The Brooklyn Firefly

- 7003 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209

The Brooklyn Firefly has established itself as a vibrant and essential destination within the Bay Ridge neighborhood, a place where artisanal pizza craftsmanship meets the lively spirit of the local arts scene. More than just a pizzeria, this establishment has created a unique hybrid space that is deeply committed to community, culture, and, most importantly, truly outstanding food. Located on 3rd Avenue, a well-known artery of dining and commerce in South Brooklyn, The Brooklyn Firefly offers New Yorkers a welcoming, vintage-inspired venue that pays homage to the area’s rich history while also looking forward with a modern, inclusive menu.

The restaurant's core offering is its exceptional array of specialty pizza pies, which blend traditional Italian inspiration with creative, high-quality ingredients. Whether you are a lifelong New Yorker searching for your next favorite pizza joint or a visitor exploring the culinary diversity of the boroughs, The Brooklyn Firefly promises an experience that caters to all tastes, including a remarkably robust and thoughtful selection of vegan and plant-based options. This commitment to variety and quality is a significant part of its appeal, ensuring that everyone at the table can find something delicious to enjoy.

Beyond the menu, the atmosphere is a crucial component of The Brooklyn Firefly’s charm. It has been noted for its vintage vibe, a deliberate choice that contributes to its overall character. Furthermore, the restaurant functions as a creative hub for the neighborhood by regularly hosting musical performances and showcasing visual art, elevating a simple dinner outing into a complete night of entertainment. This focus on an enriched dining experience makes The Brooklyn Firefly a notable spot for a casual meal, a lively date night, or an evening out with friends in Brooklyn.

Location and Accessibility

The Brooklyn Firefly is conveniently situated at the corner of 3rd and Ovington Avenues in the heart of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, a location that offers easy accessibility for local residents and those traveling from other parts of New York City. The restaurant’s exact address is 7003 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA.

The Bay Ridge neighborhood is well-served by public transportation, making it a straightforward trip regardless of whether you're coming from another part of Brooklyn or Manhattan. The restaurant is located near the 86 Street and Bay Ridge Avenue subway stations, which are served by the R train. For bus riders, the area is serviced by various MTA bus routes that traverse 3rd Avenue, providing numerous nearby stops. Utilizing the MTA’s trip planner is highly recommended for the most direct route.

For patrons with mobility considerations, the restaurant offers admirable accessibility. Customer feedback specifically notes that there is "No step to enter" the premises, which makes for easy ingress. Additionally, the venue features a "Large ADA gender neutral restroom," demonstrating an intentional effort to be welcoming and accommodating to all guests. The restaurant also boasts a large outdoor yard that is open for dining, which is noted to be kid-friendly and dog-friendly, further enhancing its welcoming neighborhood feel.

Services Offered

The Brooklyn Firefly provides a comprehensive set of services to ensure a flexible and enjoyable dining experience for the Bay Ridge community and beyond.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy the full atmosphere of the restaurant, including its unique vintage aesthetic and the possibility of live entertainment.
• Takeout and Delivery: The full menu, including their popular specialty pizzas and vegan selections, is available for carryout and delivery through multiple third-party platforms.
• Reservations: Reservations can be made, which is advisable for planning a visit during peak hours, especially on weekends or evenings featuring live events.
• Brunch Service: A dedicated brunch menu is available on Saturdays and Sundays, often served between the late morning and early afternoon, alongside the regular menu.
• Bar and Beverage Service: The restaurant specializes in pizza and beer, featuring selections from local brewers, as well as wine and spirits, catering to a range of preferences.
• Event Hosting/Live Entertainment: The venue is a hub for the local arts scene, regularly hosting live music, sometimes jazz, and showcasing visual art.
• Outdoor Dining: A large outdoor patio or yard is available for dining, noted for being accommodating to families and pets.

Features / Highlights

The Brooklyn Firefly distinguishes itself in the highly competitive New York City pizza market through a number of unique features that draw customers from all over the borough and surrounding areas.

• Extensive Vegan Menu: This is a major highlight, with numerous dedicated vegan pizza pies, vegan calzones, and appetizers. They feature house-made vegan mozzarella and vegan ricotta, which are specifically labeled as being both nut-free and dairy-free for many of their offerings, a significant consideration for those with allergies.
• Specialty Pizza Creations: The menu features unique, artisanal pizzas with creative ingredient combinations. A notable example is the Scalabesh, a white pie with cognac gorgonzola cream sauce, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and dried figs, which has been praised by customers as one of the best in NYC. Another is The Lord of Brooklyn, with smoked mozzarella, sweet and spicy sausage, and San Marzano tomatoes.
• Community Arts & Culture Venue: The Firefly actively promotes the local arts scene by hosting live music and showcasing art, transforming the dining space into a cultural centerpiece for Bay Ridge.
• Accessibility Focus: The commitment to being ADA-friendly is a key feature, with a level entrance and a large, gender-neutral accessible restroom, making it a comfortable spot for a wider range of patrons.
• Nostalgic Roots: The restaurant occupies the space of the former, legendary Bay Ridge pizzeria, Lento's, and even offers a "Lento's Ghost" pizza, providing a sense of nostalgic connection to the neighborhood’s past.
• Unique Appetizers and Desserts: Beyond pizza, the menu offers distinct items like their famous Fire Fries (with an optional vegan garlic aioli) and plant-based desserts like TiRAWmisu and Trisome, which are also often raw, gluten-free, and soy-free.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about events, or to place an order, customers can use the following details:

Address: 7003 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA

Phone: (718) 833-5000

The restaurant's hours of operation generally are:

• Monday: CLOSED
• Tuesday - Thursday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Friday: 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM (some sources cite 3:00 PM opening)
• Saturday: 11:00 AM / 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Serving brunch)
• Sunday: 11:00 AM / 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Serving brunch)

It is always wise to confirm the exact closing time and any special event schedules, especially for weekend visits, as hours may vary.

What is Worth Choosing

The Brooklyn Firefly offers compelling reasons for any New Yorker to make the trip to Bay Ridge. This is not a typical slice shop; it's a specialty destination that excels in offering diverse, high-quality, and community-focused dining.

For those who follow a plant-based diet, the restaurant stands out as one of the best in the area. The sheer variety of vegan pizza pies—including the Vegan Margarita, The Shore Road with mushrooms and caramelized onions, and the loaded San Gennaro with vegan sausage and ricotta—makes it a haven. The use of house-made, nut-free vegan mozzarella and ricotta is a game-changer, addressing both dietary needs and quality expectations. This is consistently highlighted in customer reviews, marking it as a top choice for vegan options in Bay Ridge.

For traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike, the unique specialty pizzas provide a memorable experience. The aforementioned Scalabesh is a must-try for those who enjoy a white pie with a decadent, sweet-and-savory profile. The restaurant’s commitment to artisanal ingredients and creative recipes ensures that every pie, from the classic Margarita to a special like the Lento's Ghost, is crafted with care and flair.

Finally, choosing The Brooklyn Firefly is choosing an experience that extends beyond the plate. The combination of an elevated pizza menu, an impressive selection of local brews, and the presence of live music or art creates an engaging, lively environment. It's the perfect spot to bring a date, gather friends, or simply enjoy a high-quality meal in a distinctly Brooklyn setting. The added bonus of excellent accessibility and a welcoming outdoor space solidifies its reputation as a neighborhood gem that is well worth exploring.

The Brooklyn Firefly

7003 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA