Bushwick

Long before the craft beer craze took over the world, Bushwick had it going on. By 1890 there were 14 breweries in operation within a 14-block radius. The breweries may not have been staffed by guys wearing flannel and sporting fedoras, but they were pretty hip nonetheless. After all, those 14 breweries (and neighboring distilleries) provided the drink that made 19th century living a little more fun. 

To hear locals tell it, Bushwick still has it going on. Neighbors from around the globe, including Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe live side-by-side in what can best be described as a very cool style of comradery. It may have been a primarily German neighborhood at one time, but Bushwick residents appear to understand that change is inevitable. In fact, they embrace it as though it's a special feature of the neighborhood. 

Bushwick is a living, breathing example of contrasts. Call it industrial-vibe meets high art. With the number of artists who have flocked to the area, it's no wonder that residents are accustomed to daily changes to the landscape. What was once an empty industrial building is now an art studio. The building that thousands of people once passed without a second glance is now a canvas for an extraordinary outdoor mural.

Bushwick Collective, a non-profit dedicated to promoting outdoor street artists from around the world, is a perfect illustration of how Bushwick feels about its art. Since 2012, the collective has been connecting artists with local businesses willing to lend their space. Imagine walking through a neighborhood that encourages artistic talent and you can imagine living in Bushwick. 

Avenues – like Irving, Wyckoff, St. Nicholas, and Cypress – are home to art galleries, boutiques, bars and restaurants. On any given day, within a short stroll, you can enjoy a fine meal at Divine, Le Garage, or Montana's Trail House, peruse the goods at The Rack Shack, Worship, or GG's Social Trade & Treasure Club, or catch avant-garde theater at the House of Yes on Wyckoff Ave. Yes, it's different, but that is precisely the point.

Nothing about Bushwick is same 'ole, same 'ole. And that may be why Vogue Magazine once named the neighborhood the 7th coolest in the world (just behind Canal Saint-Martin in Paris). As Bushwick native Mae West once said, "Too much of a good thing can be wonderful."