‘b u r g h
Sponsored by:
s h o p p i n g — e at i n g — d r i n k i n g – l i v i n g
spring
neighborhood special
2014
d i n n e r h a s b e e n Curated—
t h e f o o d b o o k fa i r f o u n d e r p i c k s h e r fav o r i t e n e w r e s ta u r a n t s
The Goods—
go shopping around the hood with one of its most
stylish residents
issue no.
1
No. 4
No. 6
No. 12
Everything you want to know
about the ‘burgh in one greatlooking MAP by illustrator
Libby Vanderploeg.
Elizabeth Jones, founder of
the Food Book Fair, shares her
favorite standby and under-theradar culinary haunts.
The Dutch architect talks
with ‘Burgh about Oosten,
Amsterdam and why New York
is the perfect city.
No. 16
No. 20
Southie Style
The Goods
Citi bikes ARE everywhere, AND
we owe a debt of thanks to the
Dutch for making New York a
biking city.
we scour the streets of south
williamsburg to show today’s
fashion trends.
Elizabeth Sayner, tastemaker and
founder of AnthemWares.com,
takes ‘Burgh on a shopping tour.
No. 36
No. 38
‘burgh talks about unique
wallpaper and dutch inspiratoin
with designer dan funderburgh.
From post-work cocktails to late
night dim sum, we tell you where
to begin your drinking and end
your night.
Going Dutch
The complete offering terms are in an offering plan available from Sponsor. File No. CD13-0264. Rights to content, photographs, and graphics
reserved to 421 Kent Development LLC. Artist renderings and interior decoration, finishes, appliances, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only. Artist renderings reflect the planned scale and spirit of the building. Sponsor reserves the right to make substitutions of
materials, equipment, fixtures, and finishes in accordance with the terms of the offering plan. Sponsor: 421 Kent Development LLC, 150 East
52nd Street, New York NY 10022. Equal Housing Opportunity. “The Burgh” does not necessarily reflect the opinions of 421 Kent Development
LLC or any of their partners or affiliates.
2
Wall-to-Wall
dinner has been curated
Boozy ‘Burgh
the piet boon experience
No. 22
‘b u r g h
Williamsburg, Illustrated
3
points of interest
Restaurants
01Pies ‘n’ Thighs
02Peter Luger Steakhouse
03Motorino
04Marlow & Sons
05Fatty ‘Cue
06Diner
07Cariño Restaurant & Cantina
08La Superior
09Bistro Petit
10Isa
11Dokebi
12Max
13Potlikker
14Rabbithole
15Walter Foods
16Shalom Japan
17 1 & 8
18Briskettown
19Williamsburger
20Miss Favela
21Delaney Barbeque
22Rosamunde Sausage Grill
23Fiore
24Rye
25Bozu
26Lake Trout
27Zizi Limona
28Lodge
29Traif
Coffee
30Oslo
31Black Brick Coffee
32Bedford Baking Studio
33The Bagel Store
After-Dark
57Maison Premiere
58Randolph Brooklyn
59DEN
60Crown Victoria
61Donna
62Bia Bar & Grill
63Good Company BK
64Iona Bar Brooklyn
65Dram
66Bembe
67The Woods
68The Grand Victory
arts & entertainment
69Williamsburg Cinemas
70 indieScreen
71The Knitting Factory
HEALTH & BEAUTY
72Soma Health Club
73High Horse Salon
74Audrey Spa
KIDS
75Sweet William
76Williamsburg Arts &
Movement Center
Marketplace
34Urban Market
35Gourmet Guild
36Breukelen Bier Merchants
37Marlow & Daughters
Boutiques
38Miomia
39Landmark Vintage Bicycles
40Sprout Home
41Bird
42Moon River Chattel
43A Thousand Picnics
44Hickoree’s Floor
45Marlow Goods
46Electric Nest
47Cucina & Tavola
48Species by the Thousands
49Scosha Jewelry & Wares
50Two Jakes
51Beautiful Dreamers
52Hilary Park Jewelry
53Antoinette
54Eight of Swords
55Eco Closet
56Vaute Here
4
5
Once upon a time, foodies made pilgrimages to
Manhattan to visit the hottest restaurants. But today,
Williamsburg is where it’s at, with many traveling
from far and wide just to eat and celebrate the
cuisine here. In the past twenty years, Brooklyn has
provided a clean slate for innovative restaurateurs
and chefs. Places like Marlow & Sons, Diner and the
late, great Dressler helped make Williamsburg an
early pioneer in the Brooklyn culinary scene. The
popularity of Smorgasburg, the food-centric arm
of the Brooklyn Flea, has created an arena in which
burgeoning food businesses can gain footing and a
cult following, making strides towards establishing
permanent restaurants of their own.
Today, Williamsburg continues to be a leading
culinary hotspot. Here are a few of my current and
longtime favorites, many of which I discovered while
launching The Food Book Fair.
Elizabeth Jones, founder of the Food Book
Fair - held at The Wythe Hotel, Smorgasburg
and egg from April 24-27 th - shares her
favorite standby and under-the-radar
culinary haunts.
eating the ‘Burgh
by Elizabeth Jones
6
7
01. Traditional Japanese Tuna Tartar dish
from Shalom Japan.
02. A delectable piece of Tuna Sashimi
from Shalom Japan.
03. Chicken cilantro tacos served on corn tortillas
in Brooklyn’s La Superior restaurant.
01.
8
02.
03.
Shalom Japan
1 or 8
Briskettown
La Superior
There are few places besides Brooklyn where one
can expect to find a Jewish and Japanese fusion
restaurant, but alas, Williamsburg has it all. Diners
looking for something a little different can sample
dishes like matzo ball ramen, panko-caraway lamb
ribs and a lox bowl with rice from the seasonally
adapted menu. You’ll savor this true culinary
adventure.
310 S.4th St., 718.388.4012, shalomjapanNYC.com
Gambling and trust, generally mutually exclusive
concepts, find a rare balance at this South Williamsburg
omakase sushi joint. In the realm of Japanese
gambling, 1 or 8 denotes “all or nothing,” while
omakase-style dining means, “to entrust” one’s meal
to the selection of the chef—gambling, in a sense,
that he’ll know better. If you’re feeling particularly
festive on your trip to 1 or 8, enlist the help of the
sake sommelier to pair rice wines with your tasting.
If gambling and trust isn’t your thing, no fear, a la carte
is available too.
66 S.2nd St., 718-384-2152, oneoreightbk.com
Briskettown serves up simple, straightforward,
down home Texas style BBQ to very appreciative
northerners. Proprietor Dan Delaney began his
brisket venture with a journey to Austin, from
which he returned with the essentials: a colossal
smoker, some oak wood chips and serious skills.
After establishing a successful stand on the Highline,
hosting a number of BBQ pop-ups known as
Briskletlab, and adding some seasonally-influenced
sides and pie, Briskettown found a permanent home
in Williamsburg. Thankfully.
359 Bedford Ave., 718-701-8909, delaneybbq.com
Don’t be fooled by the modest exterior of this nofrills Mexican joint. The bustling atmosphere and
delicious, street-food inspired selection will not
disappoint! Tapas-sized portions allow diners to
sample a variety of south of the border delicacies.
Taste the likes of jalapeños rellenos, turkey tacos,
or panuchos de cochinita (slow-cooked pork) and
wash it all down with a mouthwatering margarita!
295 Berry St., 718-388-5988, lasuperiornyc.com
9
Lighthouse
It’s a Flatiron-like building, rather than a lighthouse,
that shelters Williamsburg’s Lighthouse. The space
is unique and inviting, and leaves nothing to be
desired as you nosh on mussels, spare ribs and ten
varieties of pickled vegetables. The folks behind the
establishment remain committed to environmentally
conscious, sustainably sourced, seasonal ingredients
when executing their Israeli-style cuisine. Like the
space, the wide culinary selection leaves nothing to
be wanted, except maybe, some more.
145 Borinquen Place, 718-789-7742, lighthousebk.com
Motorino
For years, Motorino has been revving up the
appetites of Williamsburg residents with its brick
oven pizzas. Known by its trademark Vespa, Motorino
incorporates the freshest produce, cheeses, meats
and toppings into its pies, which come out of the
oven bubbling hot and ready to be shared. Best of all,
they’ll deliver to your doorstep!
