Events at Bushwick, Brooklyn

About Bushwick

Bushwick Public House (often just called “Bushwick”) was a beloved hybrid café-bar-and-music venue in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. It opened in 2015 and combined an Australian-style coffee shop by day with a late-night whiskey bar and live-music space (bushwickdaily.com) (bushwickdaily.com). The atmosphere was famously eclectic and homey – owner Hooman Enayatian described it as “perfectly Bushwick,” with “mismatched chairs” and decorations that somehow all fit together (brooklyneagle.com). The interior featured long communal counters, couches, stools, and even a pool table alongside six large murals honoring Brooklyn legends (Beastie Boys’ MCA, Sendak, Basquiat and others) painted by local artists (bushwickdaily.com) (bushwickdaily.com). Reviewers noted that Bushwick was “the closest thing Bushwick has to a town hall,” serving as a true neighborhood gathering spot (www.theinfatuation.com) (bushwickdaily.com). Daytime saw strong coffee and light fare (the espresso was praised as some of Brooklyn’s best (bushwickdaily.com)), while evenings featured craft cocktails and a wide American whiskey selection (the owners touted “nearly all American whiskeys” and espresso martinis on the menu) (bushwickdaily.com). The co-owner and barista Cameron Hughes (from Melbourne) became a fixture – chatting with customers by name and explaining drinks to newcomers (bushwickdaily.com) (bushwickdaily.com).

Bushwick Public House had a modest capacity (estimated at only a few dozen people on each floor), making it an intimate venue. Upstairs on Myrtle Avenue was the main bar and seating area (with high stools, a couch and scattered chairs), while the basement level held a small performance stage and dance space (bushwickdaily.com) (bushwickdaily.com). The vibe was casual and inclusive – neighbors came in with laptops and coffee in the morning, and returned at night for drinks, music and sports on TV. In fact, the Bushwick Bears (a local rugby team) often used the space as their clubhouse and viewing spot (bushwickdaily.com). Bushwick Public House earned its place in local lore as an artist incubator: it hosted the first gigs of many emerging bands and comedians (even Netflix comic Derek Gaines got his start there) (brooklyneagle.com). In January 2025, after ten years of operation, the venue closed its doors – the landlord’s rent hike was simply unsustainable for its small, artist-focused business (brooklyn.news12.com) (brooklyneagle.com). Despite its closure, Bushwick Public House remains a memorable part of the neighborhood’s history.

Events and Programming

Throughout its run, Bushwick Public House was known for a packed, community-driven calendar. Almost every week there were open-mic and comedy nights – for example, a popular comedy open mic ran on Tuesday evenings (8–10pm) and another on Thursdays (6–7pm) (bushwickdaily.com). These open mics catered to all talent levels, so whether you were a first-time comedian, poet, or singer, you could grab the mic and perform. In between and on weekends, the basement stage hosted local and touring indie bands, folk and country artists, and even DJ dance parties. (Reviewers recall that after enough cheap PBR and Jäger-Juice combinations, the basement often turned into an impromptu dance floor (www.theinfatuation.com).) Weekly themed nights or viewing parties were also common – for instance, the café’s Australian owners would screen rugby or cricket matches at the bar, and fans gathered to watch games on the TV. Other recurring events included trivia nights, board-game meetups, and special one-off showcases for neighborhood arts.

Bushwick Public House never focused on large-scale concerts, both by size and philosophy. Most shows were low-key or DIY: some drew 30–50 fans in the basement, others were simply evenings of music between friends. Ticketing was usually minimal. Many events were free or “pay-what-you-want,” and on occasion there might be a small cover charge (often under $10) to meet the band or cover costs. In short, programming at Bushwick was all about variety and community: comedy comedy, indie rock, punk, jazz jams, country sets, podcasts recordings, and even neighbor-hosted events. You never knew exactly what to expect, which was part of the charm – every week something different was on the schedule.

Tickets and Booking

As a grassroots venue, Bushwick Public House had no traditional box office or online ticketing. There was no dedicated seating chart or assigned seats – most nights were general admission where entry was first-come, first-served. For included events (like open mics) attendees simply arrived and signed up at the door. When outside acts or larger shows were advertised, the venue typically spread the word via social media and local event listings. Fans could often RSVP through Facebook or Instagram for reservation or join a waiting list. On busy nights (especially late in the week), arriving early was advised, since space was limited and popular events could fill up.

