It’s no secret here at FreeWilliamsburg that  Nitehawk Cinema is one of our favorite new places to open in the ‘hood in a long time. We loved them even without booze in the theaters, but the addition of a beer or cocktail while watching a movie makes the experience that much better.

We were lucky enough to attend the Brooklyn Brewery: Directors Cut event which was awesome (full menu after the jump), but while we were there we spotted several other cool screenings and events that are worth mentioning.

This weekend they’ll be screening INNI, the Sigur Ros concert documentary and live that has had a pretty limited release this Friday & Saturday at 12:30am.

Check out their “Spirit of Xmas” series if you love Holidays and want a chance to watch bad holiday movies starring Billy Bob Thornton (Bad Santa) as well as a few classics like Rare Exports and A Christmas Story. To see the full line-up click here: http://www.nitehawkcinema.com/weekend.php?wsID=6.

Read about the Brooklyn Brewery: Directors Cut event after the jump.

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Nitehawk Cinema is one of the best things to come to Williamsburg in a LONG time. We love the food, the ability to see movies without having to take a subway, and the awesome events that they hold on a regular basis. On Tuesday, December 6th at 7:30PM Nitehawk will be teaming up with Brooklyn Brewery for “The Directors Cut” event. Below is a summary of the event from the official website:

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away (Boston), Garrett Oliver wanted to direct for the silver screen. He went to film school, and then started working for HBO and making independent films. But he soon discovered that the pursuit of a life in independent film would require his maxing out 150 credit cards. Or, worse, moving to Los Angeles. It was not to be, but he soon discovered a new calling….beer! Now, together with our old pals the film buff John Woods and the acclaimed chef Saul Bolton, we bring you “Brooklyn Brewery, The Director’s Cut”, a never-before-seen compendium of our favorite beers matched to both great food and brilliant film clips.

Here’s the full menu for the night:

Reception in the Lobby Bar
Sorachi Ace

Dinner in the Theater

Tickets are $90 advance sale, $105 the day of, and there’s limited seating. Purchase tickets here: http://www.nitehawkcinema.com/movie.php?movie=77#

c/o Daily Candy

Just in time for the weekend, here’s your regular food & drink openings round-up.

Gwynnett St: Another seasonal American Nouveau restaurant comes to Williamsburg featuring “beef-rib cap with pickled bone marrow and parsley root, and Amish chicken served alongside sweet potato, turnips and dates”. Draft beers and European wins are featured on a rotating basis. See the full listing here: http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/listings/gwynnett-st
312 Graham Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11211 347.889.7002

c/o Blackbook Mag

Allswell: Allswell is the brainchild of Nate Smith, who is most well known for his popular Manhattan gastropub the Spotted Pig. The small space which seats 47 people and has vintage wallpaper that we love features “bar grub (like smoked-trout spread or spicy pork-stuffed pastry rounds); heartier dishes (such as roasted lamb or shellfish stew); and greens (including a chicory salad with figs and pomegranate). The drinks list takes a locavore slant with small-production wines and craft beers on tap, plus a selection of market-driven cocktails.”. Check out the full listing here: http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/listings/allswell
124 Bedford Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11211 347.799.2743

Mama's Food Shop

Mama’s Food Shop: You may know Mama’s Food Shop as the restaurant in the East Village that’s been open since 1995, and now they’re coming to South Williamsburg. Visit their new place to try “fried chicken, bacon-wrapped meat loaf and corn bread, plus specials, like sloppy joes or spaghetti and meatballs, based on recipes contributed by staff members’ mothers“. Not a place for a light meal, but definitely worth a visit! Check out the full listing here: http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/listings/mamas-food-shop
310 South 4th Street. Brooklyn, NY 11211 718.486.9606

Lastly, we’ve heard rumors of a new speakeasy type place named “Hermanville” opening in South Williamsburg. We’ll keep you posted.

Burnside

It’s that time for your regular new food & drink openings round-up.

Burnside: Burnside is one of our favorite new cozy spots to open this Fall. The bar is wood-paneled and features beers & cocktails from the Midwest, in addition to a few small plates including the “Jucy Lucy” burgers with molten American cheese cores, Sheboygan brats & “fancy beer mustard”, and an onion-dip-and-cheese tater tot casserole called the Hot Dish. An expanded menu is expected to be rolled out over the next few months. Read the full listing here: http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/listings/burnside
506 Grand Street. Brooklyn, NY 11206. 347.889.7793

Masten Lake: Masten Lake is owned by the same operators of the ill-fated Savalas which occupied the same space, and closed earlier this year. The urban-rustic eatery serves local farm-to-table American Nouveau food (along with 95% of other restaurants in Williamsburg), with a menu that’s divided into cold, hot, pasta, and protein . We’re not in love with the overpriced items, but we’ll let you make up your mind on your own. Read the full listing here: http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/listings/masten-lake
285 Bedford Avenue. Brooklyn, NY 11211. 718.599.5565

