Weekends in Williamsburg
Williamsburg has long been a haven for New York’s avant-garde art scene and rock ‘n’ roll set. Add a bustling food and bar scene and some of the city’s best jewelry designers and vintage collectors into the mix and you have a vibrant Brooklyn neighborhood with loads to see and do. To help guide the way to a weekend spent eating, drinking, and shopping in Williamsburg, we share a few favorite neighborhood spots—from a wine bar co-owned by LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy to a veritable treasure trove run by a mother-daughter duo.
The best spots for seasonal fare and natural wines…
Strangeways
This open-air eatery and wine garden from chef Ken Addington (Soho Diner, Five Leaves, Eight Mile Creek) and Jamie Webb (Long Tan, Eight Mile Creek) is the ideal spot for an afternoon of snacking and sipping. The patio is spacious and green while inside you’ll find seating at the large wooden bar as well as tables with banquette seating. To eat, we recommend the grilled flatbread and house-made ricotta, the red gem lettuce with anchovies, and the crispy rock shrimp. For mains, don’t go past the dry-aged cheeseburger or the fish and chips. To drink, the extensive wine list will not disappoint. Keep an eye on the happy hour menu too, as it changes every month to compliment the season.
Open every night for dinner from 5.30pm; Friday for lunch, 12 – 3.30pm; and Saturday and Sunday for brunch, 11am – 3.30pm.
302 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn; T. 718-331-2000
Four Horsemen
A wine bar and restaurant from James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem serving small plates and natural wine in chic, intimate digs with light woodwork. Take a seat at the bar or one of the few tables and choose from the succinct and seasonal menu, which changes regularly. We recommend kicking things off with the warm house bread with cultured butter, plus a side of anchovies, and from there, you really can’t go wrong.
Open daily for dinner, 5pm – 10pm; and lunch Friday through Sunday, 11am – 3.45pm.
295 Grand St, Brooklyn; T. 718-599-4900
Lilia
Lilia, the first solo venture from celebrated chef Missy Robbins, brings together warm hospitality and casual yet sophisticated Italian fare. The result of Missy’s true passion for cooking, the restaurant focuses on regional Italian dishes in a spacious setting with white brick walls, timber touches, leather banquette seating and large steel-framed windows where sunlight pours in during the day. The seafood is wood-fired, the pasta hand-crafted, and the wine extensive and well-considered. This casual yet refined spot is worthy of its many accolades, including three stars from the New York Times and a “Best Chef New York City” by the James Beard Foundation.
Open daily from 4pm – 10pm.
567 Union Ave, Brooklyn; T. 718-576-3095
Maison Premiere
The real draw at this Williamsburg hotspot from La Barricou’s Joshua Boissy is the absinthe and oysters, despite delicious dinner and weekend brunch menus. A U-shaped marble bar frames the room’s centerpiece: a Napoleon-topped absinthe fountain. While the real people-watching takes place up front, the tables in the back offer a little extra elbow room and a view of the oyster shuckers at work (as well as the food, which is only served at the bar and rear tables). Maison Premiere is worth a trip to Williamsburg just for the old-world charm of this perfect date night spot.
Open Monday through Thursday from 4pm – 1am; Friday, 4pm – 2am; Saturday, midday – 2am; Sunday, midday – 1am.
298 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn; T. 347-889-5710
St. Mazie
In the heart of Williamsburg sits this cozy two-floor speakeasy famous for its live music, delicious bar menu, and 1920s feel. Since opening its doors, St. Mazie has established itself as a hub for some of the city’s best talent in flamenco, jazz, and folk music. As for the interiors, think dark wood, drop ceilings, industrial touches, and marble finishes. A subterranean bar adds to the appeal, and out the back, you’ll find an overgrown garden perfect for sipping champagne in the warmer months. St. Mazie is a destination for all occasions as well as any season.
Open Monday through Friday from 6pm; Saturday and Sunday from 5pm.
345 Grand St, Brooklyn; T. 718-384-4808
For designer jewelry and vintage luxuries, head to these stores…
Pamela Love
With her newest store, the New York jewelry designer comes back to Brooklyn, where it all began in 2007. At this serene escape just off bustling Bedford Street, you’ll find the brand’s signature jewelry characterized by symbols and storytelling as well as bespoke options with each stone picked by Pamela herself. Additionally, the Williamsburg outpost provides safe and personalized piercings along with expert guidance on placement and jewelry selection.
Open Monday through Saturday, 11am – 8pm; and Sundays, 11am – 6pm.
145 N 6th St, Brooklyn; T. 347-294-4994
Mociun
Opened by jewelry designer Caitlin Mociun, this eclectic store is brimming with fine jewelry made with rare and unusual gems and a curated selection of objects for the home. Modern artistry and traditional craft are celebrated here through everything from handblown glass tumblers and playful throw blankets to the owner’s complete line of jewelry and a range of apothecaries.
Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am – 6pm.
683 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn; T. 3470-227-8966
Malin Landaeus Vintage
The unique and on-trend collection of vintage clothing at this carefully curated shop is thanks to owner Malin and daughter Nova. Every piece has been chosen with care and attention, focusing on vintage from the ’60s to ’80s. Malin Landaeus is worth a visit for the vintage footwear alone. Boots, loafers, brogues and more—high quality and next to perfect condition.
Open Monday through Sunday, 11am – 8pm.
157 N 6th St, Brooklyn; T. 347-294-9977
Stella Dallas Living
A wonderland of antique, vintage, and global textiles, accessories and furnishings from as far back as the 1840s. Antique bedthrows, handmade quilts, and lace tablecloths are piled high on wooden shelves; and on the racks, you’ll find delicate lace blouses, summer tea dresses, vintage kimonos, embellished eveningwear and more. Be sure to set aside ample time to really explore each and every corner.
Open everyday 12pm – 7.15pm
281 N 6th St, Brooklyn; T. 718-387-6898
PHOTOGRAPHY Enzo Ticà
