Bay Ridge Podcast: Episode 07 - Battle of the Bartenders, Ferry Service, 4th of July & BRCDC Update

Bay Ridge Podcast: Episode 07 - Battle of the Bartenders, Ferry Service, 4th of July & BRCDC Update

Bay Ridge’s summer calendar is filling up - and this episode covers everything you need to know. We start with an update on the Battle of the Bartenders, which has been postponed until November and reimagined as a neighborhood walking tour. Then we break down the summer weekend ferry service from the 69th Street Pier, including where it goes, what it costs and why ridership could determine whether the Bay Ridge stop returns in the future. Also due to multiple requests from the community, we take a closer look at the proposed expansion of the Bay Ridge Community Development Center at 9818 Fort Hamilton Parkway, the former St. John’s Episcopal Church property commonly known as the Church of Generals. We discuss the proposed rezoning, parking and traffic concerns, questions surrounding the building’s future use and why Community Board 10 has postponed its recommendation until September - and we do it all with no political slant or angle - just the facts! Also in this episode we dig into the history of St. John’s Church - including its connections to Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, the original church bell and why the existing building is not an official New York City landmark. Also in this episode: ⚓ The Sail250 parade of ships coming beneath the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge 🇺🇸 Fort Hamilton’s free Fourth of July celebration 🎶 The Shore Road Summer Concert Series ☕ Felia Cafe coming to Third Avenue 🚶 The complete 2026 Summer Stroll schedule 🍳 An update on the former owners of Emphasis Diner 🍸 The new date and format for Battle of the Bartenders Timestamps: 00:00 Battle of the Bartenders Postponed 03:26 Weekend Ferry Service from Bay Ridge 05:33 9818 Fort Hamilton Parkway Proposal Update 11:12 History Lesson: Church of Generals 13:40 Sail250 Comes to New York Harbor 15:07 Fort Hamilton Fourth of July Celebration 16:28 Quick Hits - Summer Concert Series, Feria Cafe, Summer Stroll, Royal Diner 20:21 Closing Thoughts Which stretch of the Summer Stroll do you prefer - Marine Avenue to 82nd Street, or 82nd Street to 68th Street? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe for Bay Ridge news, neighborhood history, development updates, local businesses, events and nostalgia. Follow the Bay Ridge Podcast on Instagram: @BayRidgePodcast

Bay Ridge Podcast: Episode 6 - The Future of Bay Ridge? CB10 Votes on Massive Developments & More

In Episode 6 of the Bay Ridge Podcast, we break down one of the biggest stories in the neighborhood right now - the proposed redevelopment of the old Staples site on 5th Avenue and the recent CB10 meeting that had Bay Ridge residents packed into a two-hour debate over zoning, density, traffic, affordable housing and the future of the neighborhood. We walk through the current R6B zoning, the proposed R7X rezoning, why the 11-story proposal sparked major backlash, and why CB10 ultimately recommended a smaller R6A compromise instead. And per your request - we also dive into the future of the former Pizzeria Uno location on 4th Avenue, another major redevelopment project that surprisingly received strong support from Community Board 10. We compare the two projects, explain why one is moving forward with less resistance, and discuss what could realistically happen next for both sites. Plus: • Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade details • Battle of the Bartenders returns to Bay Ridge • Fun on 5th Festival preview • The mysterious Shore Road Trinket Box • Neighborhood nostalgia, local rumors, and community stories If you enjoy Bay Ridge news, nostalgia, local politics (without the yelling), neighborhood history, events, restaurants, and hyperlocal Brooklyn stories — make sure to subscribe and join us every two weeks for new episodes. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Subscribe on YouTube for full episodes, shorts, and Bay Ridge walking POV videos 📍 Bay Ridge, Brooklyn #BayRidge #Brooklyn #BayRidgeBrooklyn #NYC #BrooklynPodcast

Bay Ridge Podcast: Episode 5 - Pizza Wars Recap, New Restaurants & Upcoming Events

Welcome to Episode 5 of the Bay Ridge Podcast! In today's episode we recap one of the biggest neighborhood events of the year - Pizza Wars 2026! 🍕 Nearly 300 people hit the streets of Bay Ridge for a full-on square slice showdown featuring 12 local pizzerias, disco vibes, Saturday Night Fever costumes, and some amazing square slices of pizza. We break down every stop on the crawl including this year's winner, Mancini's Wood-Fired Pizza, Elegante Pizza, Nino's Pizza, Peppino's, Pizza Wagon and more. We also cover: • Schnitzel Haus reopening in its new location • New Brazilian/Argentinian restaurant Iguazu Bar & Bistro • Chip Cafiero thank you at Greenhouse Cafe • Norwegian Day Parade details • Fun on Fifth Festival preview • Sweet Streets of Brooklyn Mother's Day pop-up event • The latest update on the proposed Staples redevelopment project Plus plenty of neighborhood nostalgia, pizza commentary, local history, and classic Bay Ridge energy. 🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify 👍 Like, comment & subscribe And if you're bored, give me a positive review on Apple Podcasts!

