BROOKLYN

Bushwick Neighborhood Guide

Located east of trendy Williamsburg, and voted 7th Coolest Neighborhood in the world by Vogue in 2014, the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bushwick is home to a community of creative, talented, and spirited individuals. This is evident in the abundance of art galleries, music venues, and comedy clubs scattered throughout the area. Filled with unexpected beauty, the vibrant yet industrial neighborhood mimics an immersive gallery as artistic residents paint the warehouses and buildings that line this hip and quirky neighborhood. Bushwick has also increasingly become a favored spot for those seeking more affordable rental options in New York City.

Offering a diverse selection of mouthwatering bites, Bushwick’s restaurant, bar, and cafe scene is prominent on every block. From fan favorites like Roberta’s Pizza to L’imprimerie’s freshly baked pastries and breads, plus new additions popping up almost every week, there is something for everyone to discover in Bushwick. With a strong sense of community, a network of local businesses, and street art around every corner, Bushwick is one of many colorful neighborhoods that make Brooklyn an exciting and alluring place to live.

Bushwick Real Estate Stats

An Abbreviated History of Bushwick

The neighborhood of Bushwick originally belonged to the Carnarsee tribe of Lenape who specialized in fur trading and fishing. It later became a Dutch settlement called Boswijck, meaning “neighborhood in the woods.” The Dutch secured the deed for the land from the Lenape people in 1638 and used the area to farm food and tobacco, adapting the Native Americans’ trails into main roads for shipping goods. During the 1840s and 1850s, large numbers of Germans and Austrians came to the Brooklyn area and began opening breweries and beer halls. Thanks to the Germans, Bushwick developed a considerable brewery industry and was even called “the beer capital of the Northeast” for a period of time. The diverse population we see today comes in large part from the changing demographics throughout history. Following the German immigrants, Italian, Caribbean, African, and Puerto Rican people all took their turn migrating to Bushwick; each group bringing their own unique influence to the area. 

The neighborhood became more industrialized in the 1860s when sugar, chemical, and oil factories arose. Many of these abandoned factories have now been converted into lofts and restaurants giving Bushwick the industrial-chic vibe it has become known for. The neighborhood saw a period of decline after many of the breweries closed or moved out due to rising electric rates. Further devastated by the looting and burning that occurred during the New York City blackout of 1977, Bushwick saw a mass exodus, as stores closed and vacancy rates climbed. Bushwick became a forgotten neighborhood for many New Yorkers until the Bushwick Initiative of the early 2000s. The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development addressed the deteriorated housing conditions, while the NYPD worked with the community to reduce drug dealing activities and related crimes. This revitalization led to an increase in economic prosperity and urban development. Today, Bushwick is a thriving neighborhood with a notable art scene and a wealth of local restaurants, bars, and shops.

Residents Love This Neighborhood Because

What to expect

Bushwick Landmarks and Cultural Institutions

A NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR

Easily the best thing to do in Bushwick is to explore the giant, open-air street art gallery at The Bushwick Collective. Most of the murals are located along Troutman Street between Irving Avenue and Cypress Avenue, but be sure to explore beyond the beaten path as many of the pieces are tucked away. Bushwick local, Joseph Ficalora, founded the collective after the loss of his parents. Ficalora wanted to create a space for people to reflect, transform, and work through painful memories. The ever-changing collective attracts talented artists from all over the world and many view the warehouse walls in Bushwick as the greatest canvas in New York.

For those looking for an unforgettable night out, the House of Yes is a wild and weird late-night hub for euphoria. As the name suggests, anything goes at this one-of-a-kind nightclub. Consistently ranked as a top attraction of Brooklyn, the House of Yes, and all its eccentrics, is designed to allow every person who enters the space to dissociate from reality and explore their creativity. Circus performers, aerialists, body painters, and dancers are just a taste of what this venue has to offer. Be sure to check their website for a calendar of upcoming theme nights when planning your visit. 

L-Train Vintage is a family-owned chain of thrift stores situated throughout Brooklyn. The Bushwick store is a two-story building full of graphic t-shirts, shoes, fur coats, bags, and an extensive denim section. With a team of dedicated buyers, each location has new merchandise from around the United States at least three times a week. L-Train Vintage prides itself on bringing NYC the best thrifts available.

Open to the public, Know Waste Lands is a community compost site and garden in the Bushwick area. BK ROT, a youth-led composting program, founded Know Waste Lands with the goal of creating a compost drop-off site that empowers people to tackle environmental issues. The site was also designed to educate the community on sustainability, habitat restoration, and reducing waste. All are welcome to become members or volunteer at this inclusive outdoor space. 

Occupying nearly seven acres in the heart of Bushwick is Maria Hernandez Park. Originally named Bushwick Park, the City Council renamed the park after local Maria Hernandez who fought tirelessly against drug use in the Bushwick neighborhood. On any given day, this lush urban space is abuzz with families exercising, picnicking, and playing. This great community space is complete with a kids’ playground, a basketball court, a handball court, fitness equipment, and performance spaces. 

Would a true New York neighborhood be complete without a locally owned, independent bookstore? Molasses Books is a quintessential second-hand bookshop with stacks of classic and contemporary reads. Housing a small cafe as well, Molasses Books offers hand-crafted coffee, tea, beer, and wine to their patrons, making it the perfect place to settle into a good book for the afternoon. Another unique feature of this bookstore is the ability to barter a book for coffee, beer, or more books. This refreshing change from traditional retail encourages old-school interaction and supports a community environment.