Local’s Guide to Everything Worth Eating & Everywhere Worth Drinking in North Brooklyn

Sit-Down/Special Occasion

Win Son: This Taiwanese fusion restaurant is a staple of East Williamsburg at this point and for good reason. Bold flavors, perfect noodle dishes and perfectly crispy scallion pancakes are some hallmarks. It's open for dinner only, and I recommend going on the early side as Win Son only takes reservations for parties larger than six.

Kings Co Imperial: I have never been disappointed by a meal at Kings Co. Consistent service, giant dumplings and the only egg roll I find myself craving.

meadowsweet: New American restaurants can easily feel tired or overdone, but the seasonal touches and remarkable service at meadowsweet keep me coming back. I find that it is more popular as a North Brooklyn brunch spot — they do have a memorable burger — but recommend going for dinner. Get the duck — you won’t be disappointed.

Diner: Diner is an institution. Known as one of the places to put Williamsburg on the “foodie” map, you will always get a unique meal at Diner. If you’re looking for a special place to brunch while you’re in the neighborhood, this is the place.

Lilia: If you know anything about the North Brooklyn food scene, chances are you have heard about Lilia. Gorgeous pasta and excellent vibes — what more can you ask for? If you’re lucky enough to snag a Resy here, it won’t disappoint.

The Four Horsemen: Of all the critically acclaimed restaurants in Williamsburg, Four Horsemen may be my top pick. With one of the best wine programs in the world and an ever-rotating menu of small plates, I am always pleasantly surprised when I splurge on a meal at Four Horseman.

Leo: There’s lots of good pizza in New York (duh), and Leo falls squarely in the middle of the pack. You won’t have trouble grabbing a reservation here, so if you’re looking for a solid meal for a larger group, this is perfect for you.

Rule of Thirds: If you are staying at one of the waterfront hotels in Williamsburg and are looking for a beautiful meal close by, I can’t recommend Rule of Thirds highly enough.

Cafe Mogador: This Moroccan spot is a neighborhood great. Light and fluffy pita, cozy and satisfying tagines, and an approachable, casual ambiance are a few of the reasons why I keep this spot at the top of my list.

Llama Inn: This upscale Peruvian restaurant is perfect for a special occasion dinner with friends. Share the lomo saltado!

Di An Di: Another great spot for special occasions, this time in Greenpoint. Something about Di An Di’s menu is so fresh and light, but everything on the menu packs so much flavor. I’m partial to their oysters.

Pierozek: It would be a shame to spend a day in Greenpoint and not eat a single pierogi. Several places in the area will give you that fix — Pierozek just happens to be my favorite.

Walk-ups/Casual

Vanessa’s: Dumplings are everywhere, and Vanessa’s has the best in the neighborhood.

Roberta’s: With two locations in North Brooklyn, Roberta’s is no secret to locals and out-of-towners alike. The famous bee sting pizza is always a hit.

L’industrie: If you love waiting in lines, pop by L’industrie for the most famous — and arguably most delicious — slice in Brooklyn!

Edith’s Sandwich Counter: Another extremely popular neighborhood spot, and for good reason. Edith’s is a walk-up sandwich shop with some of the best menu items in the area. You won’t be disappointed by anything, but for first-timers, I’d recommend a bagel sandwich and totkes (the tater tot and latke hybrid of my dreams).

Simply Nova: There is a significant shortage of bagels on this list, but Simply Nova will easily give you the everything bagel, lox, cream cheese fix necessary for any NYC visit.

Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop: If you find yourself hankering for a slice of pizza while wandering around Greenpoint, pop by Paulie Gee’s for a great one.

Frankel’s Deli: Famous for their pastrami, Frankel’s breakfast sandwich is simply a treat.

Birria Landia: This list would not be complete without a great late-night spot. This food truck keeps the menu simple and easy, with three birria-focused items. Pop by here after a night at the bars on Metropolitan and grab one of everything.

Bars

Night of Joy: This quaint cocktail bar keeps the menu simple and the prices reasonable. Grab a drink at the bar and head up to the rooftop on a nice evening.

Sauced: This place may be the worst-kept secret in Williamsburg, but with wine at every price point and the best backyard in the neighborhood, it’s no wonder the secret got out.

Westlight: If you are staying at the stunning William Vale, a drink at their rooftop bar is a must. Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel though, the Westlight is well-worth a trip for the Manhattan views alone!

OTB: The perfect place to grab happy hour negronis and oysters on a beautiful Brooklyn day. Stop off here after a walk around Domino Park before heading to dinner next door at meadowsweet.

Blinky’s: If you find yourself on Grand Street on a nice night, head here and have a spicy marg in their spacious backyard.

Eavesdrop: “Listening bars” are rapidly gaining popularity in the city, and this cozy Greenpoint spot is the most notable of the bunch.

Dives & Breweries

The Commodore: You may not associate a trip to North Brooklyn with sipping on a piña colada, but the Commodore will change all that. After a few of their strong cocktails, you’ll be so happy that this divey spot also has fried chicken on the menu.

Duckduck: I’m partial to a dive bar, and duckduck is one of the best in the neighborhood. Cash-only, dimly lit, and reasonably priced, this is the perfect place to grab a drink after a beautiful dinner at Win Son.

Talea Beer Co.: This woman-founded brewery has taken off in the city for their airy vibes and excellent sours. Though they have several locations now, the Williamsburg original is still one of my favorite spots to grab a weekend day-drink.

Alligator Lounge: Nathan Fielder fans, rejoice. While the Alligator Lounge was made famous by The Rehearsal, I love it for the cheap specials, skeeball and free pizza.

Torst: A must-stop in Greenpoint for beer lovers. With 21 beers on tap and endless bottles, they have something for every taste.

Coffee/Bakeries

Nick + Sons: This walk-up bakery is only open Thursday through Sunday, will always have a line and is unequivocally delicious. Get there early so you don’t miss out on all the croissant options.

Ceremonia Bakeshop: At least once a week, I wake up craving Ceremonia’s breakfast burrito — that’s how good it is. Top it off with a flavored latte and you’re set for the morning.

Win Son Bakery: Another notable breakfast sandwich in the neighborhood. Grab a scallion pancake breakfast sammie and a cold brew!

Radio Bakery: If you’re looking for incredible pastries in Greenpoint, this is the place.

Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop: Many people will tell you that it’s not a trip to Greenpoint without a stop at Peter Pan, and those people would be correct.