139 Broadway, 718.599.8899, motorinopizza.com
Marlow & Sons
If the Brooklyn restaurant scene had anything
approaching an empire, it would be the Marlow & Sons
commonwealth. The crew behind Marlow & Sons has
taken over Brooklyn with the likes of Diner, Marlow &
Daughters, Roman’s and Reynard among others and for
good reason. The intimate gastro pub’s menu changes
daily featuring oysters, and dishes like rabbit meatballs
and chickpea soup. The spot remains an instant
Brooklyn classic, a truly local joint.
81 Broadway, 718-384-1441, marlowandsons.com
02.
01. Roasted Rosemary Organic Chicken from Marlow & Sons.
02. Peter Luger Steakhouse exterior.
Peter Luger steakhouse
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more quintessential
Williamsburg experience. This world-renown
steakhouse remains the ultimate “Old Brooklyn”
classic. The timeless, old world establishment set up
shop at the base of the Williamsburg Bridge back in
1887, predating most of the neighborhood’s vintage
eateries. Be sure to reserve a table in advance as
many make pilgrimages from far and wide. We also
recommend that you save room for dessert. It will be
served with a heaping bowl of homemade schlag, aka
whipped cream, fit for a king.
178 Broadway, 718-387-7400, peterluger.com
01.
10
in brooklyn, Williamsburg was an early culinary pioneer, and
continues to be the epicenter of the borough’s vibrant food scene.
11
the Piet boon experience
The name Piet Boon may not be as familiar to New
Yorkers as it is to his Dutch compatriots, but in the
Netherlands, Boon is one of the most influential
designers in recent years. His designs are the
perfect mix of practicality, humanity and humor, and
not surprisingly, these three adjectives epitomize
Oosten, the exciting new development he helped
design for Brooklyn’s most exciting neighborhood,
South Williamsburg.
The Dutch designer talks about his love
of Williamsburg, why Brooklyn reminds
him of Holland and why his newest
project, Oosten, is unlike anything
in the neighborhood right now.
12
A stone’s throw from the Williamsburg Bridge,
Oosten boasts clean yet industrial details that,
like the neighborhood’s historic relics, gain a
magical patina over time. These homes—from loft
residences to penthouses, duplexes to townhomes—
are oversized in the Dutch tradition. Concrete and
steel mingle with green and organic elements, and
floor-to-ceiling windows and lush patios bring the
outdoors in.
Unquestionably modern, Boon’s style boasts a
classical touch that is evidenced by his affinity
for pure, organic materials and a subdued palette.
His designs for Oosten have the kind of timeless
appeal that one rarely thinks of when speaking
to contemporary trends, making it refreshingly
distinctive. The craftsmanship and attention to
detail at Oosten harken back to Boon’s early days
as a carpenter, and speak to a no-nonsense Dutch
style that it has taken him decades to hone. ‘Burgh
recently spoke with Boon about his Oosten project
and why Williamsburg captures his imagination.
To see images of Piet Boon’s work, visit
www.pietboon.com.
13
What inspires you about the Oosten project and
Williamsburg in general?
Williamsburg represents the somewhat romantic
image I had in my mind of what America looked like
in the past. It is almost the archetype of American
life and architecture: Raw, robust and intense.
Driving through the area, you simply sense the
industrial power that was happening around the
turn of the 20th century. I love the hippie chic
energy of the area, with its many artists and mixed
cultures.
What about Williamsburg reminds you of Holland?
From an architectural point of view, Williamsburg
reminds me of certain parts of Amsterdam, like
those in the northern part of the city. It’s about
that combination of red brick and cast iron, a look
that everybody loves. Oosten perfectly blends into
that local aesthetic, which is always an important
consideration in our work.
Can you explain your favorite aspect of each unit,
e.g. the townhomes, the duplex, the lofts, the
penthouse and the simplex units?
One of the nicest aspects about Oosten, besides
its ideal location, is that it caters to every
possible wish and budget. Being Dutch, I love the
townhouses for their own gardens and the lofts
and penthouses for their spaciousness, views and
beautiful light. The duplex houses are all about a
clever, well-considered use of space.
What is unique about the layouts of the Oosten
residences?
