{"id":15134,"date":"2015-01-05T08:29:42","date_gmt":"2015-01-05T12:29:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/?p=15134"},"modified":"2019-05-08T17:18:05","modified_gmt":"2019-05-08T21:18:05","slug":"live-like-local-williamsburg-brooklyn-new-york","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2015\/01\/05\/live-like-local-williamsburg-brooklyn-new-york\/","title":{"rendered":"Live Like a Local in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-15142\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Live-like-local-williamsburg-skyline-brooklyn-nyc.jpg\" alt=\"Image of Williamsburg, Brooklyn\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>Across the East River, Williamsburg is a hip neighborhood full of vitality<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Brooklyn has always marched to the beat of its own drum. With its rich array of cultural enclaves, artistic and architectural triumphs, and outdoor attractions, it&#8217;s an experience separate from its New York siblings. <a title=\"Discover our Brooklyn blogs\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/category\/new-york\/new-york-travel-guide\/brooklyn\/\">Check out this Brooklyn guide<\/a> for further proof. The borough\u2019s popularity has intensified in recent years; although the Williamsburg neighborhood has existed since the early 19th century, the past decade has made it the face of Brooklyn\u2019s widespread reputation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Welcome to Williamsburg, Brooklyn<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/mapsengine.google.com\/map\/embed?mid=zHap3VP2vDcM.k8eLRCpMjV6E\" width=\"585\" height=\"400\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Williamsburg lies along the westernmost area of Brooklyn. It&#8217;s situated north of Bedford-Stuyvesant, south of Greenpoint, west of Bushwick, and east of the East River. Originally an industrial epicenter, Williamsburg is now associated with hipsters and an indie music scene. Like much of Manhattan, the neighborhood is rife with celebrities, from current residents like actors Ed Westwick and Zoe Kravitz to those born or raised in the area, like author Henry Miller, award-winning star Barbra Streisand, and singer Barry Manilow.<\/p>\n<p>Williamsburg\u2019s proximity to Manhattan makes it an attractive option for anyone living in the city. The Williamsburg Bridge connects Brooklyn to the Lower East Side of Manhattan (<a title=\"Live like a local in the Lower East Side, Manhattan\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2014\/05\/05\/live-like-local-lower-east-side-manhattan-new-york\/\">discover our neighborhood guide to the Lower East Side<\/a>), while multiple subway lines run underneath the neighborhood. If you&#8217;re staying in New York City, don\u2019t rule out the outer boroughs; Williamsburg might just be the perfect fit for you!<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Go shopping in Williamsburg<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Given its trendy reputation, it comes as no surprise that Williamsburg is a shopper\u2019s paradise, particularly for those with bohemian, vintage, or eclectic tastes.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Main thoroughfares include <strong>North 9th Street<\/strong>, home to a selection of hardware and home improvement stores, and <strong>North 7th Street,<\/strong> which hosts a diverse mix of repair shops and fashionable hotspots. There\u2019s also <strong>Grand Street<\/strong>, which extends into the eastern parts of Williamsburg and has its own namesake subway station. <strong>Bedford Avenue<\/strong> is the longest street in Brooklyn, and it weaves its way through no fewer than six neighborhoods. The stretch through Williamsburg has plenty of shops that are worth a visit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-15137\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Live-like-local-williamsburg-mast-brothers-chocolate-brooklyn-nyc.jpg\" alt=\"Image of Mast Brothers Chocolate\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>The Mast Brothers use the best ingredients in their scrumptious chocolate<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Looking to pick up something secondhand as a fresh find? <strong>Artists and Fleas Market, Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads Trading Co., <\/strong>and<strong> Junk<\/strong> are all great places to start. You&#8217;ll find vintage and secondhand treasures at discounted prices. If you\u2019re looking to add to your record collection, you can\u2019t beat <strong>Earwax Records<\/strong> or <strong>Rough Trade NYC<\/strong> for vinyl classics and contemporaries. After your shopping spree, treat yourself to some artisanal creations from <strong>Mast Brothers Chocolate<\/strong> (chocoholics will not want to miss tours of the factory either).<\/li>\n<li>Think Williamsburg is too urban for shopping malls? Think again. <strong>Shops at the Loom<\/strong> houses more than a dozen specialty shops, including handmade clothing, jewelry, and a skate shop. <strong>The Shops at 240 Kent Avenue<\/strong> also has an assortment of stores, from a handcrafted perfumery to an organic juice shop.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-15138\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Live-like-local-williamsburg-north-brooklyn-farms-brooklyn-nyc.jpg\" alt=\" Image of North Brooklyn Farms\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>A new form of green space: North Brooklyn Farms converts abandoned lots into urban farms <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>If you want to incorporate healthy ingredients in your cooking, shop at Williamsburg\u2019s farmer&#8217;s markets. <strong>North Brooklyn Farms<\/strong> seeks to reclaim vacant lots for agriculture and recreation, <strong>Greenmarket Farmers Market<\/strong> brings together hundreds of local farms and fisheries to encourage Brooklynites\u2019 support of these independent food makers, and <strong>East Williamsburg CSA<\/strong> matches residents with the freshest produce while sponsoring community involvement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Coffee, restaurants and nightlife in Williamsburg<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-15139\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Live-like-local-williamsburg-meatball-shop-brooklyn-nyc.jpg\" alt=\"Image of the Meatball Shop \" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>Delicious meatballs are the centerpiece of The Meatball Shop\u2019s menu<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>When hunger strikes, you\u2019ll never be short on options in Williamsburg. Whether it\u2019s coffee, restaurant dining, or nightclubs, this Brooklyn district has you covered.