Summer Restaurant Week on Grand Street 2026

Restaurant Week on Grand Street is back!

Get ready for the best dining event North Brooklyn has to offer. 22 restaurants in East Williamsburg are offering pre fixed menus this go around, showcasing the excellent dining and nightlife scene in the neighborhood. The two week celebration of local cuisine begins on Thursday August 27th and runs through Thursday, September 10th

This year we’re shaking up the format - prefix menus are available for both Lunch and Dinner at participating businesses (unless indicated otherwise).

We’ve also invited restaurants off of Grand Street to participate, and are so excited to include 11 restaurants in East Williamsburg to join in on the fun!

Stop by at any participating location to get in on discount dining offers and only during Restaurant Week. Just ask for a restaurant week menu when seated.

You can find the full list of the 22 participants and pricing below. Prices at restaurants range from $15-20 for Lunch menus, and from $22-40 for Dinner menus - tax and tip not included.

Many of our staple restaurants are returning to participate this time around and some, like Grand Morelos and Bahia - two Latin American restaurants that have been on Grand Street for over 20 years.

BK Jani is returning with their renowned burgers that have been spotlighted on Infatuation NYC’s best restaurants in Williamsburg list. At a steal of a price of $35, Michelin Bib Gourmand winning Ammazzacaffè is offering fine dining Italian cuisine. Grand Street favorites like Los Tacos Mcondo, Desy’s Clam Restaurant, and Carneval are also participating again with several Restaurant Week’s under their belts.

Follow @grandstreetbid on Instagram & Facebook for the most up-to-date information on the event.

Welcome Crystal Threading to 784 Grand Street

Welcome Crystal Threading to 754 Grand Street! Crystal threading is a new salon offering full body/face waxing, face threading, individual lashes, tints, and more. Owned and operated by Lovepreet, Crystal Threading’s space might be small - but the services are mighty. Lovepreet has been working in the beauty industry for over five years in Manhattan, bringing this expertise to Grand Street.

We caught up with Lovepreet, who’s excited to be in the neighborhood. She says that people are quite nice, and that there’s a friendly vibe in the area. Her favorite aspect of running a salon is that it “brings me (her) happiness to see ladies walk in and enhance their beauty”. 

Swing by 754 Grand Street for your beauty enhancing needs!

Grand Street BID Installs New Trash Containers

The Grand Street BID is proud to debut our new trash containers! Our sanitation team works to keep Grand Street clean 6-7 days a week, collecting trash in the sidewalks, tree beds, and bike lanes. Previously we would leave this trash on the corners for collection - moving forward we will containerize our own trash, to comply with new City regulations.


These compact dumpsters, at three different sites in the corridor (Lorimer Street, Manhattan Avenue and Bushwick Avenue) are designed to keep things clean, tidy and out of the way.

Grand Street BID Celebrates $20 Million State Award for East Williamsburg

The Grand Street BID is ecstatic to announce the $20 million award of the NYS Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) for East Williamsburg! 

The DRI was created to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. It is a transformative state revitalization award that the community helps allocate to build projects like affordable housing, enhanced public spaces, educational centers, and much more.

The Grand Street and Graham Avenue BIDs partnered with Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso’s office to submit an application for this grant. We were joined by Governor Kathy Hochul and several neighborhood partners to announce East Williamsburg’s DRI award earlier today! The next steps include the formation of a Local Planning Committee made up of community leaders and local stakeholders who’ll guide the investment of DRI grant funds.

A Local Planning Committee made up of community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI grant funds in revitalization projects that are poised for implementation and will advance the community’s vision for its downtown so that it can leverage and expand upon the state's investment.  

We are excited to share more information on the DRI as the process begins - stay tuned to our website and socials for more information!

Grand Street Neighborhood Bash 6/4

RSVP HERE

Join us at Blinky's this Thursday June 4th, from 6-7PM for our annual Neighborhood Bash!

We'll have an exciting slate of activities on offer - including raffles, games and prizes. We're excited to celebrate a successful year with the community and have some fun; join us, enjoy a drink on the house*, and meet your neighbors! In addition to the fun, we'll also be taking input on our work in the community - come help us shape our vision for the future of the neighborhood!

We're looking forward to celebrating the year with you on June 4th at Blinky’s!

