All you need to know about DUMBO's tech sector
The Wakefield Guide: DUMBO Startups
Before DUMBO became the epicenter of the NYC tech boom, the Brooklyn neighborhood was largely the domain of artists, attracted by the cheap, big loft spaces and the otherwise-vanished sense of “old New York”.
Today, most of the urban grit is gone – hell, a massive antique carousel has been assembled on the waterfront – but those sprawling spaces and stunning views remain.
And with the recent sale of five warehouses that once housed the Jehovah’s Witnesses HQ, opening up 1.2 million square feet of retail and office space (they’re calling it Dumbo Heights), the area is about to experience a second renaissance of sorts.
So what better time to make yourself an expert in all things under the Manhattan Bridge overpass? We’ve assembled the best places to eat, drink, and work, in the neighborhood to get you started.
Please note this is a living document, like the Constitution. If you want to make a suggestion, make a correction, or amend your startup, coffeeshop, or coworking space to the list, get in touch.
Explore the neighborhood
A Little History
It’s all thanks to the cardboard box. In 1890 the Scottish emigrant Robert Gair invented the paperboard folding carton on 55 Washington Street (now the home of Etsy), and began transforming the area into a manufacturing district. Brillo pads, heavy machinery, and cardboard boxes were all made in the area, known variously as Olympia, Fulton Landing, and Gairville.
When New York City went all Midnight Cowboy in the 60s and 70s, rapid deindustrialization left many of the area’s massive warehouses and factories abandoned. Then-Mayor John Lindsay’s solution was the Artists-in-Residence program, allowed “Certified Artists” to live and work on the top floors of many of the buildings for next to nothing.
In 1978, as developers eyed the neighborhood, a group of local artists decided to call the region DUMBO (though DANYA, District Around the Navy Yard Annex, was also a contender). “Who, after all, would spend a million dollars for a loft in a place called DUMBO?” co-namer Crane Davis mused.
A lot of people, it turns out. Today, the median sale price of a DUMBO apartment is $1.5 million.
Where to Meet
Be it over a slice, a burrito, a glass of wine or a coffee, there are options aplenty for meeting with friends and colleagues in DUMBO. Let’s take a look at some of the neighborhood’s most popular spots.
5 Front Street
Nestled right next to the Brooklyn Bridge, Gran Electrica's authentic Mexican fare is a neighborhood favorite. Come summertime, the outdoor patio is a must.
126 Front Street
Superfine serves seasonal, organic dishes and boasts a great happy hour on weeknights along with a southwestern live music brunch on Sundays.
19 Old Fulton Street
There may be nobody New Yorkers trust more with pizza than Patsy Grimaldi, and he and his wife Carol returned to location of the original Grimaldi's to open Juliana's. The signature pie? Margherita, of course.
111 Front Street
An authentic Italian sit-down dinner favorite, AlMar Dumbo also offers affordable lunch options, primarily paninis and salads.
15 Main Street
Yes, Atrium DUMBO is in an atrium (and in Dumbo). Gorgeous interior design aside, Atrium DUMBO offers high end, fresh cuisine.
73 Jay Street
You can't miss Pedro's – its graffiti art adorned exterior is a sight to behold. Inside, you'll find classic Mexican fare and drinks strong enough to make you see some colors of your own.
108 Jay Street
You'll find sandwiches and pizza at Dumbo Kitchen, but their catering and event space offerings make this the go-to choice for large parties.
104 Front Street
The Park Slope mainstay has opened up another spot by the bridge. The bagels are naturally La Bagel Delight's calling card, but their hot lunch specials keep the place packed well after lox time.
What to Know
DUMBO is hardly the real estate bargain it once was – in fact rents are among the highest in the city. But that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach – there are a wealth of opportunities to work, and play, in the hood.
Digital DUMBO has produced live events and experiences to connect companies with their communities since their founding in 2009. Get on their list.
The first major coworking space in DUMBO, Green Desk offers desks and proper office space in two prime locations.
Founded by Tina “Swiss Miss” Roth Eisenberg is an exclusive space for creative and tech types to work together or alone.
Made in NY Media Center by IFP
A very wordy, albeit very cool, coworking space focused on film, gaming, and tech. They’ve also got a cafe if you just want to check it out.
A community hub for workspace and classes, the Startup Lab offers flexible membership options and killer views.
Where to Work
The bulk of DUMBO’s startup and tech scene is concentrated in just a few former warehouses along Jay Street, Main Street, and Water Street, though with the imminent arrival of DUMBO Heights, all of that’s about to change. For now, have a look at some of the neighborhood’s biggest startups.
20 Jay Street
45 Main Street
68 Jay Street
155 Water Street
10 Jay Street
Elsewhere
