Brooklyn Bodega’s Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival is coming to Brooklyn from July 8- 11 for its eleventh straight year, and Brooklyn Brewery is proud to be teaming up with them once again. Brooklyn has been a hotbed of hip hop since the early days before the borough was trendy, and still fosters a bustling underground scene. As residents of Brooklyn since back in the rough days, we love the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival’s respect for big names and up-and-coming MCs alike and we’ve always supported them.
This year, we’re joining forces to bring you a tour of Brooklyn’s culinary landmarks in neighborhoods of particular importance to hip hop. Just like the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival’s lineup, you’ll see new names running alongside old guard spots. Check them out while you’re waiting for the festival to come around, and we’ll see you at the fest.
The Neighborhood: Bushwick
Still home to a burgeoning underground scene, Bushwick has gained more widespread notice in recent years thanks to an influx of artists, musicians, restaurants and bars.
The Locals: The Arsonists, ’90s underground heroes assembled by D-Stroy to triumph art over gang culture.
The Spots:
Arrogant Swine: This brand-new Carolina-style barbecue spot is doing big things with meat and beer. Load up and claim a spot in their backyard space.
King Noodle: A restaurant that is one part tiki bar, one part psychedelic video game. Don’t miss out on the Spam fried rice.
Forrest Point: An easygoing spot to grab a classic burger-and-beer combo. Check out the swing in the backyard while you’re there.
Houdini Kitchen Laboratory: Grab a handful of friends and split some creative pizzas at this kitchen housed in a former brewery.
The Neighborhood: Bed-Stuy (Bedford-Stuyvesant, to the newcomers)
Bed-Stuy is the heart and soul of Brooklyn hip hop, with a long list of undeniable talent. Brooklyn’s rhythm emanates from Bed-Stuy.
The Local: The Notorious B.I.G, one of the most famous East Coast rappers of the 90′s and most influential artists of all time.
The Spots:
Black Swan: This English pub-inspired spot is famed for both their late-night happy hour and restorative brunch, making this a great spot for your after party.
Bedford Hall: A cozy neighborhood gem, featuring pictures of local heroes on the walls and a knockout blue cheese burger.
Peaches Hothouse: Cut right to the chase and get the fried chicken. It’s so good, you’ll need to apologize to your mother after.
Rustik Tavern: A small spot with a big menu, offering everything from hearty pork chops to decadent chili-cheese fries.
Willow: The team behind The Pines brings you another spot to go for delicious, seasonally-driven modern fare.
The Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Brooklyn Brewery’s home turf and home of the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival. Once one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in New York City, the ‘Burg is now a destination.
The Local: Leikeli47 (or so it’s rumored), an enigmatic rising star in rap never seen without her trademark ski mask.
The Spots:
Teddy’s: This building has held either a brewery or a bar since 1887. Teddy’s was also one of Brooklyn Brewery first accounts; be sure to try the Brooklyn Lager-glazed wings.
The Charleston: A neighborhood classic, steps from the L train for those of you coming from outside of the neighborhood. Beers come with free pizza from 12-8 PM
Rosamunde Sausage Grill: Sausages of all kinds can be found at this reliable, no-frills grill. Try the beer sausage and the chicken merguez sausage.
Sugarburg: A newcomer to the neighborhood, already winning over fans with Southern-inspired fare and “damn good deal” happy hour.