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From the Editor
The Best of Williamsburg
There are plenty of things wrong with this neighborhood—anyone who's lived here for a few years can probably come up with a list pretty quickly. Too much toxic pollution from heavy industry, too many power plants, too many waste transfer stations, too much traffic, too many trucks, too much asthma, too much trash, too much noise, too many dogs peeing on the trees. Oh, I could go on and on, and I'm sure you could too. But now seems like an especially good time to talk about what's right with the neighborhood. And so, what follows is my personal list of the best of Williamsburg. It's just an idiosyncratic collection of places I like. What's on your best of Williamsburg list?
Greendome Community Garden
As Amanda Hickman reports in this issue, Greendome is an oasis of lush plants on the triangle in front of the Russian Orthodox church. In a tiny speck of land, the Greendome gardeners have managed to remind us all that it's not the size of your acreage that counts, it's what you do with it.
Settepanni (formerly Bruno's) Bakery
If you've been invited to a friend's apartment for dinner, wow them by bringing a treat from this wonderful Italian bakery in Lorimer Street in East Williamsburg. Bruno's always has impressive deserts—for a crowd or just for one—at reasonable prices.
DuMont
This newcomer on Union Street has the best french fries in Williamsburg, plus a a good basic (but not boring) menu, friendly service, and a great atmosphere that evokes another era in Williamsburg's history.
Crest Hardware
Not just a hardware store, Crest has been an artist hangout (even a gallery) for years. They deserve an award for their support of the arts.
Pierogi Gallery
There are lots of great galleries in Williamsburg, but Pierogi tops the list in my book. It's location at the center of the neighborhood, Joe Amrhein's unstinting championing of local artists, and it's innovative flat file all help make it my favorite gallery.
Crypto/Brooklyn Industries
When Crypto first opened on Bedford, I wrote it off as just another too-stylish flimsy-wear boutique. But I was wrong. Crypto (and their sister store down the street Brooklyn Industries) has interesting stuff—clothes, shoes, and bags.
Driggs Trattoria
Their are almost as many contenders for best pizza in Williamsburg as best gallery, but I think Driggs Trattoria's eggplant pizza wins. A close second, though, is San Cono's pizza fresca. (San Cono's is on Graham Avenue.)
Giando on the Water
None of the newcomers can compare to Giando on the Water. Since 1987 they've been serving up Martinis and Cosmopolitans in real Williamsburg style.
Fortunato Brothers
For quality and atmosphere, Fortunato Brothers' (at the corner of Manhattan and Ainslie) espresso can't be beat. Belly up to the bar and order one straight up. Drink it standing like the real Italianos do, or have a seat and enjoy a piñoli nut cookie chaser. Then take a pint of hazelnut gelato home.
Amarin Café
I know the competition for best Thai restaurant is crowded, too, but I think Amarin wins hands down. Best service, best crispy duck, and consistently fresh ingredients. On busy nights better get it to go, though—the smoke from all that frying calamari can be a problem.
Mario & Sons, Butcher
I'm a 99% vegetarian, but when I want a meat indulgence, I head for Mario's on Metropolitan. Hand ground lamb, hand stuffed sausages, and hand picked chops—this is the best of the old school.
Diner
OK, sometimes (usually) the crowd is way too hip for me, but I still like Diner on Broadway. The egg sandwiches are delightful and they make a mean Manhattan.
Stroll-In Video (aka LA Video)
The friendliest of the video rental places in the neighborhood. The staff is always happy to make suggestions if you just can't make up your mind, and dogs are definitely welcome here.
BQE Pets
Speaking of dogs, BQE Pets is where dogs in the know take their owners to stock up. They also run the BARC shelter, so if you're looking for a pooch to take home with you (or just borrow for a walk), stop by.
The Esquire Building
There have been a lot of new and renovated buildings opening up in the neighborhood lately. "Loft-like apartments" and "luxury lofts" are just two of the signs I've seen. Nothing most of us could afford. But the owners of the Esquire building on Wythe Avenue (who will be living there themselves) seem to be taking a different tack. From what I've seen, they're working hard to make a building the neighborhood can be proud of.
Kirsten Hively is the editor and designer of wburg.com. She can be reached at kirsten@wburg.com.
Some Williamsburg favorites, from the
top:
a small blueberry tart from Settepani (formerly Bruno's),
Giando on the Water,
Greendome Community Garden,
another view of the Greendome Garden,
Driggs Trattoria,
and the Esquire building on Wythe Avenue
the Williamsburg quarterly — putting the arts in context in Williamsburg, Brooklyn