*1 free drink ticket is limited to the first 50 attendees *

—

Space is limited; attendees must RSVP online via Eventbrite (linked here). Prior to the Neighborhood Bash, we'll be hosting our Annual Meeting. If you are a registered member (or are interested in becoming one), email us at info@grandstreetbk.org Registered members will vote to elect the board of directors for the coming fiscal year.

Adopt-A-Tree Summer 2026

We are joyous to announce the return of Adopt-A-Tree: our volunteer-based, tree stewardship program. Our tree pits are finally in bloom and we’re looking for neighbors who are interested in adopting and stewarding a tree bed!

There are over 90 tree pits in our district (on just 6 blocks!)—and the process of planting perennials has been years in the making. It started six years ago with funding from the Borough President and City Council, allowing the BID to place tree guards in our previously unprotected tree pits. With each new tree guard installed, the BID is able to team with The Horticultural Society of New York to plant perennials native to Brooklyn. Every year we increase the amount of tree beds on Grand Street - last year we had help from NYC Parks who installed five new tree beds, helping us green our neighborhood more than its ever been.

Volunteers are asked to water their tree beds weekly. All of the plants in our tree pits enjoy full or partial sun, are drought tolerant, and do well in sandy or gravelly soils. Although these plants are less temperamental than most, it is important to keep an eye on them and provide water during periods of drought throughout the Summer. We partner with businesses on Grand to help supply volunteers with water, making it easy to make sure the beds stay hydrated.

Volunteers will be asked to attend one short introduction session hosted by the BID on Saturday, May30th, at 12PM at our office (246 Graham Avenue, 11206).

We encourage everyone to attend the Graham Avenue BID’s Open Streets from 12PM to 5PM at Cook St and Graham Ave for an afternoon of live music, outdoor open street seating, and good community energy after the session!

The session includes learning about the pits, tips on what you can do to best care for them, and materials and goodies to help you along the way.

Please fill out this form to participate. We can’t wait to welcome all of our newcomers and to reconnect with our previous volunteers! Pit assignment will be first come first serve, and we will be giving priority of tree pit locations to our returning volunteers.

Sign Up Here

Grand Street Community Cleanup Day 2026

The Grand Street BID is proud to announce our Community Cleanup Day on Grand Street in partnership with the office of Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. Join us on Saturday, May 16th from 11AM - 1PM to help cleanup our community! We’ll be picking up trash, cleaning our tree pits, and beautifying our neighborhood. Meet us at the corner of Manhattan Ave and Grand Street - We’ll have cleaning supplies and t-shirts for you. Afterwards, join us for a happy hour and pizza on Grand Street - followed by the Graham Avenue Fiesta!

This is a family-friendly event so feel free to bring children. We can't wait to have Grand Street looking and feeling its best and to connect with our neighbors while doing it.

Click the button and check the box that says “May 16th - Clean up on Grand Street - 11AM - 1PM” to RSVP!

RSVP Here

UXMA Now at 686 Grand Street

UXMA has moved to 686 Grand Street! United Xtreme Martial Arts is a Taekwondo Gym that’s been on Grand Street for over 18 years at their previous location. Led by Masters Olga and Fabricio Rodriguez, UXMA teaches students of all ages. Their new location is filled with renovations and new equipment, including brand new mats, sparring equipment, and more. 

We caught up with Jorge - a 12 year old student at UXMA who’s been doing Taekwondo at the gym for 8 years. Jorge is heading to Brazil in May to compete in an international Taekwondo competition. He credits Karate Kid as his inspiration to start doing Taekwondo - specifically the later films starring Jaden Smith. Jorge would spend hours online watching clips of kick boxing and other martial arts, growing his love for the sport. Besides Taekwondo, Jorge has a love for basketball. He plays when he can and tunes into the Knicks to watch Karl Anthony-Towns, his favorite player.

Swing by 686 Grand Street to sign up for a class at their new location!

St. Patrick's Day Bar Hop on Grand Street 2026

St. Patrick’s day weekend is upon us, and we know many of our fellow Brooklynites are looking for the best ways to celebrate.

Join us for our St. Patrick’s Day Bar Hop from Sunday, March 15th to Tuesday, March 17th for a bar hop full of celebration! Our three-day bar hop is jam-packed with specials to commemorate the holiday. We’ve got 9 different bars participating in our Bar Hop all offering drink specials only available from 3/15 - 3/17. Bars are offering specials on different days - Stop by one, or make it a crawl and check them all out!

