The 13 best Bushwick restaurants

What is it? NYC's first all-vegan Ethiopian restaurant, and certainly, one of the best. 

Why we like it: Liyuwork Ayalew and Samuel Saverance's Ethiopian cafe has been a gem in Bushwick even before they found permanence in 2011, first gaining traction via pop-ups and cooking up cheap Ethiopian lunches out of a Southern kitchen. Ten-plus years later, Bunna remains one of the greats, its shareable Beyaynetu or combo platter for dinner being one of the best of them, with the option to spoon on berbere-tinged lentils or garlicky and gingery yellow split peas. And when AM calls for brunch, you can have it at Bunna too with chickpea scrambles and smoothies layered with papaya, mango and avocado. 

Time Out tip: The traditional coffee ceremony, an integral part of cultural life in Ethiopia, happens at Bunna Cafe every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5pm. Try your coffee with a bit of ginger and sugar to get the full experience.  

Address: 1084 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11237 

Hours: Sun noon–4pm and 5–10pm; Mon noon–10pm; Tuesday 5–10pm; Wed noon–10pm; Thurs noon–10pm; Friday noon–11 pm; Sat noon–4 pm and 5–11pm

What is it? The definition of a neighborhood eatery with natty wines and sourdough pizza. 

Why we like it: When it opened in 2016, OPS was billed as a wine bar with food as a side. But when people discovered Mike Fadem's wood-fired pies, and their pillowy and tangy sourdough base, it quickly flipped on its head. Fadem's favorite (and soon to be yours) goes to the Cicero with its "many onions" most of them cooked down and as sweet as can be. Yet the Rojo easily rivals it, with pickled red peppers laying in wait under a blanket of mortadella. 

Time out tip: Wines are spelled out on a short list but you're more than welcome to ask your servers for recs on all things bubbly, white or orange.

Address: 346 Himrod Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Hours: Sun—Thurs 5—10pm; Fri and Sat 5—11pm

What is it? A Vietnamese and Mexican eatery from chef Eric Tran. 

Why we like it: With the finesse that comes from being a scholar of Blue Hill at Stone Barns, chef Eric Tran's eatery teeters between his Vietnamese and Mexican heritages with ease. Inside banana leaf wrapped tamales you'll find sticky rice and duck or milled corn and oxtail. Tuna tartare on a puffed sesame crisp is complimented with a spicy nuoc chom sauce with floating rounds of serrano peppers. Choose your level of hunger by going for the full Super Dac Biet (five-course tasting menu for $88) the abbreviated Dac Biet (three courses for $58) or mix and match your way by going a la carte. 

Time Out tip: The Berkshire pork, charred with a honey-glaze, is one of the best bites out there. 

Address: 112 Harrison Place, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Hours: Mon and Tues closed; Wed–Sat 6–10pm; Sun 5–9 pm

What is it? The industrial haven where wood-fired pizzas have reigned supreme since 2008.

Why we like it: Do you ever wonder why nearly every pizzeria nowadays puts hot honey on their slices? You have Roberta's to thank for that. Nearing the 20-year mark in service, the pizza pioneer is still just as rocking as day one, its punk, industrial aesthetic still just as charming as is its blistered pies it churns out night after night. If pizza somehow isn't your thing, the pastas and wood-fired lamb shoulder certainly will be. 

Time Out tip: Wonderfully, stringy stracciatella cheese is married with bits of smoked ‘nduja in the Fire & Ice starter, making it a perpetual order.

Address: 261 Moore Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206; 6 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249; One Penn Plaza, Plaza 33 East, New York, NY 10119

What is it? Chef Andrés Galindo Maria’s original taqueria that earned him the name of the "Birria Taco King of Brooklyn."

Why we like it: While chef Andrés Galindo Maria currently runs four taquerias around the city, the OG started right here in Bushwick. Word to the wise: you'll need to palm through a few napkins as you sink into the pork-based Birria, lest the consomme drips on your clothes. While the claim to fame lies with the birria, the menu is rounded out with tostadas, empanadas and a California-style burrito. 

Time Out tip: Taco Tuesdays call for $2.50 tacos at the Bushwick location. 

Address: 14 Starr Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11237

Hours: Sun—Thurs 11am—11pm; Fri and Sat 11am—midnight 

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What is it? A Japanese-based chain that appreciates the art of the solo diner.  

Why we like it: You should never be ashamed to dine alone. But if the idea of going solo is still intimidating, Ichiran is here to combat the social stigma. All you have to do is walk inside and beeline it to one of its many touch screens. There you can customize your perfect bowl of ramen from the number of chashu slices and scallions down to the level of dashi (aka saltiness). Once you receive your number, push past the red curtain to find your personal ramen booth. When the partition rolls up, hand over your order receipt and minutes later your solo bowl will arrive. 

Time Out tip: The restaurant has a small dining room in the back for those of us with company (and or friends). 

Address: 374 Johnson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11206; 152 W 49th Street, New York, NY 10020; 132 W 31st Street, New York, NY 10001

What is it? A Korean-American pocha (or Korean street eatery) from chef Jae Lee. 

