Bushwick is the only Brooklyn neighborhood I’ve ever called home. While it’s a little more spread out than anywhere in Manhattan or even nearby Williamsburg, Bushwick is still relatively walkable (the best way to enjoy the neighborhood’s iconic street art) and much more affordable, especially in terms of nightlife (which in this city, is saying a lot!). 

Here, you’re just 20 minutes away from the fun of the Lower East Side and can get a real look at how Brooklynites live. Welcome to my little corner of the big city.

Tiana Attride’s Perfect Day in Bushwick, Brooklyn

9:00 a.m. – A Baby Coffee Shop Stop

Baby Skips serves some of the best coffee in Brooklyn and specializes in healthy goodies on top of that. Cute in more ways than one. 

11:00 a.m. – Bagels or Boozy Brunch

My go-to bagel spots in Bushwick are BK Bagels or Knickerbocker Bagel. I usually order the same thing every time—like anybody else here, I’m a sucker for a toasted bagel with lox, cream cheese, capers, and a little onion—but both have an abundance of bagel and cream cheese flavors to choose from. For a boozy brunch with friends, I’d recommend hitting Mominette, a popular French-style bistro, or 983, where comfort food is abundant. 

1:00 p.m. – (Vintage) Shop ‘til You Drop

As a former shopaholic (who admittedly relapses from time to time), Bushwick’s vintage shopping scene is a dream come true. There are city-wide staples like Beacon’s Closet, L Train Vintage, and Flamingo’s Vintage Pound as well as neighborhood darlings like Friends NYC.

3:00 p.m. – Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Just down the street from Beacon’s Closet, visit Bake Shop for chocolate cake and vegan treats, or take a 15-minute walk to Bushwick Bakery, a French pastry shop that’s been in the neighborhood since the 1980s. 

4:00 p.m. — A Secret Library

Bookshop-cum-flea market Better Read Than Dead (also known as Book Row) sits in a quirky little alleyway along Broadway. It’s the type of place you’ll just happen upon one day, but it’s my favorite little hidden treasure in the neighborhood.

6:30 p.m. – Visit Japan or France for Dinner 

Go to Ichiran for ramen or French restaurant Le Garage for a refined ambiance rare to Bushwick and tasty shared plates like cheeses, potatoes in duck fat, and fried Panisse.

8:30 p.m. – The Party ‘Hood + A Mini Drinking Guide to Bushwick

Bushwick is one of the best neighborhoods for nightlife in the city—you really shouldn’t go elsewhere, or maybe… you should! See what’s going on at Elsewhere, a music venue, bar, club, and arts space where there’s always a party or event going on.

It’s also one of the best neighborhoods if you want to party for cheap (or at least cheap by NYC standards). As a 20-something, I cannot emphasize this enough. Let’s explore Bushwick’s bars in three rounds—as mentioned, Bushwick is little spread out, and each of these rounds is nicely clustered together: 

ROUND ONE

Yours Sincerely: A tiny, buzzy bar with cocktails on tap. Seats are limited, so I’d rec hitting it early before it gets too crowded.

Sunrise/Sunset: Bushwick’s only wine bar. Cheap vino, soothing vibes.

Three Diamond Door: A typical neighborhood bar with friendly bartenders and big, round booths perfect for groups.

Bodeguita: A deeply underrated, quiet little gem with great cocktails, an intimate rooftop patio, and several live music nights each week.

ROUND TWO

Hart Bar: Young, neon-lit semi-dive busy enough to make you feel like you’ve gone out, but relaxed enough for conversation.

The Rookery: Very upbeat vibes, a laid-back outdoor patio, and great food if you find yourself craving second dinner.

Jupiter Disco: An 80’s sci-fi themed coven on Flushing Ave. Don’t let a quiet start deter you; once the DJ gets going, the dance floor fills up quickly.

Boobie Trap: Drinks and board games fun for the whole family (so long as the whole family is 21+). 

ROUND THREE-PLUS: 

Jupiter Disco: An 80s sci-fi themed coven on Flushing Ave. Don’t let a quiet start deter you; once the DJ gets going, the dance floor fills up quickly.

Alligator Lounge: Karaoke and a slice of pizza with every drink.

House of Yes: A legendary club where costumes are always encouraged (and where they have a secret hot tub. Yes, indeed).

Enjoy.

The Bushwick Essentials

Where to Stay in Bushwick

If you’re staying in Bushwick, I’m assuming you’re renting an Airbnb since there aren’t any hotels. If you plan on partying in Brooklyn, I’d recommend staying closer to the L-Train; for a quiet night’s rest (and a much faster commute to Manhattan), I’d stay somewhere near the J or M trains.

NYC’s Low-Key Pizza Capital

Along with Bushwick’s excellent bar game is a drunchies game to match. Three of my favorite pizza joints have homes nearby: Roberta’s, a classic and renowned name throughout the five boroughs (but which closes at midnight even on Saturdays); Archie’s, a local favorite that specializes in Detroit-style pizza and closes at 4 a.m.; and Artichoke Basille’s, also open until 4 a.m. Artichoke’s is my personal favorite; bless its cheesy, saucy, thick-crust deliciousness.

Brooklyn’s Most LGBTQ-Friendly Neighborhood

One of the best things about Bushwick is that it’s home to dozens of LGBTQ-centric bars where folks across the spectrum can find a safe space to party. My standouts include Mood Ring, beloved for its astrology-themed drinks and nights celebrating queer POC; chill but upbeat Happyfun Hideaway (the bartenders here are especially friendly!); and, of course, the aforementioned House of Yes.