Willem’s Guidebook to Brooklyn
Great places to eat in Brooklyn
These are some of the best restaurants and hidden gems in Brooklyn that I have personally enjoyed and that I would highly recommend.
These places offer more of a "local" vibe than a "tourist" vibe.
Enjoy!
Polish expats, hipsters and police officers break bread every morning at Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop, a bustling bakery with counter seating, serving an eclectic mix of donuts, pastries, milkshakes and egg creams.
Donna Siafakos and her husband Christo have owned this quintessential Brooklyn establishment since 1993, but the store has been in operation for more than 60 years. Siafakos and her family have worked hard to preserve a traditional diner feel, where people from all walks of life can come together and converse over a donut and a cup of Joe.
“A lot of work is put into our donuts,” said Siafakos. “It’s not like commercial donuts; everything is hand cut, fried and finished as a hand made donut… We really put a lot of effort into it. It’s not just something we do for a living, we really love doing it, and I think it shows.”
255 locals recommend
Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop
727 Manhattan AvePolish expats, hipsters and police officers break bread every morning at Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop, a bustling bakery with counter seating, serving an eclectic mix of donuts, pastries, milkshakes and egg creams.
Donna Siafakos and her husband Christo have owned this quintessential Brooklyn establishment since 1993, but the store has been in operation for more than 60 years. Siafakos and her family have worked hard to preserve a traditional diner feel, where people from all walks of life can come together and converse over a donut and a cup of Joe.
“A lot of work is put into our donuts,” said Siafakos. “It’s not like commercial donuts; everything is hand cut, fried and finished as a hand made donut… We really put a lot of effort into it. It’s not just something we do for a living, we really love doing it, and I think it shows.”
The first thing you must order is an order of the fried chive and pork dumplings. My god. How something can be so simple, cheap, and delicious, I don’t know. The plate of 4 or 5 dumplings will set you back a whole $1.50, so start saving. I like to squirt a little bit of both sauces you’ll find on the tables into the styrofoam plate or clam shell. The black sauce is just soy sauce and the Sriracha bottle is more like a watered-down, more mild Sriracha, but delicious and spicy nonetheless
288 locals recommend
Vanessa's Dumpling House
118A Eldridge StThe first thing you must order is an order of the fried chive and pork dumplings. My god. How something can be so simple, cheap, and delicious, I don’t know. The plate of 4 or 5 dumplings will set you back a whole $1.50, so start saving. I like to squirt a little bit of both sauces you’ll find on the tables into the styrofoam plate or clam shell. The black sauce is just soy sauce and the Sriracha bottle is more like a watered-down, more mild Sriracha, but delicious and spicy nonetheless
James Beard Award–winning chef Missy Robbins continues to pack her Italian stunner with guests who come from far and wide for her rightfully famous, perfectly al dente pasta. You can’t scroll through your Instagram feed without hitting gorgeous shots of her long mafaldine noodles with pink peppercorns.
190 locals recommend
Lilia
567 Union AveJames Beard Award–winning chef Missy Robbins continues to pack her Italian stunner with guests who come from far and wide for her rightfully famous, perfectly al dente pasta. You can’t scroll through your Instagram feed without hitting gorgeous shots of her long mafaldine noodles with pink peppercorns.
There’s more to Peruvian food than citrusy ceviche and golden-skinned rotisserie chicken, though both are solid options at Llama Inn.This lively, light-drenched terrarium of a restaurant offers an array of vibrant fare that demonstrates the new garde of Latin cuisine.
109 locals recommend
Llama Inn
50 Withers StThere’s more to Peruvian food than citrusy ceviche and golden-skinned rotisserie chicken, though both are solid options at Llama Inn.This lively, light-drenched terrarium of a restaurant offers an array of vibrant fare that demonstrates the new garde of Latin cuisine.
The undisputed star of this Dixie shack is the moist chicken with irresistibly crispy batter, but the sides keep us coming back. Order the Superbowl, with baked beans, hush puppies, collards and your choice of corn bread or biscuits. Make sure to leave room for the banana cream pie.
15 locals recommend
Pies 'n' Thighs
166 South 4th StreetThe undisputed star of this Dixie shack is the moist chicken with irresistibly crispy batter, but the sides keep us coming back. Order the Superbowl, with baked beans, hush puppies, collards and your choice of corn bread or biscuits. Make sure to leave room for the banana cream pie.
The menu is small but mighty (and changing daily) at this much-lauded spot from restaurateur Andrew Tarlow. One of the first establishments to put Brooklyn on the map as a culinary destination, the kitchen is still firing on all cylinders almost two decades later.
482 locals recommend
Diner
85 BroadwayThe menu is small but mighty (and changing daily) at this much-lauded spot from restaurateur Andrew Tarlow. One of the first establishments to put Brooklyn on the map as a culinary destination, the kitchen is still firing on all cylinders almost two decades later.