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Barbecue lovers won\u2019t want to miss <strong>Fette Sau<\/strong> for its smoked-in-house meats.<\/li>\n<li>Think poultry and pastries is a weird combination? Prepare to be surprised at <strong>Pies-n-Thighs<\/strong>, which is well-loved for its fried chicken and flaky desserts.<\/li>\n<li>There\u2019s no false advertising at <strong>The Meatball Shop<\/strong>, a restaurant specializing in meatballs of all kinds.<\/li>\n<li>International fare is what Williamsburg does best, from the Mexican cuisine at <strong>Mesa Coyoacan<\/strong> to the Japanese tapas at <strong>Bozu<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Other eateries worth checking out include <strong>Traif, Zenkichi, DuMont Burger, Maison Premiere, Caracas Arepa Bar, Pates et Traditions, <\/strong>and<strong> Rye<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Tight on cash? Cheap eats can be found in the vicinity, where the average meal will cost you less than $8. Falafel connoisseurs need to check out <strong>Oasis<\/strong> for Middle Eastern staples. American stadium food\u2013hot dogs, chips and dip, and cheese puffs\u2013is always on the menu at <strong>The Levee<\/strong>, where you can challenge your friends to a game of pool or beat the high score at pinball. Patrons rave about the sandwiches at <strong>Graham Avenue Meats and Deli<\/strong>, the perfect place to pick up a quick lunch. And what would New York be without its pizza, the best in the world? You can choose between the unique creations of <strong>Vinnie\u2019s Pizzeria<\/strong> or the more traditional <strong>Carmine\u2019s Pizzeria<\/strong> (and we have <a title=\"Top 10 pizza spots in New York City\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2014\/09\/22\/top-10-pizza-spots-new-york-city\/\">more recommendations for the best pizzas in the city<\/a>). Also worth noting are the restaurants <strong>Crif Dogs, The Bagel Store, Vanessa\u2019s Dumpling House, <\/strong>and <strong>Nam Nam<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-15135\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Live-like-local-williamsburg-dunwell-doughnuts-brooklyn-nyc.jpg\" alt=\"Image of Dunwell Doughnut\u2019s titular treats \" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>Icing flavors you won\u2019t find anywhere else make Dunwell Doughnuts a unique pastry shop<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Need your caffeine fix? There are plenty of coffee shops in Williamsburg. <strong>Blue Bottle Coffee<\/strong> takes pride in vintage coffeemaking techniques, and takes the process seriously with their hot coffee made to order.<\/li>\n<li>Black Brick is a great winter getaway for its cozy, rustic charm in the midst of a metropolitan city.<\/li>\n<li>For a full-service caf\u00e9, <strong>House of Small Wonder<\/strong> brings European chic to the streets of Brooklyn.<\/li>\n<li>And what\u2019s coffee without its tasty complement: the doughnut? Thankfully, <strong>Dunwell Doughnuts<\/strong> has an extensive menu of over 200 flavors that rotate daily, so you can try something new with each visit!<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t forget to stop by <strong>Gimme! Coffee, Fortunato Brothers, Toby\u2019s Estate Coffee, Bakeri, <\/strong>and<strong> Oslo Coffee Roasters<\/strong>. <a title=\"Top 10 coffee shops in New York City\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2014\/02\/24\/top-10-coffee-shops-new-york\/\">Some of our other favorite coffee spots across New York are compiled within this helpful list<\/a> (<a title=\"Top 10 bagel spots in New York\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2014\/09\/08\/top-10-bagel-spots-new-york\/\">we can help give suggestions on the best bagels<\/a>, too).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-15140\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Live-like-local-williamsburg-radegast-hall-and-biergarten-brooklyn-nyc.jpg\" alt=\"Image of Radegast Hall and Biergarten\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>A taste of Germany is always available at Radegast Hall and Biergarten<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>After hours, kick back at one of the neighborhood\u2019s many bars. <strong>Radegast Hall and Biergarten<\/strong> transports visitors to an authentic German beerhall, complete with live music every night. <strong>Barcade<\/strong> is an appropriate portmanteau: it combines the finest beers on tap with a host of classic arcade games. For fancier fare, try <strong>Huckleberry Bar<\/strong>, though its creatively named cocktails (examples include I Think I Love You and The Owls Are Not What They Seem) should balance out the formalities. Don\u2019t neglect to include these hotspots on your barhopping list: <strong>Union Pool, Caf\u00e9 Moto, Alligator Lounge, Spuyten Duyvil, Berry Park, The Whiskey Brooklyn, Hotel Delmano, <\/strong>and<strong> The Gutter<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>A diverse selection of nightclubs also call Williamsburg home. <strong>Verboten<\/strong> represents the cutting edge of modern entertainment, with state-of-the-art speakers and visual art displays. <strong>This n\u2019 That<\/strong> is