New York City has always been a place that people flock to—to live, to work, to visit, or to play. It’s big and exciting, and there’s almost always something happening: a new play, a new exhibit, or a new restaurant opening.
According to a 2024 report by venture capital firm SignalFire, NYC experienced a tech boom in 2023, becoming the top destination for people relocating with tech jobs, with around 15 percent of them choosing the Big Apple as their destination.
This isn’t the first time the city has seen an influx of technology workers; the 1990s tech boom saw Manhattan’s Flatiron District take off as a hub for high-tech companies, even going so far as to being nicknamed “Silicon Alley.”
That area has since spread, moving its way downtown to Soho, west to Hudson Yards, and more recently over the bridge(s) and into Brooklyn—specifically Dumbo, the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and Downtown Brooklyn, forming the Brooklyn Tech Triangle.
Dumbo, which stands for “Down under the Manhattan Bridge overpass,” is situated between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges on the East River waterfront. The popular neighborhood has great views of Manhattan and the bridges, and an ever-expanding food and drink scene to keep you fed while working and making time to play.
Where to Stay
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Courtesy of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
60 Furman St., (347) 696-2500
If you’re going to stay in Dumbo, you’re going to want views of the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and the iconic bridges that extend between the two, and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers that and more. Yes, there is a gym and spa, but there’s also a rooftop pool, which comes in quite handy on those stupidly hot summer days. James Beard Award–winning restaurateur Jonathan Waxman recently brought his iconic West Village restaurant, Barbuto, to the hotel. On the 10th Floor, find Harriet’s Lounge for sushi, bao buns, and wagyu toasts. From 10 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays, listen to live DJs spinning sets while you enjoy craft cocktails and the view.
Don’t forget to end the day with a sustainable drink (or two) at Harriet’s Rooftop, just one floor up from the lounge, for more iconic sunset views. The hotel is pet-friendly, and there’s a café serving espresso, fresh-pressed juices, and artisanal and locally sourced snacks. There’s also a farm stand in the lobby daily from 7 am to 4 pm; grab seasonal fruits that, while they may look “ugly,” are perfect in taste, and all part of the hotel’s sustainability mission.
85 Flatbush Ave Ext., (718) 329-9537
About a 10-minute walk to the bridges and Brooklyn waterfront, The Tillary is a slightly more affordable stay for the area, but still boasts a lobby cafe and rooftop garden bar. Featuring pet-friendly rooms and a fully-equipped gym, this hotel is a great option for still being close to the action, but saving a bit more money. The lobby café offers an affordable range of options (think $4 for an English muffin with egg and cheese and up to $14 for a vegetarian wrap), while the rooftop has a variety of sandwiches, salads, and beverages (both n/a and boozy) to keep you from needing to stray too far.
Courtesy of Ace Brooklyn
252 Schermerhorn St., (718) 313-3636
Technically in Boerum Hill, bordering Downtown Brooklyn, the Ace Hotel is a boutique hotel with trendy furnishings and warm vibes, plus a fitness center. They feature a rotating artist in residence and DJ’s spinning in the lobby most weekend nights. For food, there’s Lele’s Roman, featuring a rotating selection of Roman Aperitivo bites daily from 5 to 7 pm, or hit them up for breakfast (lots of egg options!), lunch (panini, pizza, salad!), and dinner (pasta! pizza! classic contorni!). Don’t feel like Italian? Try Koju for an omakase experience set to a carefully curated vinyl music program.
Where to Work
Photograph: Michael Lee/Getty Images
68 Jay St., (718) 210-3650
Whether you’re looking for fully enclosed office spaces monthly or long-term, a coworking space, or a conference room, Greendesk has got you covered for a very reasonable price. The space is fully furnished with 24/7 access, high-speed internet, kitchens, and a cleaning service.
Multiple locations
From the SOHO House team, SOHO Works is a network of office spaces; rent a meeting room or use the shared lounge space, plus get access to SOHO member events and amenities. Work at either location—10 Jay Street or 55 Water Street—by the hour or rent by the day.
295 Front St., (347) 414-8782
Located in Vinegar Hill, the Bond Collective has numerous options for you to work, whether you need a dedicated desk, private office, team suite, conference rooms, coworking, or simply a day pass. You’ll have 24/7 access, Wi-Fi, fruits, snacks, and breakfast, plus unlimited printing.