Crown Victoria: While Crown Victoria isn’t super new, we just added them to our listings. Originally a repair shop for police cars (hence the name), the space has been transformed into a pub with a huge backyard that’s been the home of Rooftop Film’s outdoor screenings, in addition to many other events. The bartop is made from reclaimed wood from the Coney Island boardwalk, and features 24 pours on tap. The food is pub food with a few Irish dishes (like The Full Monty, a full Irish breakfast) which are an addition from one of the bar’s owners, who is from Ireland. Read the full listing here: http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/listings/crown-victoria
60 S 2nd Street. Brooklyn, NY 11211. 917.719.6072

Walden: We admit we weren’t too sad when Baba closed earlier this year as their food wasn’t amazing, and the concept was a bit confusing (first an Italian deli/coffee shop, then a pricey small plates eatery). We were curious what the new space was going to become as we watched the construction over the summer. After finally getting a chance to taste a few dishes from Walden, we’re pleased to say that we think this reincarnation may have much better luck than Baba. The  menu from former Diner chef Ben Winans features organic, simple dishes including deviled eggs, chicken and dumplings, kale salads, and chicken meatballs to name a few items. Although there isn’t too much choice, every dish is well executed. The space features a bright white wall, and clean minimalist decor, which makes sense as a result of one of the owners also owning the minimalist design store Matter in the city. Give Walden a try, you just may be pleasantly surprised. Read the full listing here: http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/listings/walden
502 Lorimer St. Brooklyn, NY 11206. 347.227.7133

We’re hearing rumors that beginning tonight our favorite new spot Nighthawk Cinema will begin serving booze IN the theater as opposed to in the lobby before or after the show!!! This amazing news perfectly corresponds with a special midnight screening tonight of The Rum Diaries tonight at 12:10AM. The featured drink for the movie is “Rum Punch” which contains is a tasty mixture of Banks 5 Island Rum, Sencha tea, Moroccan mint tea, lime juice, and Demerara sugar, and it’s served over ice with some grated nutmeg on top. If you’re into food (who needs that now that you can drink), the special is Rum Raisin Pudding.

Nighthawk Cinema is one of the best things to come to Williamsburg in a while, and this new addition makes it even more awesome.

Check out their full movie listings here: http://www.nitehawkcinema.com/calendar.php

This Sunday, October 2nd from 12pm-6pm at The Crown Victoria Bar (one of our favorite must visit new spots!) is the first mobile meet up for trucks (not just food) in Williamsburg. The event is being called Truck Yeah!

For the first annual Mobile Meet Up, a group of eleven trucks, each representing a different player in the rapidly growing “mobile culture” of New York City—from gourmet food, to fine art, music, design, and fashion—will convene in Brooklyn.

We’re excited to see Art Cart NYC’s mobile exhibition with work from Amia Yokoyama and Kennedy Yanko. Yokoyama will transform the truck into a cave-like environment and induce altered states of awareness through the use of light and sound. Employing digital frequency modulation, algorithms, and light projections, she will channel the sacred nature of prehistoric caves in a contemporary iteration. Yanko will stage her paroxysm paint sculptures inside and around the truck. These poured pieces are boundless outbursts of vibrant pigments, which form eerie, intoxicating, surreal sculptures that are malleable to their surroundings.

There’s no better way to spend one of the last nice Sunday’s of the year, we think you’ll like it.

Current Truck Yeah participants include:

Art Cart NYC™
Bang Bang NYC
BangOn! NYC
Coolhaus Ice Cream Sandwiches
El Camino ARTRV
Etta Place
Gawker Artists
Green Pirate Juice Truck
Lonely Goat Dance Company
Rickshaw Dumpling Truck
Tiffany Nicole Mobile Vintage Shop
The Mud Truck
Truck Farm

Truck Yeah: Sunday October 2nd, 12pm-6pm. The Crown Victoria Bar, 60 S. 2nd Street at Wythe.

Cafe Esquina

There’s a slew of new openings in Williamsburg these days. Below, a round-up of the best of the best. Highlights of the openings include: Mexican tacos in a garden at Cafe Esquina, A Brooklyn outpost from the founders of Peels & Freemans, American Comfort food at a cozy tavern, and an Italian eatery from the owners of ‘ino, ‘inoteca, & Corsino.

Cafe De La Esquina: A SoHo favorite comes to Williamsburg in the old Relish space. This Brooklyn outpost is divided into two parts: a takeout taqueria in front, an outdoor garden and a classic diner with brown booths, and a candle-lit backroom for a more traditional dining experience. Over 100 sipping tequilas and mescals are offered. See the full listing here: http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/listings/cafe-de-la-esquina
Cafe De La Esquina: 225 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211.

