Focus on Fifth is a new blog series where we take a look at all the businesses on one block in the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID area, which ranges from Dean Street to 18th Street. We'll be doing more like this in 2014. In the meantime, Joanna Tallantire takes a close look at Fifth Avenue between 12th and 13th Streets:
I took a stroll to the block between 12th and 13th Streets where I discovered a variety of different stores and bars. In fact, on this block you can get a complete new wardrobe (for you and your dog), a make over, buy gifts for most of your family and friends, get fit and healthy and then go to the pub whilst doing you laundry. So take a walk with me and find out for yourself what this awesome block has to offer.
Azena Jewelry
500 5th Ave
(718) 788-4900
azenajewelry@yahoo.com
Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm; Sat 9am - 6:45pm; Sun closed
This 16 year-old family-owned gem is a sparkle haven of silver and gold necklaces, rings, precious stones and more. There is a good selection of watches, particularly Citizen, G- Shock and Bulova. The extremely warm and friendly Hector Jr. and Hector Sr. will gladly guide you through their array of jewelry to ensure you are buying the right gift. They also do watch and jewelry repairs. New in stock: long chain necklaces in silver and gold.
Franchezka Unisex
500 5th Ave
(718) 768-9242
Hours: Mon - Fri, 9am - 7pm; Sat, 8:30am - 8pm; Sun, 9am - 6pm
It took me a few visits to meet Franchezka as she is always busy doing extensions, color, highlights and braiding. Her talents seem to have no end. She can work with all types of hair and seems to give great advice to her customers. Some take it some don’t, but they all walk away smiling. I think the key to this hair salon is how the staff make complicated Brazilian braiding and sewn-in hair extensions look so natural; as if it really is your own hair. Make an appointment or drop in and have a chat. Franchezka and her team welcome everyone, men too.
Edible Arrangements
500 5th Ave
(718) 832-0100
www.ediblearrangements.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am -5pm; Sun 10am - 3pm; Sat closed
Edible offers arrangements of fruit bouquets you can order for delivery or pick up. Isaac, the store manager, will also tempt you (well me at least) with his specials like the chocolate covered strawberries with heart sprinkles. Edible has offers online, so be sure to have a look at the website before you go into the store. You can also order online. Note: the store is closed Saturdays.
United Taekwondo
502 5th Ave
(718) 788-5700
Hours M-F 12pm - 9pm, Sat 9am - 3pm, Sun Closed
unitedtkdny@gmail.com
www.unitedtkdcenters.com/parkslope
Provide quality martial arts programs for children, adults and families. The programs are designed to instill confidence, respect and discipline in all students.
Clean 'n' Green Laundromat
504 5th Ave
(347) 599 1627
Hours: Mon - Fri 7am – 11pm, Sat – Sun 8am – 11pm
www.cleanngreenlaundromat.com
You never have to step foot in this Laundromat, as they pick up and deliver to your doorstep. But if you do, you won’t be disappointed. Be assured that whilst you wash, you are also doing the best for the environment with their energy efficient washers. free Wi-Fi, TV and eco-friendly soap are available for all customers. The establishment is also impeccably clean.
The Fifth Estate Bar
506 5th Ave, New York, NY 11215
(718) 840-0089
www.fifthestatebar.com
Hours: Daily 4pm – 4am
A traditional comfortable Brooklyn bar with a music line-up that includes jazz, rock and comedy, a good selection of beers and even pinball machines to keep you company. The bar back room can also be hired for parties. Happy Hour daily from 4 – 8pm!
Bobby Sportswear
508 5th Ave
(718) 832-3738
Hours: Mon – Sat 10am - 8pm; Sun 10:30am - 7:30pm
An urban clothing and sportswear store. Shoes, jackets, jeans and more. A variety of UGGs, trendy baseball caps and other accessories for the winter. The staff are friendly and helpful and know their products well from brands such as Nike, Rocawear and Champion.
