Latino Flavor and Culture in Bushwick
Published 05/18/2021
For more than half a century, Bushwick has been home to one of the most diverse Latino communities in New York City. Puerto Rican, Dominican, Mexican, Ecuadorian, Peruvian and Colombian—these are just some of the Latin American nationalities that make up more than half the neighborhood’s population. The community has been integral in fueling small business ownership, and its involvement in organizations like Make the Road and youth leadership center El Puente has fostered (and continues to foster) creative projects, local initiatives and public art to aid in the development of Bushwick.
Despite the pandemic, many Latino business owners and community members have continued making their food, art and cultural contributions. Read on for where to find some of the best of these in Bushwick.
1
La Isla – Bushwick
1
1439 Myrtle Ave.
Since the 1960s, La Isla has been delivering Puerto Rican flavor in the form of cuchifritos: fried, meat-based finger foods like alcapurrias (stuffed fritters), pastelitos (turnovers) and morcilla (blood sausage) plus ready-to-go items like chicharrón (fried chunks of pork or chicken). At the busy Bushwick location, one of three in Brooklyn, regulars enjoy classic Caribbean stews of sancocho or mondongo and homestyle dishes like stewed oxtail. Juices include passion fruit, sesame, coconut and morir soñando, an orange and milk concoction that will have you hooked.
2
Love, Nelly
2
53 Rockaway Ave.
Can’t make up your mind between something savory or sweet? No worries. Head to Love, Nelly for comforting Colombian-inspired empanadas, coffee and sweets, including tres leches and sprinkle cakes. Named after co-owner Stephanie Gallardo’s mom, Love, Nelly also offers some fantastically flavored shaved ices called raspas. There’s a no-tipping policy; the team prides itself in paying staff a living wage that is 35 percent more than the average restaurant worker makes.
3
Alex Luncheonette
3
685 Knickerbocker Ave.
The Dominican influence in Bushwick is significant, with Dominican small business owners running bodegas, salons, restaurants, community organizations and civic projects. At this grab-and-go spot, people faithfully line up for authentic, generously portioned Dominican food. So grab what calls you and head on over to Irving Square Park to enjoy the view while you eat.
4
Angela’s Bakery
4
717 Knickerbocker Ave.
If you’re near Alex Luncheonette, you’d be remiss not to walk over to Angela’s Bakery, a block and half away, for coffee and a sweet—perhaps their famous Dominican cake. After you make your selection, walk along Knickerbocker Avenue to see community murals like the 400-foot-long Times Flies, along a wall of the Bushwick Educational Campus. It was executed by students under the guidance of Los Muralistas de El Puente, an art collective that’s part of El Puente. The group also made Creating a World Without Violence, on the facade of El Puente’s Bushwick Center. Bonus: next to the center is St. Barbara’s Roman Catholic Church, a Spanish-style landmark that serves many of the area’s Latino residents.
5
Millie’s Cuban Café
5
151 Wilson Ave.
Opened by Bushwick retail and restaurant investors Danny and Albert Teran, this fast-casual concept Cuban eatery pays homage to their grandmother Millie, who is featured in the logo. The brothers honor their heritage through items such as coffee, pastries and ropa vieja (available in a grain bowl or as a sandwich filling); the vegan Impossible picadillo is another option. Order to go or sip a cafecito while enjoying the fabulous Cuban photography lining the walls.
6
Mesa Azteca
6
91 Wyckoff Ave.
Family-owned Mesa Azteca is one of many authentic Mexican restaurants peppered throughout Bushwick. Enjoy an extensive cocktail menu and your choice of tacos, burritos, chile rellenos and the like. Indoor and outdoor areas deliver a welcoming atmosphere.
7
El Encebollado de Rossy El Original
7
238 Wyckoff Ave.
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to hungry locals and visitors, this family-owned corner spot cooks up authentic Ecuadorian food such as encebollados (fish and seafood soups) and bollos (seafood and rice dishes wrapped in plantain leaves).
8
Nene’s Deli Taqueria
8
14 Starr St.
If you grew up in Bushwick, your mom already runs a local taqueria and you spent the first part of your cooking career at Ai Fiori and Jean-Georges, how do you create a cult following in a few short months? Andrés Tonatiuh Galindo Maria did it by making delicious birria. In late 2020, Galindo Maria, who grew up around the corner from his hole-in-the-wall takeout joint, brought the quesabirria, a version of a Mexican birria dish, to Bushwick, and people have been raving since. Take your lunch to Maria Hernandez Park, and try not to make a mess as you chomp away at the goodness. You’ll be right in the middle of the Bushwick Collective, so take look at the street art that local and global artists have produced.
9
Arepera Guacuco
9
44 Irving Ave.
If you have never had an arepa, then check out Leonardo Molina’s spot, named after the Venezuelan beach where he was born. Molina’s mom, Carmen, crafts each arepa—lightly fried corn patties split in half and filled with meat or whatever you’d like—from scratch. Skip the wine or beer and head right to papelón con límon—Venezuelan limeade with molasses.
10
Mil Mundos Books
10
323 Linden St.
Founder and director Maria Herron and her collective opened Bushwick’s first Spanish–English bookstore (and first bookstore in decades), paying tribute to residents’ two dominant languages. The idea came in reaction to the influx of new developments and retail locations catering to new non-BIPOC residents. The desire to provide Bushwick’s Latino community with an arts-enrichment space manifested itself in this welcoming spot for book lovers, which features a diverse array of authors and genres. The socially active collective behind the store offers Spanish classes and leads efforts to help residents affected by Covid-19.
11
Bread x Butta/Haus of Bread
11
1102 Broadway
Nuyorican artist and curandera Lynsey Ayala draws upon her knowledge of healing and spirituality for Bread X Butta’s plant-based products, which are reminiscent of Caribbean and Puerto Rican home remedies. At Haus of Bread, her studio and educational space, she offers workshops, readings and interactive experiences for those looking for much-needed self-care and reflection. Shop from the apothecary, which features ethically sourced herbs from farms in Puerto Rico, and check out the art while getting a vegan-friendly bite from the on-site café.
12
Arts in Bushwick
12
28 Fayette St.
Arts in Bushwick provides spaces for artists to create and showcase their works. In addition, the organization curates the Bushwick Vendors Market, where Brooklyn-based artists display and sell their creations. The group also collaborates with BIPOC youth artists organization Educated Little Monsters to give local artists and creators the chance to express themselves and contribute to the community.
Find area accommodation options on our Hotels page.
Privacy Policy