Things to Do in Industry City, Brooklyn

Hometown Bar-B-Que is easily the best BBQ joint in NYC. Fighting words, but I stand by them. I’m a glutton for brisket and pulled pork and nobody delivers like Hometown. The strong dedication to traditional smoking techniques result in incredibly flavored and tender meats that are hard to forget.

The menu hosts all the usual suspects. From brisket (the crowd favorite) to spare ribs and pastrami sandwiches (weekends only). The brisket alone is worth a detour, perfectly smoked, succulent texture, and flavorful bark, this is the sole reason I end up visiting Industry City frequently.

Good to know Hometown Bar-B-Que’s flagship is located in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The wait is typically 1.5+ hours during summer weekends, but the wait is (dare I say) worth it! Read. Best Things to Do Red Hook, Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Kura is a pioneering sake brewery, keen to craft high-quality, American-made sake using time-tested methods. Relying on 1,000 years of traditional Japanese brewing methods, Brooklyn Kura wants to misidentify sake and make it more accessible to the average Joe.

If you’re new to the world of sake, opt for a tasting flight to get a better grasp of the variety on offer. The sake is served in a wine glass (no shot glasses here, folks), and the flight comes with three half-pours for $20. The rose-hued Occidental sake was out of this world! One of the best sakes I’ve had to date.

First things first, what the hell is pétanque? Pétanque is a game that originated in Provence, France (it’s closely related to bocce ball). The goal is to toss (or roll) hollow steel balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball while standing inside a starting circle with both feet on the ground.

The Carreau Club invites guests to engage in the leisurely game of tossing metal boules. Carreau Club prides itself on being a social spot where visitors can enjoy the game regardless of their skill level, making it a perfect spot to hang out with a group of friends while visiting Industry City.

The indoor venue spans 8,000 square feet and includes multiple courts. This recent expansion caters to the growing popularity of the game and the club itself, providing a taste of the south of France right in the heart of Brooklyn. So if you’re looking for a low-impact activity, playing a few rounds of pétanque is one of the best things to do in Industry City.

Fort Hamilton Distillery is celebrated for its dedication to producing high-quality, traditional New York Rye whiskey. Launched in 2016 by Alex Clark and Amy Grindeland, the distillery pays homage to America’s original whiskey style with spirits distilled from 100% New York grains and malted barley sourced from the Hudson Valley.

Reviving the pre-prohibition popularity of rye whiskey with a modern twist, opt for a whisky tasting flight to see what all the fuss is about. Better still, order a cocktail and play a round of pool with some friends (free round with the purchase of a drink). If you’d like to learn more about the whisky making process, sign up for a tour, which is one of the most interesting things to do in Industry City.

Sahadi’s is a beloved Middle Eastern grocery store that has been around since 1948. The original location is on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn Heights, but they recently expanded to Industry City as well. The store is full of delectable treats like olives, dried fruits and international treats. The star of the show is the hummus (of all things!).

Made fresh daily, I never pass up an opportunity to pick up some fresh-made pita (still hot most of the time!) and hummus as a mid-day snack. Sahadi’s has not only been a staple for New York’s food enthusiasts but is also a winner of the prestigious James Beard America’s Classics Award. All this to say, don’t miss it while visiting Industry City!

Japan Village is a vibrant hub of Japanese culture and cuisine, featuring a food hall and small marketplace (the Sunrise Mart) chock-full of Japanese treats. The food hall within Japan Village houses multiple restaurants and stalls, serving everything from ramen and sushi to okonomiyaki and gyudon, making it one of the best spots in Industry City for foodies.

cityFoundry in Brooklyn is a treasure trove for those that love antiques and modern furniture (assuming price isn’t a hurdle). Meticulously curated, it’s too expensive for my taste but even I’ll admit that it’s a pretty cool shop to explore for some design inspiration. Their selection of antiques (the maps!) and modern furniture is very impressive.

Since opening in 2000, cityFoundry has become a go-to source for architects, stylists, and designers. Hell, the shop has even contributed furnishing to Academy Award-winning films and Emmy Award-winning TV productions. If you have the slightest interest in antiques or modern furniture then visiting cityFoundry is one of the best things to do in Industry City for you!

During my first visit, I was surprised by the number of furniture outlets in Industry City. Places like Design Within Reach Outlet, West Elm Outlet, Restoration Hardware Outlet and ABC Carpet & Home (which I consider the Anthropologie of furniture stores).

We popped into a few of these stores during our last visit, and while most of the furniture was still out of budget, it’s good to know that these outlets exist. When we move into our next apartment (for more space), I plan to visit these stores for quality furniture that will last for years to come.

Taking a spin on the uncovered outdoor ice skating rink is one of the best things to do in Industry City with kids. The rink is open for a limited season, typically from November through early March, and admission starts at $15 per person (rentals available for $10).

Special features like skate aids for beginners and a bag check make it easy to smooth out the logistics and enjoy the moment. Better still, there’s a charming little outdoor bar selling mulled wine, hot chocolate and snacks. The heated areas offers a cozy retreat for skaters looking to warm up after the icy escapade.