It was a fateful Wednesday night in October of 2010 at the neighborhood beer garden when Jon first set eyes on Leah. She was swing dancing, laughing and trying to keep up with Michael Mathis, Jon's old friend and roommate at the time. Jon was determined to speak to her but she left before he had the chance. He asked Mathis who she was and Mathis told him she'd be coming to their loft next week for a dance class. Jon decided he'd be there. Go get yourself the best pretzel and sauerkraut in the hood, varied menu items, all delicious, and toast to this, our chance encounter.
Egg is one of the top breakfast and lunch spots in the nabe. Farm to table, locally sourced intentional eating. While the hashbrowns are all the rage, everything is delicious and clean.
Always busy. Great pour over coffee, espresso and tea in an upbeat, hip and bright atmosphere. Small bites from morning til 3pm. Select pastries all day. Somehow there's always a crowd, yet I've never been stuck without a seat.
Here's our local blue bottle. Pour overs, espresso, teas, lite bites from morning til mid afternoon. Jon's dreamed up many projects over a hot cup of Bella Donavan.
Don't be fooled by the understated small cafeteria-style setting. This is hands down the best falafel joint in the nabe. I always get extra babaganoush in the chicken shawarma plate. It's loads of food and plenty to share between two people. Super affordable. Totally delish.
Ana Maria's pizza has been around since before the riffraff overtook our quiet hipster community. For a long time it was the only decent pie in the hood and it's hands down Jon's fave. Long ago this late night pizza joint was often where we'd grab a sobering slice after a night out. Be warned, this isn't your typical NY slice. Slices here are massive and specialty pies abound. You're gonna want two. You'll be full for the day. Open til 3am.
A new pizza joint moved into the hood recently. People love it. I thought it was too salty. It's pizza. You'll love it.
Best BBQ in the hood. If there's a line and you're really into meat, it'll be worth it for you. Highly recommend the brisket. If you're confused about how much meat to get for your fam, ask the guy behind the meat counter how much they suggest for a family of your size. They're meat professionals. The bar is stocked with loads of special bourbons.
Best steak in the nabe. It really is extraordinary if you're deeply into meat. It's Jon's favorite steak. I ate the chicken there once and they had left the head on. It was both delicious and made me queasy. My meat intake decreased dramatically since that time.
It closes far too early for our taste, but if you want to go see the river or feel some grass under your feet, head to East River State Park. In the shadow of the looming Edge Towers - the luxury condos which stormed our quiet trendy neighborhood - the East River State Park is teeming with parent & kid combos, soccer players, readers and lollygaggers. Go take in the view of Manhattan.
Nothing defines the area more than Nitehawk Cinema. Dinner and a movie has never been more fun. The menu changes with the showings and is full of puns. On topic, well-curated, old school B roll runs for 30 mins before your movie. While the food is average, the experience is on point.
This is the best ramen in the nabe in my opinion but the place on N 6th is a top contender and maybe it's more authentic. I don't know. The ramen at Samurai Mama isn't too thick or too salty. But you have to know how to order to get the best out of it. Get the most popular ramen (or get whatever ramen appeals) and make sure you get a poached egg and minced meat as add ons. The sushi tacos are fun too. Basically fancy pieces of two bite sushi.
Serious ski ball bar underneath my old apartment. Jon and I would meet here regularly late at night for a quick drink and a round of ski ball, pretending not to notice that we were falling in love.
These Ferry's are a great way to travel around NYC. Ride over to Governors Island. Check out spectacular views of the city. There's a stop at North 6th in Williamsburg.
yum. new to the hood but damn! yum.
Our friends have done well. They transitioned from warehouse party throwers to having one of the best dance venues in NYC! This is the studio 54 of our era.