c/o Brooklyn Bowl

61 Wythe Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
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718.963.3369
(Bowling Alley with food by Blue Ribbon)

Cuisine: American/Southern
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Cards: All Major
Price: $$$
Hours: Monday – Thursday 6pm-2am; Friday 6pm-4am; Saturday 12pm-4am; Sunday 12pm-2am
Family Days are Saturday and Sunday! Noon-6pm is ALL AGES!
Booze: Full Bar
Subway: L to Bedford
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: No
We say:

A stunning sprawling space, albeit pricey.

The New Yorker says:

We suggest that you eat with your non-bowling hand,” a note on the menu at Brooklyn Bowl states, in a nod, presumably, to both aim and hygiene, if not to the traditional carelessness of ten-frame dining. This converted warehouse at the northern edge of Williamsburg does triple duty as a bowling alley, a music hall, and a grub house. Its kingpin, Peter Shapiro, the former owner of the bygone jam-bandy club Wetlands, has dreamed up an emporium that combines hedonistic excess (deep-end leather couches, spiked milkshakes, brisket, live music) with eco-consciousness (reclaimed-cork floors, no bottled beer, live music). For the eats, he brought in the Bromberg brothers, the creators of Blue Ribbon, to draw up a rebuke to every limpid water dog and fossilized onion ring you’ve ever downed, then regretted, at Wherever Lanes. They tinkered with comfort-food classics, secure in the knowledge that no bowler will ever crave endive. It’s a menu that begs over-ordering, as well as this remark from your waiter, regarding the procedure for delivering the food: “You guys want it as it fits?” “Fits where?” is one reply; the table is bigger than the stomach.

Still, all you have to do, while stuffed, is take a few steps forward and drop a twelve-pound ball on the floor, so there’s no sin in downing the carefully considered greaseballs the Blue Ribbon boys sling your way. Their fried chicken, dipped in matzoh batter, seasoned with Cajun spices, and accompanied by white bread and honey, has Earl Anthony game. The calamari, commingled with fried jalapeño, is the Dick Weber of fried squid. The San Gennaro, loaded with finely ground Italian sausage, is the Johnny Petraglia of French-bread pizzas: crisp outside, fluffy inside, it has all of the virtue, and none of the vice, of Stouffer’s. There are a few gutter balls; some might find the mac and cheese too creamy and the “Really” Sloppy Joe really actually too sweet. But the score sheet shows more X’s than —’s.

On a recent evening, the lanes were busy but not loud; the pins hang on strings, which helps muffle the din. Giant video screens showed montages from raunchy old B-movies like “The Student Nurses” and “Caged Heat.” Around eleven, the Roots took the stage, the dance floor filled up, and a waiter came by with Nutella-bourbon shakes, a convergence that felt like nailing a spare on a four-ten split. (Open weekdays for dinner and weekends for lunch and dinner. Entrées $9-$19.)

Cafe De La Esquina

225 Wythe Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
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718.393.5500

Cuisine: Mexican
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★
Price: Expensive
Cards: All Major
Booze: Full Bar
Hours: Dinner: 6pm-12am; Brunch (Sat-Sun): 11:30am-4pm
Subway: L to Bedford Ave.
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: Yes
Time Out New York says:

Nolita’s Mexican hot spot brings its tacos and tortas to this 1950s Williamsburg diner. Like the Manhattan original, this outpost is divided into distinct areas, including a takeout taqueria in front, an outdoor garden and a classic diner with brown booths. Retire to the candlelit backroom, featuring dark wood tables and mirrors painted with Mexican-style murals, for chef Akhtar Nawab’s menu of more-refined plates, like chile de árbol—braised-brisket taquitos with pickled cabbage and guajillo chili. You’ll also find the outfit’s signature dishes, including fish tacos, chicken tortilla soup, and grilled corn with lime mayo, chili and cotija cheese. Drinkers can choose from a selection of 100 sipping tequilas and mescals, such as Don Julio 1800 Coleccion, Del Maguey Pechuga and Casa Noble Crystal.

Crown Victoria

60 S 2nd St
Brooklyn, NY 11211
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917.719.6072

c/o NY Mag

769 Metropolitan Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11226
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718.388.6870

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Cards: Cash Only
Hours: Mon-Fri Noon-4am; Sat-Sun 11am-4am
Subway: L to Graham Ave.
Food/Menu: Click Here
Booze: Full bar
Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 4pm-8pm: $3 well and select drafts
Citysearch says:

Elusive Pencil Factory co-owner Sean O’Rourke and partners knocked down the Blue Lady Lounge and handbuilt a spacious bar that’s rich with rough-hewn planks and polished dark barstools. The largely unpretentious artists of Williamsburg’s Italian section are sweet on the place’s regional microbrews, among them a well-rounded local selection from the Brooklyn, Six Points and Ommegang breweries. In addition to the 20-seat bar and a number of group tables inside, the back patio stays open all night. Brooklyn beers, which normally go for $4 (a buck less than other pints here), are $3 each from 4pm to 8pm daily. Though beer is the focus, single malts, Irish coffee and hot toddies are a winter signature. Eight wines are served by the glass.

