Thinking of Moving to Brooklyn? Check Out These Things To Do in Bushwick!

A Quick Guide to Bushwick, New York

Living in Brooklyn, and Bushwick in particular, is more popular than ever—and with beyond good reason! Home to a plethora of parks, restaurants, and attractions, there are plenty of things to do in Bushwick for everyone. If you’re still searching for a new home in the NYC area, this list might be fate. What follows is all the many reasons to choose Bushwick for your next lease or “forever-home!”

Where is Bushwick?

Bushwick is an area in the northern part of the Brooklyn borough. Above it lies Ridgewood, Queens and trendy Williamsburg is to the west. Its southern neighbor is Bed-Stuy. Bushwick is a working class neighborhood with a diverse history and community. The following list highlights Bushwick’s many attractions to give you a little taste of the area.

Must-Do Activities in Bushwick

Love Art? Visit the Robert Henry Contemporary Gallery!

Known for highlighting local and innovative artists, the Robert Henry Gallery is a fantastic spot to spend an afternoon. Inspired by the personal tastes of expert curators, its main emphasis is exhibiting modern and innovative works. From the minimalist to the abstract, Robert Henry explores the diverse themes art can address. For approximately two to three months each, one core exhibit becomes the gallery’s focus.

Its current display, “Learn More, Collect Smarter!,” examines the influences of modern artists and how these influences impacted their work. It encompasses ten different creators, and crafts a mural of their muses.

In addition, the space frequently hosts art fairs and auctions for those with a collector’s sensibility. For those living locally, the Robert Henry Contemporary Gallery provides something refreshing with each fantastic exhibit.

Take a Stroll Through Maria Hernandez Park

Maria Hernandez Park is a gorgeous local spot for dog walks and family picnics. As the largest park in the Bushwick neighborhood, its reputation as a community center is proven daily by its lively atmosphere and frequent events.

The park is never lacking in locals and visitors enjoying every inch of its green landscape. Each corner connects to one main plaza where activities, pop-up shops, and performances are constant. For families with children, the rainbow playground is perfect, as well as the various courts for basketball, volleyball, and more! For furry friends, small and large dog runs are scattered throughout, where you (and your pup) can socialize.

In New York City, any slice of nature is greatly appreciated. For those living in Bushwick, the Maria Hernandez park provides exactly that (and then some!)

Visit The Brooklyn Beer Garden

In addition to selling brews, Bushwick’s Brooklyn Beer Garden is known for its stunning and vibrant murals highlighting local artists. Created by The Brooklyn Cowboys, the space is a self-entitled “celebration of art and beer.” Not only can you sample distinctive ales from breweries all over the state, you can attend art shows and performances held within the building and its outdoor areas.

The entire Beer Garden is a work of art in its own right, showcasing upcoming and established creators. Once a week, the space hosts a workshop for local youth—teaching them the value and style of street art.

Planning an upcoming birthday or corporate party? Both private events and catering are available through the Beer Garden’s website.

What better way to celebrate your new Bushwick apartment than a couple of draft beers and a whole lot of art?

Catch a Play At the Bushwick Starr

Born in 2001, the Bushwick Starr is a non-profit theater known for affordable entertainment. It has everything from traditional plays to avant garde performances.

The Starr’s intent is to make theater accessible to all and to provide a platform for upcoming writers and actors to perform and create. The small, black-box theater has quickly become a cultural institution.

Not only does the venue annually host various runs of local plays, it’s also the home to many programs for actors of any age to hone their skills.

For those new to the Bushwick area, the theater is perfect for a night of entertainment and creative enrichment.

Enjoy a Night Out at The Tiny Cupboard

Bushwick’s The Tiny Cupboard is a woman-owned and -operated dive bar and comedy club perfect for a memorable night out.

Open from 3 p.m. to midnight daily, the bar has a nonstop itinerary of upcoming comics with new and familiar performances each week. Featured in TimeOut and the New York Times, the spot has been a Bushwick staple since 2019.