Isa

Isa: Taavo Somer’s downtown Manhattan’s Peels and Freemans are well known in the city. He’s now opening his first Brooklyn eatery: Isa. Isa’s decor is warm and rustic, with plenty of exposed wood beams. The food is eclectic American and for now they’re BYOB. See the full listing here: http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/listings/isa
Isa: 348 Wythe St., Brooklyn, NY 11211.

Two Door Pizza

Two Door Tavern: This new comfort food spot has finally opened in Williamsburg. The tavern serves brunch, lunch, and dinner, in additional to a large selection of craft beers. The decor is cozy and was sourced from salvage yards in the Tri-state area. See the full listing here: http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/listings/two-door-tavern
Two Door Tavern: 116 N 5th St., Brooklyn, NY 11211.

Betto: Betto is a bi-level Italian restaurant from restaurateur James Denton (‘ino, ‘inoteca, Corsino) called Betto. Featuring a Greenmarket-heavy seasonal menu that, that focuses on Italian, Spanish, and French flavors. Both small and large plates are served.  See the full listing here: http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/listings/betto-2
Betto: 138 N 8th St., Brooklyn, NY 11211.

Waffle & Wolf

This week’s new openings bring you waffles, whiskey, and grilled cheese!

Waffle & Wolf was opened by Arman Sen and Daniel Richardson who said that they felt there was a void of “quick, to-go food in the neighborhood”.  Arman Sen, originally from Turkey wanted to bring the popular Turkish hand-held waffles to Brooklyn, partnered with Daniel Richardson who formerly worked at DuMont and is a pastry chef. They came together to create the perfect offering: both waffles with dessert toppings (our favorite: is the Almond Waffle with honey whipped cream and strawberries), or filling savory ingredients (we like the tuna salad with grapes, tomato, walnuts, and parsley) that could be eaten as a meal. Waffle & Wolf also serves coffee from Dallis Bros. Check out the full listing here:
http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/listings/waffle-wolf
413 Graham Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11211

Noorman's Kil

If you’re in the mood for whiskey and grilled cheese, Noorman’s Kil is the place to go. NY Mag has the full scoop below. Here’s the full listing: http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/listings/noorman’s-kil

“Whiskey for Williamsburg is nothing new, but at Noorman’s Kil, opening Wednesday, the focus won’t be the usual Maker’s Mark drunk by bearded dudes in the ‘burg, but rather more obscure brands like Old Potrero and Springbank, plus Scotches. “We wanted to kind of educate a younger generation of whiskey drinkers. There’s that weird stigma that it’s all Park Avenue guys with suits,” says Marcel Simoneau, one of the four young co-owners of the Grand Street spot. As for pairing this with grilled cheese, well, “Those are the two things we really like,” Simoneau explains.

But don’t worry if hard-core whiskies aren’t quite your bag. There’ll be regular tastings during the week for seasoning the taste buds, plus twelve beers on tap and a rotating lineup of three whites and three reds. The partners built out the 174-person space themselves, lugging the 1880s bar down from Amish Country, and freshening up the backyard with grapevines and benches*. Bread for sandwiches like the Jane — made with sourdough, New York sharp Cheddar, and My Friend’s Mustard — comes from Orwasher’s and Grandaisy, and cheese from Murray’s. Expect whiskey and grilled cheese pairings once things get rolling.

Here’s your regular new openings round-up.

Brooklyn Cupcake

Brooklyn Cupcake: Brooklyn Cupcake’s owner Carmen Rodriguez comes from Puerto Rican and Italian Roots which she has successfully infused into the offerings at Brooklyn Cupcake. Our favorite flavors include tres leches, dulce de leche, guava con queso, rainbow cookie, and tiramisu. The cute bakery also serves coffee and tea. Check out the full listing here.
335 Union Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11211

Williams & Bailey

Williams & Bailey: Replacing the old location of 507 Bar and Grill, Williams & Bailey offers top shelf whiskey, cheap beers, and pretty good American food under $10. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with plenty of tables and dark corners. Check out the full listing here.
507 Grand St. Brooklyn, NY 11211

c/o Urban Daddy

Details about the La Esquina outpost opening in Williamsburg are beginning to emerge, with Urban Daddy getting the latest scoop. Urban Daddy says:

Just like the corner deli locale of the original, outpost numero dos is divided up into three distinct sections. There’s the takeout window/taqueria (always wise to bookend a bar night with veal tongue tacos). The intimate back room (think chile de árbol braised brisket by candlelight). And a vintage diner area that’s now technically a saloon with 100-plus sipping tequilas.

And by the end of August, the taqueria is getting an all-important outdoor cerveza yard—complete with tree canopies and strings of festive lights—which you’ll make your spot for alcoholic shaved ice and grilled corn rolled in lime mayo, chili and cotija cheese.

We miss Relish, but are excited for the prospect of additional excellent Mexican food in the ‘burg.