8 Black-owned businesses to help you beat the heat in Central Brooklyn

By Lilac Burrell

This summer’s heat is, well, a hot topic. But it may be the coolest summer for the rest of our lives. June 2024 was the 13th hottest consecutive month on record, according to the Weather Channel. Brooklyn’s been under heat advisory since late-June and central Brooklyn will be the hotspot for the highest heat vulnerability.

To make matters more uncomfortable, NYC Health’s interactive heat vulnerability map underscores how low income neighborhoods like Cypress Hill, Brownsville, East New York and Ocean Heights are among the neighborhoods experiencing the worst heat vulnerability. For those who don’t want to spend money just to stay comfortable, most Brooklyn libraries — which are designated cooling centers — are back to offering seven-day service. For older adults, the NYC Gov Cooling portal maps out many options for elders.

For the rest of us who would rather not swelter in that oven of an apartment, which may or may not have AC, here are some Black-owned businesses ideal for cooling off this summer.

Adanne Bookshop
Bed-Stuy/Ocean Heights
At Adanne Bookshop you’ll be visiting a new space and learning something new too. This store is a phoenix incarnate: Owner Darlene Okpo was forced out of her Dumbo digs last year, but has opened a new chapter here. She continues selling books about everything from horticulture and cooking to history and literature at 115 Ralph Ave.

Creme & Cocoa Creamery
Prospect Lefferts Gardens
While you’re in the neighborhood, get your desserts from Creme & Cocoa Creamery. The only drawback is it’s only open weekends at 1067 Nostrand Ave. Don’t sleep on the booze-soaked ice cream, and if you’re feeling inspired, they also offer ice cream making classes to help your mind and body chill out.

Jemz Caribbean
Crown Heights
This Crown Heights gem is known most for its pescetarian dishes like jerk salmon, snapper and curry shrimp. If you do visit, make sure to leave some oxtail for the rest of us. The spot at 1171 Saint Johns Place closes at 11:30 p.m. and doesn’t open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This is the perfect late lunch or dinner spot under a cool(-ish) night sky.

Lakou Cafe
Crown Heights North Historic District
Lakou Cafe boasts vegan friendly Haitian delights in the heart of Crown Heights North Historic District. Its founder, Cassandre Davilmar, started running Lakou Cafe at 195 Utica Ave in 2018 as a way to make a space for community gathering. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day but Friday.

Lips Cafe
Prospect Lefferts Gardens
A vegan friendly all day venue in Prospect Lefferts-Garden that’ll have your lips smacking whether you’re drinking the iced matcha with coconut syrup or a tequila, rum, mango, lime and cayenne Orange Lip cocktail. They’re known for having tasteful art and good service in a chill atmosphere. You’ll find them at 1412 Nostrand Ave open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sweets for the Sweeties
Stuyvesant Heights
Cool down at Sweets for the Sweeties with cake and ice cream from Wednesday to Saturday at 210 Hart St. It’s a Herbert Von King Park and the Kosciusko Pool which means there are free and fun shady places to enjoy before, after or during your treat.

Weeksville Heritage Center
Crown Heights North Historic District
The Weeksville Heritage Center at 158 Buffalo Ave provides a cool space for education, reflection, and cultural preservation. The heritage center has been open since 1838 and serves the community with farmers markets from July 13 to October 12.

Zaca Cafe 
Bed-Stuy
For a cultural flare, drop into Zaca Cafe at 426A Marcus Garvey Boulevard. The Stuyvesant Heights restaurant serves French-American cuisine and favorites like mustard fried chicken and hanger steak paninis. Have it delivered or eat in (or out on the patio), and if you haven’t tried their French toast, you must visit when they’re open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.