Bar Hop Specials

The Clonard

The Clonard - 506 Grand Street | Now - 3/17

Grand Street’s resident Irish Pub is coming out hot as always for St. Patrick’s Day! The Clonard will be running specials from today, till the 17th. They’re opening at 11AM on St. Patrick’s Day as well, so come as early as you’d like.

The Clonard will be serving up a special menu with signature Irish specials including Corn Beef & Cabbage and Warm apple pie alongside classic Irish Drinks. More St. Patrick specials include The Irish Buck ($15), a Green mimosa ($14), Leprechaun’s piss shot ($8) , and an Irish Whisper ($8). With a full menu, drinks, and entertainment, The Clonard is a must to stop by on St. Patrick’s Day.

Ontario Bar - 559 Grand Street | 3/17
$10 for a shot of Jameson with a small Guinness

Bushwick Country Club - 608 Grand Street | 3/14 - 3/15 + 3/17
Free hotdog with every drink | Corn beef and cabbage with drink purchase (till supplies last)

The Starlight Tavern - 596 Grand Street | 3/17
Misguided wine and cocktail specials | Corn beef and cabbage with drink purchase (till supplies last)

Blinky’s Bar - 609 Grand Street | 3/15-3/17
$5 green Pints, $4 Gansett, $6 Jameson shots, $7 Guinness

Medusa Brooklyn - 618 Grand Street | 3/17
Stout and Tully shot, Green espresso martini

Crystal Lake Brooklyn - 647 Grand Street | 3/15-3/17
$8 Guinness, $10 Dublin Drops, Irish Whiskey off a pour $2 or $7 shots

Little Grand - 771 Grand Street | 3/17
Shot of Irish Whiskey + Guinness $15

Bar Nico - 790 Grand Street | 3/15
Corned beef on Rye sandwiches $11, Guinness for $6 with purchase of sandwich. $4 green tea shots

Bar Nico Now at 790 Grand Street

Bar Nico has opened at 790 Grand Street! Bar Nico is an Australian pub that opened its doors in October. They offer a single rotating dish every night, with options including (but not limited to) steak frites, chicken parmesan, spicy shrimp pasta, and even a whole branzino. Offering only one dish per night allows them to churn out a delicious meal at an affordable price; they currently charge around $17-$20 for their rotating dish. Dinner isn’t the only affordable option at Bar Nico - you can get a beer and shot for $8, amongst other affordable drinks. 

Owners, Morgan and Callum Siggi

The bars got a cozy, inviting vibe to it. Vintage ads, beer memorabilia, and photos line the walls. A jukebox sits in the back, next to an enclosed corner seating area. Bar Nico hosts events and parties with regularity, the space being the perfect size for a gathering. 

Owners and brothers Morgan and Callum Siggi opened the space to be an “affordable local watering hole, where people can both start and finish their nights”. Originally from Sydney, Australia, the Siggi brothers bring over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry - 20 of those years being in NYC. Morgan has enjoyed Grand Street, saying he “looks forward to meeting a mix of different people in the neighbourhood”. His favorite aspect of running Bar Nico is being able to mix it up with their dinner option every night, and building local camaraderie. 

Swing by 790 Grand Street for an affordable dinner and nightcap the next time you're on Grand Street!

Grand Street Passport 2026

The Grand Street BID is proud to announce the return of the Grand Street Passport: a passport book that offers freebies & deals at select restaurants, bars, and other eateries in the BID. Participants will use their passport when shopping at select businesses to get the passport deal and get a stamp in their passport. When passport holders accumulate stamps, they’ll unlock prizes! 

The Grand Street Passport is on sale now. Deals will be active from 1/30 - 4/19. Passports cost $25 and offer up too $200 in value!

23 businesses are joining in on offering discounts, including Grand Street favorites like Ammazzacaffè, Blinky’s Bar , Café Miguel & BK Jani. We are also happy to welcome Grand Street’s new businesses to the program, Bar Nico & Chrome Williamsburg!

Proceeds will be donated to North Brooklyn Angels, a volunteer-driven, hyper-local nonprofit that organizes direct action projects to address the needs of a rapidly changing community. Its small staff, supported by scores of daily neighborhood volunteers, serves up to 2,000 hot, healthy meals per week at various locations in the area, engaging over 500 unique volunteers annually.

You can only get a deal at each business once per passport. Deals do not include tax or tip. Please don't forget to tip! Participating businesses may choose not to honor Passport deals on March 17.

Buy a Passport here

Participating Businesses

Restaurant Week on Grand Street 2026

Restaurant Week on Grand Street is back!

