c/o NY Mag

20 Skillman Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
view map
718.218.7272

Cuisine: Comfort food
Our Rating: ★ ★
Cards: All Major
Price: $
Hours: Sun-Thurs 4pm-2am; Fri-Sat 4pm-5am
Booze: Full Bar
Subway: L to Graham Ave.
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: Yes
Citysearch says:

On the same stretch of blocks as Galapagos, Northsix and Sweet Water Tavern, Anytime appeases streams of bargoers with its round-the-clock eats. Its small industrial space is painted in white, gray and orange, and holds a takeout counter with a couple of suspended wooden-beam tables. The best thing about the space, though, is skipping it and getting snacks delivered to your door.Grilled sandwiches, soups and toasts (such as smoked mozzarella and roasted peppers) provide the primary sustenance, along with appetizers in the jalapeno popper/buffalo wing family. The eight-ounce burger arrives well-done on a shiny bun–comforting stuff, especially when accompanied by tater tots. Potato leek and scallion soup is green and flavorful, and the balanced fruit yogurt shake satisfies. Anytime’s menu shifts with the seasons, offering chilled soups and sophisticated salads in the summer.

New York Mag says:

Can a late-night restaurant with offerings that run the gamut from low-brow mozzarella sticks to ambitious pan-seared salmon actually be any good? Yes. And happily, this establishment on Williamsburg’s North Side succeeds in being most things to most people. Your image-conscious friends will dig its hipness: banquets swathed in nubby orange upholstery cradle Diesel- and Seven-sheathed behinds on a regular basis. Cash-strapped pals will appreciate the excellent value. After a couple of drinks, even you’ll be pleased with the availability of cheap, greasy tater tots and chicken fingers at post-last call hours. And once you’ve sobered up enough to have your culinary wits about you, try the silky and tangy hummus with a garlicky bite—a point of pride with the Israeli owner.

Beauty Bar

921 Broadway
Brooklyn NY 11206
view map
347.529.0370

Rating: ★ ★
Cards: All Major
Hours: 6pm-4am Daily
Subway: J,M,Z to Myrtle Ave.
Food/Menu: Small Bar Snacks
Booze: Full Bar
Happy Hour: Martini and Manicure Happy Hour ($10) is offered Wed-Fri 7pm-11PM & Sat 9-12.
NY Mag says:

In order to build his seventh location including outposts in L.A., Vegas, and Austin, owner Paul Devitt acquired the fixtures of a Lancaster, Pennsylvania, beauty salon for $1,500 (including the crucial dryer chairs) and hauled them back here, along with some finds from a local flea market. Devitt describes the feel of this larger space (about 1,500 square feet compared to 900 square feet in the East Village) as “more seventies soul, Super Fly.” The prices, funny enough, are more in line with the 1996 ones at Beauty Bar’s original location (think $3 to $5 beers, $5 to $7 mixed drinks), and another difference is that “retro finger foods” such as pigs in a blanket are served. Also: Manicures start at 6 p.m.

Metromix says:

The divey and much-loved booze-and-parties-and-manicures chain extends its family tree to Brooklyn, planting a Beauty Bar branch deep in the heart of Bushwick. Larger than its East Village sister, the Brooklyn branch has a ’70s vibe, plenty of beauty-parlor fixtures, super-low drink prices and lovable, old-school bar bites—as well as, duh, dirt-cheap manicures and martinis at happy hour (6-11 p.m., same as always).

Brooklyn Brewery

79 North 11th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
view map
718.486.7422

Rating: ★ ★
Cards: All Major
Hours: Fri 6pm-11pm; Sat-Sun Noon-5pm
Subway: L Train to Bedford Ave
Food/Menu: Chips
Booze: Beer
Happy Hour: Fri 6pm-11pm; $3 beers
Citysearch says:

In a neighborhood that once housed a pre-Prohibition “Brewers Row,” this big-name beer company founded in 1987 does right by its craft and community. Friday nights, the brewery opens up its 300-seat tasting room for happy hour, pouring Brooklyn Lager, Pilsner and up to 10 other varieties, including such seasonal brews as Blanche De Brooklyn. On Saturday’s free tours, visitors learn about the company, walk through the brewhouse and receive a free beer.

