The Top 10 Things To Do And See In DUMBO

DUMBO is a small Brooklyn neighborhood that lies at the cusp of Brooklyn and Manhattan. This location gives DUMBO its name, which is an acronym for ‘Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,’ and deems it a great spot to view the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River. DUMBO also has a vibrant art scene and mouth-watering cuisine. We bring you a list of the 10 best things that DUMBO and the surrounding areas have to offer.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Whether you are looking for a patch of green to lie on or a scenic view, Brooklyn Bridge Park is the perfect place to relax. This park features a variety of piers where visitors can overlook the water and of course, the Brooklyn Bridge. Once a week during the summer, park-goers can try the tasty foods served at Smorgasburg, an incredible outdoor food market that takes place in different locations throughout Brooklyn. There are sometimes movie showings in the summers, and the park is known to feature unique art installations. This park is a fixture of Brooklyn and a must-visit.

1. Atrium DUMBO

Restaurant, Bar, Juice Bar, American, Contemporary, French

The River Cafés Salmon Roll by Chef Brad Steelman

With its fresh food and beautiful, open atmosphere, Atrium DUMBO is a seasonal French-American restaurant that is worth a visit. This unique restaurant describes its food as ‘fresh, market-driven cuisine coupled with classic European technique.’ There is a beautiful vertical garden on one wall of the restaurant, while the downstairs area has a stunning view of the water. If you’re in DUMBO, this is one place you need to go to take in a relaxing ambiance while you eat and drink.

2. The River Café

Restaurant, Cafe, American, Fast Food, Vegan, Vegetarian

Just outside of DUMBO’s border, The River Café is a fine dining spot with a great view. This restaurant was opened by Michael Buzzy O’Keefe in 1977, when the surrounding area was a forgotten neighborhood. The River Café gained immediate success and continues to attract crowds to this day. This restaurant boasts fine wines and food made with the freshest ingredients available. The River Café scenically overlooks the Brooklyn Bridge, so you can watch the boats sail by as you enjoy an incredible meal and excellent service.

3. A.I.R. Gallery

Art Gallery

Like many New York neighborhoods, DUMBO is known for its incredible art scene. One way to immerse yourself in this world of innovative art is to head to A.I.R. Gallery. Founded in 1972, A.I.R. was the first all-female cooperative gallery in the United States. To this day, the gallery continues to feature emerging female artists, exhibiting the work of hundreds of talented women each year. This one-of-a-kind gallery also hosts many events, lectures and symposia on feminism, art and much more.

4. Jacques Torres Chocolate DUMBO

Ice Cream Parlour, Dessert Shop, Ice Cream

Well known for its exquisite desserts, Jacques Torres Chocolate DUMBO is a well-renowned place to get dessert. In the winter, Jacques Torres Chocolate fills with customers lined up for exceptionally rich and creamy hot chocolate. In the summer, you can enjoy the delicious handmade ice cream at Jacques Torres Ice Cream, located right next door. For a delicious treat that never goes out of season, the chocolate chip cookies at Jacques Torres are a must. No matter the time of year, Jacques Torres is the place to go for out-of-this-world chocolate and desserts.

5. Superfine

Restaurant, Mediterranean

Located in a converted warehouse space, Superfine is a hip restaurant and bar with a reputation for great organic food. Their menu even changes slightly from day to day to accommodate the availability of the freshest ingredients. Enjoy their delicious food for brunch, lunch, or dinner, or just pop by for a drink. The ambiance is the icing on the cake. There is a large bar space, great service, and even a bluegrass band that often performs during Sunday brunch.

Street Art

The groundbreaking art of DUMBO isn’t only found in galleries. If the installations in Brooklyn Bridge Park have you craving more outdoor art, you’re in luck. Unique street art adorns many outdoor walls in DUMBO. If you’re searching for the most awe-inspiring street art, you’ll want to take a look at the murals under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, or the BQE. There you will find DUMBO Walls, a series of eight outdoor murals packed within a four-block stretch of DUMBO.

6. Grimaldi's

Pizzeria, Restaurant, Italian, American

After a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, this pizzeria is the perfect place to grab a slice. Known for their coal-fired oven pizza, Grimaldi’s is a must-try. Grimaldi’s has a fun, family atmosphere and delectable pizza. There may be a long line, but it will be worth it once you have a taste of the exquisite pizza that brings customers from all over. The sauce is delicious, the mozzarella and basil are fresh, and the crust is cooked to perfection. Just remember that Grimaldi’s only takes cash.

7. Brooklyn Heights Wine Bar

Bar, Wine Bar, American

Although it is technically in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Heights Wine Bar also largely serves the DUMBO community due to its close proximity. In addition to serving many wines that are older and harder to come by, this bar serves Tre Biccheri wines, which are some of the finest wines from Italy. Delectable food is served in a cool and casual dining atmosphere. The bar even has an outdoor dining area where guests can sit and enjoy a quiet drink when the weather is pleasant. Brooklyn Heights Wine Bar is a fantastic place to go to enjoy a relaxing wine and cheese.

8. The POWERHOUSE ARENA

Bookstore, Shop, Art Gallery

Attracting creative people from far and wide, The POWERHOUSE ARENA is a gallery, boutique, bookshop and space for performances and events. The POWERHOUSE ARENA was originally founded in the Fall of 2006 by world-renowned and critically acclaimed art book publisher, powerHouse Books. The venue has a staircase that leads to the Arena Sky Lounge, a multifunctional gallery, V.I.P. lounge and green room, which is also home to a wide selection of books. Whether you want to see an art exhibition, grab a book, or attend a unique event, the Powerhouse Arena is more than worth a visit.

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