We’ve tried to keep the spaces as open and logical
as possible. Using large windows on either side
allows for a generous influx of daylight. The use
of the very best natural materials, a hallmark of
our style, is a guarantee that the spaces will age
beautifully over the years.
Did you spend time in Brooklyn before you worked
on the Oosten project?
Can you describe the two color palettes that
residents will be able to choose from for their
residences?
I did, but very briefly. I remember one time, years
ago, I drove to Brooklyn on my way to Roberta’s in
Bushwick, and I was wowed and intrigued by what
I saw. I promised myself, “one day I want to spend
some proper time here.”
There are two palettes that will be applied
throughout the Oosten residences. The light,
predominantly white palette casts a serene feel
over rooms, while the warmer scheme, in sand and
brown tones, envelops the spaces in a warm feel.
What Dutch traditions did you try to incorporate
into Oosten residences?
What about this building makes you feel like you
could live here?
The Dutch are a nation of bikers. Oosten is
ideally located for great bike rides, right near the
greenways and bike paths. We’ve designed special
storage for bikes in the building to encourage bike
commuting and riding.
Owning a house in Oosten would be a dream. It
represents everything I love: A great concept, a
unique location in an exciting area only one train
stop from Manhattan, and a close proximity to the
water. The perfect trio.
To take a tour of Oosten, please visit
www.theoosten.com
How is Oosten’s use of green space – the
courtyard, the roof deck – reminiscent of your
native Holland?
In Holland, green spaces are an important part
of our lives. We deeply value the privacy of our
gardens and beautifully, landscaped public spaces.
It allows for that breath of fresh air we all crave for
every now and then. I wanted to instill this into a
new kind of Brooklyn living.
14
15
going
Dutch
16
Citi bikes ARE everywhere, AND we owe a debt of thanks
to the Dutch for making New York a biking city.
17
03.
01. Bikes parked in designated area outside of
Marlow & Sons in South Williamsburg.
02. Cyclists riding in the bike lane on the
Williamsburg Bridge.
03. A bike map of Williamsburg
04. Bikes standing outside of Artists & Fleas
urban market.
02.
01.
05. The Williamsburg Bridge, a huge attraction
for bikers.
New York is having a major bike moment. Citi Bikes
are the city’s hottest fashion accessory, with five
million trips made since the bike-sharing program
launched last May. Hundreds of thousands of New
Yorkers bike our streets every single day, with more
than 500,000 people riding their bikes several times
a month. And when they’re not on their bikes out
of doors, New Yorkers are burning major calories
indoors at spin class sensations SoulCycle, Torque
and Flywheel.
05.
04.
18
Given our Dutch roots, it’s no surprise that we’re
absolutely crazy about biking. In the Netherlands,
biking accounts for 45% of all trips nationwide, and
up to 59% of all trips in its cities. The country boasts
cycle-paths, segregated cycle facilities, and direct
routes that make it possible to cycle at speed for
considerable distances.
Williamsburg is starting to take a page out of the
Netherlands’ book in a big way, with the creation
of bike path/greenways along the North Brooklyn
waterfront. Stretching from South Williamsburg to
Greenpoint, these paths provide an easy way for
neighborhood residents to seamlessly travel from
Marlow and Sons to Brooklyn Bowl to Glasserie.
The paths also connect Williamsburg to the Lower
East Side, via the Brooklyn Bridge. With this surge
in biking has come a surge in bike stores, many of
them featuring stylish, and efficient, Dutch bikes
and handcrafted accessories. Rolling Orange Bikes
has the claim of being “Brooklyn’s only real Dutch
bicycle shop.” Opened in 2010 by Dutchman Ad
Hereijgers, the shop imports, rents and sells Dutch
bikes, including family bikes that can carry as many
as two kids and a whole lot of groceries. Surname
is an online shop of bike accessories, crates and
handlebars, that are made from reclaimed wood
sourced in New York City and upstate New York. Sold
at Rolling Orange and other stores around Brooklyn,
Surname’s crates are big and sturdy enough to tote
home a six-pack of beer and then some. And should
you blow out a tire on your ride from Midtown
back to Manhattan Avenue, you’ll want to make an
appointment for your fixie at Grand Street’s Brooklyn
Bike Doctor.
