Sandwiched between Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, and Boerum Hill, Gowanus is the heart of South Brooklyn.
In the 1630s, back when Manhattan was still New Amsterdam, Gowanus was the first Dutch farm settlement in what is now Brooklyn. At the time, the land was a salt marsh, and agriculturalists were drawn to the area’s tidal creeks and freshwater streams to power their grist mills along what was once Gowanus Creek.
Gowanus Canal, the neighborhood’s eponymous, 1.8-mile long waterway, took shape in the mid-19th century after an explosion of industrialization in the area created the need for better navigational and docking facilities. Completed in 1869, the channel was once the busiest industrial and commercial canal in the United States, and annually transported more than six million tons of cargo.
Today, the neighborhood is known for its creative residents; laid-back restaurants, bakeries, and breweries; industrial-chic architecture; and a hip, artistic feel.
Keur Djembe African Drum Shop
Neighborhood highlights
Sandwiched between Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, and Boerum Hill, Gowanus is the heart of South Brooklyn. The neighborhood’s modern revival has seen a transformation from what was once a manufacturing and shipping hub into a vibrant and culturally rich locale full of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, arts studios and centers, parks, and so much more. Residents of 655 Union are in the middle of all the action.
Morning strolls & afternoon pick-me-ups
There’s no shortage of caffeine here. From Beanmonger Coffee to Root Hill Cafe, a number of local gems make it easy to find your favorite cup in the neighborhood. Make sure to grab a croissant at Runner & Stone or a bagel at Brownstone Bagels to accompany your morning coffee.
Axe-throwing, indoor bouldering, canoeing, shuffleboard, archery—these are just a few of the many hobbies Gowanus has a home for. Find backyard saunas at CityWell Brooklyn or wander to the nearby Park Slope and window shop at one of the many vintage stores and boutiques that dot the tree-lined streets.
Vibrant nightlife
Finish the day with an IPA at Threes Brewing, aptly named “the best brewery and beer bar in New York City” by Bon Appetit. Or hit Canal Bar, a laid-back neighborhood hangout where dogs aren’t excluded from the fun.
The neighborhood boasts a diverse gastronomy scene sure to satisfy any palate, including Claro (Mexican), Cotra (Japanese), Baba's Pierogies (Eastern European), Surfish Bistro (Peruvian), Kiosk 787 (Puerto Rican), Cafe Mars (Italian), Kittery (American Seafood), and more. Unleash your inner pop star at Insa, a karaoke bar, catch a comedy show at the Bell House or Union Hall, or enjoy a drink at Public Records while vintage hi-fi speakers fill the room with melodic magic.
If Gowanus is the heart of South Brooklyn, then Union Street, stretching from the docks of the Columbia Street Waterfront District all the way to Prospect Park, is certainly the community’s vein.
655 Union’s proximity to Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill, and Cobble Hill ensures you're well-connected to the borough you call home. And located just steps from the D, N, R, and W subway lines, the rest of New York City remains well within your grasp.
In New York City, it seems you’re always within 20 minutes of a cool restaurant, museum, park, bar, or store. It’s a truth made abundantly clear at 655 Union. Whether you prefer to walk, bike, drive, or hop on the subway, the building is within 20 minutes of hundreds of restaurants, parks, cultural institutions, shops, and more. And if you’ve got an extra 10 minutes, there’s even more to explore.
Black Mountain Wine House
Gowanus Dredgers
Sweet Talk
Rucola
Powerhouse Arts
Public Records
Claireware Pottery
Royal Palms Shuffleboard
Whole Foods Market
Bouldering Project
Kick Axe Throwing
Washington Park
Beanmonger
Insa
D, N, R, W, Trains
Park Slope Farmers Market
Threes Brewing
Nene's Taqueria
Cafe Gelato
Public Display of Affection
al di la Trattoria
Mezcal's
Kos Kaffe
Flower Shop
Miriam
Barclays Center
Park Slope Food Coop
Cafe Regular
Bagel Pub
Prospect Park
Brooklyn Public Library
Discover our selected locations, all within close reach and by the convenience of nearby transit:
Directly to the east of 655 Union sits Park Slope
Starting in the 17th century, much of the area that is now Park Slope served as farmland, and was slowly developed from the 19th century onward when Brooklyn was incorporated as a city.
Its history has always been closely linked to Gowanus. In fact, the same man who proposed turning the Gowanus Creek in the Gowanus Canal, Colonel Daniel Richards, was also responsible for the original plans to develop Park Slope. As the creek was deepened, residential properties began emerging along its alluring streets.
At the eastern edge of Park Slope, where Union Street meets its end, sits Prospect Park
One of Brooklyn’s most desirable neighborhoods, Park Slope is set apart by its proximity to Prospect Park; historic brownstones; Fifth and Seventh Avenue, the primary commercial streets; and attractions such as the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Central Library, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music.