Geography
History
Origin of The Name
Main Attractions of The Neighborhood
1. Cecconi’s DUMBO (55 Water St): Famous for classic Italian pizzas and other dishes and a great waterfront view, it’s one of the most heavily reviewed food places in DUMBO.
2. Celestine (1 John St): It’s another restaurant by the river that serves Mediterranean food.
3. Juliana’s (19 Old Fulton St): It’s often cited as one of the best pizza places in New York (Debatable), especially if you love coal-fried pies.
4. The River Café (1 Water St): With one Micheline star, the River Café is famous not just for its food, but its gorgeous location as well.
5. Westville DUMBO (81 Washington St): As a New-York-native food chain, Westville has restaurants in various neighborhoods, including DUMBO.
6. Empire Stores (53-83 Water St): Originally built in the 1800s as a warehouse complex, Empire Stores are now part of DUMBO’s iconic waterfront.
7. Clock Tower Building (1 Main St): This building was once part of Robert Gair’s (an important figure in DUMBO’s history) industrial structures. It was converted into a condominium building in 1998 and its penthouse was once the most expensive condo sold in Brooklyn.
8. Olympia (30 Front Street): This 270-feet high structure is the tallest building in DUMBO.
9. 60 Water Street: It’s a 17-story mixed use building known for its modern architecture.
10. J Condominium (100 Jay St): This 33-story building is one of the most recognized structures in the neighborhood.
DUMBO’s attractions cover both historical places and amazing views.
11. Jane’s Carousel (New Dock St): It’s a vintage carousel that was restored in 1922.
12. Empire Fulton Ferry (1 Water St): The riverside park that touches on the famous Fulton Ferry boundaries and houses Jane’s carousel.
13. Brooklyn Bridge Park (2 Furman St): While it does not purely belong to DUMBO, it’s one of the main attractions of the neighborhood.
14. Center for Brooklyn History (128 Pierrepont St): If you are interested in the history of Brooklyn told through material/pieces stretching back 157 years, this is the place to visit.
15. Intersection of Washington Street and Water Street (Brooklyn, NY 11201): It’s one of the most instagrammed places in DUMBO, since it combines a stunning view of Manhattan Bridge with the cobblestone street.
What Is DUMBO Known For?
DUMBO is known for:
Being one of the most expensive neighborhoods to buy a condo in (Brooklyn).
- Art scene, including galleries, exhibitions, performances, and even its murals.
- Old industrial architecture (warehouses, brick buildings, lofts) and cobblestone streets.
- Good restaurants (though not among the top NYC neighborhoods).
Population
Interesting Facts About DUMBO
- Robert Gair (Gairville), the person the neighborhood was briefly named after, invented the folding carton.
- In 1812, DUMBO became home to the first school for black children in Brooklyn.
The largest concrete reinforced building in the world in 1905 was commissioned by Robert Gair and constructed by Turner Construction Co., was in DUMBO (55 Washington Street).
