ML Interest Tag: joint

Can You Guess How Big the Tallest Toy Brick Tower in the World Is?

by Erica Loop

photo: Pexels

Your kiddo has built some of the tallest darn LEGO structures you’ve ever seen. Those towering plastic bricks seemed to reach from the playroom’s floor all the way up to its ceiling. But alas, your child’s totally tall tower is not the biggest one in the world. And probably not by far. The tallest plastic brick tower was just built — in Tel Aviv.

In recent years there have been LEGO tower building attempts made in Milan and Budapest. Even though these plastic brick super-structures were tall, the Tel Aviv version takes the cake. The joint effort between Tel Aviv City Hall and Young Engineers (a learning-based organization that helps young builders through the use of toy plastic bricks) is more than just a totally rad tower.

The Tel Aviv toy brick building was created to memorialize 8-year-old Omer Sayag. The little boy, who died from cancer in 2015, had a passion for building with blocks. And that’s what this record-breaking structure honors.

In all, the tower is made from half a million plastic bricks. And you thought that you had a lot of those little bricks floating around your house. The tower itself took thousands of people from over two dozen community organizations to build. From Dec. 12-24, the dedicated builders assembled the tower in the separate sections. The sections were then taken to Rabin Square, where they were pieced into one tall tower.

And just how tall is this tower? It measures 117 feet, 11 inches. That’s 35 inches taller than Milan’s plastic brick structure. Whoa!

What’s your child’s favorite thing to build with plastic bricks? Tell us in the comments below.

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6 Awesome Restaurants for a Kid-Friendly Birthday Celebration

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

One too many trips to an arcade-filled pizza joint with a rat-turned-mouse mascot can make these child-centric establishments feel not-so-special come birthday time. To usher in your wee one’s next year of life, these places are the best of the best for kid-friendly celebrations even adults will love. 

Photo: shankar s. via Flickr

Best Birthday Songs

Alero Restaurant

It doesn’t get more festive than a Mariachi band belting out a birthday ditty; most days you’ll find sombrero-wearing guitar players strolling through this U street hot spot, but if you come here on an off- night, don’t worry! The restaurant staff will sing with the same gusto of its resident Latin band, shaking maracas and pounding (loudly) on drums. Your kids are sure to remember this birthday rendition for years to come.

1301 U St., NW (U Street Corridor)
Buca di Beppo
Yes, it’s a chain-restaurant. (Sigh). But the fun, kitschy atmosphere paired with its unique, upbeat hand-clapping birthday song make it a great place to cut cake with family. And the best part, the cake (with a festive, Italian flag) is free on your birthday! 
1825 Connecticut Ave., NW (Dupont Circle)

Best Birthday Desserts

Osteria Marzano

Skip the traditional birthday cake at this modern, brick-oven pizza joint where — in addition to classic Italian desserts — you can order a dessert pizza for your favorite pie-lover: instead of tomato sauce, this oven-fired dough is topped with Nutella and gooey, toasted marshmallows. And, yes!, it is a full-size pizza… if you can’t finish it, it heats up well in the microwave for a next-day celebration. 

6361 Walker Ln. (Alexandria, Va)

703-313-9700

Online: osteriamarzano.com

Co Co Sala

This chocolate-themed lounge has a very grown-up feel, but despite it’s swank-factor, it is kid-accommodating. Ask for a seat at the “Chocolate Bar”  — where artisanal chocolatiers handcraft sweets — and even the oldest members of your party will feel like kids again. Skip dinner all-together and opt for a three-course dessert experience for your little birthday boy or girl with each sweet dish bearing a special, chocolate birthday message. 

929 F St., NW (Federal Triangle)
202-347-4265
Online: coco.com

Best Overall Party Atmosphere

HalfSmoke

A meal at this Shaw output feels a lot like a day at a carnival with menu options like top-your-own personal sized funnel cake and milkshakes with fluffy cotton candy topping. Little ones will enjoy the giant Jenga (perfect for tiny fingers). And a day at the carnival wouldn’t be complete without one of those vintage-y photo strips — Halfsmoke offers a free photo booth to capture the birthday festivities. 

