Multiple locations
The neighborhood spot for wood-fired pizza and calzones, Fornino has multiple locations. But the one on Manhattan Avenue in Greenpoint puts you right in the mix, as it’s directly on the marathon route. Get a pizza to share with friends for some spectator carb-loading in solidarity with your runner friends. —Anna Grace Lee, lifestyle writer
727 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Hands down, without a doubt, no denying: Peter Pan Donuts is the best donut shop in New York. Luckily, it’s on Manhattan Ave. in Greenpoint, around the halfway point of the marathon. Get a blueberry buttermilk or their signature Bavarian cream-filled ones or, my personal favorite, an apple fritter. Also, little-known fact—their breakfast sandwiches are incredible, served on house-made bagels (or “flagels” = flat bagels) and cost a mere fraction of the amount they charge at a much hypeier shop a block away. —Max Berlinger, senior fashion news editor, Vogue Runway
135 India St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Chances are, you’ve heard of Radio Bakery. Known for inventive, seasonal croissants that sell like hotcakes, rich focaccia sandwiches, and long lines, the scene outside is an experience in itself. They used to sell out of pretty much everything by the early afternoon, but the Greenpoint location (there’s another in Prospect Heights) has recently reopened after expanding their kitchen, so you may have a better shot of getting what you want. If you want to double-dip in a scene within a scene on marathon day, head to Radio and get a box of treats to enjoy around the race’s midpoint. The topped focaccias are salty and satisfying, but an underrated gem is the brown butter corn cake. —A.G.L.
Multiple locations
Bakeri (pronounced bah-kerr-eee, if you can believe it) has some of the best cinnamon rolls in town. They’re dense, bready, and not cloying. Bakeri has a cooked-to-order menu if you’re looking for a place to brunch after watching your friend whizz by, but for takeaway, you can’t go wrong with their pre-made sandwiches (soppressata and gruyere on ciabatta is a simple, pillowy delight, though you will be covered in flour dust afterwards). —A.G.L.
