image c/o Gothamist
CUISINE: Bakery, Coffeehouse, American traditional, Fresh Bread
ADDRESS: 352 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211
nr. S. 4th St.
PHONE: 718.782.0910
HOURS: Mon, 8am-6pm; Tue-Sun, 8am-10pm
CARDS: MasterCard, Visa
BOOZE: Full Bar
BRUNCH: Daily
AVERAGE ENTREE: $12.00-$22.00
OUTDOOR DINING: Yes
MENU: Click here
SUBWAY: L at Bedford Ave.; J, M, Z at Marcy Ave.
MAP: Click Here
DELIVERY: None
NY MAG SAYS: When Lawrence Elliott's Bedford Avenue coffee shop, The Read, fell victim to rising rents, Elliott set his sights on the Southside, envisioning a neighborhood cafe with the best baked goods in Williamsburg. The stacks of used books are gone, but the new space, with its wide-planked wood floors, vintage hardware, and charming backyard garden, still has a stay-all-day feel. Locals with day jobs line up in the morning for strong coffee and fantastic house-baked morning glory muffins and scones. Later in the afternoon, crowds of stylish freelancers file in for the simple sandwiches or homemade soups, no-attitude service, and free WiFi. Laptops are verboten after 5:30 p.m. as the place transitions into a cozy dinner spot with a streamlined menu of unpretentious American entrees like pan-seared duck breast and buckwheat veggie carbonara. On the weekends, the cafe is packed with couples settling in for lazy brunches of basic eggs with shoestring hashbrowns. Still-warm chocolate chip cookies and Irish coffee are favorites for dessert. Recommended Dishes: Lemon buttermilk pancakes with apple compote ($8); Buckwheat carbonara with roasted mushrooms, arugula, and grilled zuchini ($15)