Where to Get Your Coffee
Courtesy of Jacques Torres Chocolate
66 Water St., (718) 875-1269
Located on Water Street and open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, this flagship location of the famous chocolatier is where it all began 25 years ago. Here, you’ll find handmade confections, hot chocolate, and ice cream sandwiches. Sample it all, then grab a few things to take with you to share with friends (or not—sharing is overrated).
85 Water St., (718) 797-5026
Almondine has been in Dumbo for over 20 years. Opened by French baker Herve Poussot, this unpretentious bakery thrives on tradition, innovation, and evolution. You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported right to Paris with the fresh bread, croissants, and cakes. They even have a daily lunch special from 12 to 3 pm; choose from a half sandwich, then pair it with a soup, salad, cookie, and half-priced drink for only $18.
45 Washington St., (212) 924-7400
Grab a coffee here before strolling down Washington Street (it’s literally located at one of the most iconic spots that people snap photos of the bridge, so beware of influencers posing in the middle of the street) to the waterfront for a nice break and some fresh air.
Where to Eat
Courtesy of Vinegar Hill House
72 Hudson Ave., (718) 522-1018
This is the place you go when you want a relaxed environment with incredible food in cute surroundings. Dining in the outdoor garden is cozy and comforting, while the inside is vintage-inspired and laid back. The menu, while also simple and comforting, is consistent and hits every time.
68 Jay St. #119
Open Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 2-ish, this unassuming French-style bakery from Ayako Kurokawa is tucked away in the lobby of 68 Jay Street. The pastries, though French in style, are inspired by Kurokawa’s Japanese upbringing. Scones, cookies, cakes, and slices of pie are all served on silver platters, with handwritten labels on blue paper. The gateau basque is a popular item; go early, as they sell out daily.
1 John St., (718) 522-5356
Opened in 2017, Celestine is the kind of spot that feels chill enough to be your neighborhood go-to, while also special enough to go for a celebration. The menu includes thoughtful vegetable-heavy starters and sides, as well as whole branzino and a 14-ounce ribeye. With floor-to-ceiling windows, there’s not a bad seat in the house to enjoy your meal with a view of the East River and all its happenings.
147 Front St.
This intimate, 10-seat chef’s counter offers a tasting menu and à la carte menu, featuring oysters, crudo, and natural wines by the glass. Try the caviar Frito pie: an open bag of Fritos topped with entirely too much caviar and creme fraiche.
1 Front St., (718) 858-4300
Originally opened in 1990 by Patsy Grimaldi and his wife, Carol, Grimaldi sold the business in 1998 to Frank Ciolli. Grimaldi is of the Patsy’s of Harlem lineage (Patsy is his uncle, from whom he learned to make pizza at age 12). In 2000, Grimaldi’s moved locations next door to their original spot where they continue to sell whole pies in a coal-fired oven.
19 Old Fulton St., (718) 596-6700
If you like a side of gossip with your slice, then Juliana’s is the place to go. Patsy and Carol Grimaldi opened Juliana’s in the original Grimaldi’s location at 19 Old Fulton Street in 2012, which caused a stir in the pizza community, since it’s located next door to Grimaldi’s, their previous business. They even got their original coal-fired oven back. Named after Patsy’s mother, Juliana’s serves coal-fired pizza, meatballs, and salads. They also sell four flavors of par-cooked pies to “take & bake” at home. Try an egg cream—a New York City classic of milk, chocolate or vanilla syrup, and seltzer made frothy by whisking the three ingredients vigorously until foamy. Grub Street called it the best in the city in 2017.
Courtesy of Em Vietnamese Bistro
57 Front St., (718) 875-7888
While known for the noodle soups, thanks to a review by Times critic Ligaya Mishan, the entire menu at Em is worth trying. Inspired by the flavors of Chef Ly Nguyen’s childhood in Khanh Hoa and her time working in Saigon, there isn’t a mediocre dish on the menu. From soups to wings to beef stew or braised pork belly, you’re going to have a hard time deciding what to order. Our suggestion? Bring friends and order as much as you can to share.
46 Old Fulton St., (718) 596-4646
The legendary South Brooklyn restaurant finally opened its second location in 2024 after 5 years of setbacks. Established in 1939, the Italian-American classic spot is known for its Sicilian slices, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try anything else on the menu. Indulge on classics like chicken marsala, spaghetti carbonara, and eggplant parm. Add broccoli rabe or fresh mozzarella to a hero, then finish it off with the spumoni.