Get ready for the best dining event North Brooklyn has to offer. 14 restaurants on Grand Street are offering pre fixed menus this go around, showcasing the excellent dining and nightlife scene in the neighborhood. The two week celebration of local cuisine begins on Monday, January 5th and runs through Sunday, January 18th.

Stop by at any participating location to get in on discount dining offers exclusive to Grand Street—and only during Restaurant Week. Just ask for a restaurant week menu when seated. You can find the full list of the 14 participants and pricing below. Prices at restaurants range from $22 to $35 and apply only to sit-down dinners, starting at 5PM — tax and tip not included.

We’re ecstatic to welcome our newest participants Little Grand and Chrome Williamsburg to the event!

Many of our staple restaurants are returning to participate this time around and some, like Grand Morelos and Bahia - two Latin American restaurants that have been on Grand Street for over 20 years.

BK Jani is returning with their renowned burgers that have been spotlighted on Infatuation NYC’s best restaurants in Williamsburg list. At a steal of a price of $35, Michelin Bib Gourmand winning Ammazzacaffè is offering fine dining Italian cuisine. Grand Street favorites like Los Tacos Mcondo, Desy’s Clam Restaurant, and La Chacra are also participating again with several Restaurant Week’s under their belts. Lucy’s Vietnamese is offering the best value, at $22 for their prix-fixe menu!

Follow @grandstreetbid on Instagram & Facebook for the most up-to-date information on the event.

Avenue NYC

The Grand Street BID and the Graham Avenue BID are collaborating for the AvenueNYC Revitalization Program - a major commercial revitalization effort, leveraging a significant grant awarded jointly to the Grand Street BID and Graham Avenue BID. Through the newly formed East Williamsburg Collaborative, we will be conducting a Commercial District Needs Assessment and want to hear what you have to say about East Williamsburg:

Take the survey

The East Williamsburg Collaborative is a partnership between the Grand St and Graham Ave Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). Both BIDs are local non-profit organizations who have been serving East Williamsburg for 40 years. The AvenueNYC program allowed the two BIDs to formally join efforts to serve the wider neighborhood beyond their respective corridors.

The Collaborative further partners with and is supported by local community organizations and elected officials:

Councilmember Jennifer Gutiérrez

〰️

Southside United HDFC - Los Sures

〰️

Evergreen Exchange

〰️

Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso's Office

〰️

St. Nick's Alliance

〰️

Brooklyn Community Board 1

〰️

Riseboro Community Partnership

〰️

Friends of Cooper Park

〰️

Moore Street Market

〰️

Councilmember Jennifer Gutiérrez 〰️ Southside United HDFC - Los Sures 〰️ Evergreen Exchange 〰️ Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso's Office 〰️ St. Nick's Alliance 〰️ Brooklyn Community Board 1 〰️ Riseboro Community Partnership 〰️ Friends of Cooper Park 〰️ Moore Street Market 〰️

The AvenueNYC Commercial Revitalization grant, awarded by NYC Small Business Services in September, has been running since 2015 to furnish commercial communities with holistic support. Each awardee launches with a year-long study researching trends and needs, including consumer, merchant, and property owner surveys.

”We’re already getting feedback, but we need to make sure we reach every corner of the community,” said the grant’s Program Manager, Ki-Sang Yi. Surveys are available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin here:

Share your thoughts in English, en español, 或者用中文来说!

Resident / Visitor
Residente / Visitante
居民 / 访客
Business Owner / Employee
Propietario / Empleado de Negocio
企业主 / 员工
Property Owner
 
 

About The East Williamsburg AvenueNYC Collaborative

The East Williamsburg Collaborative

Individually, both BIDs currently provide: supplemental services including sidewalk cleaning and graffiti removal; district marketing and special events aimed at attracting residents and visitors to the district; placemaking; business attraction and retention; and district beautification with the goal of creating inclusive, cohesive commercial districts that are well-programmed, inviting and Visible. Now working as a collaborative, these BIDs can undertake a more comprehensive and holistic study of the needs of commercial districts throughout East Williamsburg.

About Ki-Sang Yi

Ki-Sang is spearheading East Williamsburg’s Commercial Revitalization Initiative as the AvenueNYC Program Manager. With a Master’s in Urban Planning from Columbia University’s GSAPP, Ki-Sang brings experience in small business development, place-based community engagement, and interdisciplinary data analysis to the role. Her identity as a daughter of immigrants and her deep fondness for intergenerational communities drives Ki-Sang’s belief that city planning is most effective when centered around thriving, inclusive, and sustainable neighborhoods. Her curiosity in the people and places of East Williamsburg, where she now resides, is always extended, so feel free to share your stories with her.

