New York

Showing Some Muscle (Car)

In Williamsburg under the elevated BQE, there's typically nothing but parking spaces, pigeons, and trash, but not during Kustom Kills & Hot Rod Thrills. This down-and-dirty car show is put on by The Rumblers every August, and though I never remember when it's happening until I find myself in its midst, it's always a welcome diversion. I was told that any of these classic cars could be bought for the right price, but there's no harm in just admiring, photographing, and checking out the music at nearby Union Pool. This was the show's 11th year and, though it got busted up by the cops over some kind of disturbance, next year should be just as impressive.

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Nightlife • Williamsburg

Shopping For Brunch

Somewhere along the way, eating brunch out became New York's biggest disappointment. A 45-minute wait to pay $10 for eggs is bad enough, but as Anthony Bourdain points out in Kitchen Confidential, anything else on the brunch menu is probably re-purposed leftovers from Friday and Saturday nights, the meals that chefs actually care about (Sunday seems to be the last chance before things go bad and get tossed out). If you're ready to make brunch yourself, try getting your produce at Tops in Williamsburg. These days their produce section is extensive and fresh, especially compared to a typical bodega where three lonely squashes rot before your eyes. Their prices for fruits and vegetables are pretty good, so let the seasonal offerings inspire your menu.

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Shopping • Williamsburg

Pizza of '69

It's time for another review of an Italian Williamsburg relic. San Marco Pizzeria has been serving the neighborhood since 1969. With the trend these days being wood-fired pies, those looking for an old-school Brooklyn pizzeria will not be disappointed. The pizzas are what you would expect; thin, foldable, and fresh from a gas oven. The regular slice alone is a testament to the format, reminding the eater what makes New York pizza so perfect. Those who enjoy Sicilian style pizza will die for San Marco's hearty grandma slice. Pasta and heros are also available, as well as a few different Italian entrees. Where San Marco really goes above and beyond is their espresso and cappuccinos. A beautiful Italian espresso machine sits in the window at the end of the counter, which is artfully operated by the server. The table room is sparse, but there is a lunch counter that is the perfect place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice on a nice afternoon. Bonus tip: Open early and right across from the Lorimer L stop for those about to make the commute.

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Restaurants • Williamsburg

Brunch N' Munch

My brother lives in Williamsburg and insisted we go here for brunch. As a born Southerner, I get regular fried chicken cravings, and this particular Saturday happened to be one of them. My brother, his girlfriend, and I shared chicken biscuits (which come drizzled with hot sauce), huevos rancheros, chicken breasts, eggs and homefries, and a black-eyed pea salad. Aside from the fried bird, the black-eyed pea salad was definitely my favorite thing on the table. It's got a vinegar kick but is tangy at the same time. We were afraid to push ourselves over the cliff and top it off with donuts, so we'll have to come back for those fatty fats some other time.

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Restaurants • Williamsburg

All Things Quirky

Need a last minute birthday gift? Fred Flare, online purveyor of all things quirky, has a storefront in Greenpoint. A favorite of magazine editors, those unfamiliar with the playful website will probably recognize some of the online shop's more ubiquitous items like heart-shaped sunglasses (a la Lolita), French toast stamps, and the hamburger phone from Juno. Although the brick and mortar location doesn't carry everything sold online, most of the top sellers are there. Slightly more conventional items like vegan cookbooks, Diana cameras, and Crosley turntables can be found among the Titantic ice cube trays and yellow submarine tea dispensers. The store's small women's section is equally as cheerful with floral sundresses, colorful trenches, and studded clutches. Expect to find more than a few items involving mustaches or bacon--this is Brooklyn after all.

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Shopping • Williamsburg

Glam Slam Thank You Man

While most vintage stores pride themselves on being carefully curated, few carry it out with the precision and dedication of 10 Ft. Single by Stella Dallas. Tucked under the BQE, a short walk from the Lorimer L stop, the Williamsburg store is a bohemian bazaar filled with flannel shirts, lace-up boots, and a massive selection of Converse. Unlike other vintage stores which often jumble retro items with newer designer pieces, 10 Ft. Single sticks firmly to its '70s glam, rock star aesthetic--think Matthew McConaughey in Dazed and Confused, Kate Hudson in Almost Famous. Faux fur leopard coats for women and brightly colored vests for men dominate the racks in the winter while concert-ready gear such as airy sundresses, denim cut-offs, and ironic tees take over in the warmer months. The back of the store offers older, slightly pricier pieces such as riding boots, military coats, fur hats, and slips from the 1940s. Prices are surprisingly accessible with most items falling in the $35 to $75 range. If nothing else, the store's collection of iconic concert tees from the '70s and '80s is worth a visit.