The shows are affordable and accessible, with no drink minimum and tickets that range from five to 10 bucks a person. In the past year, The Tiny Cupboard also expanded to host rooftop shows. While those shows are currently on hiatus, the rooftop remains open for Insta-worthy pics and stellar skyline views.

Beyond stand-up comedy, the space hosts open mics and improv classes for local creatives to enjoy.

Visit Molasses Books

Love the atmosphere of a classic bookshop? Need something to read during much needed downtime? Bushwick’s Molasses Books is ideal. The tiny, cozy space is a remnant of another time. For any bookworm, its atmosphere is a dream.

Molasses is a hole-in-the-wall, non-commercial shop worthy of your attention. Not only does it sell used books of every genre, it’s home to a coffee bar as well.

Whether you’re in need of a latte or the latest bestseller, Molasses Books is your go-to!

Shop At L Train Vintage

Named after its neighboring subway line, there are multiple L Train Vintage stores dotted throughout Brooklyn. Bushwick has its own outpost, a particularly popular second-hand shop with treasures hidden on every rack.

Whether you’re a frequent thrifter, or new to the scene, the affordability and uniqueness of L-Train is appealing. It’s difficult to leave empty-handed.

Dine At Roberta’s

Roberta’s is a relatively famous name in Bushwick–a pizzeria known for its modern style and amazing food.

Established in 2008, the restaurant has only gained traction in the years since. The pizza is made fresh with ingredients from the restaurant’s rooftop garden. In fact, it was named one of the 15 best American pizzerias by USA Today!

Fun fact: Roberta’s hosts a radio station right straight from inside the restaurant! Its so-called “hipster” vibe and oven-cooked pizza makes a visit worth your while.

Or Grab a Bite at Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos

This Bushwick Mexican restaurant is perfect for those craving a unique and tasty night out. The building itself was once a tortilla factory, and now exists as one of the last tortillerias of its kind. The menu is easy to navigate, with something for everyone and a ‘make-your-own’ style. While you wait for your meal, you can watch each freshly made element come together for that crunchy or savory finish.

The restaurant has a ‘bring-your-own-beer’ policy and be warned—hit the bank before you visit. Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos is cash only!

Drink At Yours, Sincerely

The happy hour alone is enough to attract crowds to this Bushwick bar. Drinks are five dollars, and each one comes from a quirky tap decorated with doll heads. (Yes, you read that right.)

Yours, Sincerely is fit for a romantic date or a girls’ night out! It’s a great place to spend your first weekend as a Bushwick resident!

Experience the Bushwick Collective

Started in 2012, the Bushwick Collective is an amazing collection of graffiti and street air located in the area. The art practically moves with you, as you take a walking tour through the neighborhood to experience every bit of it.

Painted onto once drab and dismal industrial walls, the Bushwick collective breathes new life into Brooklyn, and showcases a very specific and creative art form.

Founder Joe Ficalora grew up in the neighborhood, and hoped his creative venture would paint Bushwick in a new light (no pun intended!)

The murals change constantly, and artists from NYC and beyond are showcased. In addition, the Bushwick Collective hosts an annual block party meshing graffiti, food, entertainment, and community into one exciting package!

Finish the Day Clubbing at House of Yes

This one’s not for everyone—but for those looking to experience NYC nightlife, House of Yes is worth a visit.

In 2018, TimeOut listed House of Yes as one of the “fifty best things to do in the world right now.”

The club is known for its insane energy and themed parties, where club-goers wear different costumes to get into unique events. Each night it’s home to circus performers, body painting, loud music, and crazy lights.

Many associate House of Yes with the wild energy of NYC in the 80s and 90s.

Take that as you will.

Thinking of Moving to Brooklyn? Check Out These Things To Do in Bushwick!

A Quick Guide to Bushwick, New York

Where is Bushwick?

Must-Do Activities in Bushwick

Love Art? Visit the Robert Henry Contemporary Gallery!