We want to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to reach out:

kisang@grandstreetbk.org | (929) 675-6104

Fly Nails Arrives to 630 Grand Street

Welcome Fly Nails to 630 Grand Street! Fly Nails is a nail salon with all of your nail needs - dazzle dry, gel, nail art, and even lashes. Owners Coco and Cynthia bring years of experience and talent to the salon, coming together to open their first business together on Grand Street. 

Coco has been a nail technician since 2003; she’s owned and operated two salons in the past and has worked all over the city. Cynthia has been a nail technician since 2017; the two met while working at a salon in Manhattan. They had noticed each other's skills and had quickly decided they wanted to open up their own nail salon together. Cynthia had declined offers from other nail techs to do the same, but Coco’s talent and years of experience had convinced her to work together. In the six months since they’ve been on Grand Street, they’ve already built a strong clientele base with their creative nail designs. 

Coco calls Grand Street an “interesting mixed bag, with everything you need”. She’s a fan of how many smaller, unique stores are in the corridor, and has felt welcomed by everyone. Coco’s favorite aspect of being a nail tech is being in community with her customers - she enjoys exchanging life stories and cracking jokes with everyone. Cynthia enjoys the challenge of getting a very difficult nail design down. 

Visit them at 630 Grand Street for your next trip to the nail salon! 

Coral Cantina Docks at 759 Grand Street

Aguachile Verde

Coral Cantina has docked at 759 Grand Street! Coral is a Mexican restaurant and bar with a focus on seafood from the coast of Veracruz. The head chef hails from Veracruz, and is paying homage to his roots by serving up the delicious seafood from his hometown. Veracruz is one of Mexico’s most important maritime ports, with a very energetic malecón (boardwalk). Coral replicates those vibes here on Grand Street, with a lively atmosphere and coastal seafood bites - like the Aguachile Verde, a fish and shrimp dish in a green sauce served with cilantro and jalapeños. 

Seafood isn’t the only option on the menu - they also serve classic Mexican dishes like tacos, elote, quesadillas, and more. Most of their dishes come in larger portions & are meant to be shared with friends; like the Veracruz cocktail, which comes in a massive goblet filled to the brim with shrimp, tomato sauce, lime and cilantro.

Coral is a Mexican Cantina through and through with the aesthetic to match it. The walls are decorated with fishing nets and ships' helms. Bright paper mache cutouts adorn the roof of the bar, which is made of a dark stained wood and turquoise-accented. Their large backroom regularly hosts events like burlesque, watch parties (Coral is a Giants bar), and DJ sets. 

Manager Jacqui finds joy in helping people. Aside from running Coral, Jacqui is a dula, wedding officiator, and long-time restauranteur. Jacqui likes hosting creative events at the cantina & seeing people happy and having a good time; “I did my job if they leave saying the drinks and food are good”. 

Swing by 759 Grand Street for a taste of Veracruz at Coral Cantina!

Summer Restaurant Week arrives to Grand Street 2025

We are excited to announce the return of our Summer Restaurant Week on Grand Street! Get ready for the best dining event North Brooklyn has to offer. 14 restaurants on Grand Street are offering pre fixed menus this go around, showcasing the excellent dining and nightlife scene in the neighborhood. The two week celebration of local cuisine begins on Monday, August 11th and runs through Sunday, August 24th

Stop by at any participating location to get in on discount dining offers exclusive to Grand Street—and only during Restaurant Week. Just ask for a restaurant week menu when seated. You can find the full list of the 14 participants and pricing below. Prices at restaurants range from $21 to $35 and apply only to sit-down dinners, starting at 5PM — tax and tip not included.

Dim Sum from Ren

We’re ecstatic to welcome our newest participant Ren to the event - Grand Street’s new modern Sichuan restaurant. Ren specializes in a rotating menu focused on a diverse array of spicy dishes alongside traditional Chinese dim sum. 

Many of our staple restaurants are returning to participate this time around and some, like Grand Morelos and Bahia - two Latin American restaurants that have been on Grand Street for over 20 years.

