I didn’t grow up in an ultra cool brownstone neighborhood of Brooklyn. Being in Midwood, I was sort right in the center of the boro. When my friends and I weren’t running into Manhattan for our thrills, we sometimes hit Sheepshead Bay. Captain Walter’s was a decent bar, always followed by coffee at El Greco or some nasty shit at the not so fast Roll-n-Roaster. (Does anyone remember their late night commercials?)

Sheepshead Bay did kind of fall apart in the 80’s. Lundy’s closed. Then reopened just in time for my high school reunion. Then closed again. Pip’s Comedy Club is gone. But Sheepshead is being resurrected, as all NYC neighborhoods eventually are.

Gerritsen Beach recently reported that the massive landmarked Lundy’s building is now being gutted to make way for a Whole Foods style grocery and restaurant. Prior to that, it was rumored to become an Outback Steakhouse.

The Q Express services Sheepshead Bay. Granted, it’s near the end of the line, but if you have a book and can get a seat, it’s all good. There are shops near the train, which is a few minutes walk to the bay. On the bay, there are plenty of restaurants (mostly sea food) and entertainment. Plus, let’s not forget the fact that the water itself sets this area apart from other neighborhoods. If you’re into walking or biking, Manhattan Beach and Coney Island are well within reach.

There’s a large cineplex in Sheepshead Bay where my family spent many a Christmas Day after our Chinese meal, if ya know what I mean (It’s a Jew thing). The Loehmann’s shopping center is nothing to sneeze at. Who sez you need to hit Century 21 for all of your designer bargains?

Sheepshead Bay has become a diverse area with a large immigrant population that just might give Ditmas Park a bank for it’s buck.

I’ve always felt a warm, fuzzy for the Sheepshead and I actually like what it’s become! And that’s rare, because I’m not thrilled with “new” NYC.

Forgotten NY