Williamsburg & Greenpoint

Final stop on the Tour de Brooklyn. We’re wrapping things up in the hottest neighborhoods in the borough (maybe even the city) – Williamsburg and Greenpoint. These neighborhoods are changing fast, with new openings hitting on a weekly basis. The popularity is justified: incredible restaurant scenes, parks worth hanging in, and a true community feel.

Busboy x Mr. Flood’s - August 2024

Cozying into a table by the windows at Chez Ma Tante delivers a visceral sensation of comfort. Early afternoon brunch is the time to be here. Silky smooth chicken liver pate. Delicate kedgeree made up of curried rice with buttery, flaky cod. And legendary pancakes that are even better than the hype – beautifully golden, crispy edges, fluffy and light, perfectly buttered and syruped.

— Chez Ma Tante
Look, sometimes I just want to be chillin in a triangular plot of land, drinking a Spanish pilsner, and listening to a DJ play some house music. And it’s in those moments that I’m immensely grateful The Lot Radio exists. It’s all of the above, plus they’re a non-profit, online radio station live streaming 24/7.

— The Lot Radio
Next – tacos baby, we’re getting tacos. Taqueria Ramirez is the padre of all New York City taco shops. Ramirez is a counter-service taqueria serving CDMX-style tacos — really really good ones. Pastor is the tried and true banger, but campechano – a mix of beef and pork – is an underrated hit. Get your tacos, doctor them up at the self-serve salsa bar, drink a topo chico. Life is simple, life is good.
— Taqueria Ramirez
There is no shortage of bars in this town. But there’s a newcomer to the scene that stands above the rest. Mr. Melo has it going on. A perfectly designed space with a comfortable, curvy bar. Attentive, friendly hospitality paired withwell-executed, creative cocktails. Come early for a pre-dinner apertivo hour; stay late for a DJ set. Melo is one of those places that’s “known” but not quite “found”.
— Mr. Melo
I don’t care how popular it is. I’m not making a Williamsburg list without L’Industrie. Would be sacrilege. The burrata slice is outrageously good – crisp, airy, and flavorful. The hot/cold sensation from the cool, creamy cheese is wild. Call it an overstatement, I call it the truth – L’Industrie makes the best pizza in the world. Are you gonna have to wait in line for a few minutes? Yes. Is it one of the few lines worth waiting in? 1000%
— L'Industrie
Fans of the classic New York City steakhouses might not love this take, but my favorite place to eat steak is at the unconventional St. Anselm. St. Anselm is nice, but far from ritzy — no tablecloths, business casual certainly not required. The energy is just right. It’s a place that consistently delivers high-quality meats in an approachable, tastefully medieval setting. Their butcher’s cut hanger steak is stellar – and at $34 it’s a very fair value. Round it out with an iceberg & blue salad, pan-fried mashed potatoes, and spinach gratin and I’m certain you’ll enjoy your time.
— St. Anselm
There’s a reason a table at Misi is so hard to come by. Simply put, it’s pasta at its absolute best. It’s a place where you shouldn’t be afraid of stripped down menu items. Case in point: rigatoni with 30 clove pomodoro and fresh basil, a dish with aboslutely nothing to hide behind, just perfectly executed pasta. You can also expect immaculate, personable service in an incredibly designed space that’s elevated in all the right ways. Misi is a special place – a restaurant I try to take every out of towner because it really feels 1 of 1.

— Misi
I’ve always been a fan of smaller rooms when it comes to concerts. Music Hall of Williamsburg, a 650 cap venue, is a place worth keeping an eye on for great shows. Their bookings are always very “just before the moment” like a Fred Again.. show in 2021, Parcels in 2022. They tend to book talented artists for their tour before they hit it big, which I think is super cool.
— Music Hall of Williamsburg
You know it. I know it. Everybody knows it. Hotel Delmano – the perfect nightcap. Not a deep cut by any means, but certainly a place that’s been around and stuck around for good reason. Delmano is always buzzing, but remarkably there always seems to be a table for 2. Tons of adjacent seating makes for the ideal date atmosphere. The service is always friendly but never obtrusive. And their drinks are down the middle classics done right. In an ever-changing neighborhood, a bar that never feels tired is hard to come by. Delmano stands the test of time.

— Hotel Delmano