651 Florida Ave NW (Washington, DC)
H Street Country Club
On most nights, H Street is more bar than Mexican restaurant, but this game-themed cantina is not just for “big kid” parties.  Come here on family night (Tuesday) and indoor miniature golf is just $4 per person with the purchase of dinner. It is also family friendly between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. In addition to putt putt, this country club has other boardwalk games like shuffleboard, skeeball and giant Jenga. 
1335 H St., NE (H Street)

hstcountryclub.com

What restaurants do you visit to celebrate a birthday. Tell us in the comments section below.

 

–Meghan Meyers

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Well Done, San Diego! Best Places to Grab a Burger Around Town

by Leah R. Singer

Cheeseburgers top most kid’s “things I’ll eat” list; but parents want more to their meal than a plain patty with orange cheese on a white bun. Lucky for locals, San Diego certainly stacks up in the hamburger market, with burger joints that really raise the bar on the staple sandwich. Here’s a wide variety of burgers to tantalize everyone’s tastebuds. We even found a hamburger that’s topped with peanut butter and jelly and ice cream!

Photo: Slater’s 50/50

Slater’s 50/50
What kid (or parent with a sweet tooth) wouldn’t love sinking their teeth into the ‘Peanut Butter and Jellousy’ burger at Slater’s 50/50? This beauty is made using 100% Black Canyon Angus beef, thick-cut bacon, peanut butter and strawberry jelly on a honey wheat bun… and yes, that IS a burger a la mode with a scoop of ice cream on top! You also can’t go wrong with the Original 50/50, which is their signature patty: a 50/50 blend of beef and bacon, topped with pepper jack, avocado, a sunny side up egg and chipotle adobo mayonnaise on a brioche bun. Something for everyone!

Liberty Station
2750 Dewey Rd. #193
San Diego, Ca 92106
Online: slaters5050.com

Photo: Bunz Burger Joint

Bunz Burger Joint
This Mission Valley spot may not have been on your radar before, but we think you’ll be dining there very soon. Bunz was started by a San Diego chef and restauranteur who is all about serving farm fresh, local food that tastes incredible. All their burgers (and hot dogs) are made with hormone and antibiotic free, 100% premium Meyer Angus beef. Adventurous kids should try the South a D’ Border burger with avocado, jalapeño, jack cheese, chipotle aioli, red onion and jalapeño ranch. A kid’s cheeseburger starts at $7.95 and includes a drink and choice of fries, side salad or roasted vegetables.

475 Hotel Circle South
San Diego, CA 92108
Online: bunzsd.com

photo: Richard M. via Yelp

Hodad’s
This generations-old Ocean Beach restaurant touts itself as home of the ‘World’s Best Burgers,’ and has even caught the eye of The Food Network, who call their Bacon Burger that’s piled sky-high with toppings a “run-down-your-arm-burger.” Hodad’s fresh, generous toppings and tasty spices have elevated their burgers to a top pick among San Diegans for nearly 50 years. Guests also love the iconic surf-inspired decor that has been a hallmark of the restaurant, keeping surfers and beach-goers coming back to dine in the cool vibes time and again.

5010 Newport Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92107
Online: hodadies.com

Photo: Jesse M. via Yelp

Waypoint Public
This North Park hotspot is a beloved locale for its craft beers, but they’re also known around town for their cuisine, specifically their mouthwatering Waypoint Burger. This crowd pleaser is topped with aged white cheddar, pulled pork, roasted garlic aioli, house pickled veggies and a sunny side up egg cooked to perfection. It’s truly a palate explosion worth experiencing.

3794 30th St.
North Park, Ca 92104
Online: waypointpublic.com

photo: Michelle W. via Yelp

Bruski Burgers and Brew
With locations in both Scripps Ranch and Poway, this eatery is known for two things: burgers and brews. Their incredible hamburgers are freshly made with a half-pound beef patty. We suggest the ‘That’s So Cheesy’ with cheese, a layer of caramelized cheddar cheese and chipotle aioli sauce. Pair your burger with one of their 24 craft beers. Don’t forget to ask for a side of house Bruski sauce for your fries or housemade Bruski chips (you’ll thank us later). Also, kids eat free at Bruski on Tuesdays and Sundays.

