// NEW YORK CITY // GOWANUS //
public records
an audiophile’s paradise from day to night
On a nondescript block of the strange industrial part between Park Slope and Cobble Hill that we call Gowanus is a place that doesn’t fit neatly in any standard boxed definition of a space. Public Records is a coworking cafe by day that also operates as a vegan restaurant and is centered around an airy hifi listening bar and transforms into an intimate venue for concerts and music events by night. No matter what side of the multifaceted identity you partake in, the vibe of Public Records is at the same time inviting and intimidating. Frequented by an in-the-know crowd of Brooklyn creatives who perpetuate the exact stereotype that comes to mind if you say “vegan hifi listening bar in Gowanus.”
Once a recording studio, the space continues to be a temple for sound, with a custom sound system built into the airy industrial atrium with white washed walls and diffused skylights. Music here is always loud, but in a way that is intentional, not distracting. The plant-based menu is way better than it needs to be, with inventive flavor pairings and beautiful presentations and a drink menu of alcoholic and nonalcoholic options to complete any night out.
The expansive building is divided into a few distinct spaces. Right at the entrance is a shallow cafe with artsy magazines and a coffee counter. Beyond that, the atrium, formerly the horse stable of the ASPCA HQ (I know right?), is a working cafe by day, and a restaurant in the evening and listening bar at night. Out the side door is a plant filled lot deemed “The Nursery” which often hosts public and private events in the warmer months. And then there’s the clubby “Sound Room” which hosts a roster of DJs and musicians throughout the year, and “The Upstairs,” a private cocktail bar and listening lounge that used to be the Retrofret Vintage Guitars space. There’s a place for everything here, no matter what time of day, what time of year. It’s far more than the sum of its parts, a magical place where culinary, music and design intersect in a wonderfully intentional way.
the details
| Address | 233 Butler St, Brooklyn |
| Website | https://publicrecords.nyc/ |
| Yelp | https://www.yelp.com/biz/public-records-brooklyn |
| @publicrecordsnyc | |
| Hours | 10am – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm Wednesday and Thursday, open late to 4am on Friday and Saturdays, 10am – 9pm Sundays, closed Monday and Tuesday |
| Price | $$$ – a bit pricey but you’re paying for the ambience |
| Aesthetic | minimalist in the practical Japanese way, industrial, plant filled and airy with a reverence to sound design |
good to know
Go here for: a work remote cafe, a vegan brunch or dinner, or a night of drinks and music
Order this: the cashew labneh toast and black garlic kyoto carrot will make you wonder if plants really can do it all, get the polenta cake for dessert, and for drinks the Shiso Brooklyn is a unique and refreshing option, and for non-alcoholic go for a house shrub (or during the day, try one of their specialty sparkling coffees or matchas)
Amount of time to spend: you could easily spend a whole day here, so there truly are no rules
When to come: weekday midday and afternoons are great for coworking, weekday evenings are more chill for dinner and drinks, check their calendar for events on weekends
Getting here: admittedly not great options here, your best bet is to walk from the Bergen Street F/G or Union Street R (both about a 10 minute walk) or from Atlantic Terminal/Barclays (2/3/4/5, N/Q/R/B/D) – use the Pacific/4th exit (about a 12 minute walk)
Other things to note: They often are closed down to host events so best to check calendars before showing up. Grab a reservation on Resy for dinners and weekends.
Last visited: September 2025
Last updated: November 2025
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