This edgy neighborhood in New York’s biggest outer borough is home to some of the most fun and eclectic bars in the city. No wonder it’s the city’s district du jour with not only some of the best food but some of the best places to go out.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons CC BY / 2.0
Bushwick is a true testament to how much the city of New York has changed. What used to be a dangerous neighborhood has grown into the epicenter of all things cool. Today, the only thing to be worried about in Bushwick is the total at the bottom of the check. Bushwick’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene pulls visitors from across the city and beyond. Constantly evolving and always cutting edge, there is no better place to go for a wacky night out or adventure. Ranging from classic dive to all-out themed bars, Bushwick has some of the most unique places to go out in New York. Serving top-tier cocktails paired with one-of-a-kind atmospheres, here are some of the most unique bars in Bushwick.
Cherry on Top
Photo: @sweetta
This year-round rooftop knows how to give the people what they want. There’s Happy Hour until 7 pm every day, as well as a whole calendar of events. But that’s not all. Natural wine has taken the country by storm in the past few years and Cherry on Top is no stranger to the trend. Their wine list is excellent and is constantly changing to incorporate new and exciting wines from vineyards in the US and around the world. The lack of preservatives allows the unique characteristics of each grape variety to shine (and lighten hangover in the case of one too many glasses). Come for sunset to see the striking view as the sun goes down over the Brooklyn rooftops.
379 Suydam Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Carousel
Photo: Umami Mart CC BY / 2.0
The glamour and grit of 70s New York, though long gone in actuality, is alive and well at Carousel. This former warehouse has been converted into a two-bar space complete with pool tables and a dance floor. The circular space is outfitted with one-of-a-kind features like conversation pit seating areas that look as if they’ve been pulled right out of a 1975 loft. The wood panel walls are lined with shelves decked out in 70s paraphernalia, lava lamps glow and disco balls hang from the ceiling while candles burn on low-lying tables, giving the effect of a well-curated house party. Their selective cocktail list leans on well-constructed and elevated versions of the classics, but the real reason to come is the atmosphere. Complete with a smoking room and groovy DJs on the weekends, Carousel is a must-visit in Bushwick.
36 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Molasses Books
Photo: Garrett Ziegler CC BY / 2.0
Molasses Books, a bookstore/coffee shop/bar, is quite literally in the heart of Bushwick, as if designed in a dream. Located on Hart Street, right off the Knickerbocker M, Molasses Books is open 7 days a week until midnight. They serve coffee during the day and beer and wine at night with happy hour every day from 6 pm – 8 pm, more local meeting house than a traditional bar. There are regular book launches from local authors, readings, and occasionally even DJs. On warm summer nights, patrons spill out onto the sidewalk sipping on wine and beer while perusing the shelves of used books. This dreamy spot is homey and inviting, yet still manages to feel like a local secret. It’s best for a chill night out and is the perfect spot to catch up with friends. You might even find the next book to add to your reading list.
770 Hart Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Mao Mao
The second you step through the doors of Mao Mao, you are transported into the world of 1980s Thailand. Sunken into the basement level of this restaurant is a dining room filled with cinema seats. As you descend the stairs, a massive screen plays classic Thai movies on loop, usually accompanied by Thai music. Though less of a bar and more of a restaurant, Mao Mao boasts an excellent drink list. Cocktails are designed with old-school Thai flavors and they also offer a lot of cool imported beers. Their food is also nothing to be missed. The Momung Dong, pickled green mango with chili sugar, is a sweet and tangy bit with a bit of heat to it. It’s perfect as a starter, snack, or dessert. Mao Mao is a great place to start the night to fuel up on classic Thai dishes, with the bonus of being transported to another era.
1000 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11221
Wonderville
Photo: Wonderville
Small New York apartments and the ever-present want to socialize somewhere other than a club have given rise to the popularity of Game Bars. While most offer the typical lineup of Pac-Man and Big Buck Hunter, Wonderville showcases unique games by independent designers. Many of the games on display cannot be found anywhere else in the world and some are even the creations of local artists. For example, their game, Killer Queen, is the world’s only 10-player strategy arcade game. You and your whole group of friends can band together to play. They offer a short and sweet cocktail list as well as a great range of mocktails with happy hour Monday to Friday from 5 pm to 8 pm. Why go to another cookie-cutter bar when you can try something that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world?