If this bike craze keeps up, Brooklyn might soon
be nicknamed “Bike-lyn.” And we have a sinking
suspicion that our Dutch forefathers are nodding in
approval. See you on the greenways!
19
03.
01. If Williamsburg had a uniform, it would probably include plaid.
02.
02. Stripes are (black and) white hot.
03. Cat-eye makeup is popping up at cafés and clubs.
Southie Style
05.
‘BURGH hits the streets to show why
today’s hottest trends are growing
out of South Williamsburg.
06.
04. All the cool kids are wearing geometric prints.
04.
01.
20
05. Newsboy caps are the new fedora.
06. A cute toddler is always in fashion at the Brooklyn Flea.
21
The
Goods
Arbiter of cool Elizabeth Sayner launched her
e-commerce shop, AnthemWares.com, in the living
room of her Williamsburg loft. Recently, she
took time to talk with ‘BURGH about her favorite
neighborhood places to shop, swoon and get
inspired. “These shops reflect everything I
love about Williamsburg,” She says. “They are
creative, independent, local, dynamic, Everchanging, authentic, and offer something for
everyone. And for better or worse, they’re right
outside my door!”
tommy guns
It’s no wonder the hipsterati of Brooklyn flock to the Williamsburg
outpost of Ludlow Street salon Tommy Guns. Modeled after the look,
heritage and quality of traditional English barber shops, owner Russell
Manley had created a destination that is no-attitude, all-style. Whether
you’re getting a Michelle William’s punk pixie or just trimming your
beard, the staff at Tommy Guns aims to please.
85 N.3rd St., 718-388-8288, tommygunsny.com
22
23
01.
mast brothers
chocolate
02.
01. A customer browses the books located next
to the chocolate tastings.
02. The exterior of the Mast Brothers Chocolate
headquarters.
Anyone who has tasted Mast Brothers chocolate knows that it deserves its hefty price tag.
Wrapped in beautiful papers and with names like Stumptown Coffee Chocolate Bar and
Almond and Sea Salt, these “craft chocolates” are made every day by beard-wearing brothers
Rick Mast and Michael Mast at their North 3rd Street factory. The Masts call “handcrafting the
world’s greatest chocolate” their life’s work, and here you can see how it’s done.
111 N.3rd St., 718-388-2625, mastbrothers.com
24
25
01.
pilgrim surf + supply
02.
01. Exterior mural of the
Pilgrim Surf + Supply shop.
02. Surfboard display.
26
At the Williamsburg outpost of Amangansett’s Pilgrim Surf + Supply, surf addict Chris
Gentile aims to blur the lines between surf and fashion. Not only are the boards at his
beautiful shop made by some of the best shapers in the world, but he also features
bags by Makr Carry Goods, swimwear by Caitlin Mociun (whose store is around the
corner from Pilgrim) and apparel by VSTR.
68 N.3rd St., 718-218-7456, pilgrimsurfsupply.com
27
01. A whole lotta denim on display.
02. A denim junkie peruses the offerings.
01.
brooklyn denim
company
It’s in the jeans at Brooklyn Denim Company. What’s the difference between
selvedge denim and oak denim? These guys will know. Not only do they offer
jeans, jackets, and tops, but they will also shorten every pair of jeans free of
charge, and provide repairs and custom tailoring. There’s truly something for
everyone, whether you’re a skinny jeans guy or a bootleg girl.
85 N.3rd St., 718-782-2600, brooklyndenimco.com
28
02.
29
01.
02.
01. Moon River Chattel’s throwback sign.
02. Swoonworthy offerings.
03. Tempting passersby with vintage finds.
moon river
chattel
03.
30
Remember the “Girls” episode when Hannah spends the night at Patrick Wilson’s ridiculous
Greenpoint home? Well, the set designers likely decorated it with finds from Moon River
Chattel. Featuring an array of impeccably selected antiques, handwoven linens, planters,
kitchen items, hardware and light fixtures, Moon River Chattel has everything you need to
decorate your studio, loft or—dare to dream—brownstone. A must-visit.
62 Grand St., 718-388-1121, moonriverchattel.com
31
01.
01. Shelves of rosemary.
02. Picking out plants in Sprout’s backyard.
03. The entryway of greenery.
02.