Petland Discounts
510 5th Ave
(718) 369-1786
www.petlanddiscounts.com
Hours: Mon - Fri 10am - 8pm; Sat 10am - 7pm; Sun 11am - 5pm
“Pets are a precious gift,” is what the store manager wanted me to write. His store can help customers with supplies and support in keeping their pets healthy and happy. The store also stocks a number of fish, which do as well in the winter as the summer. It’s never too cold to have fish in the home! Petland has a large selection of fish to choose from. There are also cuddly rabbits and a variety of birds to choose from.
La Casa Artesanal
512 5th Ave
(718) 369-2009
lacasaartesanalnyc.com
www.facebook.com/lacasaartesanalnyc
Hours: Tues – Sat 12- 7pm, Sun 12 – 6pm
La Casa Artesanal is full of many beautiful things. Holiday tree decorations when you enter, and South American style furniture aligning the walls and stunning jewelry pieces adorn most surfaces. Be warned, it’s impossible to leave without at least one purchase. But don’t worry, there is something for everyone’s price range and the friendly, expert service from Mary or Emilio will guide you through the variety of choices.
Game Champ
514 5th Ave
(718) 369-4847
www.thegamechamp.com
Hours: Daily 10am - 8pm
Game Champ has a large selection of entertainment video games and consoles. They currently have a special offer on pre-owned games and you can browse their skateboards and figurines as well! The staff, Freddy and Mike and others, are friendly and welcoming on every visit and really know their gaming stuff. They have XBox1 in stock!
Commonwealth Bar
497 5th Ave
(718) 768-2040
www.commonwealthbar.com/
Hours: Mon – Fri 3pm – 4am, Sat – Sun 2pm – 4am
This local bar serves a variety of beers and cocktails and serves pies from a local pie shop. They make their own cheese crackers to go with your beer and happy hour is Mon – Fri 3pm – 7pm. Although there are no live performances, this pub bar offers a well-stocked juke box! A patio is also open in the warmer months.
Camelia Cocina Mexicana
499 5th Ave
(718) 499-0002
info@cameliarestaurant.com
www.cameliarestaurant.com
Hours: Mon-Thu 12 - 11 pm, Fri 12 am - 12 am, Sat 10:30 am - 12 am, Sun 10:30 am - 11 pm
On entering the restaurant, you can’t help noticing the huge pile of avocados, for made-to-order guacamole. The seating is spacious and comfortable and the staff friendly. Eduardo, the owner, tells me they have daily specials every evening and happy hour is also daily from 12 to 7pm. You can also order a delivery via their website.
South Slope Pediatrics
501 5th ave
(718) 576-2450
info@southslopepediatrics.com
http://www.southslopepediatrics.com
Hours: Mon 8am-6pm, Tues-Thur 9am-6pm, Wed 12pm-7pm, Fri 9am-5pm
The Practice Manager, Matteo, emphasized that the ‘whole family’ is important when it comes to your child’s health. The staff and doctors believe parental involvement is key. Free CPR, breastfeeding, nutrition and other classes are available. Starting in January 2014, they are partnering with local businesses to provide free monthly classes to promote healthy living and initiate social groups where parents and children can meet and support each other. See their website for more information.
Mandee
509 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 788-2854
www.mandee.com
www.facebook.com/shopmandee
The store management team, Vicky, Bridget and Vanessa, are there to help with fitting and style needs. They have fun with their customers, ranging from teens to young adults, finding the right outfit for the occasion or just making sure the customer picks the right look and fit. The prices are reasonable on a wide selection of clothes and accessories. They say it’s difficult to walk out of Mandee empty handed. I managed only because I forgot my wallet! Check out their Facebook and Twitter pages for fashion information and specials.
Malik Sportswear
511 5th Ave
(718) 768-2565
Frank's Unisex Haircutting
513 5th Ave
(718) 788-9673
Hours: Tues - Sat, 10am - 7pm; Sun & Mon closed
Walk-ins are welcome at Frank’s friendly barber shop. Men’s cuts are $13 and boys $12. No one misses out at Frank’s because they also do girls’ and women’s trims.
My Favorite Deli & Grocery
513 5th Ave
(718) 788-6155
Hours: Mon - Sat, 6am - midnight; Sun, 7am -11pm.
This local grocery has new owners, so expect some changes over the coming months. My Favorite has everything you expect in your local grocery, including some friendly locals and helpful service.
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