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Shopping • Williamsburg

Meat Faker, Heartbreaker

Foodswings is a vegan's vegan restaurant. By that I mean it may slightly alienate the unconverted. You like a little cheese in your veggie diet? Don't go here. But for the ultimate in vegan comfort food (translation: fried to the max) get the Pu Pu Platter, which includes one of every type of "wing" (a TVP wing with wooden "bone"), faux fish sticks, and mock chicken nuggets. Lovers of fake meat rejoice, Foodswings offers fare that will fill vegans with nostalgic flesh memories. Only gripe is the sometimes indifferent attitude of staff.

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Restaurants • Williamsburg

Tacos On Wheels

Tacos Morelos knows what a great taco truck should be. Inexpensive, fresh ingredients quickly assembled into powerful, flavorful food. Like any great taco truck, it is decidedly un-fancy and rudimentary, letting the full flavor of the food do the talking. Street eats, which is rooted in a philosophy of quick and accessible grub for workers, doesn't need to be over-thought. Tacos are served double wrapped with lime, before your eyes. The tortas are particularly delicious. Most dishes can be made with chorizo, carnitas, pollo, goat, or vegetariano (that means no meat, gringo). If you are looking for a great burrito in North Brooklyn look no further. A great burrito, of course, is one that takes two hands to eat, proportionate ratio of ingredients and is always on the brink of collapse. Located at North 7th and Bedford--the heart of Williamsburg--Tacos Morelos competes with the big boys. If you are in the 'hood and it is great Mexican you seek, go here. You won't be disappointed. Not to be confused with the East Williamsburg 24-hour joint, Grand Morelos.

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Restaurants • Williamsburg

Eating After Dark

What's two of the best words in the English language on a late weekend night? You guessed correctly: Taco Truck. This late night food van dutifully collects and feeds the hungry nightlife of Williamsburg's Bedford Avenue. Although I wouldn't eat here during the day (when my mind is set on amazing tacos), Endless Summer serves as a late night necessity: food that tastes great after a few (dozen) drinks. It beats the hell out of a bodega snack and always hits the spot at 3 am. But if it's taco Nirvana you seek, don't expect enlightenment at this truck. Just expect good grub to stave off your oncoming hangover.

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Restaurants • Williamsburg

Vinyl Paradise

Grouches only! Record Grouch is ground zero for curmudgeonly crate flippers with permanent hunchbacks and impaired vision from searching for sides. But the search is never fruitless here. The all-used stock is a vast collection of jazz (from hard bop to experimental), funk, soul, classic rock, and psych, as well as all things punk. I can't emphasize how well curated their selection is. The basement storefront is an ever-replenishing stock of desert island records. I should note that you have to walk through Old Made Vintage to access the stairs that lead down to the grouch's den.

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Shopping • Williamsburg

Italian Survivor

For all you authenticity hunters, the search for old-school Italian bakeries ends here. Napoli Bakery is one of the last holdouts in Italian Williamsburg, and luckily for us, it's still going strong. This place is a living relic of a quickly changing neighborhood. It truly feels like the old country with beautiful rustic and wood fired breads adorning the window, old timers sitting outside drinking espresso, and an inviting aroma that simply says "benvenuto!" Not only does Napoli provide incredible, comforting breads, but it serves as a small Italian grocery for the community.  Get a delicious tomato pie with a San Pellegrino water for a magnificent snack as you take a walk down Williamsburg's memory lane.

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Shopping • Williamsburg

Varied Vintage

Beacon's Closet is a sweet clothing shop that won't break the bank. Shoes, dresses, tops, jackets in every color, style, shape, and size--a little overwhelming so go prepared. Be well rested (never on a hangover) and determined to sift through rail and rails. It's everything a vintage store should be with old music playing on the sound system and stylish shop assistants at the check out counter. Interestingly the clientele is varied from the more practical shoppers looking for a new pair of (dated) jeans at a good price to the more predictable trendy Williamsburg  shoppers (hip, arty types) looking for an original. The store accommodates for both men and women and has two locations in Brooklyn.

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Shopping • Williamsburg

New Orleans On Wheels

Upping the ante on food trucks of the past, Goods' seasonal, ever changing menu is available for to-go orders direct from the kitchen, or step inside to their patio for table service and comfortable seating. Menu tends to be Southern and comfortable with a Cajun emphasis, and the Fried Green Tomato Sandwich is a staple which comes highly recommended. No need to book a flight to New Orleans, just jump on the L or G Train (if it ever comes). Or don't even leave your apartment--they offer free delivery.

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Restaurants • Williamsburg

Vinyl You Can Touch

When climbing rent rates force Williamsburg dwellers to part with their prized records, the Academy Records Annex is there to sell them back to you. Boasting an ever replenishing stock of used records, Academy is the last hold out for avoiding the "straight to eBay" collector panic. An actual bricks and mortar store in a nice change in the world of vinyl. Here you will find everything from collector's gold and unassuming gems to new titles and phono supplies. In a surprising twist of fate, the clerks are as friendly as the shop cat.

