Things To Do
Little Island
Our only Manhattan suggestion. This floating park is a piece of architectural magic. You could visit Little Island Park at the beginning or end of a walk of the High Line Park.
Smorgasburg
Outdoor food market. Good bites and a great view in one place. (It's open on Saturdays starting at 11 AM).
Bedford Avenue
From old neighborhood favorites (Spoonbill Bookstore and The Shoe Market) to trendy chains (Aesop and Everlane), Bedford Avenue is Williamsburg's high street with plenty of things to try on and taste. Start around Grand street and weave your way up the cross streets. You'll find lots of retail on Metropolitan and N 6th, but shops abound.
Franklin Street
Bedford Ave's slightly more indie sister. Lots of great local shopping. Start with a coffee or lobster roll at Little Neck Outpost (128 Franklin St.) and then stroll on North. If you want a great view of the Manhattan skyline, stop at Transmitter Park.
The Gutter (Bowling)
This bar/bowling alley is a favorite of ours. Feels like you time-traveled to the midwest in the mid-70s.
Frankel's Delicatessen & Appetizing
EAT THIS PASTRAMI BREAKFAST SANDWICH.
Egg Shop
Great brunch (if you like eggs).
7 Grain Army
For our gluten-free friends. Their muffins and cornbread are INSANE. Go feast without worry.
Win Son Bakery
Last breakfast rec. We promise. Their bacon, egg, and cheese on a scallion pancake is wow. Also great mochi donuts for GF buds.
Levain Bakery - Williamsburg
This thick, buttery cookie is a New York Institution.
Taiyaki NYC - Williamsburg
Who doesn't want to eat delicious ice cream out of a fish-shaped cone?!
Paulie Gee's
A Greenpoint pizza institution. He has a slice shop nearby if you don't want to wait for a table.
Joe's Pizza
Joe's an icon and so is his pizza. Grab a slice.
Fette Sau
Laid-back dry rub BBQ by the pound.
La Superior
Zac's favorite tacos. The large Margarita is LARGE. Cash only.
GERTIE
Jew-ish diner + bar. From pastries in the morning to Rotisserie meats at night. In their own words, "bagels, babka + booze."
Bamonte's
Opened in 1900, Bamonte's claims to be the oldest Italian restaurant in New York. Popular mob spot, the food is fine but the atmosphere is a true chef's kiss.
Francie
She's fancy, but she's great. THE DUCK.
Oxomoco
We love this restaurant. The tacos are great and the caesar salad is amazing.
St. Anselm
Peter Lueger (oldest steakhouse in nyc) is great, and we support you eating there. BUT I (Kate) think the St. Anslem butcher steak is better....and it's $30. I know. It's impossible to get a reservation here, so we almost didn't include it, but for friends who want to go hunting for a great steak...it's a beauty.
Laser Wolf Brooklyn
The rooftop restaurant at the Hoxton. We haven't been yet, but have heard great things. Per the internet, " Chic, relaxed rooftop restaurant with Israeli-style skewered snacks & Manhattan skyline views."
Radegast Hall & Biergarten
Rowdy beer hall with good pretzels and brats. You can often find live (Polka!) music. Usually good for a big group.
The Commodore
Kitschy, loosely nautical bar. People lose their minds about the chicken sandwich. The nachos have a solid following as well.
Hotel Delmano
This place has been serving over-priced, artisanal cocktails made by men in suspenders for 15 years. And it's still so very charming and delicious.
Westlight
The rooftop bar at the William Vale Hotel. Pricey (need a reservation) but has great views.
Bar Blondeau
The rooftop bar at the Wythe Hotel. Great views and cocktails.