If a cover charge was required, it was collected at the door. In general, ticket prices were modest: many community shows were free, while special performances might have a nominal fee (often just $5–$10). Because the space is small, there were rarely “sold out” scenarios online – at most, one might see a show marked as sold out on the venue’s Facebook or a ticketing site if advance RSVP had been tracked. There was no standing box office window inside; under normal circumstances you either paid the bartender or stage manager at the door. Before closing, major updates (like when it changed to a whiskey-bar format) were announced on the venue’s Facebook page, but now that page is archived.

Seating and Layout

Bushwick Public House was built on one main floor plus a basement. The street-level entry opened into a cozy bar area with a long communal countertop, high stools, a few mismatched chairs and a couch or two (bushwickdaily.com). There were no private booths or theater-style rows. A pool table sometimes dominated the center, and bartenders would pour coffee or cocktails from a counter at the side. The walls were adorned with local art and memorabilia, giving every inch character. This main floor seated perhaps 20–30 people at a time; if those seats filled, the rest stood at the bar.

Stairs down a narrow hallway led to the basement stage. That lower level functioned as the performance or dance area. It contained the stage, sound system, and standing room only (sometimes with a few stools or benches against the walls). For most gig nights, fans crowded the floor right up to the stage. Sightlines were generally good – because the venue is so intimate, you could usually see from anywhere, though the front and center floor spots were the closest to the performers. The best viewing areas were often front center on the basement floor or at the bar counter upstairs (if there was a screen or remote speakers broadcast). There was no balcony or second tier – the whole club was at one level, so if you were upstairs you could watch the show via cameras or feed, but you wouldn’t actually see it live until you descended.

The acoustics were typical of a converted warehouse floor – lively and a bit echoey but still intimate. Producing sound was fairly simple: a standard PA handled vocals and instruments for bands, and DJs brought their own mixers. No part of the house was really a “bad seat” because it's small; however, if someone tall stood in front, you might have to shift around in the crowd. On very busy nights, line of sight could be blocked, so many guests liked to arrive early to punch their spot. (The Infatuation review warned that after a couple of drinks “people who might pay rent to sleep on the pool table” start dancing downstairs (www.theinfatuation.com) – i.e. it got energetic later.)

Getting There and Parking

Bushwick Public House was located at 1288 Myrtle Avenue, roughly between Troutman and Central Streets. The official neighborhood is Bushwick, Brooklyn; it’s easy to reach by public transit. The closest subway is the L train at Morgan Avenue (the Morgan/L station on Myrtle, about a 5-minute walk west). The nearest elevated trains on the J/M lines stop at Myrtle–Wyckoff Avenues (about a 10-minute walk east). Riders should take the L (Morgan) and walk east on Myrtle, or take the J/M and walk west along Myrtle. Several buses also serve Myrtle Avenue. The B57 bus runs along Myrtle, and the B43 runs on nearby DeKalb Avenue; either of these will drop you within a few blocks of the venue.

By car, driving is possible but parking is limited. On-street parking meters run along Myrtle and side streets, usually charging for daytime hours (mornings/evenings on event nights), and some blocks may be resident-only. The area has many small lots and garages: one garage is around 60 Cedar St (half a mile north), and others are scattered around Bushwick/Greenpoint if you’re willing to walk or take a Citi Bike for a couple minutes. Because street parking can be tight, many visitors recommend ride-hailing services: a typical Uber/Lyft drop-off spot is right out front on Myrtle (near Troutman).

Walking is easy if you’re already in Bushwick or nearby Williamsburg. (Williamsburg’s Bedford Avenue and Wythe Avenue stops are two stops west on the L, about 15 minutes’ walk.) One can also bike: Citi Bike has docks near the Morgan Avenue L station and other spots on Myrtle, making it a breezy pedal after the train.) Because Bushwick is an industrial/arts area, it’s best to travel a few blocks by foot after exiting transit. Exact directions should always check a map or navigation app before you head out.

Inside the Venue

When you arrive at Bushwick Public House (or “Bushwick Public,” as locals said), expect a casual entry. At the door (especially for evening events) staff typically checked IDs for age, and sometimes collected any cover charge. There was no cloakroom or fancy security line – just good-natured barstaff welcoming you inside. If it’s an all-ages event or a daytime visit, they may have simply waved you in without fuss. Note that BYO or outside food/drink is not allowed – this is a bar café, so you’ll need to order on-site. The venue did allow cameras and phones for personal use, as it’s a community space (many guests took photos of the quirky decor and murals), but it discouraged disruptive flash or video recording during performances. In short, act as you would in a friendly neighborhood bar.

