Alien Cafe

812 Grand St
Brooklyn, NY 11206
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347.294.4288

Cuisine: American Cafe
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Cards: All major
Price: Fairly Cheap
Hours: 7am-11pm, Daily
Booze: None for now
Subway: G to Grand St.
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: Yes
Brooklyn Exposed says:

The new Alien Cafe in Williamsburg is not as foreign as you might think. Opened in early November, the space has been in owner Robert Sandoval’s family since 1999 – first as Grand Street Grill run by his father and then by Sandoval himself. The new cafe has a big name attached to it as well, with L’Artiste menu creator-chef Luis Santos at the helm of this menu. Cozy up at a two-top with warm butternut squash soup ($7) while you ogle at the designed wallpaper. Or select from varied and large servings of sandwiches ($8-10), omelettes ($6), and salads ($7-9). Real meal deals come in the form of duck ragout parpardelle ($14), a brioche bun burger ($12), and even a braised lamb shank with mushroom polenta ($18). And it would be no cafe with no cafe – robust Blue Bottle is available in drip or a personal French press. With that, skip straight to dessert for a perfect pairing with the nutella, banana, and berry crepe ($7). Though no liquor license as of yet, don’t wait to enjoy these earthly delights.

I Heart Brunch says:

There has been a lot said about the gentrification of Williamsburg over the last decade, and particularly the last few years since the rezoning of 2005 opened up the waterfront areas for development. Much of this “urban renewal” has taken place on the North and South sides, which are generally divided by Grand Street, but it’s the East side that is now experiencing a broader transition period.

Nowhere is this more evident than east of Union Ave on Grand Street where the gentrification process is noticeably making its way down the street, block by block.

Alien Cafe takes brunch in East Williamsburg up a notch.

Opening in early November, Alien Café aims to take the neighborhood up a notch. Formerly the Grand Street Grill, a quick-service takeout joint, Alien Café owner Robert Sandoval decided to revamp the space his family has owned since 1999 to create something a bit different and more refined. And he’s serious about the food, enlisting award-winning L’Artiste chef Luis Santos to create the menu.

On the exterior, Alien Café sports a spaceship sign that bulges from the front of the unassuming building and lights up at dusk. But don’t let the kitschy name and sign fool you. Once inside you’ll be eased by a casual bistro atmosphere, charming enough to bring a date, and impressed by food that may be the only thing otherworldly about the place.

Options like Eggs Benedict with chipotle hollandaise or French Toast with sautéed apples and walnuts are delicious and worth the visit, but it was the Three Color Omelet that truly impressed me. Perhaps the most perfectly cooked omelet I’ve ever had, the egg was light and fluffy and had a perfect ratio of mozzarella, fresh tomato and basil meticulously diced and speckled throughout the egg. Every egg dish is accompanied by mixed greens and nicely prepared home fries and I added a side of crisp apple wood smoked bacon to round it all out.

The food is as easy on the wallet as it is delicious – no breakfast entrée eclipses $7 and the lunch options are just a couple bucks more. Plus, coffee lovers will delight at the café’s use of the classic French press, emphasizing the bold flavors and captivating aroma of organic Blue Bottle Coffee.

Alien Café is a welcome addition to the East side that will delight neighborhood residents and hopefully continue the trend of culinary innovations in the area.

c/o NY Mag

222 Franklin St
Brooklyn, NY 11222
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718.389.8100

Cuisine: Italian
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Price: $$
Hours: Sun-Thu 5:30 pm. – 10 pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm; Sat-Sun 10am-4pm Brunch
Cards: All Major
Booze: Full Bar
Subway: G to Greenpoint Ave.
Menu: Click Here
Web: www.anellabrooklyn.com
Delivery: No
New York Mag says:

Anella opened in the spring of 2009, quickly establishing its reputation as a solid Greenpoint joint with a knack for slightly upscale comfort food like brick oven-pizzas and olive oil mashed potatoes. But in early 2010, Chef Joe Ogrodnek took over the reins, launching the restaurant from reliable neighborhood standby to Brooklyn standout. Ogrodnek favors bold, classic flavors: tangy short ribs and a rich, tender pork cassoulet share space on the menu with more creative fare like sweet carrots served with fluffy whipped ricotta. But it’s the little touches that propel his homey dishes into new terrain: the generous helping of fennel on the potato-crusted cod, a scoop of ever-so-slightly tart buttermilk ice cream paired with a chocolate bread-pudding, or candied orange peel served atop the lemon tart. Even the bread, baked and served in terracotta flowerpots, is magnificently rich and salty. The wood-paneled space is warm and inviting, ideal for stretching out for a long, late-morning feast (at brunch, the pastry basket with homemade jam never disappoints). In nice weather, the backyard garden opens, a cozy spot to sip a cocktail or linger over dinner.