The Village Voice says:

It’s Friday night. Rush home from work, grab the gang, and head to the Brooklyn Brewery, where you can take over a picnic table, guzzle fresh-brewed malt beverages, and order food from one of the numerous local Thai restaurants for delivery. For the really cheap bastards, take a Saturday afternoon tour and enjoy the free “tasting” afterwards.

c/o Gothamist

180 Franklin St
Brooklyn, NY 11222
view map
718.389.2806

Cuisine: American Cafe/Diner
Our Rating: ★ ★
Cards: All Major
Price: $
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm; Sat-Sun 9am-5pm (brunch)
Booze: None
Subway: G to Greenpoint Ave.; L to Bedford Ave.
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: Free with $10 Minimum
NY Mag says:

Call it a bustling coffeehouse, an upscale diner, or a calculated hipster haven. This Greenpoint hot spot, on the bottom floor of the Astral Apartments, specializes in being whatever you want it to be. During the day, sunlight bleeds through the oversize windows onto the long, wood bar, where the “self-employed” sip bottomless mugs of coffee and pick at tempeh Reubens while pretty baristas keep the burr grinders buzzing. By nightfall, couples fill out the dark, cushioned corners—tucking into textbook crisp-skinned chicken or one of Brooklyn’s cheapest steak frites and contentedly conversing over a loud, Pitchfork-approved soundtrack. Sure, some menu items vanish mid-service and the disaffected waitstaff look and act like moonlighters from a roving indie band, but what makes this neighborhood haunt worthy of a train ride are the little touches—the whiff of cardamom in a near-perfect cappuccino, the Plugra butter generously provided for your basket of Ceci-Cela pastries, and the house-made hot sauce and ketchup for an otherwise average pile of fries.

City Search says:

This is the ideal Brooklyn neighborhood spot, complete with an unassuming crowd, hot comfort food and good coffee. During the crowded brunch service, plentiful light reflects off the yellow walls and the large restaurant is filled with morning chatter from everyone from athletic cyclists to hung-over hipsters. Details like patches of exposed brick and an artfully distressed ceiling add that funky Greenpoint touch. Homemade American fare like buttermilk fried chicken, biscuits and sausage gravy, burgers, and red flannel hash are all guaranteed to fill you up, while the Mayan, a velvety mix of hot cocoa, mildly spicy pasilla chili and two shots of espresso, will make sure you don’t get drowsy.

Club Europa

98 Meserole Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11222
view map
718.383.5723

Rating: ★ ★
Cards: All Major
Hours: Daily, 8pm-4am
Subway: G Train to Greenpoint Ave.
Food/Menu: No food available
Booze: Full bar
Happy Hour: None
NY Mag says:

Club Europa’s unassuming exterior–wood signage, semi-seedy sidestreet location–belies the nonstop, no-holds-barred, Euro-disco fantasy within. (Yes, there’s a smoke machine involved.) The crème de la crème of Greenpoint’s young, thriving Polish population packs the enormous dance floor amidst elaborately choreographed lightshows, neon faux-stained glass windows, and gilt and red velvet everything. Hilton-twin-lookalike cocktail waitresses shimmy to the beat, toting translucent trays full of vodka drinks and bottles of Zywiec. Though the language barrier impedes conversation (not to mention drink orders) for English-only strays, Europa’s unique ambiance allows you to skip the velvet rope of Manhattan clubland as you catch an Eastern European case of dance fever.

Metromix says:

Long-time Polish haunt just off the main drag of Greenpoint’s Manhattan Avenue, Club Europa, like neighboring Warsaw, offers a mix of old-warm charm with oddball musical bookings—from Jersey hardcore to Eurotrash (and proud of it) DJ nights. That means skin-hugging ribbed tees are never optional.

c/o The Breukelen

513 Grand St
Brooklyn, NY 11211
view map
718.388.3021

Cuisine: Indian
Our Rating: ★ ★
Cards: All Major
Price: $
Hours: Mon-Sat 1pm-Midnight; Sun Noon-1opm
Booze: None
Subway: L to Lorimer St.
Menu: Click Here
NY Mag says:

While it boasts too many Pan-Asian places to count, Williamsburg is severely lacking in Indian options. Brooklynite Alex Azad saw an opportunity, and opened this organic spot in late 2009. White tile floors, bare white walls, and fluorescent lights create a somewhat sterile ambience, but streaming Bollywood music videos and white tablecloths and linen both soften and jazz it up. Aloo masala, with potatoes, corn, and peas in a light, slightly crispy roll, makes a nice starter. An order of naan bread arrives warm and fluffy enough to share. The go-to chicken tikka masala in a tasty cream sauce is especially tender, though under-spiced for most, while beef bhuna gosht, spiced with garlic and ginger, and mixed-vegetable curry harbor more flavor. Besides the standards, the menu offers more-interesting seafood entrées—like shrimp vindaloo and lobster tikka masala—but call first, since availability is limited.