11 Adams St., (917) 310-1532
Kinjo means “neighborhood,” and this 14-seat omakase lives up to its name. Didn’t manage to get a res for the 11-course tasting menu? Walk-ins are available for the bar only, where you’ll find creative cocktails, like a Wagyu Old Fashioned or a Yuzu Negroni, a sake or Suntory whiskey flight, and small plates, ranging from Snow Crab Dip to Roast Duck Donburi.
17 Old Fulton St., (877) 245-9439
If NYC had a burger style, it would be the smashburger, and 7th Street Burger is the place to find this craveable, beefy boy. Started in 2021 by childhood friends, the duo now has 19 locations across the city. The burgers are perfect: juicy meat with crispy edges, exactly how a smashburger should be. Don’t forget to try the loaded beef fries—it’s like a burger in fry form.
Where to Drink
Starting at 5 pm on the first Wednesday of every month, participating locations have happy hour specials (and there is usually some sort of theme—think ugly sweaters and Oktoberfest). Known as Dumbo After Hours, it’s a good excuse to bar-hop and mingle with other folks in the neighborhood. But if you’re not there that particular day, don’t fret—below are some other options to quench your thirst.
THE BROOKLYN BOROUGH OF NEW YORK CITY, NY – JUNE 12: Guests enjoy the Cecconi’s Dumbo Opening Party hosted by Nick Jones & Soho House on June 12, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Andrew Toth/Getty Images for Soho House)Photograph: Andrew Toth/Getty Images
5 Front St., (718) 852-2700
With a cute backyard right under the Brooklyn Bridge, Hildur offers a variety of natural wines and cocktails. With an emphasis on fermentation, the drinks are classic but with Scandinavian inspiration. Swing by for happy hour all night on Mondays and from 5 to 6 pm Tuesday through Thursday for $10 martinis and $1 oysters.
53 Water St., (718) 701-4956
The carefully curated wine list here features 56 core selections, each focused on style. Heck, if you like what you try at bar56, head next door to their store and tasting room to purchase the bottle to go.
43 Main St.
The large, airy space is the brewery’s second taproom, featuring 20 rotating taps and frozen cocktails. Don’t feel like sticking around? Grab a 4-pack to go.
Must Do’s
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Sure, it can be a bit touristy, but it’s also iconic—and educational if you stop and read the placards along the way. Once you’re on the other side, it’s just a short walk to Chinatown, where you can grab egg rolls at Wo-Hop (the house made mustard hits), soup dumplings at Joe’s Shanghai (opt for the crab over the regular pork!), and bubble tea and a mochi donut at Alimama.
90 Furman St., (917) 970-0896
We all need a little time to relax and reset. One Yoga House offers a variety of classes to do just that. Whether it’s breathwork you’re looking for or hot yoga, take an hour to disconnect from everything clogging your mind and reconnect with yourself.
Photograph: Andrew Burton/Getty Images
Grab a Citi Bike and go!! There’s a beautiful bike path along the water, and it’s only a 20-minute ride right down to Red Hook. Pop into Sunny’s for a beer and live music, then wander over to Hometown Bar-B-Que for brisket, wings, and ribs. Save room for the burger at Red Hook Tavern or chowder and a lobster roll at Red Hook Lobster Pound before biking back.
This 172-acre island situated in New York Harbor is full of activities to keep you entertained; rent a bike, laze in the hammocks, or bring a picnic and sit on the grassy knoll overlooking lower Manhattan. Round-trip tickets are $5 daily and free on Saturday and Sunday before 11 am. While the ferry stops running direct from the Brooklyn Bridge Park September through May, you can still access it via downtown Manhattan by walking across the bridge (or taking a different ferry to the pier). Forgot to pack food? Don’t sweat it. Hit up Makina Cafe for Ethiopian food, Joe Coffee for your caffeine fix, or Three’s Brewing for something to whet your whistle. There are also tons of public art to check out, public walking tours, and a spa.
The author has lived in Brooklyn for over 13 years and has been eating food her entire life. She writes recipes and about where to eat in her newsletter and has an entire cookbook about hot dogs coming out in May 2026. She also loves pizza, martinis, and taking long walks in her neighborhood.
