What to do, eat in Brooklyn’s DUMBO and Vinegar Hill neighborhoods

After you’ve walked across the Brooklyn or Manhattan Bridge or taken the A/C train to High Street or the 2/3 to Clark Street, grab a hot cup of coffee brewed right here in Brooklyn. At Brooklyn Roasting Company (25 Jay St.), all the beans for the house blends are roasted freshly each day after being ethically sourced from around the globe. Start your day with a coffee drink from anywhere with beans from Peru to Rwanda.

” data-id=”113786191″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/6008_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.13786191″/>
Photo Credit: Linda Rosier

The Powerhouse Arena (28 Adams St.) is the spot. Launched in 2006 by publisher powerHouse Books, the airy space — the ground floor sports 24-foot ceilings — is a conglomeration of rotating exhibitions, installations, readings, performances and, of course, a bookshop. Step in and see what you might find. ” data-id=”135017452″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/6009_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.35017452″/>
Photo Credit: Linda Rosier

Head to the Empire Fulton Ferry section of Brooklyn Bridge Park for some downtime. Nestled between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, the well-kept lawn offers unrivaled views of the downtown Manhattan skyline. Here you’ll also find Jane’s Carousel, an old-time, 48-horse, two-chariot carousel built in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Rides are offered year-round, though the hours differ depending on the season you visit. Tickets are just $2.

” data-id=”135017454″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/6010_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.35017454″/>
Photo Credit: Linda Rosier

Brooklyn Flea pops up at DUMBO’s Manhattan Bridge Archway with about 80 vendors, April through October. Pick up vintage outfits, antique doodads, locally made home goods and flowers, and grab a snack from any one of its food vendors. If you make it to the Archway on any other day, it’s likely something will be going on there. The DUMBO BID regularly hosts events, from live music to screenings and more. Just check its schedule at https://dumbo.is/happening. ” data-id=”135018604″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/6011_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.35018604″/>
Photo Credit: Brooklyn Flea & Food

"Waterfront," which is on through Dec. 1, 2022. Using new technology, the museum virtually drops you into 10 historic paintings and photographs and lets you record yourself interacting with historical figures and objects in minute-long movies.” data-id=”135109041″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/6012_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.35109041″/>
Photo Credit: Jordan Rathkopf

Photo Credit: Linda Rosier

Much of the architecture in Vinegar Hill dates to the 1800s and derives from both the Greek Revival and Federal styles, most of which you’ll find on Gold, Front and Water streets. (Pictured is Front, between Bridge and Gold.) One of the more unexpected sights in Quarters A, in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which is home to the Commander’s House, a showy mansion that was home to the commander of the Navy Yard during its years of operation.

” data-id=”113786225″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/6014_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.13786225″/>
Photo Credit: Linda Rosier

OddFellows Ice Cream Co. at 60 Water St. The family-owned shop makes its ice cream from scratch with a chef-driven approach — at last count, it has created 509 flavors, from chorizo caramel swirl to miso cherry to peanut butter & jelly. It’s been such a hit with New Yorkers that over the years, OddFellows has expanded with locations in the East Village, Nolita and DUMBO. It also has a factory in Bushwick and the shop’s owners plan to soon open a soda fountain there. The owners just opened their first location outside of New York, in Boston, they told us. ” data-id=”135017453″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/6015_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.35017453″/>
Photo Credit: Linda Rosier

Celestine at 1 John St. This Eastern Mediterranean restaurant is on the DUMBO waterfront, offering views of the Manhattan Bridge, the city skyline, and an inventive menu by executive chef Garett McMahan. Start with the hummus and pistachio feta spread with pita bread, and we suggest going with the generously portioned chermoula branzino (with gold nugget potatoes and radishes), the chicken or grilled asparagus. Make sure to get a reservation so you don’t miss out on the sunset from a tableful of goodness.” data-id=”135023312″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/6016_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.35023312″/>
Photo Credit: Liz Clayman

St. Ann’s Warehouse is a multifaceted avant-garde performing arts space that’s been housed in its current (former tobacco inspection) building at 45 Water St. since 2015. Located right in Brooklyn Bridge Park, St. Ann’s Warehouse offers theatrical productions and concerts — artists including Lou Reed, Rufus Wainwright and David Bowie have all played here — studio space and a public garden.

” data-id=”113786236″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/6017_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.13786236″/>
Photo Credit: Linda Rosier

68 Jay Street Bar makes for a laid-back option to wrap up a night. Expect an artful crowd at this corner bar, where draft beer, house wines and classic cocktails are the name of the game.” data-id=”113786255″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/6018_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.13786255″/>
Photo Credit: Linda Rosier

Post-industrial, chic, weird, kind of loud — the area along the East River where Vinegar Hill and DUMBO sprawl is often slapped with these descriptors. And though side by side, they’re two distinct neighborhoods with separate charms.

DUMBO (which stands for “down under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass”) got its name in the late 1970s when early residents to the once-desolate factory area thought a silly name would keep developers away. In fact, the opposite occurred. Today DUMBO is home to pricey lofts and corporate office spaces.

Vinegar Hill, however, seems to have retained its historical charm. Originally settled by Irish immigrants, the area gets its name from the Battle of Vinegar Hill (between Britain and Ireland in 1798). Cobblestone streets and a border of just three blocks on each side means that Vinegar Hill is small and quaint.

Walking between these neighborhoods is easy and gives a peek into New York’s early past and future development — not to mention some great views of lower Manhattan.