After decades of being overlooked by New Yorkers, Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood spent the early aughts reigning as the city’s emerging capital of hipster cool. Today, this bite of the Big Apple is every bit as glitzy as Manhattan, with a boom of high-rise apartments, high-end boutiques, and a powerhouse restaurant and bar scene. Whether you’re hopping on the L train to spend an afternoon in Willyburg or planning a long weekend, here’s what to do when you go.
Where to Stay
The Hoxton, Williamsburg
When The Hoxton set up shop inside Williamburg’s Rosenwach water tower factory, it marked the British brand’s debut on this side of the Atlantic. While new hotels continue to crop up on busy Wythe Avenue, this one remains one of the best: The views of Manhattan’s skyline are arresting, the design is still eye-catching, and with Laser Wolf, Chef Michael Solomonov’s latest venture, up on the roof, The Hoxton is also a red-hot dining destination.
The Wythe Hotel
Set in a converted factory, The Wythe helped put Williamsburg on the boutique hotel map. Exposed brick walls, original timber beams, and industrial-chic details keep bits of the building’s history, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame Manhattan skyline views. The rooftop bar (Bar Blondeau) and the French-inspired brasserie on the ground floor (Le Crocodile) make it as much a local hangout as a hotel.
Where to Eat
I Cavallini
Williamsburg’s newest Italian spot comes from Randy Moon of The Four Horsemen fame, so it’s no surprise the vibe is effortlessly cool. The menu leans into handmade pastas, bright crudos, and seasonal veggie dishes that feel both simple and spot-on. The wine list nods to its predecessor with plenty of natural, Euro-centric bottles.
Maison Premiere
Part New Orleans cocktail bar, part Parisian oyster house, this spot is a Williamsburg classic.. Its absinthe-forward bar program is one of the best in the city, while the raw bar has an impressive lineup of oysters sourced from both coasts.
Lilia
A true pilgrimage spot for pasta lovers, Lilia has a way of turning Italian food into something otherworldly. Helmed by chef Missy Robbins, the menu leans into wood-fired technique and top-notch ingredients. Oh, and the wood-fired mafaldini and sheep’s milk agnolotti are worth the wait (and yes, there will be one).
Peter Luger Steak House
A true New York institution since 1887, Peter Luger is old-school steakhouse perfection. The casual vibe, cash-only policy, and must-try porterhouse keep it on everyone’s bucket list.
Hole in the Wall Williamsburg
An Aussie-inspired café by day and a cocktail spot by night, Hole In The Wall nails Williamsburg’s cool-without-trying vibe. Brunch is a neighborhood ritual, complete with perfect avocado toast, spicy vodka rigatoni, and flat whites done right, while the evening menu leans into big plates and hangover-worthy espresso martinis. It’s casual, stylish, and exactly the kind of spot that makes Williamsburg feel like Williamsburg.
Where to Drink
Deux Chats
A love letter to Parisian bistros, this cool space brings a slice of France to Williamsburg. Expect buttery escargot, melt-in-your-mouth crab dip, and drinks worth getting multiple rounds. (Be sure to try the Vesper–it’s one of the best around.) What’s more, the jewel-toned interior, sultry lighting, and nod to cats make it an instant date-night classic.
Hotel Delmano
Don’t let the name fool you—it’s not a hotel, but one of Williamsburg’s most beloved cocktail bars. Dim lighting, vintage décor, and expertly crafted drinks make it feel like a secret, even when it’s packed.
Fresh Kills
This cozy bar is all about classic drinks with a fresh twist, using quality ingredients and hand-cut ice for that perfect chill. With its laid-back, speakeasy vibe and great bartenders, Fresh Kills is a go-to for locals and visitors looking to enjoy a solid drink.
Where to Visit
Domino Park
In 2018, the former Domino Sugar Refinery complex just north of the Williamsburg Bridge was overhauled into a public six-acre green space for recreation. Sited on the edge of the East River, Domino Park features vestiges of the site’s industrial past, like the Artifact Walk, an elevated five-block promenade surrounded by remnants of old factory infrastructure.
Bedford Avenue
Stroll Williamsburg’s main retail thoroughfare for the neighborhood’s largest concentration of shops, including vintage clothing store Rugged Road & Co., antique furniture dealer Bedford Gallery Inc., and The Little Brooklyn Market, a mini flea market for fashion accessories.
Bathhouse
Sitting inside a converted 1930s soda factory, this subterranean spa unites wellness traditions from around the world, including Russian banyas, Nordic saunas, and Turkish hammams. Opt for a day pass to enjoy the water therapies in the common areas, or sign up for a private treatment, like an hour-long session in a sensory deprivation tank. The street-level restaurant is also a stunner, designed with waxed canvas banquettes and ironwork.
Music Hall of Williamsburg
For live music, few venues capture the neighborhood vibe better than this spot. It’s the go-to spot to catch up-and-coming bands on the rise or unexpected shows from well-known artists. For anyone wanting to tap into the neighborhood’s creative energy, it’s a must.
