Williamsburg & Greenpoint Brooklyn, NY

New York Series #01

Just over the bridge, welcome to a New York oasis; beanie wearing hipsters, abundance of boutique hotels and personally the best view of the Manhattan skyline in all New York. BUT, there is a lot more to these (now) hip Brooklyn neighborhoods then meets the eye…

I moved to Williamsburg a bit over a year ago now and I have completely fallen in love with this neighborhood, so don’t get me wrong, I can be a little bias when it comes to how much this area has to offer. It’s neighbor, Greenpoint, is just as rich with goodness, so I thought why not kill two birds with one stone and include the best bits of both. There are endless things to do and places to try, which if you’re only visiting for a short while, it can almost be overwhelming. So, I think the best way to give you an overall snapshot is to list, list, list.

New York is renowned for the rapid pace in which places open and can just as quickly close. In all the New York Series posts, I’ll try my best to keep the lists up-to-date, add all the go-to spots as I try them out (I have an ever growing list of places to try.) As well as this (for some of you skeptics) I have added in my go-to locals, for their TOP 5 eats and local hangout spots. The first feature is below…

GETTING THERE

First things first, my preferred mode of transport for my daily commute is hands down the ferry. Escape the crowded subway and jump onto one of the NYC Ferries (Pro tip: be sure to add the NYC Ferry app in order to purchase tickets.) Jump off at either South Williamsburg, North Willamsburg or Greenpoint and start exploring!

NYC Ferry Schedule

TO DO

Domino Park – Second to Central Park, this is a must see! Only a year old, this new water front gem is bustling in the summer and is just as pretty during the winter time. Dog park, Beach volley ball court, bocce court, water fountain, ample of seating to layout and relax as well as an incredible view back onto Manhattan. This is my fav park!

Smorgasburg – Located at Marsha P. Johnson State Park, this awesome open air food market is a massive hit during the warmer months. Come hungry and explore the delicacies of hundreds of local vendor food stalls. There is also a winter market located in doors – just as good!

Williamsburg Bridge – Walk, run or cycle. Why not explore an alternative way to venture into this neighborhood, to or from the lower east part of Manhattan via the infamous pink bridge.

Graffiti Art – This part of Brooklyn is covered with awesome graffiti art. Rome the streets and take in the sites or join a walking tour, which will take you around to the best spots. These guys were great! https://freetoursbyfoot.com/new-york-tours/brooklyn-tours/williamsburg-street-art-tour/

Rooftop Bars – Where to start!? This side of the east river is now full with an abundance of new boutique hotels, which host, some of the best rooftop bars in NYC. All have incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. (Scroll down to DRINK to see the list of go-to places to hit.)

Shop Vintage – Leather, denim and fur, the list goes on! WB and GP have some of the best vintage stores to check out! Few of my favs below:

https://www.awokevintage.com/

http://www.antoinettebrooklyn.com/

To simplify the ample amount of options to eat and drink around town, I’ve added the type of cuisine in brackets as well as their price range. Keep in mind, these have been narrowed down to my favorite options that you should try, regardless. Also I’ve added the links direct to their Instagram pages, because it’s true, we eat with our eyes, right!?

EAT – BRUNCH

(AUS) Bright Side Cafe – Your local staple. This new-ish spot has all the Aussie breakfast favs, with a twist.

(AUS) Butler – Take out or dine in. Great coffee and baked goods, as well as your simple Aussie favs. There is also a new Butler which is more of a whole in the wall take, perfect for coffee on the go.

(US) Marlow and Sons – Super cute cafe, great baked goods with a deeply dependable daily menu, turned bar at night. Can’t really go wrong any time of day.

(US) Day Moves – New mate in town! The side kick of my fav wine bar, this hidden gem has great coffee and groovy fitout. Turns into a bar with smooth beats at night.

(TU) Lion’s Milk – My fav Sunday local when I “treat myself.” Hands down best croissants in town and traditional Turkish bites, great coffee (always a plus.) Currently a petition in the works to turn it into a bar at night, stay tuned!

(CO) Devocion – Coffee bean are roasted on site, which obvs makes for delicious coffee! Baked goods a great too. Spacious spot that is filled with natural light thanks to a grand skylight, giving warmth to the industrial interior.

(JAP) PPL – Tiny corner spot thats filled to the brim with plants of all shapes and sizes, an instagramers paradise. Owned by a Japanese couple, they make the best matcha in the biz.

(US) Sunday in Brooklyn – Whilst perfect for lunch, dinner or drinks, I have to say it’s my fav for brunch. Great vibes and yum food!

(FR) Simple – Attached to the cutest home wares store, this idyllic corner cafe spot is also great for a delicious breakfast and decent coffee.

(FR) Juliette – Super cute French bistro, the brunch menu is my fav and their outdoor courtyard is the perfect spot to enjoy their infamous croque monsieur *drool*.

