What to Do in Dumbo If You’re Here on Business (2025)

New York City It has always been a place where people flock – to live, work, visit or play. It’s big and exciting, and there’s always something happening: a new play, a new exhibition, a new restaurant opening.

According to a 2024 report by the venture capital firm SignalFireNew York City witnessed a technology boom in 2023, becoming the top destination for people moving to work in technology jobs, with about 15 percent of them choosing the Big Apple as their destination.

This isn’t the first time the city has seen an influx of tech workers; The tech boom of the 1990s saw Manhattan’s Flatiron District take off as a hub for high-tech companies, even going so far as to be nicknamed “Silicon Alley.”

This area has since spread, moving downtown to SoHo, west to Hudson Yards, and more recently across the Bridge(s) and into Brooklyn — specifically DUMBO, Brooklyn Navy Yard, and Downtown Brooklyn, forming the Brooklyn Tech Triangle.

Dumbo, which means “underneath the Manhattan Overpass,” is located between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges on the East River waterfront. This popular neighborhood has stunning views of Manhattan and the bridges, and an ever-expanding food and drink scene to keep you fed while you work and make time to play.

Where do you live?

Courtesy of 1 Brooklyn Bridge Hotel

60 Forman St(347) 696-2500

If you’re staying in Dumbo, you’ll want views of the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and the famous bridges that span between the two, and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers that and more. Yes, there is a gym and spa, but there is also a rooftop pool, which is very useful on hot summer days. James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Jonathan Waxman recently brought his popular restaurant, Barbuto, West Village, to the hotel. On the 10th floor, you can find Harriet’s Lounge serving sushi, bao buns and toasted wagyu buns. From 10pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, listen to live DJ sets while enjoying craft cocktails and the view.

Don’t forget to end your day with a sustainable drink (or two) at Harriet’s Rooftop, located just one floor above the lounge, for stunning sunset views. The hotel is pet-friendly, and there is a café serving espresso coffee, fresh juices, and artisanal and local snacks. There is also a farm stand in the lobby daily from 7am to 4pm. Get seasonal fruits that may look “ugly,” but taste perfect, all part of the hotel’s sustainability mission.

85 Flatbush Street ext. (718) 329-9537

Located about a 10-minute walk from Brooklyn’s bridges and waterfront, The Tillary is a slightly more affordable accommodation for the area, but still boasts a lobby café and a rooftop garden bar. Featuring pet-friendly rooms and a fully equipped gym, this hotel is a great choice for staying close to the action, while saving more money. The lobby café offers an array of affordable 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 drinks (both off-the-shelf and boozy) to keep you from needing to stray too far.

Courtesy of Ace Brooklyn

252 Schermerhorn Str(718) 313-3636

Technically located on Boerum Hill, on the border of downtown Brooklyn, the Ace Hotel is a boutique hotel featuring modern furnishings and a warm atmosphere, plus a fitness center. They feature a rotating artist in residence and a DJ in the lobby most weekend nights. As for food, there is Laila Al-Romanifeaturing a selection of Roman tapas daily from 5-7 p.m., or grab it for breakfast (lots of egg options!), lunch (panini, pizza, salad!) and dinner (pasta! pizza! classic contorni!). Don’t feel Italian? He tries Hey For an omakase experience made for a carefully curated vinyl music program.

Where to work

Photography: Michael Lee/Getty Images

68 Jay St(718) 210-3650

Whether you’re looking for monthly or long-term fully enclosed office space, a co-working space, or a conference room, Greendesk has you covered at a very reasonable price. The space is fully furnished with 24/7 access, high-speed internet, kitchens, and 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 access to SOHO member events and amenities. Work at either location – 10 Jay Street or 55 Water Street – hourly or rent by the day.

295 Al-Wahda Street(347) 414-8782

Located in Vinegar Hill, Bond Collective offers you many options for working, whether you need a dedicated office, a private office, a team suite, conference rooms, co-working, or just a day pass. You’ll have 24/7 access to Wi-Fi, fruit, snacks, and breakfast, plus unlimited printing.

Where can you get your coffee?

Courtesy of Jacques Torres Chocolate

66 El Mayah St(718) 875-1269

Located on Water Street and open daily from 10am to 7pm, this store is where it all started 25 years ago. Here you’ll find handmade desserts, hot chocolate, and ice cream sandwiches. Try everything, then grab a few things to take with you to share with friends (or not — sharing is overrated).

85 El Mayah St(718) 797-5026

Almondine has been in Dumbo for over 20 years. Opened by French baker Herve Bossot, this simple bakery draws on tradition, innovation and sophistication. You will feel as if you have been transported directly to Paris with fresh bread, croissants and cakes. They also have a daily lunch special from 12-3pm; Choose from a half sandwich, then pair it with half-price soup, salad, cake and a drink for just $18.

45 Washington Street(212) 924-7400

You can have a coffee here before strolling down Washington Street (it’s literally in one of the most popular spots where people take pictures of the bridge, so beware of the influencers posing in the middle of the street) to the waterfront for a nice break and some fresh air.

Where do you eat?

Courtesy of Vinegar Hill House

72 Hudson Ave.(718) 522-1018

This is the place you go when you want a relaxing environment with great food in nice surroundings. Outdoor garden dining is cozy and comfortable, while the interior is vintage-inspired and cozy. The menu, while also simple and convenient, is consistent and delivered every time.

68 Jay Street #119

Open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 2pm, this unassuming French-style bakery from Ayako Kurokawa is located in the lobby of 68 Jay Street. The pastries, although French in style, are inspired by Kurokawa’s Japanese upbringing. Scones, cookies, muffins and slices of pie are served on silver platters, with handwritten labels on blue paper. Basque gateau is a popular item. Go early, as they sell out every day.

1 John Street(718) 522-5356

Opened in 2017, Celestine is a place that feels relaxed enough to be your neighborhood go-to, and special enough to go to celebrate. The menu includes thoughtful, vegetable-rich entrees and sides, as well as a whole branzino and a 14-ounce prime rib. With floor-to-ceiling windows, there’s no bad seat in the house to enjoy your meal with a view of the East River and all its action.

147 Al-Wahda Street

An intimate 10-seat chef’s counter offers a tasting and à la carte menu featuring oysters, crudo and natural wines by the glass. Try the Frito Caviar Pie: an open bag of Fritos topped with a generous dollop of caviar and crème fraîche.

1 Al-Wajha St(718) 858-4300

Originally opened in 1990 by Patsy Grimaldi and his wife, Carol, Grimaldi sold the business in 1998 to Frank Cioli. Grimaldi is from the Patsy family in Harlem (Patsy is his uncle, from whom he learned to make pizza at the age of 12). In 2000, Grimaldi’s moved its adjacent locations to its original location where they continued to sell whole pies in a coal-fired oven.

19 Old Fulton Street(718) 596-6700

If you like a side of gossip with your slice, Juliana’s is the place for you. Patsy and Carol Grimaldi opened Giuliana’s in the original Grimaldi’s location at 19 Old Fulton Street in 2012, creating buzz in the pizza community, since it was located next door to the former Grimaldi’s restaurant. They even restored their original coal-fired oven. Juliana’s, named after Patsy’s mother, serves charcoal-fired pizza, meatballs and salads. They also sell four flavors of cooked pies to “eat and bake” at home. Try eggnog—a classic New York City recipe made up of milk, chocolate, or vanilla syrup, and soda made frothy by vigorously whisking the three ingredients until frothy. Group Street Described as the best in the city in 2017.