Once inside, the atmosphere is relaxed. By day, the air smelled of espresso and pastries; after dark it turned into a cozy lounge ambiance. There was a coat rack and hooks along the counters (they explicitly provided these so people wouldn’t pile coats on seats) (bushwickdaily.com). Bathrooms were located toward the back – a few small single-user restrooms, clean but utilitarian. The walls were covered in artwork and graffiti-style chalkboards; in fact, the Wi-Fi password was proudly written in large letters on one chalk wall (bushwickdaily.com). It felt more like someone’s cool living room than a polished club.

Coffee, tea and quick bites were available during morning and afternoon hours – think espresso drinks, pour-overs, and light sandwiches or pastries. Later on, the menu shifted to full bar mode. You could order draft beer, wine and specialty cocktails (notably an entire page of whiskey cocktails and straight whiskey flights was on offer) (bushwickdaily.com). They did not serve a full dinner menu; at best there were cheese/meat snack plates or bakery items, but it was not a sit-down restaurant. Many nights the espresso machine stayed on to make Irish coffee or espresso martinis. Friendly bartenders handled everything from flat whites to Old Fashioneds. (Mr. Hughes often explained each drink and remembered regulars by name (bushwickdaily.com), making the service personal.)

Both floors were open with free, strong Wi-Fi and multiple electrical outlets, so by day freelancers could indeed plop down and work on laptops. We saw visitors reading or working on notebooks at the long bar, as a guide] noted “antique furniture left over from the last tenants” and plenty of charging outlets ([bushwickdaily.com). The space was casual – there was no formal coat check or ticket scanner. An ATM was not on-site, so it was wise to have some cash or a card. Overall, it was a very chill environment: dress was strictly casual (jeans, tees, hoodies) and patrons were almost entirely local or well-informed visitors.

Nearby Amenities

Bushwick Public House was in an industrial/artsy stretch of Bushwick that has slowly been filling with dining and nightlife options. On the same block or a short walk away you’ll find coffee shops, Thai and Vietnamese restaurants, pizza joints and the occasional food truck on Myrtle. For example, Bend Coffee Roasters (a popular local café) is not far, as is Brooklyn’s famous Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (a mile south at Union Avenue). Mexican taquerias, ramen shops and artisanal cocktail bars line nearby Myrtle and Wyckoff avenues. Some spots to note: Barcade (a video-game bar) and Radegast Hall & Biergarten, though technically in Williamsburg, are just across the neighborhood line and easily reached by a few minutes’ bus or subway ride.

For pre-show dining, Bushwick doesn’t have any luxury sit-down restaurants, but it has plenty of casual eats. Tacos and pizza are local staples, and there are several delis and pastry shops that stay open late. After your visit, you could grab late-night donuts (like Motor City Deli or Dough), or head east a couple blocks to find Peruvian or Bangladeshi spots. If you want a nightcap after Bushwick, swing by some new cocktail lounges or breweries that have popped up on DeKalb and nearby Main/Flushing Avenue.

Lodging in Bushwick itself is sparse; the neighborhood is mostly residential and industrial. If you need a hotel, you’ll usually book in neighboring Williamsburg (about 2 subway stops west) or Manhattan. Popular choices include places in Williamsburg like the Wythe Hotel or the Wyckoff House, or hotels downtown by Bedford Avenue or near Canary Wharf (Skyline Hotel, etc.). In Bushwick/Brooklyn itself you might find a few budget motels or Airbnbs, but nothing very close to Myrtle. In short, plan to stay one subway stop away or more.

Other amenities: The area has a decent amount of parking garages a few blocks off Myrtle (for example, near the Jefferson Street or Wyckoff East L stops), though they may charge $10–$20 nightly. Late-night food delivery is available from standard apps (pizza, Chinese, sushi). The neighborhood is generally safe but industrial, so stick to lit sidewalks, especially late at night after events. For transportation home, be aware that the L train runs 24/7, and several bus lines run all night (B38, B54), though on very late nights you might choose a taxi or rideshare for convenience.

What Makes This Venue Special

Bushwick Public House stood out for its unusual blend of elements. First, it really embodied the creative, blue-collar spirit of Bushwick. It was independent, unflashy, and community-focused – exactly the kind of place where local artists, tech workers, students, and long-time residents mixed without fuss. The decor (mismatched chairs, vintage coffee lamps, local art on every wall (bushwickdaily.com) (bushwickdaily.com)) gave it a DIY art gallery vibe, but the coffee counter and wool couches made it welcoming. Owner Hooman’s Aussie hospitality (he’d often chat you up at the bar) and the attentive staff meant it felt like a reunion hall or a friend’s big living room rather than a business (bushwickdaily.com) (bushwickdaily.com).

