The Complete Guide to Industry City in Brooklyn

Once known as Bush Terminal, Industry City was originally a 19th-century warehouse and distribution center. However by the 1960s, with the decline of urban manufacturing, Bush Terminal lost its tenants and had a long period of decay.  In recent years this industrial complex, housed on a 35-acre waterfront stretch of Sunset Park, has been transformed into a mecca for arts, culture, dining, and shopping. The complex is also home to artist studios, workspaces, and a stellar food hall. From sunset yoga classes to traveling art exhibits, you will definitely find a reason to visit this unique space. 

A typical visit could include an evening game of trivia, shopping for vintage and artisanal goods, or taking in a provocative art installation. Here are some highlights of what to do in Industry City.

• Shopping is plentiful. If you're on the hunt for furniture, Industry City is home to an outpost of ABC Carpet & Home, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Design Within Reach Outlet, and many other shops.
• Stressed from your week? Industry City's popular Yoga in the Courtyard takes place during the evening throughout the week. This class is open to all levels, but be sure to bring your own mat.
• If you have kids, there is no better way to end your day than dancing with your tots at Rock and Roll Playhouse. Dance to live bands and get your face painted at this family-friendly weekly event on Saturdays from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Courtyard.
• For a look at some provocative art, visit the upcoming installations or performances from the Collision Project, which utilizes multiple spaces within Industry City to showcase current art from myriad artists.  

Industry City has one of the best food halls in NYC. Sit at a picnic bench at the open food court as you dine on avocado-themed dishes from the inventive Avocaderia, the world's first avocado bar, or have a slice of coal oven pizza at Brooklyn local favorite Table 87.

Ethnic eats also abound including an outpost of Yaso Tango, where you can delight on tasty soup dumplings or have an authentic Berliner Döner Kebab at Kotti Berliner Döner Kebab. These are just some of the many savory highlights. You can easily spend a day eating dessert there, grabbing an ice cream cone from Blue Marble, cookies at One Girl Cookie, or relaxing with a latte at the bicycle-themed cafe Maglia Rosa. 

Chocolate fans can't miss a visit to the Li-Lac Chocolate Factory. The minute you enter the factory, you are immersed in the chocolatey aroma. You can peek at the chocolate being made, but if you'd like a closer look, sign up for a private behind-the-scenes guided factory tour.

Industry City Distillery is a great place to enjoy your weekends. The tasting room bar is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. They also offer a behind-the-scenes distillery tour and spirits tasting every Saturday at 3 p.m.

Industry City is easily accessible by taking the D/N/R train to 36th Street and walking two blocks toward 2nd Avenue. The B35, B37, and B70 bus lines also have stops near Industry City. If you bike there, there are multiple bicycle racks to park at.