Metromix says:

Like Clark Kent without the costume change, Williamsburg’s superhero-themed Action Burger quickly morphed into Comic Burger soon after opening. Unfortunately, it seemed too much effort went into the goofy gimmick, and not enough into the quality of the wares. Its replacement, Curry Heaven, certainly isn’t overreaching in the high-concept department: The clean, no-frills space is purely utilitarian, with no comic-book kitsch in sight. Brooklynite Alex Azad is a first-time restaurant owner, but notes that his chef has over 35 years of experience in the kitchen. The menu incorporates the range of organic Indian cuisine—not sticking to any one region—and covers the basics like chicken tikka masala and tandoori lamb and vegetables.

c/o Pizza Rules

558 Driggs Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
view map
718.782.4826

Cuisine: Pizzeria
Our Rating: ★ ★
Cards: All Major
Price: $
Hours: Sun-Wed 10am-10pm; Thurs-Sat 10am-11pm
Booze: Beer & wine
Subway: Bedford Stop on L train
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: Yes
Metromix NY says:

You get much more than a slice at Driggs Pizza, you get a bit of Williamsburg history. Since 1968, this family-owned pizzeria has served up hot pie and traditional Italian pasta and seafood dishes. Along the way they have developed a faithful following of locals and non-Brooklynites alike. Expand your horizons with the upside down pizza.

Slices Of The City says:

Originally recommended to us by the girl at Built by Wendy, this was actually our third trip to Driggs, and certainly won’t be our last. Driggs is an all around great shop, with good atmosphere, service, and most importantly, pizza. We tried three different slices on our visit. The plain slice was excellent. The cheese was fresh and gooey. There was minimal sauce but it was very tasty. In addition to a great plain slice, Driggs offers some delicious specialty slices. Instead of the usual dried out ricotta and ziti slice Driggs has the Grandma and Grandpa slices. Both are Sicilian style square slices with a medium thick crust. The Grandpa has a base of red sauce and cheese topped with fresh, extra garlicky, bruschetta. The Grandma is topped with a mixture of pesto, fresh mozzarella, and finely diced tomatoes. Both of these specialty slices were very good and much better than what you normally find for the price. Combined with the great plain slice and the cozy dining area, this is an overall excellent pizzeria.

c/o Thousands Bars

519 Metropolitan Ave
Brooklyn, NY 1121
view map
718.384.6429

Cuisine: Mexican
Our Rating: ★ ★
Cards: All Major
Price: $
Hours: 12pm-Midnight Daily
Booze: Full Bar
Subway: L to Lorimer St.
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: Yes
NY Mag says:

A restaurant claiming to serve Mexican “style” food usually warns off seekers of authentic eats, but if you hold off on the rush to judgment, first impressions are fortunately deceiving on this corner of an as of yet ungentrified chunk of Williamsburg. Past the slapdash streamers and liquor ads, a few well-chosen pieces of art dot the unassuming space. One sip of a margarita or mojito showcases an able hand at the bar, and a glimpse behind a curtained-off area reveals a comfy lounge, prone to playing contemporary Latin rock come nightfall. The menu proves itself in similarly small, impressive ways. Crunchy, El Paso-style shells on the taco plate are an initial turnoff, but a cautious bite delivers a stuffing of particularly well-seasoned chunks of beef. And while enchiladas Suizas may look sloppy and gloppy, the accompanying salsa verde is agreeably full of cilantro, and crema fresca as a welcome, authentic touch. The real finds, however, are the Ecuadorian specialties: Shrimp ceviche marinated in fresh tomato, lime juice, red onion, and cilantro, and weekend-only specials like goat stew pull out all the authentic gustatory stops.

