Best independent shops: Atlantic Ave

Atlantic Bookshop
The shelves at this well-lit spot are stocked with reads (photography, philosophy, occult, mystery, mainstream) bound to inspire bibliomania in local browsers. Paperbacks are $1 and up, while a table at the front is regularly curated with affordable, obscure finds, like A History of the University of Glasgow. 179 Atlantic Ave between Clinton and Court Sts, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn (718-797-5756)

Callalilai
Hogo Natsuwa’s imaginative digital-print cotton and jersey knit dresses ($89–$159) spring out of ideas that come from his travels. Natsuwa infuses his bold patterns with Moroccan, Indian and folkloric motifs, while focusing on unexpected silhouettes. 296 Atlantic Ave between Hoyt and Smith Sts, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (718-875-1790, callalilai.com)

Town & Country
Joseph Giallo opened his store with encouragement from his antiques-dealer brother, Vito (who, incidentally, was Andy Warhol’s first studio assistant). Enjoying more than 15 minutes of local fame, Joe’s 25-year-old spot features lighting (one midcentury Italian brass fixture is going for $925), decorative sculpture, pottery and framed art (starting at $25). 352 Atlantic Ave between Bond and Hoyt Sts, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (718-875-7253)

Hollander & Lexer
Proprietors Hicham Benmira and Brian Cousins take an eclectic approach to their menswear. You’ll pay top dollar for rustic, elegant items—like gorgeously tailored blazers ($340–$360) and leather belts by Amish artisans ($140 and $170)—but consider it a local investment: The store almost exclusively stocks things made in the greater New York area. 358 Atlantic Ave between Bond and Hoyt Sts, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (718-797-9190)

Sir
Don’t let the name confuse you: These locally handmade silk dresses ($425), organza blouses ($295) and silk tops ($25–$65) are strictly for the madames. An Atlantic Avenue presence since 2002 (there’s a sister space in Williamsburg), Joanna Baum’s boutique is filled with reworked vintage pieces, many inspired by memories of her dapper grandpa in vest and bow tie. 360 Atlantic Ave between Bond and Hoyt Sts, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (718-643-6877, sirbrooklyn.com)

Darr
This unusual shop offers taxidermy specimens—a South African Cape buffalo, wildebeests—and tamer curiosities like Indian horn tableware ($20–$80). Owners Brian Cousins and Hicham Benmira (who also own Hollander & Lexer) stock the space—a favorite among set designers—with plenty of metal factory cabinets ($700–$1,200), but there’s affordable quirk too: Look for glassware ($10), handmade scissors from India ($12–$40) and wooden serving spoons ($35). 369 Atlantic Ave between Bond and Hoyt Sts, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (718-797-9733, shopdarr.com)

Eva Gentry Consignment
Top stylists unload their vintage and designer castoffs here, so you’re likely to score. Recent standouts: a Marni cotton tank ($39), Dries Van Noten sandals ($70) and a vintage Dior belt ($75). Long live the hand-me-down. 371 Atlantic Ave between Bond and Hoyt Sts, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (718-522-3522)

Trudy Miller Layers
TONY Discount! Each garment here is made from a single piece of material, meant to be tied and configured into innumerable wearing options. A two-piece kit (dress and underlayer) is $160, but mention TONY and get it for $125. 394 Atlantic Ave between Bond and Hoyt Sts, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (718-855-8780, trudymillerlayers.com)

Where to eat

Blue Marble Ice Cream
Local, organic milk provides the foundation for the ever-rotating roster of flavors—butter pecan, maple, ginger and more—at this eco- and kid-friendly neighborhood favorite, while Irving Farm coffee provides caffeinated sustenance. 420 Atlantic Ave between Bond and Nevins Sts, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (718-858-1100, bluemarbleicecream.com)

The Soul Spot
Caribbean and soul-food favorites like jerk chicken, curried goat and seasoned collard greens make up the daily lunch entrées, which run $7.99 to $10.50. Sides are $3.50 each and boast lavish flavors that belie the bare-bones design of this diminutive storefront. 302 Atlantic Ave between Hoyt and Smith Sts, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (718-596-9933, thesoulspot.com)

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Shopping guide '09
Best independent shops Forget chain stores. It's the little guys we're loving right now.