How to Beat Saturday Afternoon Boredom in DUMBO Brooklyn
DUMBO, an acronym for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” is a Brooklyn treasure offering an abundance of park space, trendy shopping, unique restaurants, and breathtaking city views. This beloved neighborhood is a sweet spot if you are looking to bask in stunning views of the lower Manhattan skyline, Lady Liberty, and two of New York City’s most iconic bridges; the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge. DUMBO Brooklyn truly is a one-stop-shop for a Saturday afternoon of exploring.
Brunch and Coffee at Butler Bake Shop & Espresso Bar, 40 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY
Photo: Pinterest
Butler Bake Shop and Espresso Bar is a well-known and equally loved establishment in DUMBO. As you begin your day of adventure with your favorite handcrafted espresso beverage and fuel your body with any one of Butler’s sophisticated breakfast or lunch offerings, you can take in the sought-after view of the Brooklyn Bridge. Enjoy an open coffeehouse experience with their airy café featuring a large community workspace, bench seating, and plenty of table availability. Take advantage of an abundance of outlets for recharging your devices while you refresh with a smooth and bold cold brew coffee.
Take a Stroll Through Brooklyn Bridge Park
Extending from John Street to Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn Bridge Park spans 1.3 miles and features six unique piers. With pathways for runners, walkers, and bikers along the East River, you can enjoy an ultimate stroll with a view of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. This green space treasure offers various sports fields and courts, plenty of waterside benches, and public restrooms throughout. With shaded areas and vast trees among the colorful and flourishing landscaping, this park is a much-desired oasis from the concrete jungle we all know and love.
Shopping at Empire Stores and Time Out Market, 53-83 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY
Photo: Imagen Subliminal
Once you have had your fill of Vitamin D, head over to Empire Stores for air-conditioned relief from the sun and summer temperatures. Here you can browse authentic goods from retail shops and boutiques alike, featuring tote bags, clothing, and must-have furnishings for your DUMBO apartment. Since shopping can sometimes leave us famished, don’t forget to head over to Time Out Market, located within Empire Stores, for popular restaurant offerings from all over New York City. While SOHO and Fifth Avenue pride themselves on being retail giants, shopping in DUMBO is not far behind!
People Watching and Ice Cream at Fulton Ferry Landing, 1 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY
Photo: Shutterstock
One of my favorite things to do in DUMBO is to find a prime viewing spot of NYC while enjoying my go-to treat: ice cream. DUMBO is a favorite among locals and tourists, and Saturday is a great time to practice your skill of people-watching. With multiple ice cream shops and trucks to choose from, Ample Hills Creamery remains high on my list, and their DUMBO location is right on the dock at Fulton Ferry Landing. Once you have your desired frozen treat in hand, find a bench on the boardwalk and let the active resting begin! (I say “active” resting because while your body is sitting, your eyes will have so much to take in!)
Dinner at Juliana’s Pizza and Drinks at Harriet’s Rooftop, 19 Old Fulton Street/60 Furman Street, Brooklyn, NY
Photo: Juliana’s Pizza
With all your adventures from the day, naturally, you may begin thinking about dinner options. Just steps from your beloved bench at Empire Fulton Landing, you will discover Juliana’s Pizza. With many restaurants in DUMBO to choose from, this authentic pizzeria is top-notch when it comes to finding a true New York-style pizza pie. Owned by Patsy Grimaldi of NYC’s famous Grimaldi’s Pizza, this pizzeria is named after his Italian mother, Juliana.
After you have had your fill of delicious pizza, you can walk three minutes to Harriet’s Rooftop, a prime rooftop bar offering summer cocktails and incredible views. Located at the top of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, you can enjoy a perfect nightcap with a summer breeze, a seasonal mixed drink, and Instagram-worthy panoramic views of this magnificent city you call home sweet-home.
DUMBO is a neighborhood that continues to thrive in culture, nightlife, and activity. This neighborhood is an ideal place to live for professionals and families alike. With its charming cobblestone street ways, exquisite views of many well-known icons of New York City, and an abundance of restaurants, it is a place you won’t want to miss!