Scripps Ranch
9844 Hibert St, Suite G-10
San Diego, Ca 92131

Poway
12622 Poway Rd., Suite A
Poway, Ca 92064

Online: bruskiburgersandbrew.com

 photo: Lynelle M. via Yelp

Burger Lounge
They call themselves the home of “the original grass fed burger,” and Burger Lounge prides itself on serving 100% fresh, single-source, American grass fed beef. Add creamy organic cheese and their fresh-to-order fries and that’s all you need to satisfy your hankering for a burger. Young diners don’t have to miss out on Burger Lounge. Order them a Little Lounge Burger in turkey or beef. It’s the perfect size to satisfy small appetites.

Multiple locations throughout San Diego
online: burgerlounge.com

 

photo: Pure Burger via Facebook 

Pure Burger
This Carlsbad burger joint will hit the spot when you’re craving a little less red and a bit more green. Fresh baked artisan buns in whole-wheat or gluten-free options are just the beginning at Pure Burger. The company prides itself on not only how their burgers taste, but also how they look and how they make you feel. Always fresh, locally sourced grass-fed beef is a guarantee. They offer junior-sized burgers and cheeseburgers that are half the size of their regular version, or try a complete junior meal which comes with fries and a fountain drink.

2641 Gateway Rd.
Carlsbad, Ca 92009
760-683-5101
Online: pure-burger.com

What’s your favorite burger joint in San Diego? We know you have one.  

–– Leah R. Singer

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Our Guide to the Eastside’s Best Burger Joints

by Jennifer B Davis

A constant kid classic, burgers never get old. And with new spots popping up all over, we decided to scout the Eastside for the best places to sink your teeth into an all beef patty or two! From the All-American burger to hot and spicy burgers to the XXXL burger, you and your crew are sure to fulfill that hamburger craving we all know so well. Click through the gallery to discover all the amazing hamburgers the Eastside has to offer.

Burgermaster

Take a step back in time and show your little nuggets what it was like in the “old days.” For more than 60 years, Burgermaster has been taking drive-in orders at their Bellevue restaurant (they also have locations in Seattle, Mill Creek and Everett). The servers may not roller skate to your car, but they still do the whole roll-your-window-down-half-way thing and rest your meal on a tray outside your car. A perk kids of all ages think is awesome! Psst... once parked, let the Littles unbuckle their seat-belts and sit in the way back. Bonus points if you've got a sweet minivan or SUV. And double bonus, if the mess stays back there.

What to order: Kids will love the burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips and grilled cheese, plus the candy treat that comes with the kids’ meals. Grownups will love the burgers, BLTs, grilled cheese sandwiches and wraps. And for dessert, everyone will love the pies, sundaes, milkshakes and cookies. Three cheers for old time goodness right in your car!

Burgermaster
10606 Northup Way
Bellevue, Wa 98004
Online: burgermaster.biz

photo: Brian Dubois

Did we miss your family’s favorite go-to burger joint on the Eastside? Tell us about it in the Comments below!

— Jennifer B. Davis & Brian Dubois

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Slice of Heaven: The Best Places for Pizza Night

by rtmeredith

Whether it’s a Friday night tradition or an extra special treat, pizza is one of the few foods everyone seems to agree on. But forget Pizza Hut—today’s kids are asking for deep-dish, gluten-free and even wood-fired. And lucky for us, the Emerald City keeps serving up more great spots to get our fill. We’ve broken down some of our area’s finest pizzerias, so you can spend less time browsing Yelp reviews and more time digging in. Flip through the gallery for our picks.

Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria

With multiple locations around Seattle, Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria is always just a stone's throw away. And not only does their pizza taste like a slice of Italian heaven, but Tutta Bella is just as kid-friendly as it is delicious. From the Wikki Stix that are passed out to keep hangry kiddos busy to their open kitchens that allow kids to watch as their pizzas are being made, Tutta Bella is an easy restaurant to dine at with kids in tow.

Good to Know: Ask for their seasonal specials; they're seriously impressive. If you're in the mood for a hand-crafted cocktail, they have an incredible selection to choose from. We recommend the Sofia. And if your sidekick has a sweet tooth, (and what kid doesn't?) be sure to try their gelato.

Locations: Columbia City, South Lake Union, Wallingford, Bellevue and Issaquah

Online: tuttabella.com

photo: Justin Wells

Did we miss your family’s favorite pizza joint? Dish in the Comments below! 

