My Thanksgiving break this year lined up perfectly for when one of my favorite performers, Stromae, was holding TWO concerts at Madison Square Garden in NYC. I’ve been to NYC a few times, though its been a few years. And when I’ve been, I’ve done most of the typical touristy things- Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, Broadway shows…. But this year, off I went to NYC with not much of a plan. I had only an Airbnb with my friends Lindsey and Jed who were also headed there for the concert. The Airbnb was in the Bushwick area of Brooklyn, which I had NO idea was going to be so fabulous. In fact, it was so great that I didn’t end up needing to fill my time with much else besides exploring Bushwick. I hope you find yourself in Bushwick, Brooklyn sometime, and if you do, allow me to suggest some of the best things to do.
PS- if you don’t know Stromae, who is HUGE around the world (though unfortunately most Americans don’t know him) you can rectify the situation by listening to this song. You’re welcome ; )
About Bushwick
Bushwick is located in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. It is easily accessible by the city’s subway – a ride of approx. 15-40 minutes. Bushwick was originally named Boswijck, which meant in Dutch, “little town in the woods.” The area boasts a high immigrant working-class population. Here the rent is lower than in Manhattan, and the renovated warehouses make it a mecca for artists.
So, the best things to do in Bushwick should start with the art…
Street Art- The Bushwick Collective
The neighborhood of Bushwick is recognized as being a spot for up-and-coming artists, and in 2012 the Bushwick Collective began. The Bushwick Collective started with the purpose of beautifying industrial streets full of warehouses by adding vibrant graffiti art. The ever-growing Collective is largely around the area of Troutman Street and Saint Nicolas Avenue, but there is beautiful art all over the area of Bushwick.
The Bushwick Collective combines the efforts of local street artists, as well as legendary street artists from around the world, many of whom live in NYC. Visit often- the art is all temporary. A mural usually lasts 12 months before being replaced by a new artwork, but on a rotating (not scheduled) basis. Additionally, the artists aren’t paid- they do it just for the love of sharing art.
Every year there is a festival featuring local, national & international artists- the Bushwick Collective Block Party. The party, which is held in June, is free. The weekend festival has live music, food trucks, and of course live artists painting. If you are visiting Bushwick any time of the year, you may be interested in taking a self-guided tour of the art. A great option for one is at this website.
Gallery Hopping
Speaking of art, there are over 50 galleries and alternative art spaces located all over Bushwick. Check out this website for a list of the many galleries located around the Bushwick area of Brooklyn.
Shopping in Bushwick
Bushwick not only is known for its art scene, it also is known for having a HUGE variety of thrift and vintage stores. I only made it into a few, but all the ones I went to had some great prices and finds.
L Train Vintage
Known for having a huge selection of denim, as well as for having multiple locations around NYC, L Train Vintage in Bushwick was massive and offered a bit of everything. They get new shipments of clothes every few weeks from around the US, so you can go often to see what is ‘new’.
GG’s Social Trade and Treasure Club
GG’s is a vintage shop, gallery and event space all in one. They offer vintage clothes, but also sell clothes created by local artists. They also are a consignment shop, so you can sell your clothes to them. Alternatively, you can donate your clothes to get a 25% discount.
28 Scott Vintage
Owner Tiffany Nicole had the first mobile vintage shop in the US before opening 28 Scott Vintage in Bushwick. Here you can buy vintage clothes, jewelry, art, candles and more. You can also shop on their website or see new arrivals on its Instagram page. Fancy a drink? Apparently you can have a shot on the house from their selection of spirits- sounds like a great shopping experience to me! And did I mention it’s underground? Literally.
There are so many more vintage shops in Bushwick, Brooklyn to choose from- here are some more suggestions. Make sure to take some time just walking around and enjoying the area and its wide variety of shopping.
Walking around checking out the art and shopping makes me work up an appetite. So, let’s talk about the food and drink scene in Bushwick.
Eating in Bushwick
La Cantine
La Cantine was so delicious I ate there twice for breakfast. Inspired by French luncheonetttes, they offer breakfast, lunch, coffee and baked goods from 9-5 Sunday through Wednesday and 9-4 Thursday through Saturday. The space is small, but they offer indoor and outdoor seating, as well as carryout and delivery. I loved my avocado toast, eggs and potatoes and my friends enjoyed the sandwiches and desserts.
Rolo’s
I’m admittedly not the biggest foodie, so I’m glad my friend Lindsey suggested Rolo’s. Make sure to get a reservation when you’re in Bushwick at Rolo’s because it was (finger kisses) délicieux! They offer many vegetarian options, and have so many things that were completely unique for me. For example- wood fired polenta bread with sesame and wild oregano. The potato croquettes were so good we ordered a second helping! But we all agreed that the dry-style Szechuan cabbage was our fav. Open for dinner Sunday-Thursday from 5-10 and until 11 on Saturday, Rolo’s also has a weekend brunch from 11-3.
