Things To Do
The World Famous Williamsburg Pizza Circuit
If you've heard that the New York City area has the best pizza on the planet, you're right about that. What you might not know is that you don't have to cross over to Manhattan to get it. Williamsburg is home to a number of notable slice shops and sit down pizza spots, all within walking distance from one another. You can start at Joe's Pizza (216 Bedford Ave.) which is the best slice in New York City. Joe's is also open late *late* night, if that's your thing. Walk a few blocks and you'll run into Fini Pizza (305 Bedford Ave.), a relatively new addition to the Williamsburg pizza scene. L'industrie Pizzeria (254 S 2nd St.) is a short walk from there before your final stop, Williamsburg Pizza (265 Union Ave.) which features the best pepperoni pizza you'll ever have. If a slice shop marathon isn't your speed, fear not. There are a number of places to kick back, have a drink and split a pie. We recommend Paulie Gee's (60 Greenpoint Ave.) and Emmy Squared (364 Grand St.).
Lilia
One of our all-time favorite restaurants. We recommend booking well in advance as reservations are hard to come by. Lilia's sister restaurant Misi (329 Kent Ave.) is also nearby.
Birds of a Feather
Our favorite dim sum spot in Williamsburg. Don’t pass on their dan dan noodles, soup dumplings and spicy wonton dumplings (honestly, all of their dumplings).
Frankel's Delicatessen & Appetizing
Perfect breakfast place after a long night. Trust me, the pastrami, egg and cheese sandwich will save your life.
Partners Coffee — Cafe & Roastery
You can't go wrong with the coffee shops in the area, but this is our favorite. Bakeri (150 Wythe Ave.) and Homecoming (92 Berry St.) will also get the job done.
Allswell
Good local spot for a casual meal. Open for lunch and dinner. Get the burger.
Court Street Grocers Williamsburg
One of the best sandwich shops you'll ever visit. The line is worth it. Trust.
For those of you who need a good steak
New York is home to some of the most historic, iconic steakhouses in the world. Peter Luger (178 Broadway) is nearby as is St. Anselm (355 Metropolitan Ave.) which isn't quite a traditional steakhouse but delicious nonetheless. If you really want to treat yourself, venturing into Manhattan for one of the many great spots for steak is always an option. 4 Charles Prime Rib, Gallaghers, Keens (Rob's personal favorite). Even Delmonico's in the Financial District is very good. The most important thing here is to plan ahead!
Skinny Dennis
Your favorite dive bar's favorite dive bar. This honky tonk themed bar has live music and is a little slice of Texas in Brooklyn. If you visit, don’t pass on their infamous frozen coffee cocktail. If it's too crowded, walk a few blocks to the sister bar Horses & Divorces (285 Bedford Ave.) for similar, immaculate dive bar vibes. Additionally, The Levee around the corner (212 Berry St) is a good option. Get the cheeseballs.
The Gibson
Spacious bar with a ton of different beers and drinks. Darts, foosball and a great outdoor seating area to enjoy the nice weather. A failproof bar.
Keg & Lantern Southside
It'll be football season, and this is the place to watch football. Countless televisions, food, drink, plenty of seating, all that good stuff. Keg & Lantern also has an additional location nearby in Greenpoint (97 Nassau Ave.).
George & Jack's Tap Room
Another excellent dive bar option. Dimly lit, cold drinks, and they have a popcorn machine.
The Charleston
Yet another stellar dive bar with a legendary juke box that contains as many 30+ minute Phish songs as you can possibly want.
Radegast Hall & Biergarten
Great spot if you're into tall, cold beers and occasional live music.
The Commodore
Great choice for late night drinks and food. Again, get the burger.
Brooklyn Bowl
A place where we've spent many nights, and many other nights we don't remember. As we get closer to October, check the venue's website for the schedule that week and pop in to watch some music, eat some incredible food, or bowl a few frames. If all else fails, visit the Brooklyn Brewery next door!
Domino Park
A cool new-ish spot to get outside and enjoy that crisp fall weather. Located on the Williamsburg waterfront near the Williamsburg Bridge, you can hang out and grab a drink or a bite to eat at the taco shop, Roberta's Pizza, Other Half Brewing or Oddfellows Ice Cream.
A moment for those establishments no longer with us
The blessing and curse of New York is that it is constantly reinventing itself, a perpetual journey in search of its ideal self. Unfortunately, that means your favorite restaurant, bar or shop at any given time can unexpectedly turn into a bare storefront and later into an Hermès outpost. As we gather to celebrate, let's tip our cap to those that came before and provided us with countless great memories. Two Door Tavern | Mulholland's | Walter Sports | Brooklyn Star (for the best birthday dinner) | Zablozski's