub is blessedly free of a singles scene. Instead, hordes of pleasantly disheveled locals pick up $4 beers and take in impressive views of the East River. 142 Franklin St at Greenpoint Ave (718-609-5858)

The Queen’s Hideaway

The menu changes daily in chef Liza Queen’s seasonal-fare-obsessed kitchen. So if you don’t like beer-battered soft-shell crab with artichoke, or pork picnic rolls braised in sake and soy, you’re sorta screwed. At least until she serves venison sausage or sea-bass cakes the next evening. 222 Franklin St at Eagle St (718-383-2355)

Your guide to Greenpoint:

• Eating and drinking: Manhattan Avenue is still the main drag, but a slew of new places have opened on Franklin Street.
• Clubs and venues: Old-school Slavic clubs pack in the locals, but there are a couple of joints that pull in outsiders.
• Shopping and services: There’s still a healthy nexus of 99-cent stores and Polish pharmacies, but a new crop of tony boutiques is emerging.
• Transportation
• Public space
• Real estate

• Greenpoint's future: How a sewer line, an oil spill and Magic Johnson will help shape the years to come.