New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [275]
WHERE TO EAT IN DUMBO
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria.
$ | PIZZA | This classic New York–style parlor serves excellent pizza pies from its coal ovens. Although sometimes inconsistent, when they’re good, the thin crisp crust is slightly blackened, and the fresh mozzarella oozes satisfyingly. Grimaldi’s popularity allows them to be picky: no slices, no reservations, no credit cards, and no empty tables (expect a wait). Impatient foodies have been known to phone in a to-go order, swoop past the lines, and then enjoy their pizza in the nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park. | 19 Old Fulton St., between Front and Water Sts., DUMBO | 11201 | 718/858–4300 | www.grimaldis.com | Reservations not accepted | No credit cards | Subway: A, C to High St.; 2, 3 to Clark St.; F to York St.
River Café.
$$$$ | NEW AMERICAN | The River Café’s incredible views of the Manhattan skyline across the way, lush flowers, and live piano music make it a waterfront favorite for romantic meals, marriage proposals, fancy birthdays, and special celebrations. The menu offers a contemporary take on local and exotic ingredients. For the ultimate experience, snag a window seat and try the chef’s six-course tasting menu ($125 per person). Gentlemen: jackets are required after 5 pm. | 1 Water St., near Old Fulton St., DUMBO | 11201 | 718/522–5200 | www.rivercafe.com | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: F to York St.; A, C to High St.; 2, 3 to Clark St.
Vinegar Hill House.
$$ | NEW AMERICAN | In an offbeat enclave on the edge of DUMBO called Vinegar Hill, this relative newcomer to Brooklyn’s dining scene has formed a fiercely loyal following. Foodies trek out to its rustic-chic dining room for well-prepared seasonal food and cozy ambience. Favorites include the moist and crispy cast-iron chicken and oven-roasted octopus. | 72 Hudson Ave., between Front and Water Sts., DUMBO | 11201 | 718/522–1018 | www.vinegarhillhouse.com | Reservations not accepted | AE, MC, V | No lunch weekdays| Subway: F to York St.
GALLERIES IN DUMBO
No trip to DUMBO would be complete without some gallery hopping—most are open afternoons Wednesday or Thursday through Sunday. The DUMBO Arts Center (DAC | 30 Washington St., between Water and Plymouth Sts. | 11201 | 718/694–0831 | www.dumboartscenter.org) exhibits contemporary art in a 3,000-square-foot gallery.
Inside a 6,000-square-foot restored boiler building, Smack Mellon Studios (92 Plymouth St., at Washington St. | 11201 | 718/834–8761 | www.smackmellon.org) exhibits up-and-coming artists, and nurtures them with studio space and other support. At exhibition space and design shop Spring (126a Front St. | 11201 | 718/222–1054 | www.spring3d.net) you can view contemporary art, then satisfy your shopping urges with quirky home goods.
Don’t miss the annual DUMBO Arts Festival (dumboartsfestival.com) in September, with three art- and music-packed days in the area’s galleries, open studios, warehouses, parks, and streets.
NIGHTLIFE IN DUMBO
Galapagos Art Space.
Performances here could almost take a backseat to the unique architecture of supper-club red banquettes floating above a huge lagoon of water. (Hold on to your purse!) Thankfully, the theater, music, and performance art is dynamic enough to grab your attention. | 16 Main St., DUMBO | 11201 | 718/222–8500 | www.galapagosartspace.com | Ticket prices vary | Opening times vary | Subway: F to York St.; A, C to High St.
reBar.
Occupying several rooms inside a former factory, this cavernous industrial space does multiple duty as bar, lounge, indie movie theater, gastropub, and supper club. Sample one of its 15 brews and vivacious vibe under terra-cotta ceilings and antique chandeliers. | 147 Front St., DUMBO | 11201 | 718/766–9110 | www.rebarnyc.com| Subway: F to York St.; A, C to High St.
Superfine.
The huge orange pool table takes center stage for the young crowd