Walk into co-owner (and former LCD Soundsystem frontman) James Murphy’s intimate, convivial natural-wine–focused restaurant, and you’re in for a treat. An ever-changing roster of daily specials keeps you on your toes. Think of this spot as a Wine 101 class.
89 locals recommend
The Four Horsemen
295 Grand StWalk into co-owner (and former LCD Soundsystem frontman) James Murphy’s intimate, convivial natural-wine–focused restaurant, and you’re in for a treat. An ever-changing roster of daily specials keeps you on your toes. Think of this spot as a Wine 101 class.
Neighborhoods in Brooklyn to enjoy
There’s a reason Williamsburg made our list of the best NYC neighborhoods for newcomers–from the hip buildings covered in street art to Michelin-starred restaurants, Williamsburg is where all the action is. There’s plenty to do, and independent coffee roaster will make sure you’re caffeinated enough to see it all. Head to Toby’s Estate Coffee and grab one of their famous cold-brews before you do anything. Get your shopping on at Williamsburg’s many trendsetting spots like Concrete & Water and Monk Vintage. Lounge in the sunshine at McCarren Park or check out the newly-opened Domino Park (on the grounds of the old Domino Sugar Factory).
Whatever you do, though, don’t skip any of the art galleries; street art and paintings have been a big part of Williamsburg’s transformation into the hipster haven it is now. If it’s bars and clubs you’re looking for, you won’t have any trouble in Williamsburg. Dive bars, music venues, clubs, lounges, and trendy cocktail bars all have a place in this neighborhood.
997 locals recommend
Williamsburg
There’s a reason Williamsburg made our list of the best NYC neighborhoods for newcomers–from the hip buildings covered in street art to Michelin-starred restaurants, Williamsburg is where all the action is. There’s plenty to do, and independent coffee roaster will make sure you’re caffeinated enough to see it all. Head to Toby’s Estate Coffee and grab one of their famous cold-brews before you do anything. Get your shopping on at Williamsburg’s many trendsetting spots like Concrete & Water and Monk Vintage. Lounge in the sunshine at McCarren Park or check out the newly-opened Domino Park (on the grounds of the old Domino Sugar Factory).
Whatever you do, though, don’t skip any of the art galleries; street art and paintings have been a big part of Williamsburg’s transformation into the hipster haven it is now. If it’s bars and clubs you’re looking for, you won’t have any trouble in Williamsburg. Dive bars, music venues, clubs, lounges, and trendy cocktail bars all have a place in this neighborhood.
Located just north of Williamsburg, Greenpoint is the spot trendsetters and hipsters will want to check out. In fact, many locals who have lived in Williamsburg have eventually decided to move up the river into Greenpoint for a little more space and less crowded streets, without sacrificing any delicious food options. The neighborhood’s humble beginning revolve around its Polish immigrant community, and Greenpoint has managed to maintain some of its Eastern European fare. Check out Karczma or Polka Dot for some authentic Polish grub. Greenpoint also boasts a healthy dose of breweries, cocktail bars, local coffee shops, and stellar views of the NYC skyline, all of which help make this hood an ideal spot for all types of people.
119 locals recommend
Greenpoint
Located just north of Williamsburg, Greenpoint is the spot trendsetters and hipsters will want to check out. In fact, many locals who have lived in Williamsburg have eventually decided to move up the river into Greenpoint for a little more space and less crowded streets, without sacrificing any delicious food options. The neighborhood’s humble beginning revolve around its Polish immigrant community, and Greenpoint has managed to maintain some of its Eastern European fare. Check out Karczma or Polka Dot for some authentic Polish grub. Greenpoint also boasts a healthy dose of breweries, cocktail bars, local coffee shops, and stellar views of the NYC skyline, all of which help make this hood an ideal spot for all types of people.
Home to some of the most visited spots in Brooklyn, Dumbo is a lively neighborhood to live in. Its cobblestone streets lead to trendy restaurants and apartments and art spaces in converted warehouses.The most popular spot for pictures, though, is undeniably on Washington Street between Front and Water Streets, where you’ll see a massive, up close view of the Brooklyn Bridge. A few blocks away, chic wine bars and trendy eateries beckon locals to stop in and enjoy a night out. Head to Brooklyn Bridge Park and ride the refurbished Jane’s Carousel for views of the Manhattan skyline, see a performance at St. Ann’s Warehouse, and stroll through the Brooklyn Historical Society. For being just a few blocks wide, Dumbo packs a lot into its neighborhood boundaries.
159 locals recommend
Dumbo
Home to some of the most visited spots in Brooklyn, Dumbo is a lively neighborhood to live in. Its cobblestone streets lead to trendy restaurants and apartments and art spaces in converted warehouses.The most popular spot for pictures, though, is undeniably on Washington Street between Front and Water Streets, where you’ll see a massive, up close view of the Brooklyn Bridge. A few blocks away, chic wine bars and trendy eateries beckon locals to stop in and enjoy a night out. Head to Brooklyn Bridge Park and ride the refurbished Jane’s Carousel for views of the Manhattan skyline, see a performance at St. Ann’s Warehouse, and stroll through the Brooklyn Historical Society. For being just a few blocks wide, Dumbo packs a lot into its neighborhood boundaries.
