While other Big Apple 'cool spots' rapidly lose their hip currency the minute they are uncovered, Bushwick, so far, has managed to keep hold of its underground vibe. It's true that the streets may look deserted and edgy at times but, come the weekend, there are often colourful, all-night warehouse parties in abundance. You might also catch local heroes the Vivian Girls gigging at the art/performance space Market Hotel (1142 Myrtle Avenue).
The borough is also home to the most exciting art scene in New York City . Sales of art for the graphic novel generation are brisk at Ad Hoc (adhocart.org , +1 718 366 2466), while the sculpted cardboard pieces at the English Kills gallery (englishkillsartgallery.com, +1 718 366 7323) capture some of the adventurous spirit of the Manhattan galleries of the 1980s.
Bushwick is fast developing its own quirky style: from the de facto café of choice, the Wycoff Starr (+1 718 484 9766) to the meatloaf, rabbit bangers and basement DJ bar at Northeast Kingdom (+1 718 386 3864, north-eastkingdom.com). Goodbye Blue Monday (+1 718 453 6343, goodbye-blue-monday.com) is also worth a visit. It's a bar which offers low-key, live sets and £2 cups of wine, and has a second life as a junk shop.
Bushwick is just nine stops on the L train from Union Square, but it's a 20-minute time warp to a golden age of New York cool.
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