Our 10 Favorite Openings of 2010

These days, it seems as though practically every week some fabulous new bar, restaurant or shop opens for business on the pretty tree-lined streets of Park Slope. In honor of the New Year, we thought we'd take a look back at 2010 and give a nod to our personal picks for the best new additions to the neighborhood.

Here, in no particular order, are our 10 favorite openings of 2010:

Benchmark: The upscale steakhouse quietly opened in March from some of the folks behind Loki Lounge, giving Park Slope a grade-A steakhouse to rival Brooklyn classics like Peter Luger and Morton's. We love that steaks are available in five cuts of meat, all for under $30. The old surveyor's equipment, which was found on the premises while excavating and now displayed on the walls, is pretty cool, too.

Zora Space: When Zora Space opened on Fourth Avenue in June, it brought two things to Fourth Avenue: a much needed, cozy coffee spot and a fun gallery space. The space is a source of endless intrigue, with frequent exhibitions and performances by emerging artists and performers.

Café Martin: Sibling squabbles aside; Martin O'Connell brews a mean cup of coffee. We love this tiny new storefront's cozy vibe almost as much as O'Connell's sardonic expressions and adept barista skills.

: When Thistle Hill Tavern opened its doors in the spring, it gave South Slope residents a place to enjoy ambitious edibles without crossing Ninth Street. Among our favorite things: chef Rebecca Weitzman's constantly changing, seasonally-inspired menu, the homey atmosphere, old-school cocktails, and most of all, the seriously addicting salt-and-pepper fries.

Two Lovers: Fifth Avenue's latest vintage and resale boutique is a must for Park Slope fashionistas, thanks to the reasonable prices and owner Lynette Kirchner's great taste. The store, which opened in May in the old Matter space, is a great place for frilly, feminine fashion finds.

Mission Dolores: Though these days Fourth Avenue is not exactly short on great bars, Mission Dolores was a welcome addition to the avenue, cementing its reputation as a place for great beer bars. The second venture from the folks behind Bar Great Harry in Cobble Hill, Mission Dolores boasts one of the most interesting draft lists around. The venue, a converted auto body shop, is a great place for imbibing in any season.

The Rock Shop: Park Slope has long been a great neighborhood for music, but when The Rock Shop opened a few months back it immediately transformed Fourth Avenue into a great place for music, hosting bands both big and small. The roof deck, flat screen TVs and awesome wings are just an added bonus.

Campo de Fiori: While Neapolitan pies took over New York City this past year, Campo de Fiori opened on Fifth Avenue this year to bring Park Slope another pizza classic: the square, thick-crusted Roman slice. But what we really dig are former Del Posto manager Andrea Dal Monte's other offerings—imported cured meats and cheeses, perfect pastas, antipastos and other reformed Italian classics.

The Park Slope Armory: Nearly a year ago, the Park Slope Armory reopened after a massive renovation. In addition to being a beautiful structure, the Armory is now a multipurpose athletic and educational center, complete with a track, basketball courts and great classes operated by the YMCA. The space is not only a boon to local schools lacking gymnasiums, but gave us lazy Slopers one less excuse to forsake the gym.

Oaxaca Taqueria: We're betting many Park Slope residents were thrilled when Smith Street staple Oaxaca Taqueria opened shop on Fourth Avenue, bringing Park Slope a sort of stationary taco truck serving up scrumptious tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and tortas. The BYOB policy is pretty great, too.