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Shopping • Williamsburg

Vegan Champions

Newly opened Champs Family Bakery is a diamond in the rough. The name is painted handsomely on their windows in the classic style that fits perfectly in the heart of Italian Williamsburg. The 100% vegan fare ranges from cookies, scones, and pastries to whoopie pies, cupcakes, and, of course, the classic black and white cookies. They even do whole cakes. Trust us, vegan never tasted so good. Coming from the pedigree of the always delicious Boneshaker's, this comes as no surprise. Only drawback: The interior could use a little upgrade. Their stellar baked goods are worth a truly unique and inviting space.

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Restaurants • Williamsburg

Brooklyn Cool: No Cover

Williamsburg is crawling with mediocre bars and music venues, but Zebulon smoothly rises above the din. Run by the same people responsible for the lovely East Village bistro Casimir, Zebulon is an ideal spot to chill out with a cocktail or a small bite to eat. It has a natural, cozy French vibe with great décor and video art in the background; note the huge window opening onto Wythe for guaranteed fresh air and people watching. Zebulon also has music practically every night of the week ranging from singer-songwriters to funky, eclectic grooves from around the world, all for no cover. I suggest swinging by during off-peak hours, but if you go late on Friday or Saturday night, be prepared for crowds.

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Nightlife • Williamsburg

View With Benefits

Many New Yorkers are consumed with dread when trudging around midtown, yet it always looks so beautiful from a distance. Thankfully, the East River State Park in Williamsburg is one way to enjoy that iconic skyline without setting foot in Manhattan. This welcoming green space boasts many qualities: clean, spacious, ideal for picnics, family friendly, and if it didn't sadly close at dusk, it would be a romantic place to watch the sunset. Be prepared on sunny days as there's little in the way of shade and watch out for the occasional (adorable) waterfowl coming ashore. It's also perfect for out-of-town guests, allowing them to see a picturesque snapshot of the city without you guiding them through 42nd Street. The free outdoor concerts formerly at McCarren Park Pool now take place here, which means the park is overrun on those days, but it's still a delightful place to escape the grind.

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Landmarks • Williamsburg

Foodie Bodega

Radish is a general store for the socially conscious foodie who is too lazy to always make their own lunch (yeah, we're looking at you NFT reader). It features seasonal prepared foods, artisanal beverages, and an intricate selection of locally sourced dry goods. This brand-spanking-new Bedford spot is teeming with culinary surprises, like their yarn-tied asparagus sandwich and signature strawberry basil hard candy. Gourmet yet simple fast food (without any of the implications), Radish is sure to become a mainstay for anyone looking for a quick, thoughtful bite en route to the park. So stock up on goodies and make this spot a daily ritual.

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Shopping • Williamsburg

BQEating

The understated Grandma Rose's serves up some of the best Italian food in Brooklyn, in an unlikely spot under the BQE. The amazing folks at Carmine's seem to hold the local title for best pizza, and surely they get more business being closer to the L train, but Grandma Rose's is no slouch, well worth a stroll up Graham Avenue. The pizzas that are sitting out may look a bit lonely, but order a custom pie and you won't regret it. The toppings are plentiful and garden-fresh, the pepperoni is huge and spicy, and the chewy crust is just right. They also have small soda sizes, for those of us who don't need an entire gallon with every meal, and the staff is ever-friendly. Grandma Rose's continues a strong Italian tradition and pizza is merely the beginning. Their inexpensive menu also includes chicken and eggplant parmesan, amazing risotto balls, and other classic items.

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Restaurants • Williamsburg

The FilmShop Presents unProtected: 2/27

Chinese Ruffians. Unsightly Celebrity. Girl adrift. Vulnerable Narcissists. Humdrum Penetration. This is just a sample of what you get when thirty filmmakers reflect on the theme of "Unprotected." On Saturday, February 27th, the Music Hall of Williamsburg screens unPROTECTED, a series of 2 minute films by members of The FilmShop, formerly part of the Brooklyn Filmmakers Collective. Varied in style and genre, these shorts from the Brooklyn and newly formed Hong Kong chapters, present a wide response to the theme of exposed vulnerability. The FilmShop is celebrating it's first season and the launch of their new website www.thefilmshop.org, so this will be more than just a film screening. The event also includes musical performances by Emanuel and the Fear and Hank and Cupcakes, followed by a DJ to keep the party going late into the night. Tickets are $7 advanced, $10 at the door. Doors open at 8 pm, and the fun starts up at 9 pm.

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Nightlife • Williamsburg