The western end of Atlantic Avenue has long been a challenging location for restaurants and retailers: blighted by traffic entering and exiting the Brooklyn Queens Expressway and far from the subway stops that have made nearby Smith and Court streets commercial hubs.

But the opening of Brooklyn Bridge Park along the East River has created a busy pedestrian path down a stretch of Atlantic Avenue once visited mostly for its bars.

Now, stylish boutiques, upscale restaurants and antiques dealers mix with local watering holes on the blocks between Hicks Street and Clinton Street. Visit Atlanticavebid.org for a neighborhood guide.

Junior Lowe: This store's website touts clothing "for little Brooklyn hipsters", which aptly describes what you'll find on the shelves: Brooklyn-themed onesies for infants and plaid shirts and pretty dresses for children up to about 12 years old.

89 Atlantic Avenue. 001-718-625-2010. Jrlowe.com.

Jarontiques: Jaron Cupak started selling antiques as a vendor at the Brooklyn Flea Market, then in 2011 he and his wife, Sharan, opened this store specializing in mid-century modern furniture and art.

117 Atlantic Avenue. 001-718-288-1050. Jarontiques.com.

Chez Moi: With a long wooden bar at the front and windows often open to the sidewalk, this French bistro has a welcoming feel, serving classic dishes like mussels and steak frites and creative cocktails like cucumber vodka with raspberry and chia seeds.

135 Atlantic Avenue. 001-347-227-8337. Chezmoiny.com.

Red Gravy: Saul Bolton - proprietor of the Brooklyn restaurant Saul on Smith Street (moving to the Brooklyn Museum this fall) - opened Red Gravy last December, serving Italian favorites like pasta and meatballs along with fish and meat dishes like monkfish with a lemon caper sauce.

151 Atlantic Avenue. 001-718-855-0051. Redgravynyc.com.

Hatchet Outdoor Supply Co: Open since April, this retailer sells a mix of menswear and camping gear, from practical (if pricey) items like flashlights and knives to more urban fashions like cotton button-down shirts by the California brand Taylor Stitch.

77 Atlantic Avenue. 001-718 347-763-1963. Hatchetsupply.tumblr.com.

The New York Times

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