Bushwick Neighborhood Guide

(a perfect day)

I’ve been visiting every NYC neighborhood, trying to explore my own city the way I do when I travel. I’m 100 neighborhoods deep now and have documented it all on TikTok.

Now, I’m on a mission to write it all out—next up: Bushwick.

Bushwick is an industrial neighborhood known for its art and nightlife scene. But it has had a strong Latin cultural presence for quite some time. It was also once a German brewing hub, at one point accounting for 10% of brewing in the United States.

But I can’t talk about Bushwick without mentioning the fact that this area has seen significant gentrification. Through the transformation of old industrial spaces into “trendy spots,” it has attracted a new generation of New Yorkers—while also sparking conversations around displacement and community change.

Start by heading to Xoco Latte, which serves locally sourced Mexican pastries and a mazapan latte that tastes similar to peanut butter. Then head to El Charro, a Mexican bakery where you grab a tray and load it up. Walking down Knickerbocker Avenue, you’ll pass many Latin-owned businesses ranging from Ecuadorian to Honduran, offering both food and homeware.

One place that has recently gone viral on TikTok is the Mexican ice cream stand—otherwise known as a nieve stand—at 282 Knickerbocker Ave. It’s the perfect treat for a hot day.

Then pop into Molasses, a bookstore and community space. They have a bar, so you can grab a drink and a book.

Next, walk through the Bushwick Collective—an outdoor art gallery and street art organization showcasing murals from artists worldwide. It opened in 2012, and they host annual block parties celebrating local culture. You can also take a walking tour if you want to learn more about the individual pieces.

Head over to Troutman Street, home to Kings County Brewers Collective, which has played a significant role in revitalizing the beer scene in Bushwick. While Brewers Row no longer exists here, innovative craft breweries like KCBC have made it a beer destination once again. Kato Sake Works next door is another great example. Founded in 2019, they specialize in handcrafted sake, both modern and traditional.

Bushwick is definitely known as a thrifting haven. The pricing is a little out there, but to me, shopping for inspiration is just as exciting. I like Other People’s Clothes, L Train, Urban Jungle, and Beacon’s Closet. Friends NYC is another store to check out—for everything you don’t need but certainly want.

Stop by Sey. Personally, I find their coffee and service lackluster, but the beautiful space has me coming back for tea.

For dinner, there are two options in my mind. First is Bunna, a vegetarian Ethiopian restaurant. You get injera, various stews, and on weekends they host a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

Or, Eyval—a modern Persian restaurant that’s one of my favorites in NYC.

Bushwick is huge for techno and EDM. The Brooklyn Mirage has definitely been the talk of the town. Although it’s currently closed for renovation, I’m excited to see what’s to come—and hopefully I’ll be seeing you all there!