raunchy and fun, with frequent drag shows and outrageous events catered to its mostly LGBTQ clientele. For a more relaxed setting, take a trip to <strong>The Woods<\/strong>, where you can sip spirits on an outdoor patio. Check out <strong>Bembe, Output, <\/strong>and <strong>TBA Brooklyn<\/strong>, too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Stay or live in Williamsburg<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Williamsburg is the perfect neighborhood, whether you\u2019re looking to make a permanent move or only staying temporarily. New York Habitat has accommodations to fit your personal needs, and we\u2019ll work with you throughout the process. If your time in Brooklyn is brief, we suggest <a title=\"Williamsburg, New York vacation rentals\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/vacation\/brooklyn\/williamsburg\">our Williamsburg vacation rentals<\/a> or a <a title=\"New York bed and breakfast search\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/bed-breakfast\">bed and breakfast<\/a>. These accommodations will provide comfort no matter how long you\u2019re in New York.<\/p>\n<p>For long-term arrangements, <a title=\"Williamsburg furnished apartments\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/furnished\/brooklyn\/williamsburg\">our Williamsburg furnished apartment rentals<\/a> and <a title=\"Williamsburg rooms for rent\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/roommate-share\/brooklyn\/williamsburg\">roommate shares<\/a> are the best ways to settle and adapt to city life. With New York Habitat\u2019s guidance, the stress will be minimal and you can start enjoying all that Williamsburg has to offer! Before you make the move, brush up on <a title=\"New York basic tips and etiquette for visitors\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2014\/05\/19\/new-york-basic-tips-etiquette-visitors\/\">our New York etiquette tips<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Things to do and see in Williamsburg<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Thanks to its centuries\u2019 worth of history, it should come as no surprise that Williamsburg is home to several notable museums, landmarks, and parklands.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>For a quirky, cultivated collection of New York relics, stop by the <strong>City Reliquary<\/strong>. This museum displays everything from architectural fragments to subway artifacts. It provides a unique glimpse into New York City history and sponsors community events. Another non-profit institution is the <strong>Williamsburg Art &amp; Historical Center<\/strong>, which links the artistic world to the Williamsburg public. Rotating exhibits and events speak to the ever-changing trajectory of art in contemporary society.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-15141\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Live-like-local-williamsburg-washington-statue-continental-army-plaza-brooklyn-nyc.jpg\" alt=\"Image of Washington statue at Continental Army Plaza\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>A statue of George Washington stares proudly over the Continental Army Plaza<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Williamsburg is a prime tour destination for architecture buffs. <strong>The Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburg<\/strong>\u00a0stands proudly near the Williamsburg Bridge and remains an impressive example of neoclassical design. A sculpture of George Washington graces the<strong> Continental Army Plaza,<\/strong> the small park built alongside the <strong>Williamsburg Bridge<\/strong>. Once the biggest sugar refinery in the world, the <strong>Domino Sugar Factory<\/strong> is now in redevelopment. Many of the buildings have been gutted and demolished already, and it is unclear if any structures on this historic site will survive the reconstruction. See it, if possible, while you still can.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-15136\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Live-like-local-williamsburg-east-river-park-brooklyn-nyc.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of East River Park, in Williamsburg\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>East River Park is a favorite among Williamsburg residents<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Want to experience the great outdoors in the urban jungle? Williamsburg can help! Perhaps the most famous example of green space in the neighborhood is the sprawling seven-acre <strong>East River State Park<\/strong>. Its wide green spaces and spectacular panorama of Manhattan attract residents and visitors alike. The reinvented <strong>McCarren Park<\/strong> appeals to the public for its sporty facilities and seasonal fairs. The waterfront<strong> Grand Ferry Park<\/strong>, named for the aquatic transport of passengers and farm produce of the 1800s, is a great spot for jogging and admiring native plant species. Inventor Peter Cooper is commemorated at <strong>Cooper Park<\/strong>. The park&#8217;s dog run is especially popular with canine owners!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>What are your favorite spots in Williamsburg?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Brooklyn has always marched to the beat of its own drum. With its rich array of cultural enclaves, artistic and architectural triumphs, and outdoor attractions,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[65],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15134"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15134"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15134\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19974,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15134\/revisions\/19974"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15134"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15134"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15134"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}