SPROUT HoME
Sprout Home is not only a store but also a design service,
specializing in contemporary garden design and rooftop/deck
container gardening. They’re happy to work with designers, both
local and abroad, to offer product lines that are both functional
and beautiful. They sell objects and plants that any urban gardener
would desire, along with hand-picked home goods.
44 Grand St., 718-388-4440, sprouthome.com
32
03.
33
01. Urban Market fills a much-needed void
in South Williamsburg.
02. Drool-worthy bags, sweaters and accessories
at Marlow Goods.
02.
Species by the Thousands
Species by the Thousands is the brick and mortar store for the brand founded by Erica Bradbury
(a leader in the Brooklyn artisan craft resurgence) and Michele Colomer in 2005. Counting
outsider psychedelic music and the world of folk craft as inspiration, Species by the Thousands
has garnered a cult following for its line of jewelry, lockets, candles and apparel—not to mention
occasional tarot card readings. 171 S.4th St., 718-549-0049, speciesbythethousands.com
01.
Electric Nest
High style comes to South Williamsburg with Electric Nest, a stunning new boutique on the ground floor
of the Gretsch Building. Leana Zuniga has handpicked an irresistible mix of jewelry, candles and cashmere
scarves, which she sells alongside her own Electric Feathers label, a modern boho line of dresses and
jumpsuits that Stevie Nicks’ worshippers will love. 60 Broadway, 347-227-7023, electricfeathers.com
Cucina & Tavola
Translated as “Kitchen and Table” from the Italian, Cucina & Tavola is an incredible new “factory
store” from enviable culinary brands Rosenthal, Sambonet and Paderno. In this industrial space
decorated with wood tables and cement flooring, you’ll find all the pots, pans, plates and utensils to
perfectly stock the ultimate chef’s kitchen—or to whip up something spectacular in your teeny tiny
studio apartment. 235 Grand St., 718-963-3131, cucinatavola.com
34
Marlow Goods
After realizing that the only part of the cow and pig they weren’t using in their restaurants was the
hide, Williamsburg restaurant impresario Andrew Tarlow and his wife Kate Huling launched a line
of bags, named Breton, that can be found at this store. They sit alongside other offerings including
alpaca scarves, wool fisherman sweaters and products from Tarlow’s many restaurants.
81 Broadway, 718.384.1441, marlowgoods.com
Urban Market
Urban Market is a much-needed food emporium for South Brooklyn that offers everything from
Balthazar bread, D’Artagnan poultry and Brooklyn Roasting Company Coffee to Cheerios and
Bounty paper towel. Designed by Warren Corbitt of Primary & Co., the store offers a full-service
gourmet and regular grocery (with its own butcher and cheesemonger), free delivery and a
generous parking lot. In typical Williamsburg fashion, Urban Market sources as many products as
possible from local farms. 11 Broadway, 347-987-3740, urbanmarketwilliamsburg.com
35
wall-to-wall
Talking Wallpaper and Williamsburg with Dan Funderburgh
When a tastemaker like Andrew Tarlow wants to
make a big statement in his projects, he looks
no further than Williamsburg-based wallpaper
designer Dan Funderburgh. For the past seven years,
Funderburgh has been designing for Flavor Paper,
the Brooklyn emporium of cutting-edge wallpapers.
Along the way, he has acquired a loyal design
following, not just in shelter magazines but also on
Pinterest. In fact, many say that his wallpaper for The
Wythe is the most memorable thing about that hotel
– and there’s a lot of eye candy there.
Funderburgh relishes the opportunity to collaborate
with clients and find a common ground, off of which
his designs can launch. For new Williamsburg real
estate development Oosten, that common interest
lies in Dutch painted ceramics and porcelain.
“It’s always better to have something beautiful
as a starting point,” says Funderburgh.
The resulting wallpaper design, which residents
will have the option of using in their residences, is
a tapestry of disparate elements including a Dutch
bicycle (which Funderburgh believes is relevant
to both Brooklyn and Holland), a Boston Terrier, a
rendering of the building, and a pitcher inspired
by Dutch pottery. It’s a combination that in any
other world wouldn’t work – but in the world of
Funderburgh, it is completely, wonderfully logical.