The Village Voice says:

Let’s face it: Williamsburg folks deserve even more options when it comes to places to drink. Luckily, Sean O’Rourke and friends have rushed to their rescue, opening a cozy pub just off the Graham Avenue stop. Being an Englishman of Irish descent, O’Rourke knows a thing or two about adaptability and clearly understands the importance of a warm, inviting drinking atmosphere. Like the Pencil Factory in Greenpoint (which O’Rourke co-owns), almost every inch of Harefield Road is covered with wood, and the large, cavernous space is mostly lit by votive candles and dimmed sconces. It’s the kind of place where bookish-looking thirtysomethings squint at the large chalkboard behind the bar, inquire about unusual beers like Radeberger ($5), and are offered a taste before purchasing. Bearded me–many resembling some of Christ’s disciples–sip glasses of wine (Pepperwood Cabernet, $7) or single-malt Scotch (Bowmore, $7) and discuss nothing much at all, yet nod earnestly. The bartenders make sure the music level is conducive to conversation, and know they can’t lose when playing the likes of Neil Young, Bowie, and Radiohead. Is this aging-hipster heaven? That’s one way of looking at it.

House Of Small Wonder

20 Skillman Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211
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718.383.2703

Cuisine: Coffeeshop/Cafe
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Cards: Cash Only
Price: $
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-7pm; Sat-Sun 8am-7pm
Booze: None
Subway: L to Lorimer St.
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: Yes
The Village Voice says:

We told you about House of Small Wonder, the new café by the owners of late-night delivery service Anytime Café, back in May, which at the time was expected to open within the month. It’s come a little late, but has now been soft open for a couple of weeks. It isn’t serving Anytime’s signature tater tots, but is offering espresso drinks, homemade croissants and other pastries, sandwiches, and fresh juices.

New York Mag says:

The owners of Williamsburg’s delivery-only Anytime Cafe launch a spot where you can actually dine in. House of Small Wonder will serve brunch, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee

c/o NY Mag

552 Driggs Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
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718.388.6372

Cuisine: Gourmet Deli/Italian
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Cards: All Major
Price: $
Hours: Mon-Sat 6:30am-6:30pm; Sun 9am-5pm
Booze: None
Subway: L to Bedford Ave.
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: Yes
We say:

A great take-out Italian joint. Great for authentic Italian groceries and/or a quick meal.

NY Mag says:

With a half century of serving up sandwiches for Williamsburg locals behind it, Joe’s Busy Corner has had a prime view of the neighborhood’s transition from a working class enclave to a hub for hipsters. But no matter who those locals are, few seem able to resist the shop’s old-world Italian charm—all pack into the long, narrow space for hearty sandwiches that are still priced for a blue-collar budget. The gourmet heroes—with New York-themed names like the Bronx Bomber or the Brooklyn Brewery—are the main draws, thanks to fresh bread fully stuffed with Italian meats and cheeses, including Joe’s homemade mozzarella. And though the menu is heavy on proscuitto and pepperoni, there are a few veggie options, like the Northside, a goat cheese, pesto, and sun-dried tomato combo. Beyond the deli board, Joe’s also offers a decent array of Italian entrée standards, paninis, and salads, and a basic breakfast menu. Seating is limited to a few café tables, but if you’re lucky enough to snag one, the tin paneling overhead and the ceiling fans accented with art-deco glass are enough to take you back in time—at least until you spot the oh-so-trendy haircut on the next passerby.

c/o The Feast

112 Berry St
Brooklyn, NY 11211
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718.782.8777

Cuisine: Southern
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Cards: Cash Only
Price: $
Hours: Daily 11am-11pm
Booze: None
Subway: L to Bedford Ave.
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: No
Metromix says:

This casual new café hopes to draw customers just off of Williamsburg’s main Bedford Avenue drag with its small but smart menu. The offerings are a mix of classic comfort foods both high (mussels steamed with white wine and shallots, $8) and low (pulled pork sandwich, $10). Plus: interesting burgers (chorizo, anyone?) and rotating specials like jambalaya ($14). While the décor and the extras are a bit sparse right now, expect a beer and wine license soon and an enclosed backyard in the spring.

c/o Grub Street

108 Franklin Street
Brooklyn, NY 11222
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Cuisine: French
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Price: $$
Hours: 8am-11pm Daily
Cards: Cash Only
Booze: Full bar
Subway: G to Greenpoint Ave.
Delivery: No
Menu: Click Here
Website: Click here
NY Mag says:

This popular and inexpensive café chain specializes in French street crepes, sugared or salted and stuffed with everything from Nutella to smoked salmon to ratatouille, or any combination thereof. (You can mix and match three fillings in a salted crepe which includes a salad.) But that’s not the Francophile franchise’s main appeal—savor a generous bowl of café au lait while you get caught up on all the latest magazines, which share wall space with a variety of vintage French restaurant and tourist ephemera. It’s not quite the Left Bank, but it’s a good way to check out the latest French Vogue without shelling out fifteen bucks.

