Guidebook for Brooklyn
Drinks & Nightlife
On the bustling strip of Broadway in Williamsburg, you’ll find awesome restaurants and bars. Wander down a bit further and you’ll stumble upon what might be one of the greatest music venues in New York—Baby’s All Right. With it’s lively schedule of local and up-and-coming musical acts and DJ nights, there’s always something to look forward to. The haunt has two fully-stocked bars, plenty of seating and the backdrop for the stage is covered in multi-colored bulbs, which illuminate to the beat of the music. It’s a dazzling sight. And, y’know, the food’s not bad either.
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This n' That
108 N 6th StOn the bustling strip of Broadway in Williamsburg, you’ll find awesome restaurants and bars. Wander down a bit further and you’ll stumble upon what might be one of the greatest music venues in New York—Baby’s All Right. With it’s lively schedule of local and up-and-coming musical acts and DJ nights, there’s always something to look forward to. The haunt has two fully-stocked bars, plenty of seating and the backdrop for the stage is covered in multi-colored bulbs, which illuminate to the beat of the music. It’s a dazzling sight. And, y’know, the food’s not bad either.
There are plenty of dance party venues in Williamsburg from Output to the Woods, but if you want to pretend you’re on a Caribbean island (naturally), Battery Harris rocks shore-inspired decor, including colorful stained-wood interiors and a wraparound backyard deck. On Saturday nights, rotating DJs get the party started at 9pm, and they play a good stuff—we’re talking a blend of new age tunes and early millennium throwbacks. Do yourself a favor and order the frozen Dark and Stormy, a plate of jerk chicken wings and the grilled corn on the cob.
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Battery Harris
64 Frost StreetThere are plenty of dance party venues in Williamsburg from Output to the Woods, but if you want to pretend you’re on a Caribbean island (naturally), Battery Harris rocks shore-inspired decor, including colorful stained-wood interiors and a wraparound backyard deck. On Saturday nights, rotating DJs get the party started at 9pm, and they play a good stuff—we’re talking a blend of new age tunes and early millennium throwbacks. Do yourself a favor and order the frozen Dark and Stormy, a plate of jerk chicken wings and the grilled corn on the cob.
Get turnt atop what is considered Williamsburg’s nightlife savior, Output, which boasts a booming sound system for album release parties, live music and dancing galore. The venue is hosts rooftop parties all summer long complete with guest DJs and musical acts by nightlife curators. The club fills up quickly, so your best bet is to arrive early so you can get a killer Instagram shot of the Empire State Building before the crowd rolls in.
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Output
74 Wythe AveGet turnt atop what is considered Williamsburg’s nightlife savior, Output, which boasts a booming sound system for album release parties, live music and dancing galore. The venue is hosts rooftop parties all summer long complete with guest DJs and musical acts by nightlife curators. The club fills up quickly, so your best bet is to arrive early so you can get a killer Instagram shot of the Empire State Building before the crowd rolls in.
The second you step into biergarten, you’ll feel as if you transported to Bavaria rather than Brooklyn. Gather your squad and try to grab a wooden table (preferably by the grill man) inside the boisterous and rustic hall. Don’t order the sit-down meal, order fat kielbasa loaded with kraut (with french fries!) and wash it down with any of Czech or German draft beers. Word to the wise: The drinking den is invaded by big crowds in the evening, so definitely go here to day drink.
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Radegast Hall & Biergarten
113 N 3rd StThe second you step into biergarten, you’ll feel as if you transported to Bavaria rather than Brooklyn. Gather your squad and try to grab a wooden table (preferably by the grill man) inside the boisterous and rustic hall. Don’t order the sit-down meal, order fat kielbasa loaded with kraut (with french fries!) and wash it down with any of Czech or German draft beers. Word to the wise: The drinking den is invaded by big crowds in the evening, so definitely go here to day drink.
This Williamsburg video store doesn't only rent movies, it screens them and hosts weekly events, too. You can check out new indie releases while snacking on midnight fare and ordering cocktails, beer and wine at the in-house bar. We’re big fans of the spot’s trivia nights on culty TV shows and movies.
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Videology
This Williamsburg video store doesn't only rent movies, it screens them and hosts weekly events, too. You can check out new indie releases while snacking on midnight fare and ordering cocktails, beer and wine at the in-house bar. We’re big fans of the spot’s trivia nights on culty TV shows and movies.