And why does this artist – who is currently working
on wallpaper inspired by the artwork in The
Metropolitan Museum of Art – choose to live in
Williamsburg? “I love the mixture of people from all
different backgrounds and income levels, such as
my Polish and Italian neighbors, and the fact that it’s
always changing.” It is, indeed – and here’s hoping,
that many of the new places popping up here will
feature Dan Funderburgh wallpaper.
01. The artists’ studio.
02. Dan Funderburgh sitting in front of one
of his wallpaper designs.
01.
02.
36
37
Brooklyn & booze, a match made
in heaven. Before the masses
made their exodus to Kings
County for good, many began
venturing across the river
after dark for the vibrant
nightlife. Now that they’re
here to stay, the bar scene has
grown, like a giant amoeba
of merriment. Drinking halls
specializing in wine, whiskey,
beer and mixologist-crafted
cocktails abound. Here are
some of our favorites places to
get a buzz on, and who you can
expect to find there.
Crown Vic, 60 S.2nd St.
What: A low-key bar housed in a former police car
repair shop with a massive outdoor space and a view
of the Williamsburg Bridge.
Starts jamming: 9pm most nights, summertime pig
roasts begin at 3:30pm
Closing time: 4am
The crowd: Beard-and-flannel-wearing types, large
groups of friends due to the space.
Bia BAR & Grill, 67 S.6th St.
What: A Vietnamese beer bar in a warehouse at the
base of the Williamsburg Bridge with delicious grub
and rooftop seating.
Starts jamming: 9pm
Closing time: 2am
The crowd: Foodies pining for their Southeast Asia
travel days.
Bembe, 81 S.6th St.
What: A Latin American dance hall with festive
cocktails like rum punch and mojitos.
Isa, 348 Wythe Ave.
What: A warm and artful wooden atmosphere with
fine fare and intricate cocktails that blend unlikely
ingredients, from Taavo Somer of Freeman’s fame.
Starts jamming: 8pm, happy hour from 4-7pm
Closing time: 11pm
The crowd: Foodies, casually chic 30-somethings.
Maison Premier, 298 Bedford Ave.
What: Absinthe and oysters, oh là là.
Starts jamming: 8 or 9pm, $1 oysters during
happy hour from 4-7pm
Closing time: 2am
The crowd: Brooklyn fashion types, Manhattan
socialites slumming in the ‘burgh.
Starts jamming: 12am
Closing time: 3:30am (Mon-Thurs), 4am (Fri-Sun)
The crowd: Varies depending on the week, DJ and
theme (yup, there are theme nights), but you can
always find a lively, fun bunch here.
Dram, 177 S.4th St.
What: A wine, beer and cocktail bar featuring a
rotating drink menu from guest bartenders, dim
lighting and comfy couches.
Starts jamming: 11pm
Closing time: 4am (Mon-Sat), 2am (Sun)
The crowd: Cleaned up hipsters who’ve showered
and shaved.
DEN, 45 S.3Rd St.
What: A 2,000 square foot new workspace/bar/
Radegast Beer Hall, 113 N.3rd St.
What: A German beer hall with an impressive
sausage selection. Prost!
Starts jamming: 6 or 7pm on weekdays, earlier
on weekends
Closing time: 2am
The crowd: An eclectic mix of beer and sausage
lovers from all walks of life.
boozy ‘Burgh
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restaurant hybrid inspired by the Ace Hotel lobby,
that’s about work during the day and play at night.
Starts jamming: Morning to night. The owners
describe it as “a hotel lobby without the hotel rooms.”
Closing Time: Per the above, it’s pretty much
happening all the time.
The crowd: Aspiring David Karps hoping to cash in,
creative types working on their novels/web sites/
blogs/Tumblr feeds.
Ides Bar, the Wythe Hotel 80 Wythe Ave.
Williamsburg
Bars
are all
the
Buzz
What: A rooftop bar in the borough’s coolest hotel with
a glorious view from the top.
Starts jamming: In the summer lines begin forming
around 5pm for sunset views, in the winter 9pm
Closing time: 1:30am
The crowd: Trendy hotel guests, hipster moguls,
indie bands, startup CEOs.
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