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 almost always something going on: a new play, a new show or a new restaurant opening.
According to the 2024 report of the venture capital company SignalFireNYC experienced a tech boom in 2023, becoming the top destination for people moving for tech 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 technology boom of the 1990s saw Manhattan’s Flatiron District emerge as a hub for high-tech companies, even going so far as to be called “Silicon Alley.”
The area has since spread, moving downtown to Soho, west to Hudson Yards, and most recently over the bridge into Brooklyn—specifically Dumbo, the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and Downtown Brooklyn, creating the Brooklyn Tech Triangle.
Dumbo, which stands for “Down Under Manhattan Bridge,” is located between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges on the East River waterfront. The famous street has great views of Manhattan and the bridges, and an ever-expanding food and beverage scene to feed you while you work and find time to play.
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Place to Stay
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Courtesy of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
60 Furman St.(347) 696-2500
If you’re staying in Dumbo, you’ll want views of the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and the long bridges that span between the two, and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers that and more. Yes, there is a gym and a spa, but there is also a pool on the roof, which is very convenient in those stupidly summer days. James Beard award-winning restaurateur Jonathan Waxman recently brought his popular West Village restaurant, Barbuto, to the hotel. On the 10th Floor, find Harriet’s Lounge for sushi, bao buns and wagyu toast. From 10pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, listen to live DJs spin sets while enjoying craft cocktails and visuals.
Don’t forget to end the day with a refreshing drink (or two) at Harriet’s Rooftop, just one floor from the living room, for more sunset views. The hotel is pet-friendly, and there is a café serving espresso, specialty juices, and artisanal and organic snacks. There is also a farm stand in the lobby every day from 7 am to 4 pm; grabbing seasonal fruit that, although it may look “ugly,” is perfect in taste, and it’s all part of the hotel’s sustainability mission.
85 Flatbush Ave Ext., (718) 329-9537
About a 10-minute walk to Brooklyn’s bridges and waterfront, The Tillary is the cheapest spot for the area, but still boasts an inviting cafe and rooftop garden bar. Featuring pet-friendly rooms and a fully equipped gym, this hotel is a great choice for being close to the action, but saving more money. The lobby bar offers a variety of affordable options (think $4 for an English muffin with egg and cheese and up to $14 for a veggie wrap), while the rooftop has a variety of sandwiches, salads and drinks (both n/a and boozy) to keep you from needing to stray too far.
Courtesy of Ace Brooklyn
252 Schermerhorn St., (718) 313-3636
Professionally located in Boerum Hill, adjacent to Downtown Brooklyn, the Ace Hotel is a boutique hotel with modern furnishings and warm vibes, as well as a fitness center. They feature a rotating artist in residence and DJ performance in the lobby most weekend nights. For food, there is Rome of Lelefeaturing a rotating selection of Roman Aperitivo dishes daily from 5 to 7pm, or hit it up for breakfast (lots of egg options!), lunch (panini, pizza, salad!), and dinner (pasta! pizza! classic contorni!). Don’t feel like Italian? Try it Which one for an omakase experience set to a carefully curated vinyl music program.
A Place to Work
Photo: Michael Lee/Getty Images
68 Jay St., (718) 210-3650
Whether you’re looking for monthly or long-term locked office space, a co-working space, or a meeting room, Greendesk has you covered at a great price. The space is fully equipped with 24/7 access, high speed internet, kitchen, and cleaning service.
Many places
From the SOHO House team, SOHO Works is a network of office spaces; rent a meeting room or use shared lounge space, plus get access to SOHO member events and amenities. Work at any location—10 Jay Street or 55 Water Street—by the hour or by the day.
295 In front of St.(347) 414-8782
Located in Vinegar Hill, The Bond Group has many options for you to work, whether you need a dedicated desk, a private office, a team group, meeting rooms, co-working, or a day pass. You will have 24/7 access, Wi-Fi, fruit, snacks and breakfast, as well as unlimited printing.
Where to Get Your Coffee
Courtesy of Jacques Torres Chocolate
66 Water St.(718) 875-1269
Located on Water Street and open daily from 10am to 7pm, this flagship chocolatier is where it all began 25 years ago. Here, you’ll find handmade pastries, hot chocolate, and ice cream sandwiches. Install it all, then grab a few takeaways to share with friends (or not—sharing is overrated).
85 Water St., (718) 797-5026
Almondine has been Dumbo for over 20 years. Opened by French baker Herve Poussot, this unpretentious bakery thrives on culture, innovation, and evolution. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Paris with the bread, fries and pastries. They even have a daily lunch special from 12 to 3 pm; choose from a half-off sandwich, then pair it with a soup, salad, cake, and half-price drink for just $18.
45 Washington St., (212) 924-7400
Grab a coffee here before walking down Washington Street (it’s one of the most famous places where people take pictures of the bridge, so beware of the tempting people who pop up in the middle of the street) towards the waterfront for a nice break and fresh air.
Where to Eat
Courtesy of Vinegar Hill House
72 Hudson Ave.(718) 522-1018
This is where you go when you want a relaxed atmosphere with amazing food in a beautiful setting. Dining in the outdoor garden is charming and relaxing, while the interior is vintage inspired and laid back. The menu, while also simple and comforting, is consistent and hits every time.
68 Jay St. #119
Open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 2-ish, this French-style bakery from Ayako Kurokawa is located at 68 Jay Street. The cakes, although French in style, are inspired by Kurokawa’s Japanese upbringing. Scones, biscuits, cakes, and slices of pie are all served on silver plates, with handwritten inscriptions on blue paper. Basque gate is a popular product; go early, as they sell out every day.
1 John St., (718) 522-5356
Opened in 2017, Celestine is the kind of place that feels cool enough to be your go-to place, while also being special enough to go to a party. The menu includes vegetable-heavy starters and sides, including a whole branzino and a 14-ounce ribeye. With floor-to-ceiling windows, there isn’t a bad seat in the house to enjoy your meal with a view of the East River and all its happenings.
147 In front of St.
This intimate 10-seat chef’s counter offers both a tasting menu and an à la carte menu, featuring oysters, crudo, and natural wine by the glass. Try the caviar Frito pie: an open bag of Fritos topped with plenty of caviar and creme fraiche.
1 In front of St.(718) 858-4300
Originally opened in 1990 by Patsy Grimaldi and his wife, Carol, Grimaldi sold the business in 1998 to Frank Ciolli. Grimaldi is from Patsy’s Harlem clan (Patsy is his uncle, from whom he learned to make pizza at the age of 12). In 2000, Grimaldi locations moved closer to their original location where they continue to sell whole loaves in a coal-fired oven.
19 Old Fulton St.(718) 596-6700
If you like a side of gossip with your piece, then Juliana is the place to go. Patsy and Carol Grimaldi opened Juliana’s in the original Grimaldi’s location at 19 Old Fulton Street in 2012, which caused quite a stir in the pizza community, as it is located near Grimaldi’s, their original business. They even had their original coal oven restored. Named after Patsy’s mother, Juliana’s serves coal-fired pizza, meatballs, and salads. They also sell four flavors of baked pies for “take and bake” at home. Try an egg cream—a New York City classic of milk, chocolate or vanilla syrup, and seltzer whipped by whisking the three ingredients vigorously until frothy. Grub Street called it the best in the city in 2017.