Bay Ridge Podcast - Hunter’s Steak House Closes, Staples Giant Redevelopment & New Dispensary Opens

In Episode 4 of the Bay Ridge Podcast, we break down some major changes happening in the neighborhood. Hunter’s Steakhouse & Ale House has officially closed after nearly 30 years in Bay Ridge. We talk about the memories, the rumors leading up to the closure, and what might come next for the location. We also dive into the proposed Staples redevelopment on 5th Avenue, which could bring nearly 300 new apartments, retail space, and underground parking to one of the busiest corners near the Verrazano Bridge. Plus: • The opening of Hii Dispensary on 92nd & 3rd • Updates on Pizza Wars 2026 • Clean Third Avenue volunteer event • Owl’s Head Playground reopening after an $8M renovation The Bay Ridge Podcast covers the news, nostalgia, and neighborhood stories that matter most to the community. If you love Bay Ridge, subscribe and share with a friend. Also like the video as it gives me the energy to keep going and doesn't cost a thing ;-) Timestamps: 00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A735zZGrpSM] Introduction to Bay Ridge Podcast 01:04 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A735zZGrpSM&t=64s] Farewell to Hunter's Steakhouse 02:56 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A735zZGrpSM&t=176s] Staples Redevelopment Proposal 08:07 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A735zZGrpSM&t=487s] His Dispensary Opening and Community Impact 11:50 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A735zZGrpSM&t=710s] Quick Hits: Clean 3rd Ave Event, Pizza Wars Latest Updates, Owl's Head Playground Reopening, 👉 Follow the podcast and visit for our latest news https://bayridgepodcast.com [https://bayridgepodcast.com] 📩 Contact / guest inquiries: BayridgeProductions@gmail.com [BayridgeProductions@gmail.com]

Bay Ridge Podcast: Taste of Third Avenue Recap, New 'Hii' Dispensary, Pizza Wars, Pop-Ups & More!

Welcome back to the Bay Ridge Podcast, where we cover everything happening in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn — local events, restaurants, neighborhood news, and community updates. In this episode, Nick recaps the incredible Taste of Third Avenue food event at St. Patrick’s Catholic Academy, featuring some of Bay Ridge’s best restaurants including Nino’s Pizzeria, Tanoreen, Panino Rustico, ALC Italian Grocery, Brooklyn Roots, Cebu, Bar Chuzo and more. From grandma slices to hummus and brussels sprouts, it was an amazing showcase of just how diverse the Bay Ridge food scene has become. Nick also discusses the new cannabis dispensary “HII” opening on 92nd Street and 3rd Avenue, just blocks away from Kaya Bliss — raising the question: Does Bay Ridge really need two dispensaries so close together? Plus we cover several local events and updates, including: • The Bay Ridge Pop-Up Plaza bike event near Shore Road • The Harbor Defense Museum at Fort Hamilton staying open • Summer Stroll dates announced for 2026 • Upcoming Pizza Wars competition in Bay Ridge • Local dessert pop-ups and community events If you love Bay Ridge restaurants, neighborhood news, and local events, this podcast is for you. 👉 Follow the podcast and visit for our latest news and for a more detailed recap of the Taste of Third Avenue Event https://bayridgepodcast.com [https://bayridgepodcast.com] 📩 Contact / guest inquiries: BayridgeProductions@gmail.com [BayridgeProductions@gmail.com] Timestamps: 0:59 Taste of Third Avenue Recap 8:01 Pop-Up Bicycle Plaza - April 4th 9:51 New Dispensary on 92nd Street and 3rd Ave - Hii Dispensary 13:21 Fort Hamilton Army Base Museum Dodges Bullet 15:15 Quick Hits - ALC Italian Grocery East Dessert Pop Up Event; Truck Route Update; Summer Stroll; Pizza Wars