Franklin Park Bar photo by Ultraclay.

Franklin Park Bar, 618 St. John’s Place (Crown Heights/Prospect Heights–there’s a bit of controversy) (718) 975-0196
“Franklin Park Bar has a lot of variety with two different bar spaces. I really like the one underground that’s more of a lounge-type scene.  It’s also really an event space as much as a bar, with readings and live DJs.” —Patricia, Crown Heights

Tip-Top photo by Dave Cook.

Tip-Top Bar, 432 Franklin Ave., Bedford Stuyvesant, (718) 857-9744
“Tip-Top has a real old school feel. Beers are $3 a bottle, mixed drinks are $4. It used to be an old illegal after-hours club, now they serve food, but there are only two things on the menu: fried fish and fried chicken. The patio is a great spot for lounging on warm summer nights.” —Kyle Huebbee, Crown Heights

Photo courtesy of Madiba.

Madiba Restaurant, 195 DeKalb Ave., 718-855-9190
“It’s an amazing South African restaurant right by Fort Greene Park. The food is great and not too pricey, and a lot of times you’ll hear some really great Botswana music. It feels like a cultural experience as much as dinner.” (Current special: join the mailing list to get a $10 gift certificate.) —Maricia, Fort Greene

Toby's Public House photo by Adam Kuban.

Toby’s Public House, 686 6th Ave. (at 21st St) 718-788-1186
“They have a massive meat and cheese plate for $10. You can also get an amazing brick oven pizza, and the bathroom is lined with vintage Playboys—you know, if you need ideas to get in the mood.” (Current special: Mon. through Thurs.,  an individually-sized pizza and a half-pint of beer or glass of wine is $10, only at the bar.) —Rebecca Shepherd, Park Slope

Song photo by Elizabeth Kim.

Song Park Slope, 295 5th Ave, (718) 965-1108

“I’m from Mill Basin, but often trek out to Park Slope for some pretty cheap but really good Thai food, at Song. It’s a bit of a trendy place, but you can have a whole sit-down meal there for under ten bucks. And it’s delish!” —Elaine Devora, Mill Basin

Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Fireproof

Brooklyn Fireproof East Bar, 119 Ingraham St.
“It’s a totally new place that opened on Ingraham Street in Bushwick.  It’s great, I can drop in to get my coffee in the morning then four hours later come back for a beer. It’s not on everyone’s radar yet, but it’s definitely worth checking out for a date.” —JoAnn Berman, Bushwick

Got a place to add to this list? Tell us all about it at tips@brokelyn.com.