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

New York City 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 happening: a new play, a new exhibition, or the opening of a new restaurant.

According to a 2024 report from venture capital firm SignalFire, New York experienced a tech boom in 2023, becoming the top destination for people moving with tech jobs, with about 15% 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 become a hub for high-tech companies, even being nicknamed “Silicon Alley.”

This area has since expanded, heading downtown to Soho, west to Hudson Yards, and more recently over the bridge(s) and toward Brooklyn, particularly Dumbo, the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and Downtown Brooklyn, forming the Brooklyn Tech Triangle.

Dumbo, meaning “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Viaduct”, is located between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges on the East River waterfront. The popular neighborhood offers great views of Manhattan and the bridges, as well as an ever-expanding restaurant scene to keep you nourished while working and taking time to play.

Where to stay

Courtesy of 1 Brooklyn Bridge Hotel

60 Furman Street(347) 696-2500

If you want to stay in Dumbo, you’ll want views of the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and the iconic bridges that stretch between the two, and the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers that and more. Yes, there’s a gym and spa, but there’s also a rooftop pool, which comes in handy on those incredibly hot summer days. James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Jonathan Waxman recently brought his iconic West Village restaurant, Barbuto, to the hotel. On the 10th floor, find Harriet’s Lounge for sushi, bao rolls and wagyu toast. Starting at 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, listen to live DJs while enjoying craft cocktails and taking in the views.

Don’t forget to end the day with a sustainable drink (or two) at Harriet’s Rooftop, just one floor from the lounge, for even more iconic sunsets. The hotel is pet-friendly and has a café serving espressos, freshly squeezed juices and artisanal and local snacks. There is also a farm stand in the lobby daily from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; grab seasonal fruits which, although they may look “ugly”, taste perfect and are all part of the hotel’s sustainability mission.

85 Flatbush Avenue, Post (718) 329-9537

About a 10-minute walk from Brooklyn’s bridges and waterfront, The Tillary is a slightly more affordable stay for the area, but still has a lobby cafe and rooftop garden bar. Featuring pet-friendly rooms and a fully equipped gym, this hotel is a great option for staying close to the action, while saving a little more money. The lobby cafe offers a range of affordable options (think $4 for an English muffin with egg and cheese and up to $14 for a veggie wrap), while the rooftop offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and drinks (no object and alcoholic) to keep you from having to stray too far.

Courtesy of Ace Brooklyn

252, rue Schermerhorn., (718) 313-3636

Technically located in Boerum Hill on the edge of Downtown Brooklyn, the Ace Hotel is a boutique hotel with trendy furnishings and a warm ambiance, as well as a fitness center. They feature a rotating artist-in-residence and DJs spinning in the lobby most weekend evenings. For food, there’s Lele’s Roman, offering a rotating selection of Roman Aperitivo bites daily from 5-7 p.m., or enjoy them for breakfast (lots of egg options!), lunch (panini, pizza, salad!), and dinner (pasta! pizza! classic contorni!). You don’t want to be Italian? Try Koju for an omakase experience accompanied by a carefully selected vinyl music program.

Where to work

Photograph: Michael Lee/Getty Images

68 Jay Street., (718) 210-3650

Whether you’re looking for month-to-month or long-term fully enclosed office space, a coworking space, or a conference room, Greendesk has what you need at a very reasonable price. The space is fully furnished with 24/7 access, high-speed internet, kitchens and housekeeping.

Multiple locations

From the SOHO House team, SOHO Works is a network of office spaces; Rent a meeting room or use the common lounge space, and access SOHO member events and amenities. Work at either location (10 Jay Street or 55 Water Street) by the hour or rent by the day.

295 Front Street(347) 414-8782

Located in Vinegar Hill, Bond Collective offers you plenty of work options, whether you need a dedicated desk, private office, team suite, conference rooms, coworking, or just a day pass. Guests will enjoy 24/7 access, Wi-Fi, fruit, snacks and breakfast, and unlimited printing.

Where to find your coffee

Courtesy of Jacques Torres Chocolat

66 Water Street(718) 875-1269

Located on Water Street and open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., this flagship location of the famous chocolatier is where it all began 25 years ago. Here you will find artisanal sweets, hot chocolate and ice cream sandwiches. Taste it all, then grab a few items to take with you to share with friends (or not: sharing is overrated).

85 Water Street., (718) 797-5026

Almondine has been in Dumbo for over 20 years. Opened by French baker Hervé Poussot, this unpretentious bakery thrives on tradition, innovation and evolution. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to Paris with fresh bread, croissants and cakes. They even offer a special lunch every day from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.; choose from a half sandwich, then pair it with a half-price soup, salad, cookie and drink for just $18.

45 Washington Street., (212) 924-7400

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

Where to eat

Courtesy of Vinegar Hill House

72 Hudson Avenue.(718) 522-1018

This is the place you go when you want a relaxed environment with amazing food in a cute setting. Dining in the outdoor garden is cozy and comforting, while the interior is vintage-inspired and casual. The menu, while simple and comforting, is consistent and hits the spot every time.

68 Jay Street #119

Open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this modest French-style bakery from Ayako Kurokawa is nestled in the lobby of 68 Jay Street. The pastries, although French in style, are inspired by Kurokawa’s Japanese upbringing. Scones, cookies, cakes and slices of pie are all served on silver platters, with handwritten labels on blue paper. Basque cake is a popular item; get there early, as they sell out every day.

1 rue Jean., (718) 522-5356

Opened in 2017, Celestine is the kind of place casual enough to be a staple in your neighborhood, yet special enough to throw a party. The menu includes thoughtful, vegetable-rich appetizers and sides, as well as whole branzino and a 14-ounce ribeye. With floor-to-ceiling windows, there’s no bad place in the house to enjoy your meal overlooking the East River and all its happenings.

147 Front Street.

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

1 Front Street.(718) 858-4300

Originally opened in 1990 by Patsy Grimaldi and her wife Carol, Grimaldi sold the business in 1998 to Frank Ciolli. Grimaldi is of Patsy’s of Harlem lineage (Patsy is his uncle, from whom he learned to make pizza at age 12). In 2000, Grimaldi’s moved next door to its original location, where it continues to sell whole pies from a coal-fired oven.

19 Old Fulton Street(718) 596-6700

If you like gossip with your side, then Juliana’s 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 a stir in the pizza community because it is located next to Grimaldi’s, their former business. They even got their original coal oven back. Named after Patsy’s mother, Juliana’s serves charcoal pizzas, meatballs and salads. They also sell four flavors of pre-baked pies to “take and bake” at home. Try egg custard, a New York classic made with milk, chocolate or vanilla syrup, and frothy seltzer by whisking all three ingredients vigorously until frothy. Grub Street called it the best in town in 2017.