1186 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11221
Birdy’s
Photo: Erin Nekervis CC BY / 2.0
Birdy’s is a staple dive bar in Bushwick. Infamous for its laid-back atmosphere, cheap drinks, and well-graffitied picnic tables, Birdy’s has installed itself as a neighborhood favorite since 2015. Stepping into Birdy’s is like walking onto the set of a late 80s Tarantino film. Stickers and old band posters are tacked up everywhere with pinball machines and a photo booth at the back of the bar. The red vinyl booths are so well-loved that they’re patched with duck tape to keep the foam cushioning from falling out. Forget about European summer and embrace Bushwick summer with their Birdy’s spritz– Aperol and ice-cold beer served in a water glass. Birdy’s is a real “locals spot”, where bartenders know the regulars and everyone else better get in line. Make sure to stop at the ATM before you go. This place is cash only, with absolutely no exceptions.
1215 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
The Narrows
Founded in 2010, The Narrows endures as a favorite spot in Bushwick. This small cocktail bar is located in the heart of the neighborhood. They have an intimate front room and an adorable back patio covered in string lights, making it a great spot for laidback after-dinner drinks or a long catch-up with friends. While their cocktail list is small, the offerings are excellent. The menu is pairs perfectly with the drinks, with classic American bites served ‘til late. Chicken fingers fried to perfection accompanied by honey mustard or barbeque sauce make a great snack too. The Narrows is open seven days a week from four to four, making it a great option for after-work drinks or a nightcap. The cash-only policy keeps the drinks cheap, just remember to come armed with more than your Apple Pay.
1037 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Mood Ring
Photo: Mood Ring
Ever wondered what a cocktail designed for your Zodiac sign would taste like? Look no further than Mood Ring. This eclectic Bushwick bar is dripping in originality and caters to the edgy clientele who frequent the Myrtle Ave bars. When you walk in, the first room is lit almost exclusively by neon lights and a sign reading “happy together” in glowing neon red leads back to the dance floor. Down a short hallway is a small room with a stage but when it’s 2 am and the DJ’s set is in full swing, it feels more like you’re in a club. The drinks list is wacky and the music is always cool. Mood Ring is one of those bars that is guaranteed a good time, especially if you’re looking to dance.
1260 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Nowadays
One of the biggest questions to ask before a night out is: to dance or not to dance? But, at Nowadays, you don’t have to decide. This beer garden/club is technically located in Ridgewood, but, spiritually, it’s part of Bushwick. The backyard has fire pits in the summer and tents with heaters in the winter, while the inside space features a massive dance floor showcasing DJs spinning everything from modern club hits to deep house and boiler room beats. On Saturday, the team host a party that starts at 10 pm and ends at 3 pm on Sunday. Something that makes this space truly unique is its commitment to creating a safe space for all who visit. Water and earplugs are always free and they have a strict “no phones” policy on the dance floor to encourage people to have the best time possible in real-time.
56-06 Cooper Avenue, Queens, NY 11385
Ra Ra Rhino
Photo: Anthony Quintano CC BY / 2.0
Speakeasies were at their peak in the 1920s, so it’s only fitting that a century later, in the 2020s, they’ve made a resurgence. Ra Ra Rhino is hidden in the photo booth at the back of Dromedary Doughnuts. This funky tiki-themed cocktail bar creates custom cocktails in-house focusing on bright tropical flavors. Martinis are all the rage this summer, so the team at Ra Ra Rhino has put their unique twist on the age-old classic with three different takes. Their Dill Martini gives a nod to the pickle drink craze blending Gin, and dill Aquavit with extra dry vermouth and lemon bitters for a bright, tangy drink. The menu offers small bites in line with the tropical theme but the drinks are the true show stopper here. An effortlessly cool atmosphere makes this a great spot to take someone if you’re in the mood to impress.
1329 Willoughby Ave, Brooklyn NY 11237