Metromix says:

When Greenpoint’s beloved restaurant du jour Queen’s Hideaway shuttered last fall, it was a major blow to the hood’s most-adventurous diners—the restaurant was known for crafting a daily menu, playing off the seasons and the chef’s legendary mood swings. Chanterelle vet Michael Sullivan aims to bring his own strong personality to the handsome space, but more with his Italian-rooted cooking than “Top Chefian” meltdowns. The trattoria serves five types of brick oven pizza, including truffled cheese with onions and the signature pie of bacon and pepperoni. A pork loin wrapped in bacon is an early favorite, as well as a chocolate terrine dessert with pistachio crème anglise. Sullivan plans to install greenhouse, growing herbs and produce on-site.

c/o Eater

131 Grand St.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
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718.384.7273

Cuisine: American
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★
Price: $$
Hours: Open 24 Hours
Cards: All Major
Booze: BYOB
Subway: L to Bedford Ave.
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: Yes
Time Out New York says:

Williamsburg night owls in search ofa 3am breakfast have a new option with the arrival of this 24-hour diner. In addition to the standard omelettes, there are a few wacky creations, like BBQ-shrimp pancakes and the Machete plate (mac and cheese with eggs). The massive menu is also vegan- and vegetarian-friendly—look for meatless burgers and meatballs made with spiced beets.

Bahia

690 Grand St.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
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718.218.9592

Cuisine: Salvadoran
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Cards: All Major
Price: $$
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am-10pm; Fri 11:30am-11pm; Sat 9am-11pm; Sun 9am-10pm
Booze: Beer and Wine Only
Subway: L to Graham Ave. or Grand St.
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: Yes
We say:

Our favorite under-the-radar restaurant Bahía was featured on the Food Network recently and we were delighted to see them finally get some props. If you haven’t tasted their pupusas yet, run out now and try them. (Pupusa are yummy corn pancakes filled with cheese, pork, etc). Their cerviche is also always fresh and delicious. Never had Salvadoran food? Do yourself a favor and try Bahía before everyone else discovers it. The atmosphere is bland, but the food is amazing. Note – the pasta dishes are ok, but are mainly included to please the heavily italian neighboorhood. Stick to the Salvadoran food.

Citysearch says:

Rows of glass-topped, red-tableclothed tables stretch back to the rear of the brightly lit space, whose white walls hold a few seafaring decorations–a boat painting here, a captain’s wheel there. The small wooden bar and counter up front incorporate a wine rack and dessert display. Neighborhood friends and families spread out with plenty of room to spare. The best surprises on the El Salvadorean menu are the appetizers. Pupusas, filled with pork, beans, chicken or cheese, are sumptuous pancakes bursting with the flavor of fresh corn. The simple corn tamale comes with a mild homemade sour cream, and the inexpensive enchiladas, prepared with expertly spiced strips of beef, could easily serve as an entree. Main dishes, such as the sirloin steak, are less robust, but the enormous mixed seafood grill, including stellar shrimp, salmon, calamari and mussels, stands out. Finish with a lovely flan.

c/o NY Mag

191 Bedford Ave.
(Near N.7th Street)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
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718.599.2547

Cuisine: Vegetarian/Vegan
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★
Cards: Cash only
Price: $$
Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-11pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-11pm
Booze: None
Subway: L to Bedford Ave.
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: Yes
NY Mag says:

Possibly the most earnest establishment in Williamsburg, Bliss offers simple, well-prepared vegetarian and vegan food in cramped, boho-shabby quarters. Though unselfconsciously hip itself, it’s a perfect antidote to hipster-saturated Bedford Avenue. With a basic herbivore menu–tofu, hijiki, seitan, beans, greens–the tiny open kitchen here turns out flavorful plates that arrive with thoughtful little touches. The wheat roll that accompanies a bowl of sturdy chili comes jauntily wedged on the rim of the bowl. Vegetables in entrées such as curried tofu and seitan in sweet citrus sauce are just this side of overcooked, but firm, fresh proteins provide good balance. Delicious maple-sweetened desserts are all house-made but sometimes MIA; if it’s the pastry chef’s day off, you’ll be lucky to get a vegan muffin left over from breakfast. The mostly local crowd (a veritable parade of hats, bangs, leggings, body modification, and oversized glasses) seems right at home with spacey service, mismatched wooden furniture, a wall of band flyers, and homegrown art.

