What To Do in Brooklyn: Industry City
Photos by Marques Jackson Photography.
By Marnie Kunz
If you’re looking for what to do in Brooklyn, Industry City serves up lots of tasty local food markets and restaurants, beautiful murals and street art, and a surprising amount of shopping — with everything from a local book store to discount outlet chain stores like Saks Off Fifth. If you are running in Brooklyn, Industry City is a great stopping point to grab food from local restaurants and check out the street art.
What Is Industry City?
Industry City is a historic shipping and warehouse complex located in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, along the Brooklyn waterfront. The Bush Terminal site includes about 71 acres, including 16 former factory buildings and 11 warehouses that were built in the early 20th century.
Industry City included offices, retail, restaurants, outlet stores, art, local events, and outdoor courtyards. The murals at Industry City line the courtyards as well as some of the indoor walls of local businesses and also street art lines some of the modular spaces in the former factory and shipping areas.
Industry City Restaurants & Food Markets
If you’re a hungry runner, Industry City is a dream — with everything from bars to tacos to food halls, there is something for everyone to eat during your Brooklyn adventure.
Mural at Industry City by Egle Zvirblyte.
One of my favorite restaurants and markets at Industry City is Sahadi’s, located in Building 4. Sahadi’s serves up a Mediterranean-style deli and market and also has a sit-down cafe and bar. Sahadi’s now has an outdoor heated tent dining area as well, with a popular brunch on weekends. Some of my favorites at Sahadi’s: fresh pita bread, hummus, baba ghanoush, olives, and the assortment of imported cheeses in the deli.
Japan Village (see my Instagram video), also located in Building 4, is my other favorite food area in Industry City, Brooklyn. Japan Village includes Sunrise Mart, a great Japanese market with everything from food (hello, green tea Kit Kats, and many more flavors) to face masks and soaps. I even saw an Akita bag at the market!🐕 In addition to the market, Japan Village includes a food hall with a wide range of Japanese food, ranging from street fare like takoyaki to udon and desserts.
Industry City Street Art
Industry City is full of Brooklyn street art. The Collision Project brings local artists and visionaries in to create stunning works of art around Industry City.
You can find the murals outside between buildings — such as the beautiful Lady Aiko mural outside of Japan Village — as well as street art in the industrial spaces inside.
The “You’re the Best Thing” street art in my photo is by artist Egle Zvirblyte, and you can find the mural outside of Building 5.
Between buildings 4 and 5, you will find the mural by Lady Aiko as well as the popular blue and white flower-covered structure that people love to pose with for Instagram photos or photos of their kids.
You will see lots of murals as you wander around the halls of Industry City.
Industry City Shopping
Industry City has dozens of shops — from a local record store to big chains such as Bed Bath and Beyond and their outlet branch, Harmon Face Values. Whether you’re looking for home furnishings, a deal on shoes, or unique, locally-made items, you can find it all at Industry City. There is also a Petco, which my dog appreciates.🐕
Li-Lac Chocolates is one of my favorite shops at Industry City. They serve up delicious small-batch, hand-made chocolates with lots of varieties to pick from. In fact, with more than 120 items, Li-Lac Chocolates offers one of the largest selections of fresh gourmet chocolate in America.
For fellow Brooklyn book lovers, POWERHOUSE offers a wide selection of books as well as lots of events — book signings and author appearances. The comfy Brooklyn bookstore also includes a cafe with craft coffee and spirits.
For music lovers, check out HiFi Provisions Record Shop, which features a large vinyl collection as well as vintage HiFi equipment and a community of music lovers to chat with.
If you’re looking for a deal shopping in Brooklyn, check out Saks Off Fifth, West Elm Outlet, ABC Carpet and Home Outlet, and Design Within Reach Outlet.
Have you been to Industry City yet? Where are your favorite spots? When you’re looking for what to do in Brooklyn, where do you end up? Tag me on @Runstreet Instagram to share your fave spots in Brooklyn.
Marnie Kunz is a USATF and RRCA-certified running coach and the creator of Runstreet Art Runs, which bring together communities through running and street art. She is a Brooklyn resident, running coach, Akita mom, and writer. She enjoys running coaching, traveling, art, and eating messily. You can follow her running and training at @Runstreet Instagram.
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