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Bushwick is one of Brooklyn’s hottest neighborhoods. Known for its thriving arts scene, developing reputation as a foodie destination, and relatively affordable rent, Bushwick is an attractive option for young professionals and creatives. Here are some things you should know about Bushwick to get a glimpse into what it’s like to live there.
The Bushwick vibe
Originally an industrial area, Bushwick has been transformed into a vibrant destination, with street art and graffiti decorating nearly every surface. Gaining a name for itself as the new hipster hub, this up-and-coming neighborhood is becoming increasingly more popular.
Drawing in throngs of younger crowds, Bushwick has strong Hispanic roots, traditionally serving as home to Puerto Rican and Dominican communities. Blending old and new, the area’s hospitality scene is a mix of new restaurants, bars, and coffee shops popping up as well as longtime, family-owned eateries serving up some of the best tacos, Venezuelan, and Colombian dishes in the city.
Bushwick stays true to its roots with local entrepreneurs and businesses taking pride in their industrial surroundings, using them to revitalize the community. Former factories and warehouses are transformed into unique community spaces designed to promote creativity and collaboration.
Getting around
Location: Bushwick spans across a huge portion of Brooklyn with two distinct sections. The neighborhood includes Flushing Avenue, Broadway, Evergreens Cemetery, and the Queens Boundary Line (a mix of Cypress, St. Nicholas, and Wyckoff Avenues). This vast area is where you’ll find most of Bushwick’s green spaces, housing options, restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Borders: Geographically speaking, Bushwick is bordered by Williamsburg to the northwest, Ridgewood to the northeast, and Bedford-Stuyvesant to the south. Just north of Bushwick proper is the area known as Industrial Bushwick, bounded by Bushwick Avenue to the east and Grand Street to the north. While you’re not likely to find any housing here, this area is home to several of Bushwick’s renowned restaurants, art galleries, and creative studios housed in old warehouses.
Commute: Only 30 minutes to both Manhattan and Queens by train, commuting from Bushwick is quick and convenient, with three subway lines intersecting the neighborhood along three main avenues. The L train cuts across Wyckoff Avenue, M train cuts across Myrtle Avenue, and the J/Z trains run along Broadway.
Eat
Bushwick has everything from top-notch Michelin star restaurants to cozy brunch spots to nondescript gems serving up authentic Hispanic cuisines. Whether dining on a budget or looking to splurge, you won’t have to stray too far from home for your next meal.
With three locations across Bushwick, and all near subway lines, Little Skips is the perfect place to start the day with a cup of coffee and some breakfast on the go. At the Myrtle Avenue location, walls are decorated with local art and flyers for neighborhood events. Try the Philly bagel, your choice of bagel toasted with cream cheese, smoked salmon, tomato, and avocado paired with any of their lattes to kickstart the morning.
Address: 1643 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11207
Stop by Roberta’s, the OG pizza spot that brought Bushwick into the foodie game. Dine-in, if you can snag a table, or take-out; either way, you’re sure to enjoy their artisanal wood-fired pizza with creative toppings. Order the Bee Sting with spicy sopressata, crushed tomatoes, and a drizzle of honey for a surprisingly balanced set of flavors, or try the wildly popular Speckenwolf, topped with speck (a cured and smoked Italian ham), roasted cremini mushrooms, red onion, and dried oregano.
Address: 261 Moore St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Grab cheap and delicious tacos, tostadas, or quesadillas from Tortilleria Los Hermanos, made using fresh corn tortillas and stuffed with your choice of one of seven fillings. This BYOB cantina is housed in the loading dock of the tortilla factory making for a unique dining experience. Try the chorizo, spicy enchilada, or carnitas for a delicious meal on a budget.
Address: 271 Starr St, Brooklyn, NY 11237
If you’re looking for Italian fare, try Faro, one of Bushwick’s Michelin star restaurants housed in a renovated and warmly-lit warehouse space. Best known for its handmade pastas, this neighborhood favorite also serves expertly cooked meats and veggies on its seasonal menu using locally sourced ingredients.
Address: 436 Jefferson St, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Play
By day and night, Bushwick is full of activities to take part in. Check out any of Bushwick’s numerous galleries, showcasing the talent of local artists. Definitely make sure to stop by The Bushwick Collective, as well. This iconic open-air gallery features incredible murals from local, national, and international artists coming together to contribute to this community-based endeavor.
Catch a movie at SyndicatedBK, a unique space combining a restaurant, bar, and movie theater all in one. Every evening, this intimate dine-in theater shows two to three films. Each film is carefully curated by the owners, and they range from classics to indie films to new releases. At only $7 per ticket, it’s essential to buy tickets in advance and to show up early to get the best seats in the house.
Take a yoga class at the Cobra Club, a cafe and yoga studio by day and bar by night. Open to individuals of all levels, practice breathing and stretching exercises to unwind from a hectic day. The Cobra Club also hosts events every evening ranging from interactive activities like trivia and karaoke nights to live performances including comedy shows, bands, and DJs.
Go for a run or take a stroll around beautiful Maria Hernandez Park. This community park is the hub for the neighborhood’s activities. Shop for groceries and support local vendors at the farmers’ markets. Relax on the sprawling lawns, ideal for picnicking or sunbathing in the warmer months. Stay active using the courts designated for volleyball, handball, or basketball.
For those looking for a more adventurous event, head over to House of Yes, Bushwick’s one-of-a-kind nightlife performance venue. Hosting themed events almost every evening, prepare for the fully-immersive experience upon entrance. The space was built with the ability to showcase any type of performance or event, allowing all creative visions to come to life. Costumes are optional, but come ready to have a great time while redefining what a night out is.
Drink
Bushwick’s bar scene is unlike any other, with an eclectic mix of dive bars, cocktail lounges, themed bars, and chic bar/restaurants. With so many choices available, finding a favorite spot may be a challenge.
Back in the day, Bushwick was home to over a dozen breweries. That all changed with the passing of Prohibition. Kings County Brewers Collective revived that tradition, bringing Bushwick it’s first brewery in 40 years. This brewery and taproom serves its signature brews, collaborating with local shops to create new flavors. Spend an evening playing board games at this pet-friendly and family-friendly venue.
Enter a rustic-chic oasis at Forrest Point, one of Bushwick’s snazziest bar-restaurants. Grab a glass of their signature Milk Punch and enjoy your drink indoors or outdoors on their beautiful patio complete with a variety of couches, swings, and benches, homey wooden accents, hanging plants, and dangling lights.
Looking for a unique bar? Check out Mood Ring, an astrology themed bar. Look past the nondescript exterior and walk through the doors to find an intimate space decorated with local art. Friendly service, fantastic themed cocktails, and dance floor in the back make this a favorite among residents.
Duckduck is a fun neighborhood bar known for its relaxed vibe. Along with having a warm, wood-paneled interior and duck themed decor, this no-frills establishment draws in a crowd with their reasonably priced drinks. Make sure to bring money, Duckduck is cash-only.
Renting in Bushwick
While rental prices in Bushwick have increased 21% from the previous year, prices for 1 bedroom apartments are still lower than other areas in the city. On average, you can find a 1 bedroom apartment for a median rent of $2,753. For 2 bedrooms you can expect to rent for an average of $2,600 per month as of November 2021.
Bushwick is constantly evolving over time and keeping things interesting for all residents. Thinking about living in Bushwick? Check out these apartments for rent if this sounds like the place for you!
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