Food Scene
At this massive grub hub, there’s only one rule: Come hungry. The Brooklyn Flea spin-off draws more than 10,000 visitors per day with a slew of 75 to 100 incredible food vendors. Our pro tip? Make sure you peruse the lineup before you go—those mouthwatering scents and the bevy of choices can make you dizzy (and the dense crowds can make you hangry).
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Smorgasburg
90 Kent AveAt this massive grub hub, there’s only one rule: Come hungry. The Brooklyn Flea spin-off draws more than 10,000 visitors per day with a slew of 75 to 100 incredible food vendors. Our pro tip? Make sure you peruse the lineup before you go—those mouthwatering scents and the bevy of choices can make you dizzy (and the dense crowds can make you hangry).
Chef-owner Nate Smith, who earned his gastropub stripes at the Spotted Pig, breaks out on his own with this laid-back Williamsburg tavern. The 47-seat space is done up with a reclaimed pine bar, vintage wallpaper in different patterns and brass-hunting-horn chandeliers with matching sconces. Choose from chefly bar grub (like smoked-trout spread or spicy pork-stuffed pastry rounds); heartier dishes (such as roasted lamb or shellfish stew); and greens (including a chicory salad with figs and pomegranate). The drinks list takes a locavore slant with small-production wines and craft beers on tap, plus a selection of market-driven cocktails.
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Allswell
124 Bedford AveChef-owner Nate Smith, who earned his gastropub stripes at the Spotted Pig, breaks out on his own with this laid-back Williamsburg tavern. The 47-seat space is done up with a reclaimed pine bar, vintage wallpaper in different patterns and brass-hunting-horn chandeliers with matching sconces. Choose from chefly bar grub (like smoked-trout spread or spicy pork-stuffed pastry rounds); heartier dishes (such as roasted lamb or shellfish stew); and greens (including a chicory salad with figs and pomegranate). The drinks list takes a locavore slant with small-production wines and craft beers on tap, plus a selection of market-driven cocktails.
BrisketTown
'Cue savant Daniel Delaney—who gained a cultish following with his online venture, Brisketlab—serves Central Texas–style smoked meat at this roadhouse joint. Inspired by Southern grocery shops, Delaney outfitted the counter-service spot with handmade benches and a glowing neon sign. The toque pulls pork and beef ribs, brisket and sausage from an ancient wood-fired smoker, which burns timber shipped in from the Lone Star State. Stuff your meat in a soft slice of homemade white bread, and get a salad or coleslaw on the side. Local and rare bottled beers are on offer, as well as Blue Bottle drip coffee.
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Delaney Barbecue
359 Bedford AvenueBrisketTown
'Cue savant Daniel Delaney—who gained a cultish following with his online venture, Brisketlab—serves Central Texas–style smoked meat at this roadhouse joint. Inspired by Southern grocery shops, Delaney outfitted the counter-service spot with handmade benches and a glowing neon sign. The toque pulls pork and beef ribs, brisket and sausage from an ancient wood-fired smoker, which burns timber shipped in from the Lone Star State. Stuff your meat in a soft slice of homemade white bread, and get a salad or coleslaw on the side. Local and rare bottled beers are on offer, as well as Blue Bottle drip coffee.
The Commodore in Williamsburg, with its old arcade games, Schlitz in a can and stereo pumping out the Knight Rider theme song, offers the city’s best cheap-ass bar eats, served in a seedy venue where folks come to get blotto. The short menu—with descriptions as curt as the service you’ll encounter while ordering your food from the bartender—reads like a classic collection of fryolator junk. Chef Stephen Tanner, formerly of Egg and Pies ’n’ Thighs, heads the kitchen, cooking up fried chicken that trumps even that of his former employers.
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The Commodore
366 Metropolitan AveThe Commodore in Williamsburg, with its old arcade games, Schlitz in a can and stereo pumping out the Knight Rider theme song, offers the city’s best cheap-ass bar eats, served in a seedy venue where folks come to get blotto. The short menu—with descriptions as curt as the service you’ll encounter while ordering your food from the bartender—reads like a classic collection of fryolator junk. Chef Stephen Tanner, formerly of Egg and Pies ’n’ Thighs, heads the kitchen, cooking up fried chicken that trumps even that of his former employers.
Patti Jackson (Alto) looks to her native Pennsylvania for inspiration at this throwback restaurant, offering chickweed pie, funnel cakes and scrapple.
