Bushwick, a vibrant neighborhood nestled adjacent to Williamsburg and Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, boasts a captivating history. Once a vital hub in America’s brewing industry during the 19th century, it earned the title of "beer capital" before its breweries gradually shuttered by the 1970s. This decline left the area neglected, with numerous buildings abandoned and forgotten. However, the narrative of Bushwick took a turn in recent years as a wave of creatives began to discover the neighborhood’s raw potential. Factory facades have since been transformed into sprawling canvases for talented street artists, art galleries have emerged throughout the community, and a new generation of breweries have breathed life back into the area.
Visitors often embark on a self-guided street art tour to immerse themselves in some of the country’s most compelling urban artistry. A gallery hop follows, offering a glimpse into the creative spirit that thrives within Bushwick’s walls. As the day winds down, a sampling of the neighborhood’s innovative culinary scene or a night out at one of its uniquely quirky nightclubs provides a fitting end to a Bushwick adventure.
Here are ten of the best things to experience in Bushwick:
1. Grab a Fab Cup of Joe
Whether you’re seeking a caffeine kick to jumpstart your day or an afternoon pick-me-up to fuel your sightseeing adventures, Bushwick offers a diverse array of exceptional coffee shops to suit any mood.
Lazy Suzy Cafe & Shop is a popular choice, known for its signature drinks like honey cardamom lattes, rose matcha, brown sugar lattes, and lavender matcha. The cafe also offers a selection of teas, including interesting flavors like dragon pearl jasmine, as well as classic espresso-based beverages.
For cappuccino connoisseurs, drip coffee devotees, and cold brew enthusiasts, Mixtape Bushwick is a must-visit. This coffee shop also features Guji Mane, a seasonal blend highlighting the distinctive flavors of South American and African coffee beans.
Little Skips East, located on Broadway near the Halsey Street subway station, is another local favorite. Dweebs, situated closer to the Knickerbocker Avenue stop, offers a cozy atmosphere and a variety of coffee options as well.
2. Treat Yourself to Some Pastries
When a craving for dessert strikes, Bushwick offers a delectable selection of bakeries where you can indulge in tasty treats like cannoli, doughnuts, and freshly baked pastries.
Circo’s Pastry Shop is a neighborhood institution that has been serving up Italian cakes, cookies, cannoli, sfogliatelle pastry, and cheesecakes since 1945. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through the air, beckoning passersby to step inside and sample the shop’s sweet offerings.
If doughnuts are more your style, Milk & Pull offers seasonal flavors alongside croissants, muffins, bagels, and other breakfast and lunch creations. Their inventive doughnut flavors often incorporate unexpected ingredients, creating a delightful surprise for your taste buds.
For a taste of France in Bushwick, L’imprimerie is a traditional French bakery that bakes bread and pastries throughout the day in small batches, ensuring optimal freshness. From delicate croissants to crusty baguettes, L’imprimerie captures the essence of French baking.
3. Enjoy an Eccentric Night Out on the Town
House of Yes defies easy categorization. It’s a nightclub, but one that transcends the typical club experience. On any given night, you might encounter aerialists gracefully suspended from ribbons, body painters transforming guests into living works of art, or a variety of other captivating circus acts.
Located in a spacious former ice warehouse adorned with vibrant street art, House of Yes describes itself as a "performance-fueled nightclub." Beyond hosting Brooklyn’s funkiest and most energetic all-night parties, it also serves as a creative incubator for local artists.
For a different kind of performance, The Bushwick Starr offers a more traditional theatrical experience. This intimate black-box venue presents regular plays and avant-garde performances. As an Obie Award winner, The Bushwick Starr is known for its high-quality theater, dance, and puppetry acts, all at affordable prices. In addition to shows, the venue hosts workshops and festivals for youth and the community.
4. Get Some Fresh Air
While it may not rival Central Park in size, Maria Hernandez Park provides a valuable green space in Bushwick. This nearly seven-acre park, located between Knickerbocker Avenue, Irving Avenue, Starr Street, and Suydam Street, has been transformed from a vacant lot into a vibrant urban playground.
