Brooklyn/Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a neighborhood in Brooklyn, as little as one subway stop away from Manhattan, and is bordered to the north by Greenpoint, to the east by Bushwick and to the south by Bedford-Stuyvesant.

Since the 1990s, Williamsburg has transitioned from a traditional working-class Jewish, Italian, Polish and Latino neighborhood into a poster child for urban renewal and gentrification. The North Side and Greenpoint have become some of New York's hottest areas, with new bars and restaurants popping up every month. The South Side still has a very traditional feel with a large Hasidic Jewish population.

These neighborhoods together will give you everything you look for in New York: views, food, people, and plenty to explore. There is something here for every visitor.

Understand







 * Williamsburg- Take L train from Manhattan to Bedford or Lorimer. The closest water taxi stop is "North Williamsburg" via the East River Ferry. This used to be what Greenwich Village used to be - an artsy scene complete with eclectic galleries and off-beat bars. It has since gentrified with many new high-rise condos with multi-million dollar apartments. Most galleries and artists have long been priced out, moving to Bushwick and other areas. Williamsburg has become a nightlife destination with many bars, restaurants, and clubs drawing people from all parts of the city and surrounding areas. With four new luxury hotels, many foreign tourists are flocking to Williamsburg, looking for something more edgy than Manhattan.
 * East Williamsburg- Centered around the Morgan Ave stop on the L train. Seemingly a desolate industrial area, this neighborhood has surprises around every corner. Try out Roberta's Pizza, which gets its ingredients for its fabulous pizzas from its own rooftop farm, and from befriended urban farms in the area. For a drink, head to The Narrows or King's County. Many of New York's underground warehouse parties are thrown in this area as well.
 * Greenpoint- At the northern tip of Brooklyn, Greenpoint used to have the second largest Polish enclave in the United States (after Chicago) but gentrification by young people priced out of other neighborhoods has led to a decline in the Polish population and businesses. One publication even declared "Polish Greenpoint does not exist any more." Greenpoint is still home to a sizable Latino population (north of Huron St.) and a growing number of hipsters (see Franklin St.). L Magazine once called Greenpoint the best neighborhood in all of Brooklyn. The part that is quickly getting gentrified centers around the Nassau stop on the G train. The remnants of its Polish past are further up Manhattan Ave and on Nassau Avenue. The abandoned industrial part in the north is now zoned for luxury high-rise development.
 * Bushwick- Rich in its own history, Bushwick is home to many brownstones, mansions, and projects alike. Many galleries and artists priced out of Williamsburg have moved here. It can almost be divided into two areas defined by Myrtle Avenue. North of it is the more trendy area with lots of art, bars, and restaurants along with an influx of young creative types. South of it is essentially ungentrified with more long-time residents in lower income brackets. As a low-income neighborhood, shopping can be done on Knickerbocker Avenue, whether for clothes, appliances, or food. The newly restored Maria Hernandez Park on Knickerbocker Ave. and Suydam St. is a nice spot to bring the kids and relax in the shade of the trees. While it's not like neighboring "East Williamsburg", Williamsburg, or Bedford-Stuyvesant, Bushwick has its own sense of community, not to be confused with anything else. However violent crime is a still among the social problems in a community with a high poverty rate.

Get in
You can take the J/M/Z trains to Marcy Avenue for the South Side or the L to Bedford Avenue for the North Side. The East River Ferry makes stops in both north and south Williamsburg. The G train also runs through the neighborhood. This general area is served by the Bedford Avenue through Bushwick-Aberdeen stations on the L train and the Marcy Avenue through Chauncy Street stations on the J/Z trains. The M stations from Marcy Avenue through Myrtle-Wyckoff Avenue also serve this area. There is a bus station at the Marcy Avenue station and at the Myrtle-Wyckoff station in Bushwick. The B39 bus goes over the Williamsburg Bridge along with the J/M/Z trains and goes to the Lower East Side.

Buy

 * Toys 4 U Located at 232 Lee Avenue, meeting all your toy and game needs. (718) 643-3400.
 * Toys 4 U Located at 232 Lee Avenue, meeting all your toy and game needs. (718) 643-3400.
 * Toys 4 U Located at 232 Lee Avenue, meeting all your toy and game needs. (718) 643-3400.
 * Toys 4 U Located at 232 Lee Avenue, meeting all your toy and game needs. (718) 643-3400.
 * Toys 4 U Located at 232 Lee Avenue, meeting all your toy and game needs. (718) 643-3400.
 * Toys 4 U Located at 232 Lee Avenue, meeting all your toy and game needs. (718) 643-3400.

Eat


Get Polish food at Karczma (136 Greenpoint Av.), coffee at Ashbox (Manhattan Av. between Ash & Box), brunch at Brooklyn Label (Franklin & Java), Mexican at Acapulco's (Manhattan & Clay). 5 Leaves, on the north-west corner of McCarren park, is one of the best restaurants of the entire city, built up with the estate that Heath Ledger left behind after he passed away.

There are a few remaining good Polish meat markets along Manhattan and Nassau Avs, too. For some industrial chic, walk down Java Street to its dead end at the East River for great views of Midtown. Nearest subway: G train to Nassau Av. and Greenpoint Av. stations.