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Delaware and Hudson
135 N 5th StPatti Jackson (Alto) looks to her native Pennsylvania for inspiration at this throwback restaurant, offering chickweed pie, funnel cakes and scrapple.
Former wd~50 pastry chef Sam Mason—of BK dive Lady Jay's and artisanal condiment company Empire Mayonnaise—returns to his sweet roots with this 20-seat ice cream parlor in Williamsburg. Inspired by old-school soda fountains, Mason fills the lofty beige room with vintage accents, including a chalkboard menu, custom wooden stools and dangling schoolhouse lights. A rotating selection of 12 ice creams—served in cups or hand-rolled cones—showcases his avant-garde repertoire with flavors like corn bread and chorizo-caramel, along with more familiar options such chocolate chunk and burnt marshmallow.
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OddFellows Ice Cream Co. The Parlor
Former wd~50 pastry chef Sam Mason—of BK dive Lady Jay's and artisanal condiment company Empire Mayonnaise—returns to his sweet roots with this 20-seat ice cream parlor in Williamsburg. Inspired by old-school soda fountains, Mason fills the lofty beige room with vintage accents, including a chalkboard menu, custom wooden stools and dangling schoolhouse lights. A rotating selection of 12 ice creams—served in cups or hand-rolled cones—showcases his avant-garde repertoire with flavors like corn bread and chorizo-caramel, along with more familiar options such chocolate chunk and burnt marshmallow.
Although a slew of Luger copycats have prospered in the last several years, none have captured the elusive charm of this stucco walled, beer-hall–style eatery, with well-worn wooden floors and tables, and waiters in waistcoats and bowties. Excess is the thing, be it the reasonably health-conscious tomato salad (thick slices of tomato and onion with an odd addition of steak sauce), the famous porterhouse for two, 44 ounces of sliced prime beef or the decent apple strudel, which comes with a bowl full of schlag. Go for it all—it’s a singular New York experience that’s worth having.
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Peter Luger Steak House
178 BroadwayAlthough a slew of Luger copycats have prospered in the last several years, none have captured the elusive charm of this stucco walled, beer-hall–style eatery, with well-worn wooden floors and tables, and waiters in waistcoats and bowties. Excess is the thing, be it the reasonably health-conscious tomato salad (thick slices of tomato and onion with an odd addition of steak sauce), the famous porterhouse for two, 44 ounces of sliced prime beef or the decent apple strudel, which comes with a bowl full of schlag. Go for it all—it’s a singular New York experience that’s worth having.
Run by the three chefs behind the original, is a full-fledged restaurant with prompt, personable waiters and beer and wine service. Still, the place retains the DIY, seat-of-the-pants spirit of the dive that it sprang from, with food specials scrawled on sheets of paper, chairs and tables that might have been salvaged from a public school, and overhead lights so bright, dining there feels like sitting in detention. While the down-and-dirty Southern fare—honest, cheap and often delicious—is certainly in line with Brooklyn’s all-American moment, it’s an audacious departure from the borough’s judiciously sourced, seasonally orthodox, self-righteously ethical ethos.
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Pies 'n' Thighs
166 S 4th StRun by the three chefs behind the original, is a full-fledged restaurant with prompt, personable waiters and beer and wine service. Still, the place retains the DIY, seat-of-the-pants spirit of the dive that it sprang from, with food specials scrawled on sheets of paper, chairs and tables that might have been salvaged from a public school, and overhead lights so bright, dining there feels like sitting in detention. While the down-and-dirty Southern fare—honest, cheap and often delicious—is certainly in line with Brooklyn’s all-American moment, it’s an audacious departure from the borough’s judiciously sourced, seasonally orthodox, self-righteously ethical ethos.
Owner Joe Carroll has taken to calling St. Anselm a "blue-collar steakhouse," but that's not quite right. There are just two steaks on the menu, and while the charred hanger has great earthy flavor, the more eclectic offerings are much more the draw. The well-rounded menu, heavy on veggies, combines Mediterranean, Asian and all-American flavors—the cooking method ties it all together. The grill touches nearly every hot dish, and many cold ones, too—even the most unlikely ingredients benefit from at least a quick sear.