Artsy folks deciding between Brooklyn neighborhoods will want to check out Prospect Heights. Known for housing the Brooklyn Museum, which claims NYC’s second-largest collection of art, Prospect Heights also has a great selection of nightly entertainment. The Barclay Center–an event venue space and home to the Brooklyn Nets–is at the northern tip of this hood, and an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants keep things lively on Vanderbilt Ave.
Toward the southern edge of the hood where you’ll find the Museum of Women’s Resistance, and a couple blocks east into Crown Heights is the Jewish Children’s Museum. Located next to sprawling Prospect Heights Park is the Boston Public Library’s main branch. The building itself is architecturally-stunning and its front steps and tables provide the perfect place to relax and people watch. Speaking of Prospect Park, the vast, urban area features walking trails, a lake, picnic areas, the Prospect Park Zoo, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, the Prospect Park Bandshell, and so much more. It’s certainly one of the crown jewels of this neighborhood.
52 locals recommend
Prospect Heights
Artsy folks deciding between Brooklyn neighborhoods will want to check out Prospect Heights. Known for housing the Brooklyn Museum, which claims NYC’s second-largest collection of art, Prospect Heights also has a great selection of nightly entertainment. The Barclay Center–an event venue space and home to the Brooklyn Nets–is at the northern tip of this hood, and an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants keep things lively on Vanderbilt Ave.
Toward the southern edge of the hood where you’ll find the Museum of Women’s Resistance, and a couple blocks east into Crown Heights is the Jewish Children’s Museum. Located next to sprawling Prospect Heights Park is the Boston Public Library’s main branch. The building itself is architecturally-stunning and its front steps and tables provide the perfect place to relax and people watch. Speaking of Prospect Park, the vast, urban area features walking trails, a lake, picnic areas, the Prospect Park Zoo, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, the Prospect Park Bandshell, and so much more. It’s certainly one of the crown jewels of this neighborhood.
While Bushwick used to be slightly more urban and grittier than its chic Brooklyn relatives, it has since undergone a decent amount of gentrification. The silver lining to this, though, is that the neighborhood is chock-full of locally-owned bars and restaurants along its main drag, Knickerbocker Avenue, and boasts a high population of young professionals. Bushwick is also packed with green spaces, so much so that over 91% of Bushwick residents are within ¼ of a mile from a park. Bushwick Playground is a popular spot in the summer, as it features a public pool, running track, kids’ playground, and shady trees to lounge under. The hood is filled with street art, independently-owned shops, and some of the best restaurants in the city, so you’ll have no problem finding things to do and see.
223 locals recommend
Bushwick
While Bushwick used to be slightly more urban and grittier than its chic Brooklyn relatives, it has since undergone a decent amount of gentrification. The silver lining to this, though, is that the neighborhood is chock-full of locally-owned bars and restaurants along its main drag, Knickerbocker Avenue, and boasts a high population of young professionals. Bushwick is also packed with green spaces, so much so that over 91% of Bushwick residents are within ¼ of a mile from a park. Bushwick Playground is a popular spot in the summer, as it features a public pool, running track, kids’ playground, and shady trees to lounge under. The hood is filled with street art, independently-owned shops, and some of the best restaurants in the city, so you’ll have no problem finding things to do and see.
Nearby Subways
Use these nearby Subways to get where you need to go.
Pick up the L line anywhere along 14th Street in Manhattan. Get off at the first stop Bedford Avenue (which is Williamsburg), or one of the stops after it.
211 locals recommend
Bedford Av station
Bedford AvenuePick up the L line anywhere along 14th Street in Manhattan. Get off at the first stop Bedford Avenue (which is Williamsburg), or one of the stops after it.
Nassau Av station
Nassau AvenueNearby Public Parks
Get outside and enjoy these great parks! Not ALL of New York is a concrete jungle, after all..
Domino Park is a 5-acre public park located along the East River in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Built on the site of the former Domino Sugar Refinery, the park is a tribute to the diversity and resiliency of generations of Domino workers, their families and their neighborhood.
Domino Park is proud to welcome the community to this historic site and open this stretch of waterfront to the public for the first time in more than 160 years.
Hours: Mon — Sun, 6 am — 1 am
432 locals recommend
Domino Park
15 Kent AveDomino Park is a 5-acre public park located along the East River in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Built on the site of the former Domino Sugar Refinery, the park is a tribute to the diversity and resiliency of generations of Domino workers, their families and their neighborhood.
Domino Park is proud to welcome the community to this historic site and open this stretch of waterfront to the public for the first time in more than 160 years.
Hours: Mon — Sun, 6 am — 1 am