(US) Freehold – Cool spot, good coffee. The awesome music joint next door is even better. PSA they have happy hour daily ($6 margs and $6 cheese plate, sign me up!)

(US) Gotan – Perfect spot if you want to set up shop for the day and get shit done whilst having good coffee and bites to eat.

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EAT – LUNCH / DINNER

(ITA) $$$ Lilia – Up there are one of my fav spots in NY. Fresh pasta made on site and sweet vibes. Although, a bitch to get into – attempt to get a reservation a month in advance or head there early, put your name on the list and grab a drink nearby. Trust me, its worth the wait.

(ITA) $$ Misi – Sister to Lilia, to me not as great but still delicious!

(ITA) $$ Barano – Can’t go wrong with this Italian spot, always a great feed.

(MEX) $$$ Oxomoco – Damn son. As recommended by Chuck, this is a must. Modern Mexican cuisine which is down right yum and situated in an awesome stand alone building with a interior to match the flavorsome food and drinks.

(MEX) $$ Donna – My go to mex. Amazing cocktails and delicious tacos! Their mezcal margs are to die for.

(MEX) $$ Casa Pública – Another great mexican spot, low key and easier for walk-ins.

(JAP) $$ Samurai Mama – My fav local Japanese spot. Traditional Japanese interior, hidden behind a large wooden door. This spot has delicious food and in the winter months, the best ramen!

(JAP) $$ Bozu – Low key great staple Jap spot, doesn’t disappoint.

(JAP) $$$ OKONOMI // YUJI Ramen – Very tiny, but incredible ramen. Hard to get into, be prepared to wait (always worth it.)

(VIET) $$ Di and Di – Only the coolest spot for Vietnamese and the food is just as fresh! Highly recommend booking in advanced. Awesome cocktails too!

(CHI) $$ Birds of a Feather A communal dining table and minimal interior, this spot is perfect for modern Chinese dishes.

(BRA) $$ Beco – Recently went here and was so surprised how good it was! Low key, rustic vibes with a side of cool. Has now become one of my favs! Also great for happy hour!

(US) $$$ Four horseman – I’m obsessed with this spot. Great for all things natural wine as well as some incredible small plates that’ll blow your mind. Very cool vibes, be prepared to love thy neighbor as this spot is a crowd favorite! The owner also own a natural wine store down the road called “Stranger” great for if you want to grab a sweet beverage on your way home, or to chill at the park (hide it.)

(US) $$$ Loosie’s Kitchen – Attached to Loosie’s Rouge, this is always a great go-to. Never a dull moment, sweet vibes and scrumptious dishes and really cute courtyard out back, perfect during the warmer months!

(US) $$ Bernie’s – Lining the park, this cute spot has mastered the ‘All American’ diner/gastro pub vibes. Their fries at fire!

My to go to list; Notable restaurants i’ll report back on…

(ITA) $$ Ammazzacaffe

(ITA) $$ Montesacro

(GRK) $$$ Apollonia

(TAI) $$ Win Son

(PER) $$$ Llama Inn

DRINK DRINK DRINK

** Note; All the places I have noted for both brunch and lunch/dinner spots all have bars which are a perfect spot to also grab a drink. Here is also a list of great bars…

$$$ Maison Premiere – Super cute fit out, cool vibes, great cocktails and oysters.

$$ Have & Meyer – Warm, cozy wine bar.

$$$ Ramona – Great cocktail bar

Williamsburg is also FULL of great breweries, pubs and dive bars if you’re after a low key spot to play pool, watch sport or enjoy a craft (or non craft) beer.

$$ Ainslie – Serves decent Italian food, awesome beer garden.

$$ Spritzenhaus – Great beer hall serving craft German beers.

$ Berry Park – Sweet craft beers and great outdoor rooftop.

$ Skinny Dennis – infamous WB dive bar, live music.

$ Lucky Dog – BYO dog or attempt to steal someone elses cute pooch, and have an ice cold schooner while you’re at it.

OUTDOOR / ROOFTOP

$$ The Brooklyn Barge – Low key, picnic table vibes. right. on. the. water.

$$$ Summerly – Rooftop on the Hoxton Hotel. This one has become my favorite during the summer months. Amazing views and one of the easier to get into.

$$$ Westlight – 360 degree views of the BK and Manhattan skyline. Always a favorite to show friends in town, that being said it sure does bring a crowd! So prepared to be patient in order to grab a table to catch the sunset views this place has to offer.

$$$ Lemon’s – Newly renovated rooftop bar in the Wythe Hotel. The views are always incredible through the huge steel New York style windows.

$$$ Williamsburg Hotel – Rooftop pool. Hell yes. Great for summer chilling, can become a bit of a scene during the summer months.

Alright guys, that’s a wrap for the first of the New York Series! I think I’ve covered 99.9% of my fav spots to check out if you’re in town.

Enjoy!

A