Culturally, the venue was significant in Bushwick’s music and comedy scenes. Many performers from Brooklyn’s DIY circuit say BPH was the perfect laboratory to practice (“cut their teeth”) before graduating to bigger clubs. The owner took pride in launching artists - he frequently mentioned how proud he was to see comedians he booked years prior now on Netflix (brooklyn.news12.com) (brooklyneagle.com). Several locals and journalists noted that giving newcomers stage time was a point of pride; it was literally a “first-gig venue” for dozens of performers (brooklyn.news12.com) (brooklyneagle.com). In the mural art and wall scribbles, you could see tributes to Brooklyn legends, tying the space directly to the borough’s identity (bushwickdaily.com).

Architecturally, the building itself was a typical brick corner industrial block – not historic or landmarked – but it was special for its raw, repurposed feel. The owners added hooks under the counters, window seat cushions, and recycled furnishings (even the yarn armchairs were left by the previous tenants) (bushwickdaily.com). Those details were small but unique, so visitors often said they felt genuinely at home. Finally, the mix of uses was unusual: coffee shop, art gallery, community center, and dive bar all in one place. You could come in at 10am for a latte and by midnight be dancing. That kind of 18-hour community glue is rare.

All these features – community events, local art, mismatched charm and famous friendly staff – made Bushwick Public House a beloved, one-of-a-kind spot. It truly embodied the neighborhood’s ethos of creativity and grit. Both the regulars and the groups that passed through remembered it very fondly: a small place that felt like the unofficial hometown living room of Bushwick.

Visitor Tips and Information

**At the door:** Bring valid photo ID. Adults won’t be admitted without ID after dark, since alcohol is served. There’s no strict dress code – casual attire is fine – but remember it’s a bar, so no running shoes or jerseys with wet mud (dry off first!). Don’t bring large backpacks or coolers; there’s usually no formal bag check, and it’ll just be a nuisance. Lockers aren’t available. You may leave coats on the provided racks/hooks, but valuable items should stay with you. Photography is allowed in public areas, but flash photos on stage might not be welcome during shows. If you’re there to perform, put your phone on silent during others’ sets and tip performers with applause or cash.

**Arrival time:** Aim to get there early. Doors often opened around the event start time (for example, 8pm for an 8:30 show), but fans would line up early for popular nights. Even on a quiet weekday, arriving 15 minutes before a free event lets you get a good spot. Note that although the daytime coffee shop opens at 8am (bushwickdaily.com), the evening bar atmosphere kicks in after about 5pm – you won’t see live music until later. Weekends and special callers might have shows earlier. If you’re driving, arrive even earlier to find street parking.

**What to bring:** Cash is handy for tips and cover charges. Most bartenders accepted credit cards, but some small bands or open mics might prefer cash donations. A light jacket or sweater is good – the basement can be chilly with the door open. Ear plugs can be useful on loud nights, as the old floor and brick walls can amplify sound. If you plan to dance, comfortable shoes are wise (the concrete floor is hard and can be sticky if crowded). For performers: Bring whatever gear you need, but know the venue has only a basic PA, drums and mic stands would have to come from the band.

**Accessibility:** The main level is one step up from the sidewalk, so there was a small threshold to enter (no ramp). Inside, spaces between tables and around the bar were fairly open on the ground floor, but the stage itself was only accessible via the stairs. If you cannot use stairs, you can still enjoy the downstairs music area from a speaker feed upstairs, but reviews imply the basement was about a foot below street level. Wheelchair users and others with mobility issues should call ahead or check current status. There were ADA-friendly restrooms on the main floor.

**Behavior and etiquette:** This was a friendly, neighborhood spot, so treat it like a house party with strangers. Don’t hog space, be courteous to staff (tipping for drinks is appreciated but not mandatory), and clean up after yourself. If there’s a cover charge or drink minimum, make sure to support the performers and the venue. Talking is fine, but during performances keep chat levels down. By rule, no smoking inside (it’s New York law); you may only smoke on the sidewalk outside during breaks. After shows, wait for a safe moment to exit (steps are narrow), and watch for taxis, bikes and parking scooters out front.

**Stay updated:** Although Bushwick Public House is closed, the building and block remain lively. If you’re curious about their history, university gigs and defunct nights, local social media and neighborhood blogs (like Bushwick Daily) may have archives of photos and write-ups. If a new tenant takes over, they may repurpose the space, so always check a reliable local source or call ahead if you have any doubt about events.