BK Jani is returning with their renowned burgers that have been spotlighted on Infatuation NYC’s best restaurants in Williamsburg list. At a steal of a price of $35, Michelin Bib Gourmand winning Ammazzacaffè is offering fine dining Italian cuisine. Grand Street favorites like Lucy’s Vietnamese, Los Tacos Mcondo, Desy’s Clam Restaurant, and La Chacra are also participating again with several Restaurant Week’s under their belts. Mad for Chicken is offering the best value, at $21 for their prix-fixe menu!

Follow @grandstreetbid on Instagram & Facebook for the most up-to-date information on the event.

The People Make The Place!

The People Make the Place!

¡Las Personas Hacen el Lugar! Le Persone Fanno il Luogo!

The Grand Street BID is proud to present:

The People Make the Place! ¡Las Personas Hacen el Lugar! Le Persone Fanno il Luogo!

“The People Make the Place!” is a temporary, interactive, hybrid installation which aims to engage the community towards a more inclusive vision for its future. The physical installation is set to run from 5/29/25 - 6/30/25 at 246 and 247 Graham Avenue, while the digital installation will continue to be updated here.

Featuring materials submitted by neighborhood partners, and inviting ongoing feedback and storytelling, the multi-media installation frames and reflects (literally and figuratively) the real people of East Williamsburg and their relationship with our shared spaces. It represents a collaborative effort to honor neighborhood history and leaders, a rich culture of co-creating public spaces, and public life through the medium of digital and physical windows.

We want to hear your story! Click the button below to submit a story, image, or vision for the future. Submissions will be collected and shared here, to present an inclusive vision for the future together:

Tell us your story!

The People make the place!

〰️

¡Las personas hacen el lugar!

〰️

Le persone fanno il luogo!

〰️

The People make the place! 〰️ ¡Las personas hacen el lugar! 〰️ Le persone fanno il luogo! 〰️

installation

The physical installation will live temporarily in storefront space along Graham Avenue, at 246 (Grand Street BID office) and 247 (across the street) featuring three graphic and architectural works. These include a Community-sourced Photo Collage Mural by L&L Studio, the photo series Toñita’s by Sylvia Riveros, and Re: Place (a series of sculptural elements) by Reframe Architecture. The physical installation is set to run from 5/29 - 6/30, with the digital portion living on here.

Photo-Collage Mural, L&L Studio:

L&L Studio worked with Grand Street BID to create a photo-collage mural that invites visitors to meditate on the past, present, and future of the East Williamsburg neighborhood. Spanning four large windows of storefront space along Graham Street, the mural combines images sourced from neighborhood organizations El Puente, Powers Street Garden, and Evergreen Exchange, as well as NYPL and NYC public archives. The artwork is framed by questions in Spanish, Italian and English (three languages historically spoken in the neighborhood) that prompt reflection on how viewers interact with and shape their community: 

  1. How do local spaces shape my experience? | ¿Cómo moldean mi experiencia los espacios locales? | In che modo gli spazi locali influenzano la mia esperienza?

  2. Where are opportunities for change? | ¿Dónde están las oportunidades de cambio? |Dove sono le opportunità di cambiamento?

  3. What makes me feel connected here? | ¿Qué me hace sentir conectado aquí? |Cosa mi fa sentire legato a questo luogo?

  4. How do I contribute to my community? | ¿Cómo contribuyo a mi comunidad? | Come contribuisco alla mia comunità?

  5. What do I miss from the past? | ¿Qué extraño del pasado? | Cosa mi manca del passato?

Our team was inspired by speculative design of the 1960s and 1970s that combined photography and architectural renderings to reimagine the relationship between the built environment and culture. As viewers engage with the mural, we hope that they become both observers and participants in the evolving story of the neighborhood, reflecting on its history, transformation, and potential future.

Toñita’s, Sylvia Riveros:

Toñita’s is a photo series by Sylvia Riveros that honors the Caribbean Social Club in Williamsburg and its remarkable founder, Maria Antonia “Toñita” Cay. For over five decades, this space has served as a haven for Puerto Rican and Latin American communities—offering free food, salsa music, and a deep sense of belonging. Through intimate images, the series reflects how people make a place by showing up for one another, sharing joy, and sustaining intergenerational networks of care. Toñita’s bridges generations, cultures, genders, and migration journeys through mutual aid, music, and nourishment.

To learn more, visit: https://www.sylviajulianart.com/ 

Re: Place, Yalda Keramati | Reframe Architecture:

As part of Design Sprints: Building Creative Capacity (The people make the place!), ReFrame Architecture has designed a series of sculptural elements that emphasize the socio-spatial nature of place by highlighting memory and reflection. 

