5 things to do on weeknights in Bushwick

Is the L train slowdown holding you back on weeknights? No problem. If you’re a Bushwick resident, everything you need to keep yourself entertained is in your neighborhood. Here are our five favorite things to do on a weeknight in buzzing Bushwick (and we’re betting you can walk to most of them!).

The Topaz: Mondays, 8 p.m.

Photo: The Topaz

Every Monday night, The Topaz runs a varied and welcoming open mic in its backroom. Walk past the bar and through a set of unassuming wooden doors to find this hidden gem; the wood-panelled event space is filled with comfy chairs and open-minded individuals just waiting to share their talents with you. 

Out of the many open mic nights in Bushwick, we love The Topaz because it attracts a small, talented crowd without being pretentious. You’ll find musicians, poets, comedians and everyone else performing for your pleasure and you can even sign up yourself if you go early. 

Bushwick Writer’s Group: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Every Tuesday and Thursday night, Bushwick Writer’s Group holds “Write your Ass Off” sessions at Ange Noir Cafe and Swallow Cafe on the border of Bushwick and East Williamsburg. Basically, a bunch of writers turn up, sit down and unplug from other distractions for a few hours to finally get that novel/book of essays/term paper finished. 

BWG holds their silent writing sessions in “sprints,” meaning you’ll write for twenty minutes, take a break or grab a coffee, then start writing again, and so on. You don’t have to read your work aloud or read the work of others; the point is simply to work on whatever you like in the allotted time. And if you end up chatting with some of the fabulous writers who frequent this group, that’s just a bonus.

House of Yes: Thursdays, 10 p.m.

Photo: House of Yes

If you haven’t already heard of the famous House of Yes, now is the time to find out what all the fuss is about, because this nightlife extravaganza is located right on your doorstep in Bushwick. Named as one of Time Out’s 50 best things to do in the world right now, you’ll find weird and wonderful themed nights, toe-tapping music and disco balls galore -- and entry is completely free on Thursday nights with an RSVP.

Phil’s: Thursdays, 9 p.m.

Phil’s on Knickerbocker Avenue is one of the best under-the-radar bars in Bushwick -- so much so that it’s not even on Google Maps (yet). This laid-back bar, complete with outdoor patio and friendly staff, holds free comedy nights every Thursday starting at 9 p.m. and going on ‘til late. Enjoy some of Bushwick’s best comedic talent along with cheap drinks, with Phil’s “Happiest Hour” running throughout the show, which includes $3 High Life drafts and $5 house wine.

Bodeguita: Tuesdays, 9 p.m.

Every tuesday, Bodeguita holds live jazz nights that are completely free and available for walk-ins. We love the chilled vibes of this Bushwick favorite and the high standard of music they bring every week is always a treat (with an easy walk home). Shows run from 9 p.m. to late, but if you arrive between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. you can take advantage of their Happy Hour. Bodeguita hosts different musicians every week, followed by an open jam at 10:15 p.m., so if you feel like getting involved, you’re welcome!

Bonus: The Keep: Wednesdays, 10 p.m.

Photo: Brooklyn Paper

Technically in Ridgewood but just a few blocks from the throng of central Bushwick, The Keep is a bar like no other. This venue is decorated with hanging lamps, stained glass windows and velvet chairs, to the point that you’ll almost question whether you’ve stepped into a Brooklyn dive bar or 18th-century France. Every Wednesday night, The Keep holds a late-night jazz jam that attracts Bushwick’s best musicians. It’s completely free, friendly and wonderfully creative.

After the weekend's worth of activity, you and your pals can plan a fantastic movie night. Both natives and visitors will enjoy Bushwick.Rent an apartment with Outopst Club right now if you want to spend the weekend in this great city.