Metromix says:

With a location in Prospect Heights and a popular crepe-dispensing truck, Le Gamin has perfected the casual French style. The Greenpoint location has the feel of an authentic French café, with specials written on blackboards and a crowd of locals debating the issues of the day. The spot has many more options than a coffee shop, but the vibe is decidedly not bourgeois. Low prices and an easygoing atmosphere make it easy to spend an afternoon here. You can whittle away the time by sipping a café au lait, or you can go for one of their light dishes like a country ham sandwich or a baby green salad with goat cheese (both are under $10). Their dinner menu offers heartier fare like roasted duck breast and a pan seared skirt steak, but they seem like an extravagance in such a low-key setting. Instead, opt for what Gamin does best: crepes. Savory fold-overs stuffed with things like chicken and ratatouille are available all day long. While you sip your post meal-espresso, satisfy your sweet tooth with a crepe tartin filled with caramelized apples and crème fraiche. C’est magnifique!

c/o The Coffee Beaners

120 Norman Avenue
Brookyln, NY 11222
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718.383.7417

Cuisine: Sandwiches
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★★
Cards: Cash Only
Price: $
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-10pm; Fri-Sun 9am-10pm
Booze: Beer
Subway: G to Nassau Ave.
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: Yes
The Coffee Beaners say:

Lunchbox Brooklyn is a cafe that serves bagels, egg sandwiches, pastries from Balthazar, salads, smoothies, juices, cupcakes from Stick Girl Treats and coffee from Brooklyn Roasting Company.  In addition to free wi-fi there are three computer stations with free internet service.

Greenpoint Gazette says:

On the corner of Eckford Street and Norman Avenue, one of Greenpoint’s favorite lunch spots has given itself a new summer makeover—and a new name, new menu and brand new vibe. Formerly Forest Natural, the little café has turned itself into The Lunchbox, a neighborhood brunch-and-lunch hangout spot that doubles as a take-out and order-in outlet for all sorts of delicious and inexpensive dinner party staples.

The Lunchbox now has an assortment of high-quality breads and coffees, a new selection of sandwiches, salads, smoothies and brunch options. In addition, the owners have ordered shelves for a lending library, where patrons can leave and take books at their leisure. Soon, there will be a variety of board games for brunch-goers to play while they sit, eat and relax in the Garden Spot. The Lunchbox will also start selling homemade lemonade and Arnold Palmers, as well as a variety of chicken, egg and tuna salads.

c/o NY Mag

44 Berry St.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
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718.218.6655

Cuisine: Southern/BBQ
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Cards: All major
Price: $
Hours: 5pm-4am Daily
Booze: Full Bar
Subway: L to Bedford Ave.
Menu: Click Here
Delivery: No
Grub Street says:

You might have thought that Williamsburg pretty much had it all as far as regional southern cooking goes. Not so, according to Louisville expat Meghan Love, who along with her Oklahoma-born artist husband Jeff Lutonsky opens Mable’s Smokehouse and Banquet Hall on Tuesday. “There wasn’t a place in our neighborhood to find the food we grew up eating,” says Love. That food — borracho beans, Rotel-Velveeta dip, Luzianne sweet tea, hot links imported from Schwab’s in Oklahoma City, pulled-pork tamales, and, of course, pie — makes its debut in a suitably honky-tonk setting that the couple built themselves.

Love, who used to shake cocktails in some of Manhattan’s finest restaurants, says her personal approach to bartending is relatively streamlined. “We have three vodkas, two gins. Our bourbon selection will be big, but nothing artisanal — that’s for damn sure.” The joint is named after Lutonsky’s grandmother (always a good sign), and she’s the one to thank for many of the recipes, including a barbecue sauce so closely guarded Lutonsky insists that kitchen staffers sign a confidentiality agreement.

Shecky’s says:

According to the owners, there wasn’t any place in Williamsburg where you could get the Southern food they grew up with, which might seem odd to fans of Fette Sau, Fatty ’Cue and Honeychiles to name a few. But take a trip to Mabel’s, and you’ll start to get sense of what they mean. The space is truly a labor of love, built by a restaurant industry couple who added Southern touches (scattered taxidermy, wagon wheel chandeliers, vintage feed store signs) to an essentially Brooklyn-esque space (wide warehouse feel, reclaimed barn wood, Edison bulbs nestled in hanging wash pails). The drinks also have that down-home feel (and down-home prices—$8 for specialty cocktails, $3-$6 for beers), with playful names like Dad’s Cold Medicine, a mix of Dr. Pepper and Crown Royal. The pulled pork is some of the best you’ll find this side of the Mason Dixon, and coming in at only $9.95 plus a side and slaw, the price is hard to beat (nudge, nudge Fette Sau). Just don’t ask what’s in the BBQ Sauce…they could tell you, but then they’d have to smoke you.