The Turk’s Inn
Another place I loved in Bushwick was Turk’s Inn- it was adorable! If you aren’t in the mood to eat, make sure to go just to see how darling it is. And it has quite an interesting history. The Turk’s Inn was founded in 1930 by the Gogian’s in Hayward, Wisconsin. This supper club was legendary- serving their Turkish fare (and sometimes even entertainment including belly dancing) to celebrities and locals alike. When the restaurant was closed in 2015 by the daughter of the founders, a few longtime patrons sought to keep it alive. They bought the entire contents of the establishment and brought it to Bushwick.
When we visited Turk’s Inn, we couldn’t get a table (make sure to book your reservations in advance!) but we did snag some seats at the bar and enjoyed some appetizers and cocktails. I REALLY enjoyed my Salty Apricot cocktail. It is open from Wednesday through Sunday from 6-10pm. Dependent on the weather, there is a rooftop patio, and next door is the Sultan Room, which has concerts almost every night.
Roberta’s Pizza
A place I did not eat at while I was in Bushwick was Roberta’s Pizza, but I heard all about it. It’s apparently THE pizza place in Brooklyn, and a favorite for many celebrities including Beyonce. It has wood-fired pizza, pasta and more. While it has other locations now, this is the original location. Find out more information about Roberta’s Pizza here.
Syndicated Bar Theatre Kitchen
Another place I didn’t get to visit (but is on my list for next time) was Syndicated Bar Theatre Kitchen. Opened in 2016 in a former warehouse, this gastropub/movie theatre has tables, booths and screens on the walls. It can seat up to 100 people wanting to watch old films and cult classics while enjoying a meal. Every evening 2-3 movies are shown, usually with a monthly theme. Open everyday at 5pm, check out their website for more information.
Drinks in Bushwick
Kings County Brewers Collection
At one point, 10 percent of all beer produced in the United States originated in Brooklyn, most of it specifically from Bushwick. And now, there is only one brewery in Bushwick, so it has to be included in the best things to do in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Luckily, the brewery did not disappoint. Kings County Brewers Collection (or KCBC), opened in 2016 and has a 5,000 square foot taproom which is bright and airy. I really enjoyed the beers they had on tap while I was there (and the fun names like ‘Jingle Zombie Apocalypse’, which was a delicious sour) and the variety of beer styles they offer. They offer happy hour Monday-Thursday from 4-7, and are open 7 days a week. Their hours are 5-10 on Monday through Thursday, 2-11 Friday, and noon-11 or 10 pm on the weekends.
Pearl’s Social & Billy Club
Pearl’s Social & Billy Club opened in 2011, and has been an integral part of the neighborhood ever since. Named for the grandmother of the owner and the old baseball bat (or “billy club” as it used to be referred as) that was found during construction. I found the bar to be completely charming. Inside are lots of wood accents, warm lighting, a photo booth, and there were several pups inside when I visited which only added to the experience. And be sure to check out the funky bathroom while you are there, and maybe add your own graffiti to the wall.
Pearl’s offers frozen drinks, cocktails (including a few of the non-alcoholic variety), beers, and wine, so everyone can find something to suit their tastes. Open from 2-2 during the week, and opening at noon on the weekends, make sure to check it out, it was one of the best places I visited in Bushwick.
The Keep
If you’re looking for an eclectic bar and antique store all in one, make sure to check out The Keep, located at 205 Cypress Ave. This bar was cash only, but has $13 cocktails (in addition to wine and beer) that were pretty yummy. There was a lot going on with the decor, so there is much to see and take in. The Keep frequently has DJs, live music and sometimes even magic shows, tarot reading, and more. Check them out from Monday-Friday from 4pm-3am, and weekends from 1pm-3am.
Little Beaver
If you are looking for something a bit more laid-back, check out Little Beaver. It’s just a little dive bar, but they had a good selection of beers on tap, and they offer some beer + shot combos with clever names, like the Beaver Dam which is Highlife + Shot for $7- who can resist a deal like that?
Other things to do in Bushwick, Brooklyn
Maria Hernandez Park
Named for a community leader who gave her life in the fight to rid her block of drug dealers, Maria Hernandez Park is the largest park in Bushwick. There is a playground, water feature, as well as volleyball, handball, and basketball courts. There is also a few dog runs, a workout area, and more.
House of Yes
Looking for a nighclub? Prefer to see a circus spectacle? Maybe a cabaret show? House of Yes is the destination that offers it all. Check out their website to find out about their upcoming events or to get tickets.
There is so much that Bushwick has to offer, and I am looking forward to visiting again. And, it is of course a very quick trip into Manhattan where there are endless things to do. Meanwhile, if you want another option for something to do in the state of New York, check out this blog post about Watkins Glen and the 10 best things to go there.
Thanks for visiting my blog today! Have you been to Bushwick? Have any other suggestions for what to do there? Or even a suggestion for a future adventure for me? I’d love to hear your comments and suggestions. Catch you later!
-Catching Katie
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