Top things to do in williamsburg brooklyn

Egg

Restaurant, American, $$$

The farm-to-table menu at Egg includes brunch staples like biscuits and gravy, pancakes drizzled with Vermont maple syrup, and organic grits and eggs served with a choice of meat or kale. The restaurant’s farm, which utilizes organic- and permaculture-growing methods in the Catskills area of upstate New York, produces the ingredients used at Egg.

Cafe Colette, New York

Cafe, American, $$$

Cafe Colette is known for its brunch menu, which is extensive and diverse with a good ratio of healthy and indulgent dishes. Opt for the salmon bowl with farro and kale if you’re feeling virtuous, or the legendary burger and fries if you’re famished. Finish by splitting something from the “sweet little things” – like the warm chocolate toast – to top off the meal.

Cafe Mogador

Restaurant, Moroccan, Middle Eastern, $$$

Cafe Mogador has been serving award-winning Moroccan cuisine to patrons since the early ’80s and offers one of the more interesting brunches in the city (when you’re bored of avo toast, try eggs with hummus, tabouli, arabic salad and zahatar pita). The tagines – lamb or chicken stewed with apricots, prunes, chickpeas, raisins, preserved lemon, olives and spicy green herbs – are particularly memorable.

Catbird, New York

Shop, Store

Catbird | Saxon Campbell / © Flickr

Catbird has been leading the charge when it comes to dainty, stackable jewelry since its opening in 2004. Its eponymous line is created in a local studio using ethically sourced stones and recycled fine metals – think teeny initial lockets and diamond ear climbers. The store also stocks a selection of jewelry pieces from New York-based designers, as well as sweet lifestyle items such as scented candles and illustrated cards that fit the hip vibe of their aesthetic.

Awoke Vintage

Store

Awoke is the brainchild of the Australian transplant Liz Power, who sensed a unique opening in the market upon moving to New York several years ago. Although Brooklyn has many vintage stores, most were either very cheap or very expensive, leaving little room in the middle of non-designer but exquisitely made garments and accessories. Awoke fills that niche, so come prepared to walk away with a well-priced treasure you’ve never seen the likes of before.

Nitehawk Cinema

Cinema, Theater, Movie Theater

The appeal of Nitehawk isn’t just the movies it shows – a mix of acclaimed box-office hits and cult favorites from the archives; it’s also the novelty of table service. Waitstaff tip-toe back and forth along the rows delivering meals, snacks and booze to patrons, then stealthy leave a check before the end credits roll. Look out for specials themed to your particular movie, including mains and fancy cocktails.

The Gutter, Brooklyn

Bar, Pub Grub, American

Booze and a fun activity is a winning combination, so it’s little wonder that The Gutter – a dive bar with an attached bowling alley – is such a popular Williamsburg spot. Grab a number, order a craft beer and shoot some pool while you wait (it can get pretty busy). When your group finally gets called, head through to the bowling lanes and continue the fun with snacks and more drinks while you play.

Maison Premiere

Bar, Restaurant, American, Seafood, Gluten-free, $$$

© Noah Fecks

Maison Premiere’s cozy, inviting interior features a horseshoe bar and leather booths, and in the back, there is a trellised patio. Its ambience will make you want to dress up for the evening. Start your meal with an absinthe cocktail and a tray of oysters; for the main course, the seafood gumbo with blue crab, gulf shrimp, oysters and andouille sausage is must-try.

Peter Luger Steak House, New York

Restaurant, Cafe, Steakhouse, $$$

There are few steakhouses in New York City that are as charming as Peter Luger | © Michael Kirby / REX / Shutterstock

Anyone who knows steak knows the name Peter Luger. Located just east of the Williamsburg Bridge in Brooklyn, Peter Luger Steak House opened in 1887. This world-renowned steakhouse has a storied tradition of meat selection, preparation, as well as a sauce available for purchase. The atmosphere is old-fashioned with vintage chandeliers and classic wooden chairs and tables. As one of the top steakhouses in New York, it can take weeks to get a reservation, so call well in advance.

The William Vale

Courtesy of the William Vale / Expedia

Residents adore this Williamsburg hotel for its panoramic rooftop view, while guests get to experience the beauty tucked inside. Not only is contemporary art found in all of the guest rooms, but the hotel also regularly hosts cross-disciplinary artistic events, including musical performances and conversations with authors.

Bembe, Brooklyn

Bar, Nightclub, Pub Grub, $$$

Dance the night away to global tunes at Bembe. Music pumping throughout the place includes salsa, merengue, reggaeton, hip-hop and much more. Once you work up a sweat on the dance floor, cool off with mojitos and caipirinhas.

Urban Cowboy

Boutique Hotel, Bed and Breakfast

You have to fill out a kind of application form to stay at the Urban Cowboy, complete with your Instagram handle. Don’t let that put you off, though – this boutique B&B is so cool that you’ll want to linger and chat with the owners, who have created a Wild West feel complete with giant dreamcatchers, thick woolen throws and copper, free-standing tubs.