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Brooklyn Cupcake

335 Union Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
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347.762.2253

Cuisine: Bakery
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Cards: Cash Only
Price: Fairly Cheap
Hours: Sun- Wed 11am-7pm, Thurs-Sat 11am-9pm
Booze: None
Subway: L to Lorimer St.
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: No
We say:

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.

c/o Buffalo Cantina

149 Havemeyer Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
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718.218.7788

Cuisine: Mexican
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★
Cards: All Major
Price: $$
Hours: 11am-11pm
Booze: Beer and Wine
Subway: L to Bedford Ave. or Lorimer Ave.
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: Yes
NY Mag says:

Buffalo Cantina’s Mexican menu has a twist: an extensive wings section. In classic Buffalo, BBQ, and teriyaki flavors, this wings here are served hot, hotter, and suicidal (and they aren’t messing around). You can order them in, but a hundred-count party bucket is ideal takeout for a lowbrow gathering, and a pan-fried tofu substitute ensures that no one has to miss out. Massive burritos and smaller tacos come filled with more than a dozen proteins and wrapped in flour, spinach, wheat, jalapeño or tomato tortillas. The chicken mole comes slathered in a smoky chocolate sauce while the jerk chicken is accompanied by subtly sweet plantains. American influences reappear in the form of sloppy-joe sliders, burgers, fries, and onion rings as well as the bizarre Little King, a buffalo burger crowned with fried chicken and topped with cheese, onions, spinach, tomato and ranch dressing on a bun. South-of-the-border desserts include cinnamon-fried churros, sopapillas, and a pair of banana-and-fudge chimichangas, more than enough to share. With no table service, step to the counter to choose from the large menu boards above. Until your food arrives, you can pass the time with a selection of board games and books or people watch through the restaurant’s glass façade. Three small tables in front are available for outdoor eating.

Citysearch says:

In Short – This casual spot satisfies the neighborhood’s appetite for hearty party fare, i.e. Buffalo wings, nachos, burritos and more. Most customers favor delivery and takeout, so there is always a spot to sit in the fairly large dining area. Everything from jerk chicken burritos to teriyaki wings to fish tacos spice up the menu, although the Buffalo wings (available in quantities of six, 12 or 24) are the main attraction. Mexican beers sit alongside Jarritos, sodas and more in the restaurant’s small refrigerator.

Burnside

506 Grand St
Brooklyn, NY 11211
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347.889.7793

c/o NBC New York

79 Berry Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
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Cuisine: American Nouveau
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Phone: 347.599.1381
Cards: All Major
Price: $$
Hours: Mon-Sun 7:30am-Midnight
Booze: Full Bar
Subway: L to Bedford Ave.
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: No
Metromix says:

Formerly the Vietnamese restaurant Silent H, this charming corner shop is giving caffeine-addled Williamsburg residents just what they need: more coffee. They have a takeout window, so you can get your java fix without even having to enter the store. Better yet (drumroll for coffee lovers), the coffee is Stumptown! The best part of waking up for those in the know about coffee beans is this local roaster (also served in the ACE Hotel). The interior of the spot runs with the Paris bistro vibe, and there is a dining room in the back where you can enjoy snacks like scones and bacon-and-egg sandwiches on perfectly flaky brioche. With a casual vibe and tasty java, you’ll want to drink coffee all day. Oh wait, you already do that. How about a decaf?

NBC New York says:

The new Williamsburg bistro from former Silent h owner Vinh Nguyen, Hotel Delmano partner Zeb Stewart, and two other as-yet-undisclosed partners opened this morning at 79 Berry Street to serve breakfast and lunch. Dinner service takes off in two weeks so until now the takeout window on North 9th Street serves Stumptown coffee and breakfast pastries starting at 7:30 a.m. and doors open for sit-down service from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Diners were already trickling into the attractive space today, which echos the relaxed French-colony aesthetic of Hotel Delmano next door and Cafe Gitane in Nolita.

Cariño

82 S 4th St
Brooklyn, NY 11211
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718.384.8282

Cuisine: Mexican
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Cards: All Major
Price: $$
Hours: Sun-Thur 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight
Booze: Full Bar
Subway: L to Lorimer St.
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: Yes
L Magazine says:

Well, it’s not that new… But thank crikey the geniuses behind beloved, now-shuttered Bedford Avenue mainstay Bonita (the staff and the cooks, to be specific), have managed to open a new spot just a block over on South 4th Street: Cariño. And boy is it good. The menu is simpler than Bonita’s, and the few specials seemed to reflect a trip to the market in Queens that very morning. We started with the house guacamole, a fantastic “more authentic” (we were told) version of the ubiquitous appetizer featuring a hard-to-get Mexican herb called papalo instead of lime juice and cilantro: it was peppery and bright, offering a complexity not often found in the more common recipe… (Unfortunately, papalo isn’t always easy to come by, so if “Ricardo’s Guacamole” is one of the specials, just order it.) We also shared a watercress, orange and jicama salad with a chipotle vinaigrette, a perfect balance of sharp and sweet.

We kept it simple with mains: fish tacos, and rajas (potato and peppers) tacos. Holy shit they were good. The (very fresh) fish was lightly deep fried and sat succulently (what’s with food writing and adverbs?) amidst the usual taco fixings, all fresh and finely minced, with a perfect drizzle of what must’ve been chipotle mayo. The same goes for my rajas, the finest, lightest version of it I’ve ever had.