Nestled beneath the Manhattan Bridge, DUMBO — short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass — is easily one of Brooklyn’s most iconic neighborhoods. And while its cobblestone streets and picture-perfect skyline views may be what first draw visitors in, there’s so much more to this waterfront neighborhood than a good photo op.
Over the years, DUMBO has transformed from a gritty industrial district filled with warehouses into a vibrant neighborhood packed with delicious restaurants, dreamy coffee shops, unique boutiques, and plenty of things to see and do. Of course, those gorgeous Manhattan skyline views haven’t gone anywhere — and they’re still some of the best you’ll find in the city.
Here’s our ultimate guide to DUMBO, from where to eat and grab coffee to what to see, shop, and explore while you’re there.
Did you know bees are responsible for about 1/4 of coffee production and 1/3 of all food?!
Yeah, neither did we, but BEEPUBLIC did, and so they serve responsibly-sourced food and drinks to save the rapidly declining bee population.
Look at that, now next time you roll out of bed yearning for coffee, at least if you pick it up from BEEPUBLIC Coffee you’ll be doing yourself AND the bees a favor!
A neighborhood favorite, Butler serves all your typical go to coffee drinks–from espresso and cold brew to lattes and cappuccinos.
But beyond the coffee they also have a ton of other delicious options, such as matcha lattes, mushroom lattes, and turmeric ginger lattes.
Bread & Spread has been serving exquisite sandwiches, all roasted and toasted, since 2014, and they’re not stopping anytime soon (thankfully!)
From the Porchetta, made with Creekstone duroc pork belly with garlic and fennel seed, picked red onions, arugula, red pepper spread, and aged provolone to the Cast-Iron Chicken Caprese, with organic chicken breast, fresh tomato, fresh basil, sundried tomato pesto, balsamic reduction, and fresh mozzarella on ciabatta their sandwiches are too good to pass up.
If you’re a breakfast all day sort of person, Bluestone Lane is for you.
Their menu focuses on seasonal, health-oriented offerings that will make your mouth water, and we have two words: avocado toast.
(P.S. pair it with the Honey I’m Home–BL cold brew, chocolate bitters, whisky, honey, vanilla bean and coffee liqueur–and you’re good to go).
Part tranquil coffee shop, part art gallery, and part curated bookstore, Usagi offers a peaceful escape from DUMBO’s bustling streets.
It’s the ideal hideaway to sip precise matcha or Kyoto-style teas alongside house-made Japanese bento and fresh onigiri while taking in rotating modern art exhibits.
With a few locations around NYC, if you’re in DUMBO and you’re looking for brunch, be sure to stop by Westville.
Don’t believe us? How does homemade waffles with berries, a breakfast burrito, herbed goat cheese flatbread, or eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon sound?!
If the modern day classic Italian food (think: hand-made pasta and wood-fired pizza) isn’t enough to get you here, imagine your meal being paired with stunning waterfront views of the Manhattan Skyline.
They’re open for dinner, Friday lunch, and weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
A Brooklyn staple, Ignazio’s is the place to go if you’re looking for good NYC pizza that won’t disappoint. From fan-favorite classic pies all the way to specialty pizzas they have it all.
Plus, if you’re feeling up for a challenge, they even have a DIY pizza kit that has everything you need to make pizza in the comfort of your own home!
For absolutely delicious Mediterranean food in DUMBO, look no further than Celestine.
Serving both brunch and dinner, guests can enjoy classic Mediterranean dishes including a mezze platter, lamb skewers, whole branzino, and more.
When the weather’s nice be sure to sit out on the big outdoor patio, which boasts panoramic views of the city skyline.
Known fondly as “Mr. Chocolate,” master pastry chef Jacques Torres opened his original Flagship factory right here in DUMBO.
Stop by the shop to indulge in handmade bonbons, decadent truffles, thick European-style hot chocolate, and famous chocolate chip cookies baked fresh daily.
DUMBO’s newest addition is Gair, which opened earlier this year and is already iconic.
Catering to three distinct waves of visitors each day–tourists who make the pilgrimage to snap a pic, the design and tech professionals who work here day-to-day, and the residents who crave a welcoming local option for drinks, dinner, and late-night rendezvous–it’s the perfect spot to people watch while sipping on a “Resting Spritz Face.” Read more about Gair here.
The ultimate summer spot, Randolph Beer is a brewery, restaurant, bar, and rooftop with self pour beer, classic arcade games, pinball, skeeball, and shuffleboard.
Basically, if you’re looking to grab a drink and either play some games or enjoy golden hour on the rooftop, this is a good place to be.
Located at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, this rooftop boasts absolutely stunning views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge.
As one of the best rooftop bars in Brooklyn, guests can enjoy innovative cocktails, like the Flock of Seagulls made with Hendricks gin, Moet Ice, lychee, aloe vera, and cucumber, alongside eclectic Asian-inspired light bites.
Plus, during the winter, the entire rooftop turns into a bar made entirely of ice!
One of our favorite hotels in DUMBO, Brooklyn is 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge–even if you don’t actually need a place to stay you still will want to check them out.
From their gorgeous rooms, rooftop pool with stunning views, wellness spa, and more, it’s the perfect place to head to for a vacation or a staycation alike.
This boutique hotel is conveniently located to easily explore not only DUMBO, Brooklyn but also Brooklyn Heights and Fort Greene.
They even have their own indoor-outdoor beer garden, so you can enjoy a number of drinks including Brooklyn-themed cocktails and local brews.
In DUMBO Archway you’ll find The DUMBO Station–a seasonal beer and wine concession stand.
Located under the Manhattan Bridge, The DUMBO Station season runs from April to October (noon to 10 p.m.) and often has live music sets for dancing and drinking.
If you’re looking for furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as a tightly curated selection of jewelry, art, and crafts by local artisans and designers Brooklyn Flea is the place to go.
This flea market has been around since 2008 and has grown into one of NYC’s top attractions that operates every weekend of the year.
For those looking to live the life of an NYC socialite, look no further than DUMBO House.
This members only club has panoramic views of the NYC skyline, plus an expansive indoor and outdoor member space.
Plus, when the weather’s nice you can take advantage of the rooftop pool and sun deck, bar, and terrace for outdoor dining.
If you’re looking to treat yourself to a little self-care, be sure to stop by Facial Therapy New York for one of their remarkable services including: sculpture massage, facial reflex therapy, Japanese cosmo lifting and more.
Note, their services are by appointment only.
Arguably one of NYC’s most gorgeous waterfront parks is Brooklyn Bridge Park, which arguably has the best views since you’re right on the water facing Lower Manhattan.
Head here if you’re looking to have some fun at the tons of sports court and fields, glowing carousel, and even a small beach on Pier 4.
If you’re looking for something a little less crowded than the main area of Brooklyn Bridge Park, test your luck at Main Street Park.
The beautiful 3.5 acres of waterfront green space is the perfect place to take your pup with a beloved dog run.
Housed in an exquisite Jean Nouvel-designed glass jewel box right along the waterfront, this restored 1922 Philadelphia Toboggan Company carousel features 48 hand-carved horses.
It’s a classic neighborhood icon—perfect for families, photo ops, or catching a scenic golden-hour ride right between the bridges.
Set in a beautifully restored 1860s tobacco warehouse, this legendary theater company presents some of the most avant-garde, world-class theatrical performances and concerts in New York.
Don’t miss taking a walk through the outdoor Max Family Garden enclosed within the warehouse’s preserved brick walls.