Mural art in Bushwick, Brooklyn | © Christian Mueller/Shutterstock

Top 10 Things To Do And See In Bushwick, New York

Art & Design Editor

Updated: 9 February 2017

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The neighborhood of Bushwick in New York is experiencing stark and rapid change, with a burgeoning aesthetic war between local tradition and an emerging professional presence. We take a closer look at this up-and-coming cultural neighborhood, with a comprehensive list of 10 things to do and see in Bushwick.

The Bushwick Collective

Art Gallery

Francesca Gennari | © Culture Trip

The Bushwick Collective

Walking through many parts of Bushwick involves enduring the maelstrom of dust kicked up by the neighborhood’s steel factories. Inspired by Bushwick’s industrial roots, steel company owner Joe Ficalora founded The Bushwick Collective. A vast outdoor art gallery, The Bushwick Collective celebrates and promotes the practice of graffiti with large-scale pieces of street art on display.

The Bushwick Collective, St. Nicholas Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA

The Bushwick Collective | ©Leonard Zhukovsky/Shutterstock

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Street Nicholas Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11237, USA

Roberta's

Restaurant, American, $$$

Roberta's, Brooklyn | Courtesy of Roberta's

Roberta’s

Covered in hip-hop-influenced graffiti is Roberta’s, a popular local Italian-inspired dining establishment in Bushwick. Don’t let the exterior deter you – urban decay becomes haughty elegance as you enter this surprisingly chic restaurant. Business casual attire seems status quo, and patrons are seated by bohemian yet professional hosts. The pizza is served in pies rather than by the slice, with additional meal options like coffee-roasted beets or cabbage and sea lettuce salad. Roberta’s is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, with weekend brunch and takeout available until midnight.

Roberta’s, 261 Moore Street, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 718 417 1118

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Mon - Fri:

11:00 am - 12:00 am

Sat - Sun:

10:00 am - 12:00 am

261 Moore Street, East Williamsburg, Brooklyn Brooklyn, New York, 11206, USA

+17184171118

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Maria Hernandez Park

Park

Francesca Gennari | © Culture Trip

Maria Hernandez Park

Located just behind Flushing Avenue, Maria Fernandez Park is filled with children playing, locals lounging and skateboarders skimming across graffiti-covered pavement. Find local families and twenty-somethings relaxing in this green space on a sunny day.

Maria Hernandez Park, Knickerbocker Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 718 965 8900

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Sun:

6:00 am - 10:00 pm

Mon:

6:00 am - 10:00 pm

Tue:

6:00 am - 10:00 pm

Wed:

6:00 am - 10:00 pm

Thu:

6:00 am - 10:00 pm

Fri:

6:00 am - 10:00 pm

Sat:

6:00 am - 10:00 pm

Starr Street, Bushwick, Brooklyn New York, 11237, USA

+12126399675

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Maria Hernandez Park | © Mr Seb/Flickr

Better Than Jam

If you’re looking for cool clothes from local designers and artists, look no further. Better Than Jam is home to all kinds of handmade products, from daring clothing to eye-catching accessories, as well as a wide-range of jewelry. To sweeten the deal, their goods are made locally by some of the finest NYC ‘crafters’.

Better Than Jam, 123 Knickerbocker Ave, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 631 377 2500

Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos

Restaurant, Mexican, $$$

Mexican pork tacos with vegetables and salsa | © Larisa Blinova / Shutterstock

Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos

This local Mexican joint offers a menu of tacos, taquitos, and tortas in an intimate setting. Tortilleria Mexicana is a taco stand located inside what looks like a rather rundown factory space, but the fare compensates for the aesthetic. Walk in, write down your name and your order, and enjoy.

Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos, 271 Starr Street, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 718 456 3422

Mexican pork tacos with vegetables and salsa © Larisa Blinova / Shutterstock

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Mon - Sat:

9:00 am - 11:30 pm

Sun:

12:00 pm - 11:30 pm

271 Starr Street, Bushwick, Brooklyn New York, New York, 11237, USA

+17184563422

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The Narrows

Bar, Pub Grub, American, $$$

The Narrows

For a late night drink and some bar snacks, head to The Narrows, a dimly lit Art Deco bar offering craft beer and specialty cocktails at reasonable prices. The bar offers a Brooklyn vibe, good food and an outdoor patio in the warmer months.

The Narrows, 1037 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 718 303 2047

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Mon - Fri:

5:00 pm - 4:00 am

Sat - Sun:

3:00 pm - 4:00 am

1037 Flushing Avenue, East Williamsburg, Brooklyn Brooklyn, New York, 11237, USA

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Shops at The Loom

Shopping Mall, Shop

Shops at The Loom

20 boutique shops and stores occupy this minimalistic space that was once a textile mill. Find everything from gallery space to a cycle shop, a tattoo parlor and a yoga studio. Peruse Shops at the Loom for your next unique artisan purchase.

Shops at the Loom, 1087 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 718 417 1616

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1087 Flushing Avenue, East Williamsburg, Brooklyn Brooklyn, New York, 11237, USA

+17184171616

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Little Skips

Cafe, Pub Grub, American, $$$

Little Skips

A local artisan cafe, Little Skips is the place for vibrant conversation and freshly brewed cappuccinos featuring ornate foam art. The menu offers a wide selection, from matcha tea lattes to vegan chais with almond milk. An underground selection of hip-hop blares out of the speakers while friendly baristas chat with customers.

Little Skips, 941 Willoughby Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 718 484 0980

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Mon - Fri:

7:00 am - 8:00 pm

Sat - Sun:

8:00 am - 8:00 pm

941 Willoughby Avenue, Bushwick, Brooklyn Brooklyn, New York, 11221, USA

+17184840980

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Gallery Hop

Art Gallery

Gallery Hop

While the Manhattan neighborhood of Chelsea is New York City’s best-known gallery district, Bushwick is home to several emerging galleries that are certainly worth exploring. These largely artist-run spaces exhibit local and contemporary work in an otherwise unexpected setting. Not sure where to start? Check out Momenta Art – an artist-run, non-profit organization that aims to foster the dialogue between art and society.

Momenta Art, 56 Bogart Street, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 718 218 8058

Silent Barn

Check out the latest talent at Silent Barn. A Bushwick venue for art installations and exhibitions as well as gigs, Silent Barn is a cooperatively run space for and by local artists and musicians. Check out what’s on here.

Silent Barn, 603 Bushwick Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA

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56 Bogart Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11206, USA

+17182188058