The materiality and geometry of the forms reference the built environment and mimic the folds and volumes of the storefront. It is the reflection of the audience on the sculpture’s surface that brings the installation to life, recognizing the vital role of community in sustaining and transforming the place. It is an invitation for everyone to share their stories and be a part of the collective memory of the neighborhood.

The people make the place!!

〰️

¡Las personas hacen el lugar!

〰️

Le persone fanno il luogo

〰️

The people make the place!! 〰️ ¡Las personas hacen el lugar! 〰️ Le persone fanno il luogo 〰️

Tell us your story! Use the questions below + your experiences being apart of the community to frame your answers. Your stories may be folded into the exhibit at a later date:

  1. How do local spaces shape my experience? | ¿Cómo moldean mi experiencia los espacios locales? | In che modo gli spazi locali influenzano la mia esperienza?

  2. Where are opportunities for change? | ¿Dónde están las oportunidades de cambio? |Dove sono le opportunità di cambiamento?

  3. What makes me feel connected here? | ¿Qué me hace sentir conectado aquí? |Cosa mi fa sentire legato a questo luogo?

  4. How do I contribute to my community? | ¿Cómo contribuyo a mi comunidad? | Come contribuisco alla mia comunità?

  5. What do I miss from the past? | ¿Qué extraño del pasado? | Cosa mi manca del passato?

submissions

Marilyn:

Chaney & Michael:

Joseph:

“My family has a long history here. In Bushwick, I walk past the buildings where my grandfather, fresh off the plane from Palermo with nothing but a dream and a few cigars, raised my dad, aunts, and uncles. Some of those same buildings he later owned, renting them out to other new immigrants, no matter where they came from or what their status was. In East Williamsburg, I see the factories where my grandmother and my mother worked sewing machines to make ends meet and put food on the table. Those factories were always there for them—steady, reliable work when they needed it, and when they had to step away to care for children, that was understood and accepted.

Right across the border, in southern Ridgewood, I remember the stoops where I would play with my cousins and friends. I was lucky enough to experience “stoop culture” as a kid. By then, my grandmother had left factory work and spent her days keeping watch over the street, chatting loudly with anyone willing to listen—or even just passing by. I think she just liked hearing the latest gossip and having people compliment the flowers she took such good care of. If she wasn't at her stoop, I knew I could find her chatting it up at Catania Bakery, did I mention she was not meant to eat sweets?

Today, things are different. The factories in East Williamsburg have become “lofts.” Some of the old apartments have been renovated, meaning they are painted white and rent for more. The stoop where my grandmother once held court now sits quiet and flowerless. With my grandparents gone and many family members having moved away, I’ve become something of a holdout in these parts. But even though it sometimes may feel like the place I knew as a child is gone, all I have to do is look around to see that it’s still being made by grannies sharing the latest gossip and children that keep on playing despite their scraped knees. It's fun to think that they are growing up with their own stories of how their families made this place.

The photo I’ve submitted has nothing to do with "our place" in North Brooklyn/Southern Queens at all, and this is intentional. This is a rare shot of my mother carrying me and my grandmother enjoying a ferry ride during a visit from relatives in Sicily. The ferry ride was just as amusing to them as it was to the family visiting for the first time. It always took a visitor for our family to leave the neighborhood. The community we had here was everything, so much so that there was rarely a reason to cross into Manhattan or venture to another borough.” - Joseph

Produced in partnership with OWLEY Studio.

Join us to celebrate the exhibit at The Grand Street Neighborhood Bash on Monday June 9th at 5:00PM at The Last Call (588 Grand Street). Meet your neighbors, share your stories, and win prizes! Refreshments will be provided to RSVP Attendees.

Click here or the button below to RSVP:

RSVP here

“The People Make the Place” is part of Design Sprints: Building Creative Capacity, an initiative of Van Alen Institute and the NYC Department of Small Business Services, exploring ways to creatively leverage vacant storefronts.

The installation was made in partnership with branding and digital designers L&L Studio and Reframe Architecture. It features work by artists Sylvia Riveros, Vanesa Álvarez Díaz, Los Muralistas de El Puente, Danielle Mastrion and SON-CORO, SINNED + Ria Burns-Wilder; With submissions by neighborhood partners St. Nick’s Alliance, Evergreen Exchange, El Puente and the Powers Street Garden; with assistance from Absolute Power Gym, Williamsburg Houses and the Brooklyn Public Library.