Thanks to a makeover by the Bryant Park Corp., Maria Hernandez Park now features a basketball court, handball court, fitness equipment, a colorful playground, and a performance stage. Whether you’re seeking a place to exercise or a spot to enjoy a picnic on a summer day, Maria Hernandez Park offers a refreshing escape in the heart of Bushwick.
5. Check Out All the Impressive Street Art
While Manhattan boasts world-class museums, Bushwick’s warehouse walls offer an equally compelling artistic experience. A self-guided street art tour is a must for any visitor.
Start at The Bushwick Collective on Troutman Street at Saint Nicholas Avenue, where vibrant murals adorn the walls of the surrounding blocks. This outdoor gallery showcases the work of talented street artists from around the world, transforming the neighborhood into a living canvas.
During the summer, The Bushwick Collective hosts a block party on the first Saturday in June, drawing a large crowd of art enthusiasts. While this particular stretch is known for its concentration of street art, you can also find notable murals near the Bushwick and East Williamsburg border near the Morgan Avenue stop on the L subway line.
6. Shop for Vintage Books and Clothes
Just a short walk from The Bushwick Collective is Molasses Books, a bookstore with a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of a college bookstore. The former barbershop also houses a cafe, allowing you to browse the shelves while enjoying a latte or beer. For budget-conscious book lovers, a selection of dollar books is available outside. Molasses Books also features an impressive collection of pulp classics, adding to its retro charm.
Continue your literary exploration at Human Relations Bookstore, which boasts a vast selection of fiction, non-fiction, and plays. The final stop on your literary walking tour is Better Read Than Dead, a small, local favorite bookstore that is often packed with literary treasures.
No trip to Bushwick is complete without a round of vintage shopping. The neighborhood is home to numerous curated consignment stores that cater to the tastes of local hipsters.
Urban Jungle (L Train Vintage) is a vintage mecca, overflowing with clothing from nearly every era. Whether you’re searching for patriotic cutoffs or a grungy flannel, Urban Jungle is sure to have it within its vast inventory. Other notable vintage shops include Collections BK, GG’s Social Trade & Treasure Club, and Chess and the Sphinx.
7. Sample Craft Beer at a Local Brewery
When Kings County Brewers Collective (KCBC) opened its spacious taproom in 2016, Bushwick welcomed its first brewery in 40 years. This hipster-friendly establishment on Troutman Street is known for its unpretentious atmosphere, dog-friendly policy, and creatively named brews like Superhero Sidekicks, Savage Crush, and Brew Man Group. The brewery has revitalized the neighborhood’s beer scene.
To delve deeper into Bushwick’s fascinating beer history, consider taking a Bushwick Brewing Tour.
8. Get to Know Bushwick’s Culinary Scene
Once known primarily for its legendary pizzeria, Roberta’s, Bushwick’s restaurant scene has flourished in recent years, with new eateries opening regularly. Roberta’s remains a must-visit, serving world-class, wood-fired pizzas that draw crowds day and night.
Other neighborhood favorites include Le Garage, a French restaurant housed in a former garage, and Faro, which specializes in handmade pasta made from local grains. For a budget-friendly Mexican meal, Los Hermanos Tortilleria offers delicious tacos for just $3 each (cash only). Don’t forget to save room for dessert at Fine & Raw Chocolate factory, located near the Morgan Street subway station.
9. Enjoy Dinner and a Show at Syndicated
Syndicated offers a unique combination of dining and entertainment. The menu features pulled pork sliders, baked empanadas, and signature cocktails like the frozen painkiller. While you enjoy your meal, you can watch a retro flick or a current indie film. Syndicated’s upscale cinema snacks and craft cocktails elevate the movie-going experience.
10. Go Gallery Hopping
Bushwick is home to a vibrant community of artists and creatives who live and work in the neighborhood’s old loft buildings. Bushwick Open Studios, typically held in late September, offers a glimpse into their creative processes. Throughout the year, you can explore the art on display at the Bushwick Galleries.
Just a short walk from the mural-lined streets of The Bushwick Collective, a cluster of galleries can be found along Willoughby Street. Be sure to visit Koenig and Clinton, Microscope Gallery, and Stream Gallery. These galleries showcase a diverse range of contemporary art, reflecting the eclectic spirit of Bushwick.