Why we like it: Jae Lee’s second outpost of Nowon (his first was in the East Village) continues to do what he does best: remixing Korean ingredients with foods found in NYC. Heavy hitters continue on here, including the meaty and cheesy 'Chopped Cheese' Rice Cakes and the Legendary Cheeseburger made with kimchi two ways. It all goes down in a red-lit space that looks like it needs a bouncer to get in, all set to a soundtrack that plays hit after hip-hop hit. 

Time Out tip: The Bushwick location has a wood-fired oven that churns out pies that bubble with a gochujang red sauce and get topped with chili oil. Try the Yearly Tradition with pulled brisket, rice cakes, toasted seaweed and an egg. 

Address: 436 Jefferson Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237 

Hours: Sun noon–11pm; Mon 5–11pm; Tues–Thurs 5–11pm; Fri 5 PM–midnight; Sat noon–midnight

What is it? A divey find with eats from the streets of Venezuela. 

Why we like it: While many party-goers frequent Santa Salsa past the midnight hour, this Venezuelan eatery is good any time of day. The Bushwick dive is home to burgers with double the patty, open-faced steak sandwiches and beef, chicken and kosher dogs buried under a layer of guasacaca sauce (aka a tangy avocado sauce), potato chips and balls of fried white cheese.

Time Out tip: A late-night vegan eat that isn't just fries? This one is for you. Try the Santa Vegan, a carrot dog with eggplant, sprouts, fried split peas balls, and both avocado slices and guasacaca sauce. 

Address: 234 Starr Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Hours: Daily, noon—2am

What is it? A late-night hang turned full service restaurant, where midnight hangs still happen.

Why we like it: Once attached to House of Yes, Queen made the move down the street, taking its note worthy falafel with it. With offerings designed by Rivka Orlin of Cafe Mogador, the menu cycles through plates of hummus, chicken schnitzel and shawarma sandwiches.

Time Out tip: No matter what you order, just know the Moroccan Mint Tea goes with all of it. 

Address: 247 Starr Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Hours: Sun—Thurs noon–10 pm; Fri and Sat noon—midnight

What is it: Uruguayan and Latin American eats are found inside this rustic environment. 

Why we like it: Uruguayan comforts are found at Tabaré. Antique photos and old bottles line the shelves, bringing a type of rustic charm to it all. Use the glow of the tableside lamps to pick and point to empanadas filled with caramelized onions, gruyere and fontina cheese or dine on the country's national sandwich: the Chivito Completo. 

Time Out tip: Happy hour only happens at the Bushwick location. Offered daily from 5 to 7pm, you can get cocktails for $10, glasses of wine for $7 and beer for $5. 

Address: 1006 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11237 and 221 S 1st Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211

What is it: A Wisconsin supper club gets a new life in Bushwick. 

Why we love it: Inspired by a beloved Wisconsin supper club of the same name, The Turk's Inn keeps the spirit of the original alive. The Bushwick revival continues the kitschy, decadence of the original, quite literally, bringing in knickknacks and even family photos of the Gogian family who once owned the 80-year-old restaurant. The midwest meets the Mediterranean here with "jeweled pilaf" and Lamb Shish Kebab. 

Time Out tip: The Turk's Relish Tray is the best way to start, as the golden vessel comes with smoked labne, muhammara, gigante beans and marinated olives. 

Address: 234 Starr Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Hours: Mon and Tues closed; Wed and Thurs 5–11pm; Fri and Sat 5pm—2 am; Sun 5–11pm

What is it: A red-lit, bi-level eatery where the old timey Thai movie posters and films screened on the drop-down projector are almost the main draw. 

Why we love it: This neon-red lit drinking den is hidden in plain sight. Just one peek over the mezzanine and you'll find a labrintyh of old movie seats, throwback Thai movie posters and a palm-thatched bar for imbibing. But beyond the visuals of it all, there is good food to be had here too, like the crunchy fried chilis for snacking to the roasted pork for sharing. 

Time Out tip: The Pik Gai Zapp or fried chicken wings come in a cup dusted with homemade sour laab chili powder. Shake it to get the full effect.

Address: 1000 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11221

Hours: Mon–Thurs 5–11:30pm; Sat and Sun 1pm–midnight

What is it? A fully functional taqueria inside a fully functioning tortilla factory.

Why we love it: The day-to-day operations of Tortillería Mexicana Los Hermanos include churning out tortillas that you’ve most likely spotted at your local grocery store. Yet, among it all, the interior also functions as a taqueria. All you have to do is spell out your order on an index card and take a seat in one of the fold-out chairs in the dining room, which is in-view of the tortilla operation in the back. Tacos will run you $4 a pop with the salted Cecina being one of the best, while a loaded tostada will only run you a buck more.

Time Out tip: The restaurant is BYOB, so bringing your own libation to pair is always an option. 

Address: 271 Starr Street, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Hours: Mon—Thurs 11am–10:10pm; Fri—Sun 11am–11:30pm