The physical installation is slated to run through June 2025, with the digital compendium of graphic and story submissions from community members living on this page indefinitely.

Grand Street Community Cleanup Day 2025

The Grand Street BID is proud to announce our Community Cleanup Day on Grand Street in partnership with the office of Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. Join us on Saturday, June 7th from 11AM - 1PM to help cleanup our community! We’ll be picking up trash, cleaning our tree pits, and beautifying our neighborhood. Meet us at the corner of Manhattan Ave and Grand Street - We’ll have cleaning supplies and t-shirts for you. After that, join us for a happy hour and pizza on Grand Street!

Our plan is to start at opposite ends of the district, Bushwick Ave and Union Ave, and have each group clean towards each other until they meet in the middle. This is a family-friendly event so feel free to bring children. We can't wait to have Grand Street looking and feeling its best and to connect with our neighbors while doing it.

Click the button and check the box that says “June 7th - Clean up on Grand Street - 11AM - 1PM” to RSVP!

RSVP Here

Adopt-A-Tree Summer 2025

We are joyous to announce the return of Adopt-A-Tree: our volunteer-based, tree stewardship program. Our tree pits are finally in bloom and we’re looking for neighbors who are interested in adopting and stewarding a tree bed!

There are over 90 tree pits in our district (on just 6 blocks!)—and the process of planting perennials has been years in the making. It started six years ago with funding from the Borough President and City Council, allowing the BID to place tree guards in our previously unprotected tree pits. With each new tree guard installed, the BID is able to team with The Horticultural Society of New York to plant perennials native to Brooklyn. Every year we increase the amount of tree beds on Grand Street - this year we had help from NYC Parks who installed five new tree beds, helping us green our neighborhood more than its ever been.

Volunteers are asked to water their tree beds weekly. All of the plants in our tree pits enjoy full or partial sun, are drought tolerant, and do well in sandy or gravelly soils. Although these plants are less temperamental than most, it is important to keep an eye on them and provide water during periods of drought throughout the Summer. We partner with businesses on Grand to help supply volunteers with water, making it easy to make sure the beds stay hydrated.

Volunteers will be asked to attend one short introduction session hosted by the BID on Saturday, June 7th, at 10:30AM at 670 Grand Street. This will be followed by our annual Community Cleanup, which you are welcome to join!

The session includes learning about the pits, tips on what you can do to best care for them, and materials and goodies to help you along the way.

Please fill out this form to participate. We can’t wait to welcome all of our newcomers and to reconnect with our previous volunteers! Pit assignment will be first come first serve, and we will be giving priority of tree pit locations to our returning volunteers.

Sign Up Here

Ren Arrives to 623 Grand Street

Ren has arrived at 623 Grand Street! Ren is a Sichuan restaurant specializing small plates, allowing you to mix and match different bites. This is by design, as owner Jayne He “wants to introduce newer dishes in smaller portions that people might not have had”. Smaller plates include spicy pickled cucumbers, fried golden eggplant, and steamed pork dumplings; more traditional Sichuan foods like Mapo Tofu and Spicy Cumin Lamb come in larger portions.

Jayne opened the restaurant alongside her partners Henry Bao and Kingsley Ye after years of experience in other Chinese fine dining establishments. She decided to open Ren to create a space where people can “share food, happiness and harvest”. The theme of harvest comes from Jayne’s history in food - her grandmother’s farmhouse in Fujian, China has been a major influence on her culinary career. This can be seen in the decor, with hay-like fixtures hanging from the ceiling & woven farm style chairs, and even the name; Ren means “grain harvest” in Chinese. 🌾

Jayne shared with us an idiom that sits at the core of her vision for Ren:

“First, as fefe said, this idiom is “民以食为天" (Mín yǐ shí wéi tiān); it comes from the biography of Li Yiji in the historical record of The Han dynasty. That sentence means "People are the most important to an emperor, while foods are the most important to the people".

Why? Remember in ancient times, foods were not as sufficient as they are now; even now, people in poverty go hungry. Foods are indispensable to life.”

Jayne’s favorite part of running Ren is being able to meet people in the neighborhood, listen to their feedback, and use that feedback to continue growing. She’s described the neighborhood as very supportive and welcoming, and has already had regular customers come back several times.

Swing by Ren at 623 Grand Street for delicious Sichuan Cuisine!