A Williamsburg Food Guide: Part I

Oh has this been a long time coming! I’m so excited to finally release the first part of my Williamsburg food guide. Our neighborhood has some of the best food you can find in the city, but with the multitude of options it can be hard to navigate. So after two years of many meals out, I decided to compile a list of my favorite places. I’ve broken the post into two parts because, well, there are 20+ restaurants on the list! But I’ve hit all the meal groups (drinks included), and then some. Part two of the guide will be out in the next few weeks. In the mean time, here are the first 10 spots:

Maison Premiere  Living in Williamsburg (or Brooklyn for that matter) will make you a complete cocktail snob. We are spoiled with ridiculously innovative and delicious cocktail places, Maison Premiere being one of the best. Sit at the bar so you can watch the mixologists work their magic, and slurp down a few oysters along with a “Carondelet” or their Pimm’s Cup. Also, the bread and butter, it’s a must.

Samurai Mama  NYC’s got its fair share of noodle places, but we’re pretty partial to Samurai Mama. Also how clever is that name!? Get the… pork or veggie gyoza (handmade dumplings), a spicy tuna sushi taco and the pork belly udon.

Walter Foods  If I had to sum up my go to restaurant style, it’s places like Walter Foods- easy ambience, classic décor, and simple dishes done really  well. For dinner start with spicy deviled eggs, spicy garlic shrimp, or iceberg wedge, then move on to the French Dip or Fried Chicken (don’t forget a side of brussels sprouts with hazelnuts). For brunch try their breakfast sandwich, the steak salad, or the stuffed French toast- and a bloody, naturally.

Miller’s Tavern  On a Friday evening when we’re itching to end work a little early we’ll head to Miller’s for their oyster happy hour and yummy cocktails. Throw in a cheeseboard and we’re good to go. That said, their brunch and dinner are some of the best meals we’ve had in the neighborhood- notables include the angel hair pasta, burger, duck entrée, mac & cheese, and egg’s benedict.

The Commodore  We lived in Williamsburg over a year before we even set foot in this restaurant. From the outside looking in, it looks like just another dumpy bar. And it kind of is… except it churns out the most amazing spicy fried chicken sandwiches. Get a “medium breast,” a side of sautéed kale, and a beer.

Rye  Rye pretty much takes the cake for my favorite restaurant in the neighborhood. Their dishes are SO consistently spot on. I really appreciate that in a restaurant. I’m absolutely obsessed with their chopped pear and endive salad and their fried Brussels sprouts- but the roast chicken, house made ravioli, and meatloaf sandwich are also insanely good. Get their Old Fashion or the “Southside” cocktails to drink, and don’t miss their happy hour- $5 old fashions and $5 cheeseburgers that are melt in your mouth delicious.

Post Office  This place feels like such a hidden gem. A little off the touristy Williamsburg path, they serve  up amazing cocktails (yes, more cocktails), and THE BEST (I’m not kidding) grilled cheese you’ve ever had. Go on Sunday or Monday evening for the $1 oyster happy hour (but don’t forget to also order a grilled cheese).

Traif  This is really not the spot for vegans or vegetarians, but if you like your pork and bacon, get ready to be amazed. This place gets packed, so go on a weeknight if you can (on the early-ish side). The whole menu is incredible but don’t miss the strawberry cinnamon glazed baby back ribs, braised short rib sliders, and bacon donuts with dulce de leche (<— to die for)

Pies-n-Thighs  This is casual Southern food at its best. Do not come here without ordering a chicken biscuit, and if fried pickles or fried green tomatoes are on the menu- you must get them. For side dishes get the collards, mac and cheese, and spicy black-eyed pea salad. For brunch make sure you throw in a homemade donut, and wash it all down with one of their homemade Arnold Palmers and a slice of pie- of course.

Marlow & Sons The thing to know about the Burg’ is that most of the best places are not on Bedford Ave, the spot everyone ends up because the subway drops you right there. But I urge you to travel south of the bridge- especially to places like Marlow & Sons. I looove their breakfast (get the Biscuit with egg, cheese, and homemade sausage), but they really deliver on any meal. Stop into their specialty food store next door, Marlow & Daughters, while you’re there, and also check out Diner- a restaurant by the same owners on the same strip.

Woo there you have it! Part one. All exact addresses are listed below. Have you visited any of these spots? Any upcoming trip to Brooklyn? Let’s eat!

All illustrations by  Asia Pietrzyk for Channeling Contessa