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St. Anselm
355 Metropolitan AveOwner Joe Carroll has taken to calling St. Anselm a "blue-collar steakhouse," but that's not quite right. There are just two steaks on the menu, and while the charred hanger has great earthy flavor, the more eclectic offerings are much more the draw. The well-rounded menu, heavy on veggies, combines Mediterranean, Asian and all-American flavors—the cooking method ties it all together. The grill touches nearly every hot dish, and many cold ones, too—even the most unlikely ingredients benefit from at least a quick sear.
Noirish lighting, narrow passageways lined by trompe l’oeil mirrors that turn a small bamboo garden into a forest, seemingly endless twists and turns—you’re right to wonder just where you’re headed when the host at Zenkichi leads you to your table. The destination is a private booth—complete with tatami shades—that is your intimate dining alcove. When you’re ready to choose from the sake and small-plate izakaya (that’s Japanese pub grub) menus, simply press a button at the edge of the table. The whole experience is confounding, in a good way, and in perhaps the most surprising twist, the transporting setting doesn’t outshine the equally enchanting food.
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Zenkichi
77 N 6th StNoirish lighting, narrow passageways lined by trompe l’oeil mirrors that turn a small bamboo garden into a forest, seemingly endless twists and turns—you’re right to wonder just where you’re headed when the host at Zenkichi leads you to your table. The destination is a private booth—complete with tatami shades—that is your intimate dining alcove. When you’re ready to choose from the sake and small-plate izakaya (that’s Japanese pub grub) menus, simply press a button at the edge of the table. The whole experience is confounding, in a good way, and in perhaps the most surprising twist, the transporting setting doesn’t outshine the equally enchanting food.
Entertainment & Activities
Williamsburg is lucky to have a dine-in movie theater, especially one that screens new indie releases and offers a robust retro program. Each individual theater has full-service meals for brunch, lunch and dinner. There’s also a lobby bar and a downstairs café that stays open late, so consider this the perfect date-night spot. Dinner, drink and a movie in one-go? Perfection.
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Nitehawk Cinema
136 Metropolitan AveWilliamsburg is lucky to have a dine-in movie theater, especially one that screens new indie releases and offers a robust retro program. Each individual theater has full-service meals for brunch, lunch and dinner. There’s also a lobby bar and a downstairs café that stays open late, so consider this the perfect date-night spot. Dinner, drink and a movie in one-go? Perfection.
If you want to score tonight and act out your Grease 2 fantasies, this nostalgic bowling alley is the spot. In fact, the alley doubles as a night club and music venue—DJ Quest Love has a weekly residency here—where you can knock down a few pins as well as pitchers of beer on tap. The stoner-food menu from the Blue Ribbon team offers finger-lickin’ fatty grub for you to snack on before making your way to the dance floor.
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Brooklyn Bowl
61 Wythe AveIf you want to score tonight and act out your Grease 2 fantasies, this nostalgic bowling alley is the spot. In fact, the alley doubles as a night club and music venue—DJ Quest Love has a weekly residency here—where you can knock down a few pins as well as pitchers of beer on tap. The stoner-food menu from the Blue Ribbon team offers finger-lickin’ fatty grub for you to snack on before making your way to the dance floor.
Arts & Culture
This quirky and quaint institution houses all sorts of New York City ephemera, from old postcards featuring the Statue of Liberty to a vintage subway turnstile, as well as permanent exhibits on the history of burlesque in NYC and the 1939 World's Fair. The museum is also an active presence in the community, organizing special events (like a bike parade) and fundraisers.
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The City Reliquary Museum
370 Metropolitan AveThis quirky and quaint institution houses all sorts of New York City ephemera, from old postcards featuring the Statue of Liberty to a vintage subway turnstile, as well as permanent exhibits on the history of burlesque in NYC and the 1939 World's Fair. The museum is also an active presence in the community, organizing special events (like a bike parade) and fundraisers.
Shopping
It’s no surprise that Williamsburg’s one and only shopping mall is super Brooklyn. The shops run the gamut from vintage boutiques, antiques, books and handmade jewelry—there’s even a hair salon inside! Most of the local sellers specialize in selling non-touristy NYC souvenirs, so this is a good spot to pick up a gift for your out-of-town relatives.
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The Mini Mall
218 Bedford AveIt’s no surprise that Williamsburg’s one and only shopping mall is super Brooklyn. The shops run the gamut from vintage boutiques, antiques, books and handmade jewelry—there’s even a hair salon inside! Most of the local sellers specialize in selling non-touristy NYC souvenirs, so this is a good spot to pick up a gift for your out-of-town relatives.