In the four years since it was founded, the Brooklyn Flea has become a cultural touchstone -- mentioned everywhere from local blogs to The Martha Stewart Show. Since 2008, the Flea has expanded to a more permanent indoor location at One Hanson Place and a relatively new food-focused market called Smorgasburg in Williamsburg. The original, however, is still the best, and you'll find a slew of vendors -- from indie designers to vintage purveyors to food trucks -- outdoors in Fort Greene at 176 Lafayette every Saturday (rain or shine) from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Here, we break down some of our top vendors and some tips for getting the most out of the market.
Dulcinee Vintage
Vintage clothing is one of the big sellers at the Flea, especially dresses in the spring and summer months. Dulcinee's got a great selection of pieces with both unique prints and great details. There are too many other great little vintage vendors to list here, just remember to wear something you can try on dresses over since there's aren't any dressing rooms at the Flea!
Intaglio Antique Maps & Prints
Home wares and decorative items are part of the Flea's DNA, and we especially love the vintage maps of New York and Brooklyn you'll find here, along with naturalist drawings of plants, sea shells, and more.
Birdhouse Jewelry
The area around this jewelry vendor is always packed because of the nature of the goods -- they're varied and charming -- and the prices, which are surprisingly affordable.
Classic Specs
Sunglasses and eyewear are some of the most fun pieces to try on at the Flea, and this vendor stocks an impressive selection.
Dan's Parents' House
We challenge you not to get entranced by some of the curated knick-knacks in this brilliantly-named shop.
Claudia Pearson
This Brooklyn-based illustrator has a really charming collection drawings, calendars, and tees.
Brady & Kowalski Writing Machines
Beautiful vintage typewriters that aren't just for decoration -- they actually work! Better yet, these folks also sell typewriter ribbon.
Food Vendors: It's impossible to eat everything, but we'd highly recommend fish tacos from Choncho's Tacos, The lobster rolls from The Red Hook Lobster Pound, smoked meats from Mile End, wood-fired pizza from Pizza Moto, and Solber's amazing pupusas.
