Brooklyn is the mecca of vintage shopping, a place where bargain racks meet curated Y2K treasures and where you can find everything from a $6 Rolling Stones tee to a one-of-a-kind dress worn by a celebrity. As it’s less than 30 miles from Melville, getting to Brooklyn makes for an easy day trip. And luckily, Long Islanders can hop on the Long Island Rail Road.
Day trip to Bushwick, Brooklyn, to explore the racks at L Train Vintage. Credit: Randee Daddona
Whether you’re a first-time thrifter or a seasoned collector, here’s a guide to the shops, eats and community vibes that make Brooklyn a must-visit.
Getting there
Take the Long Island Rail Road to Jamaica, transfer to Atlantic Avenue, and Uber from there. You can also take the L train to Bushwick and the G train to Greenpoint. Driving is also a viable option, though street parking can vary. I secured a spot in Bushwick and took a 15-minute Uber to Greenpoint.
Bushwick bargains: L Train Vintage
For affordable, fun and abundant vintage, L Train Vintage (1 St. Nicholas Ave., 347-789-5185, ltrainvintagenyc.com) is the starting point. Founded 20 years ago, the family-owned chain now has 10 locations, including the flagship at 118 Knickerbocker Ave., double the size of the Bushwick spot.
L Train Vintage in Bushwick offers styles for men and women, with most items priced between $6 to $40, Credit: Randee Daddona
“We curate our clothing to keep it at a price range that is fun to play around with,” said store manager Jorge Perez. “We want to complement your closets and complement your wallets at the same time.”
Most items are $6 to $40, with shirts at $6, $8 and $12, shoes $15 to $40, and leather jackets around $30. All locations get new merchandise daily, sourced from buyers worldwide. Inspect seams, buttons and zippers. Some items may need a little sprucing up, but that’s part of the fun.
“You’ll be able to get out of the bounds of your style and redefine it because the prices are so fun to play around with,” Perez said.
I tested the racks with leather coats, fur jackets, and overalls, almost tried a wetsuit but thought twice. My haul totaled $82: a Calvin Klein fur jacket ($20), a Wrangler jean jacket with furry lining and original tags ($25), an Abercrombie jean jacket ($15), a flannel ($8), a Rolling Stones concert tee ($6) and a sparkly barrette ($6). Pro tip: cash is cheaper.
Nearby, Sobre Masa (52 Harrison Pl., 347-844-2343, sobremasa.com) is a must. You can grab a quesadilla ($14) but don’t resist taking home the house-made heirloom corn tortillas ($9 per dozen) for a taste of Mexico that will keep in your fridge or freezer.
Greenpoint curated vintage: Tired Thrift
If you’re after higher-end, curated Y2K pieces, Tired Thrift (10 Bedford Ave., 929-276-3002, tiredthrift.com) in Greenpoint is your next stop. Owned by cousins Elona and Lediona Zharku, both 26,  of Astoria, the shop focuses exclusively on late ’90s and Y2K clothing, ranging from sizes XS to XXL. The store even has a couch so shoppers can hang out and feel comfortable.
“One of our favorite parts is seeing people interact in the store and befriend each other,” Elona said.
Tired Thrift in Greenpoint is a magnet for celebrities. Credit: Randee Daddona
Prices reflect the curated nature: tops $45-$55, dresses $70, pants $50-$60, skirts $45-$55, sweaters $55-$60, and jackets or purses $100-$200. Stylists and costume designers often pull items for shows and movies. The costume designer for Hulu’s “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” used pieces for a Y2K club scene. Celebrity shoppers include Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter (twice), Madison Beer, Camila Cabello, Olivia O’Brien, Kehlani, Rico Nasty and PinkPantheress.
Tired Thrift opened in 2020.  The cousins ran pop-ups in Williamsburg while in college and saved up during COVID when rent was low. Their TikTok showing a transition for the shop opening racked up 14.4 million views, and lines formed the next day. It’s now a community-driven, celebrity-friendly hub for vintage lovers.
Recharge at Five Leaves
After thrifting, Five Leaves (18 Bedford Ave., 718-383-5345, fiveleavesny.com), celebrating 17 years in Greenpoint, is the perfect spot to relax, talk and people-watch. Coffee, cocktails and inventive bites make it a neighborhood favorite.
Stop for lunch at Greenpoint neighborhood favorite Five Leaves for coffee, cocktails and inventive bites.
Try the refreshing watermelon gazpacho ($13) or the unforgettable Five Leaves burger ($25) with grass-fed beef, a fried pineapple ring, house‑pickled beets, harissa mayo, and a sunny-side-up egg. Lattes are $6.50 and cocktails $16. Order the savory Lifeboat or minty Michelada Verde out the window and soak in the Greenpoint vibe with indoor or outdoor seating.
Overall, thrifting in Brooklyn goes beyond shopping. It’s about finding your style, meeting the people who shape it and walking away with a story to wear.
