So, you just moved to Brooklyn and want to stay active? We can help with that. Crown Heights comes to mind as one of the most overlooked neighborhoods for athletes to explore. It’s a warm stretch of concrete where you can play hard, eat well, and still stumble across hidden gems you won’t find on any tourist guide. If soccer’s your game, here’s the lineup of spots you’ve got to hit.

Start meeting your fellow footy aficionados at Socceroof Crown Heights.

Kick Things Off at Socceroof Crown Heights

If you do nothing else, make sure you get yourself to Socceroof Crown Heights.

Weather doesn’t matter here—rain, snow, whatever—you’re playing indoors in a top notch facility with quality locker rooms and a bar to boot! In addition to connecting with fellow soccer players via one of our NYC Footy leagues here, there’s always someone hanging around ready to pass on a little knowledge, making it super easy to meet people if you’re new in town.

This is your go-to spot, no question.

Cross-Train at the Major R. Owens Center

Bedford Armory’s soccer field is a big - but not the only - part of why athlete’s train here.

When you want to mix things up from soccer, check out the Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center (aka the Armory if you’re in the know). It’s a massive facility with:

A full turf field (the biggest indoor one in the city, actually)
Basketball courts
A legit swimming pool
Fitness rooms and classes

Basically, it’s a playground for athletes. Think of it as your backup when you want variety—or if you’re feeling guilty about skipping leg day.

Street-Level Training

Don’t sleep on the outdoor scene either. Brower Park is smack in the middle of the neighborhood and has basketball courts, handball, a skatepark, and plenty of space to just run around. If you’re into bodyweight workouts, you’ll find pull-up bars and other spots for calisthenics.

And of course, Prospect Park is only a short jog away. If you want a longer run, that’s where you go. It’s also solid for cycling or just some open-air recovery.

Refuel at These Dining Destinations

A Cambodian feast awaits at Bong (if you can get in) Photo @kate_previte/Infatuation

Alright, let’s talk food—because after soccer, you’re going to be starving. Crown Heights has had a serious glow-up in the restaurant department recently.

Bong – This new Cambodian restaurant is buzzing right now. The food is bold, spicy, and different in the best way possible. It’s the perfect post-game feast - as long as you plan ahead.
Cafe Rue Dix – A French and Senegalese cafe, restaurant, and bar that should likely be your very first spot to visit before continuing your Crown Heights adventure.
Biarritz Pizza & Wine Bar – New Kosher pizza spot that took over from the iconic Basil. Solid pizza, great for grabbing a slice or winding down with some carbs after training.
Lisbonata – Portuguese bakery doing egg tarts (pastéis de nata). Good spot to grab something sweet on the way home.

Hidden Gems You’ll Want to Explore

Absorb the history of Crown Heights at the Weeksville Heritage Center

When you’re not training or eating, a few spots in Crown Heights are worth checking out just for the culture:

Weeksville Heritage Center – Historic site celebrating one of America’s first free Black communities. Super cool and meaningful.
FiveMyles Gallery – Low-key local art space that feels authentic and creative.
The side streets and murals—seriously, just wander. Crown Heights has so much street art and character tucked away.

A Perfect Crown Heights Athlete Day

Here’s how I’d map out a day if I were you:

Morning – Go for a run in Prospect Park to loosen up.
Late Morning – Hit Socceroof for a pickup game.
Lunch – Refuel at Bong (trust me, go for the stir-fried steak).
Afternoon – Chill at Major Owens, maybe swim a few laps or shoot hoops.
Evening – Grab pizza at Biarritz, then wind down on your walk home by checking out murals or catching a local gallery show.

Bottom line? Crown Heights is way more than just a place to crash for a few months. If you’re into sports, food, and a little exploring, this neighborhood is going to keep you busy. And honestly, you might not want to leave.