— Meredith Mortensen, Sara Billups & Katie Kavulla

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11 Donut Shops You Need in Your Life

by Selena Kohng

Good news, folks! You’ve got a pretty good reason to hit up your favorite donut joint! National Donut Day is Friday, June 3 and it’d be a crime not to join in on the sugary action. Click through our album to discover the donut hotspots that you and your sidekick need to sink your teeth into on National Donut Day — or really any day!

For Your Morning Fix: Firecakes

Our Fave: Triple Valrhona Chocolate Cake

Why We’re Sweet on It: Chocolate cake, chocolate icing and cocoa nibs add up to confection perfection. Somehow, it satisfies a craving without being cloyingly sweet. Not a chocolate fan? Nab the Tahitian vanilla glazed if it’s there; it won the Donut Fest award.

The Digs: By now you know that gourmet donuts and tight quarters go hand in hand (this one’s a mere 600 square feet), but it’s a cozy, bright space.

Perks: Kids can wash down their snack with organic whole or 2% milk, or fresh pressed orange juice or lemonade. There’s La Colombe coffee for you.

68 W. Hubbard St.
River North
312-329-6500
Online: firecakesdonuts.com

Where do you satisfy your donut craving? Let us know in the Comments!

— Amy Bizzari and Selena Kohng

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Kermit and Miss Piggy’s Shocking Announcement

by Sara Olsher

Just when you thought celebrity drama couldn’t touch your kids, Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog call it quits on their 40 year marriage.

Both stars tweeted a joint statement earlier today:

“After careful thought, thoughtful consideration and considerable squabbling, we have made the difficult decision to terminate our romantic relationship. We will continue to work together on television (“The Muppets” Tuesdays 8\7c this fall on ABC) and in all media now known or hereafter devised, in perpetuity, throughout the universe. However, our personal lives are now distinct and separate, and we will be seeing other people, pigs, frogs, et al. This is our only comment on this private matter. . . unless we get the right offer. Thank you for your understanding.”

Read more at Today.com

“Like” this story to share with your friends and family.

— Sara Olsher

photo: rosshawkes via flickr

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Try Now: 5 Foodie Finds in the 425

by Chelsea Lin

Seattle may be well known as a gourmet paradise, but there’s no reason to stay within city limits when you’re in search of great food—even with kiddos in tow. Head to one of these restaurants east of the city to find family-friendly eats that will appeal to even the littlest foodies.

photo: Chelsea Lin

Pomegranate Bistro
High ceilings and colorful tabletops give this Redmond restaurant, owned by local catering legend Lisa Dupar, a modern appeal; pretty, composed plates add to the upscale feel. But the menu is accessible and the service friendly, and the huge window into the production kitchen keeps the Littles busy while they’re waiting. Kids’ dishes are set up like TV dinners on compartmental trays, with choices like wood-fired flatbreads or creamy mac ‘n’ cheese (no Kraft here), plus carrots, house-made fruit salad, and even a cookie for dessert.

Grown-ups should order… The fried chicken—ultra juicy, dredged in saltine cracker crumbs, and fried to golden perfection—is among the best around. You may end up having to share.

18005 N.E. 68th St.
Redmond, Wa 98052
425-556-5972
Online: duparandcompany.com/pomegranate-bistro or on Facebook
Hours: Mon., 7 a.m.-2p.m.; Tue.-Fri., 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

photo: Chelsea Lin

Dough Zone
Dumplings are made for tiny hands, so the menu at this Bellevue dim sum joint is particularly pleasing. And rather than the cart-style joints that offer too much temptation for tiny hands, Dough Zone makes your dumplings to order—you can even see them folding the tiny pockets in the open kitchen setup—and brings them still-steaming to the table. Hungry tummies will appreciate the assortment of pan-fried and steamed dumplings; the flaky, salty green onion pancake is always a big hit, too.

Grown-ups should order… The jian buns, a house specialty (and regional Chinese dish you can’t find just anywhere), are kind of like a cross between bao stuffed buns and soup dumplings: soft and pillowy on the outside with a molten core of broth and meat. Your little globe trotter will love these, too, just make sure to let them cool for awhile first.

