FROM LEFT: Dressler; The Future Perfect; Pugliese pizza from Motorino; iced tea at Roebling Tea House
Start the day with brunch at Dressler (149 Broadway, 718-384-6343), the Colin Devlin bistro known for its sophisticated cuisine and approachable atmosphere. The Dressler plate is worthy of the name (two poached eggs, Yukon gold galette and smoked salmon with crème fraîche and hollandaise) and pairs perfectly with a Champagne cocktail. Baked goods include house-made pecan sticky buns and apple turnovers. Alternately, start at Marlow & Sons (81 Broadway, 718-384-1441): Our recommended combo? Fresh East Coast oysters followed up with a massive muffaletta.
Next head to shopping hot spot Havemeyer Street, home to vintage stores Sweet Virginia (164 Havemeyer St., 718-285-9160) and Rabbits (120 Havemeyer St., 718-384-2181), as well as the hipsters’ favorite café, Roebling Tea Room (143 Roebling St., 718-963-0760)—technically not on Havemeyer, but it’s definitely worth walking the extra few blocks.
Even Williamsburg neophytes are familiar with McCarren Park, the popular hangout for kickball, kids and badminton fans alike. But for a quieter scene and incredible views of Manhattan, East River State Park at Kent Avenue and 13th Street is your best bet. On the way back to Bedford, make sure to stop into Brooklyn Bowl (61 Wythe Ave., 718-963-3369) for a few games. Brought to you by the guys behind Blue Ribbon goodness, look for menu items like smoked-trout salad and pulled-pork French bread pizza, 16 lanes of bowling glory and live music on a near-nightly basis.
After burning up the alleys, head to the famed Brooklyn Brewery (79 N. 11th St., 718-486- 7422), where not only can you quench your thirst for knowledge (tours of the premises are offered hourly on Saturdays between 1 PM and 4 PM—no reservations required), but also get a taste of some pretty good brews. In addition to seasonal beers and the brewmaster’s reserve, core brands like our favorite, East India Pale Ale, are available year round. And because nothing goes better with beer than pizza, you must swing by Motorino (319 Graham Ave., 718-599-8899) for one of chef Mathieu Palombino’s serious Neapolitan-style pies.
With time to spare, peruse the various offerings from accessories to essentials for men and women at Oak (208 N. Eighth St., 718-782-0521) or the sublime bias-cut silk pieces for her at Sir (129 Bedford Ave., 718-384-0700). For exquisite art, home décor and furniture, The Future Perfect (115 N. Sixth St., 718-599-6278) is second to none. Sift through one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and charming knickknacks for your living space, or shop the modern, unique selection of furniture and lighting. Kick back after your shopping spree at Huckleberry Bar (588 Grand St., 718-218- 8555). Its “Perfect Manhattan” is, well, perfect, and you can’t go wrong with a classic Sidecar or Huckleberry’s signature Aviation cocktail, a slightly sweet mix of Beefeater gin, crème de violette, Luxardo Maraschino and fresh lemon.
ONE MORE REASON THIS ’HOOD IS SO GOOD?
It’s leading the way when it comes to green real estate. Say hello to The Edge (Kent Avenue between North Fifth and Seventh Streets), Brooklyn’s largest mixed-use waterfront real estate development with eco-friendly designs and amenities that will make your jaw drop: Think two screening rooms, hybrid Zipcars on-site and an indoor pool that turns open-air in the summer. Call 718-222-0211 or visit williamsburgedge.com.