Blackbook Mag says:

Fronts as Mexican, but actually serves South American versions of staples like salsa, enchiladas, and burritos. Hard-shell tacos and nachos. Probably best if you’re here to knock back a few margaritas and not eat at all. Cheap interior is actually comfy, with mellow wood, crimson walls. Loungey feel near the long bar, cranked volume on the sound system keeps things festive.

c/o Flickr

577 Union Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
view map
718.218.7174

Cuisine: Southern Comfort
Our Rating: ★ ★ (meh)
Cards: Cash Only
Price: $$
Hours: 9:30am-10pm Daily
Booze: Full bar
Subway: L to Lorimer St.
Menu: Click Here
Website: www.jimmysdinerbrooklyn.com
Delivery: yes
Metromix says:

A starting point of how laid-back this Southern comfort food eatery is. Named after chef-owner Josh Cohen’s dad, the husband-and-wife-run Williamsburg diner offers plenty of homemade, seemingly-improvised, trailer trash-chic charmers to erase the memory of former tenant Union Pacific. Krispy Krunch French toast. Salmon hash. The Williamsburger (burger topped with potato latke, apple sauce, and sour cream). Cohen’s creations are either brilliant, or crazy, or, sigh…reminders of home.

Time Out New York says:

To say that Jimmy’s Diner is ersatz would be a compliment. The lonesome interior of Billyburg’s newest greasy spoon—shabby barstools, tattered screen door, graffiti-covered bathroom—might have been there long before the battered trappings could have been considered ironic. To some extent, the middling reputation established by owner Josh Cohen at Park Slope’s Biscuit BBQ continues here—fried chicken, touted on the menu as “Brooklyn’s best,” wasn’t. Its oily skin lacked the necessary craggy texture and addictive crunch. The dessert menu exhibits similar false claims, such as a “money-back brownie”—a generic square that made us want to reclaim the $2 we’d spent on it. There is the occasional stroke of genius: The seasonal veggies from upstate’s Honey Locust Farms that accompany a barbecued chicken platter (Jimmy’s tries to source all of their produce locally), and the brilliant Williamsburger, which tops a juicy patty with a crisp latke and tart applesauce. Fried deviled eggs are similarly inspired: The creamy, spicy yolk filling, encased in a jacket of rich batter, stands in stark contrast with the usually tired church-picnic nibble.

Jimmy's Diner Greenpoint

577 Union Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
view map
718.218.7174

Cuisine: Southern Comfort
Our Rating: ★ ★ (meh)
Cards: Cash Only
Price: $$
Hours: 9:30am-10pm Daily
Booze: Full bar
Subway: G to Greenpoint or Nassau
Menu: Click Here
Website: www.jimmysdinerbrooklyn.com
Delivery: yes
Metromix says:

A starting point of how laid-back this Southern comfort food eatery is. Named after chef-owner Josh Cohen’s dad, the husband-and-wife-run Williamsburg diner offers plenty of homemade, seemingly-improvised, trailer trash-chic charmers to erase the memory of former tenant Union Pacific. Krispy Krunch French toast. Salmon hash. The Williamsburger (burger topped with potato latke, apple sauce, and sour cream). Cohen’s creations are either brilliant, or crazy, or, sigh…reminders of home.

Time Out New York says:

To say that Jimmy’s Diner is ersatz would be a compliment. The lonesome interior of Billyburg’s newest greasy spoon—shabby barstools, tattered screen door, graffiti-covered bathroom—might have been there long before the battered trappings could have been considered ironic. To some extent, the middling reputation established by owner Josh Cohen at Park Slope’s Biscuit BBQ continues here—fried chicken, touted on the menu as “Brooklyn’s best,” wasn’t. Its oily skin lacked the necessary craggy texture and addictive crunch. The dessert menu exhibits similar false claims, such as a “money-back brownie”—a generic square that made us want to reclaim the $2 we’d spent on it. There is the occasional stroke of genius: The seasonal veggies from upstate’s Honey Locust Farms that accompany a barbecued chicken platter (Jimmy’s tries to source all of their produce locally), and the brilliant Williamsburger, which tops a juicy patty with a crisp latke and tart applesauce. Fried deviled eggs are similarly inspired: The creamy, spicy yolk filling, encased in a jacket of rich batter, stands in stark contrast with the usually tired church-picnic nibble.