15920 N.E. 8th St.
Bellevue, Wa 98008
425-641-8000
Online: yelp.com/biz/dough-zone-dumpling-house-bellevue-2
Hours: Mon., Wed.-Fri, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

photo: Jeanie C. via Yelp

Sushi Maru
Conveyor-belt (or kaiten) sushi is the perfect meal out for kids’ willing to dine on California rolls and edamame: You get to eat immediately upon sitting down, the food is fairly simple and generally inexpensive, and the round-and-round parade of a million tiny dishes acts like a hypnotizing dinner show for restless restaurant goers. Grab tiny plates of avocado roll, calamari tempura, and yakisoba—all three will only run you about $6.

Grown-ups should order… The raw-fish nigiri (don’t miss the toro, or fatty tuna) is a steal compared to fancier sushi joints. And dare we say you deserve a little sake at the end of a long day?

205 105th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, Wa 98004
425-453-0100
Online: sushimarubellevue.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 12 p.m.-9 p.m.

photo: Sue E. via Yelp

Tutta Bella
One of Seattle’s most popular pizzerias—particularly with the young family set—also has an outpost in Issaquah, perfectly situated for Eastsiders looking for a casual lunch or dinner out. The menu includes more than just pizzas, though little ones love the simple margherita dressed with tomato and fresh mozzarella or the eponymous Tutta Bella with Italian sausage and mushroom. Bonus: Happy hour prices daily from 3 p.m.-6 p.m.! Sneak in at 5 or 5:30 p.m. and grab an early dinner of 9” pizzettes for less dough, so to speak.

Grown-ups should order… The Gioia is a breakfast pizza of sorts, with prosciutto and arugula and fresh eggs cracked on top. The coffee is excellent as well—particularly the Nutella latte.

715 N.W. Gilman Blvd.
Issaquah, Wa 98027
425-391-6838
Online: tuttabella.com or on Facebook
Hours: Sun.-Thu., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

photo: Jane C. via Yelp

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
Downtown Woodinville has plenty of kid-friendly options for lunch after perusing the Hanna Andersson outlet, but Teddy’s Bigger Burgers takes the cake—er, patty. This Hawaii-based franchise offers a kids’ combo like any fast food joint, complete with burger (or corn dog, or chicken tenders), fries, and a drink, though here the quality is immeasurably better, and you won’t have some silly plastic toy to step on later.

Grown-ups should order… The volcano burger, with pepperjack cheese and jalapenos, may be a tad spicy for the average kiddo, but the heat makes for a fiery burger bomb that many adults will adore. Also try: tater tots. Lots and lots of tater tots! And a milkshake. You only live once, right?

17705 140th Ave. N.E.
Woodinville, Wa 98072
425-408-1604
Online: teddysbiggerburgers.com or on Facebook
Hours: Daily, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Where do you go for quality food with your tiniest gourmands on the Eastside? Tell us in the Comments.

— Chelsea Lin

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Outtasight!: Hidden New York for Kids

by Mimi O'Connor

You know that one of the best things about this city is that no matter how long you’ve lived here, it can still surprise you. Your kids think they’ve seen it all? Try taking them to one of these undercover, out of the way, or hiding-in-plain-sight destinations. Some are old, some are new — but all are super cool in one way or another. Plus: they’re either cheap or just plain free to experience.

Burger Joint at Le Parker Meridien

Perfectly acceptable as a destination in and of itself, or a genius lunch option before or after a Midtown excursion, Burger Joint has a lot of things going for it: it’s unexpected and incongruous, it’s literally sort of hidden and it serves delicious grub. Stroll into the lobby of the swank Le Parker Meridien and look for the neon burger. Follow the sign’s red arrow around the corner and you’ll find yourself in an old school, grungy-in-the-best-way (and likely fairly packed) restaurant. The name pretty much says it all, but tasty burgers and fries are the fare here, and you can also get a milkshake or a beer if you’re so moved. Posters for movies and television shows and lots of graffiti from past patrons cover the walls, and the crowds (expect to wait to order at the counter and perhaps for a table) are part of the experience.

119 W. 56th St.
Midtown West
212-708-7414
Online: parkermeridien.com

photo: via Joe Loong on Flickr

The New York Earth Room

Sure, The New York Earth Room might elicit the reaction of, “That was weird”, but it’s also an experience the kids likely won’t forget any time soon, precisely for that reason. Yet another offbeat find secreted away in a tony New York neighborhood (this time, Soho) The New York Earth room is actually an art installation created for the Dia Art Foundation by Minimalist and Land artist Walter De Maria. It is, as the title implies, a room full of earth — AKA dirt. Lots of it. (The raw numbers: 280,000 pounds, covering 3,600 square feet, and measuring 22 inches high.) The good news is, visitors can’t actually touch the dirt, so you don’t need t worry about kids leaving covered in soil. Adding to the impressive nature of the piece is that it is located on the second floor of its Wooster Street home. Wild and wacky, the installation is a great way to show kids that art isn’t necessarily always painted and in a frame, and to pose the question of: what makes something “art” anyway? (Not sold on the idea? There’s no risk to check it out: it’s free.)

141 Wooster St., Bell 2B
Soho
212-989-5566
Online: www.diaart.org

photo: Mark W. via Yelp

The Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Terminal

Don’t ask us to explain the exact physics of it all (parabolics?) we just know it’s cool. Located on the dining concourse level of Grand Central Terminal just outside the famed Oyster Bar & Restaurant, The Whispering Gallery is an architectural feature that would be right a home in a spy novel or romance story, enabling someone to hear a whisper from all the way across the bustling passageway. To experience the phenomenon in action, one person should stand facing one corner of the space, while another stands facing the opposite diagonal corner. When one person speaks in a normal tone, they can be heard by the other with no problem at all. (Of course, this makes The Whispering Gallery a popular place for marriage proposals, but you could also employ it to tell someone they’re going to Disneyland or getting that new scooter they’ve been eyeing.) In the spring, head to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to try out the Osborne Garden “Whispering Benches” which, thanks to similar properties, also support covert conversations.

Grand Central Terminal
89 E. 42nd St.
(212) 340-2583
Online: grandcentralterminal.com

photo: Markus N. via Yelp


The Elevated Acre

Next time you and the family are tooling around the Financial District and feeling overwhelmed by the urban jungle, head to 55 Water Street. Hop on the escalators for a quick ride and emerge in a hidden oasis of greenery and calm among the skyscrapers. The Elevated Acre is a popular spot for the area’s office workers looking for a peaceful spot to lunch, but it’s also a place for picnics, lawn games, and general maxing and relaxing. The cushy AstroTurf ensures the “lawn” is a verdant green at all times, and plantings of hydrangea and annual flowers add color. The out of the way gem also provides great views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge and more. Yet another reason to visit this urban park?: You’ll find electrical outlets under some of the benches, so if your phone needs a charge, you can plug in and chill out here.

55 Water St.
Financial District
212-963-7027
Online: 55water.com

photo: via Brian Jin M. on Yelp

The abandoned City Hall subway stop

All it takes is a swipe of a Metrocard to go back in time and see some of the glory of old New York. Originally the starting point of the city’s first subway line, the City Hall station, built in 1904, is considered one of the finest ever created in the system. Its features include stained glass skylights, brass lamps, arches of  colored Guastavino tiles and an elegant curving tunnel, the last of which is responsible for the stop’s closure — it couldn’t accommodate the new, longer trains introduced in 1945. To see the abandoned station, hop on the southbound 6 train and stay on it at the Brooklyn Bridge stop, the “end of the line.” The train will then make a turnaround to head back uptown, and that’s when you can catch a glimpse of the past. If you want to actually walk the platform, the Transit Museum offers tours for members.

Online: web.mta.info

photo: via Salim Virgi on Flickr

58 Joralemon Street

Do we think this merits a trip on its own? Probably not. But it’s a worthy diversion on a day that includes a trip to Brooklyn Bridge Park or the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Yet another “hidden” structure from those sneaky folks at the MTA, this nondescript Greek revival townhouse does its best to deflect attention. But the building has a few “tells”, the most noticeable (and suspicious) is that its facade contains no windows — just glass backed by ominous, black rectangles. (The door’s keyhole is not the standard domestic hardware, either.) Surprise: it’s not a house at all, but a disguised subway evacuation tunnel and ventilator.

58 Joralemon St., between Willow and Hicks St.
Online: google.com/maps

photo: via ambient on Flickr 

Do you have a favorite secret spot in NYC? Share it with us in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor

 

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