Known most recently for its young, bohemian population, Williamsburg's one-of-a-kind charm lies where these "hipsters'" irony embraces nostalgia for the Brooklyn neighborhood's simple, blue-collar, immigrant history. Explore this everyday cultural cross-pollination in Willamsburg's vintage and independent artists and designers, locally brewed craft beers, highly original nightlife and trendy home-style restaurants.
The Artists and Fleas, an "artist, designer and vintage market" that organizers describe as "part community gathering spot, part hipster haven," has been hosting flea markets--where creators sell their goods directly to buyers--every Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 12 noon to 8 p.m. since 2003.
Artists and Fleas
129 N 6th St.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
artistsandfleas.com
Brooklyn Bowl is as much bowling alley as live music venue, craft brew bar and hearty comfort food restaurant. A firmly Brooklyn establishment, Brooklyn Bowl serves only Brooklyn-brewed beers, and the décor features Coney Island posters and carnival relics from the 1930s and '40s.
Brooklyn Bowl
61 Wythe Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-963-3369
brooklynbowl.com
Pete's Candy Store, which is in fact a bar, has become a neighborhood staple. It is known not just for its drinks and nightly live music acts, but for its quirky spelling bees, trivia nights, poetry readings and bingo games, which attract young hipsters and local grannies alike.
Pete's Candy Store
709 Lorimer St.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-302-3770
petescandystore.com
The City Reliquary started in 2002 as a first-floor apartment window with relics of everyday life from the neighborhood's past, and has slowly evolved into a museum and civic organization. Its regular block parties, concerts and movie screenings bring together Williamsburg culture old and new.
City Reliquary
370 Metropolitan Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-782-4842
cityreliquary.org
Tuck into old-fashioned biscuits, fried chicken and rich pork entrees dished up at Pies 'n' Thighs. Though its kitschy decor gives a nod to the kinds of scrappy beginnings associated with Williamsburg--"Time Out New York" magazine describes the restaurant's first "incarnation" as "a drunk-food closet at the back of a bar"--Pies 'n' Thighs has earned a following after reopening with a polished menu and solid service.
Pies 'n' Thighs
66 South 4th St.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
347-529-6090
piesnthighs.com
Barcade showcases the neighborhood's soft spot for the past with a twist of artistic irony. Play vintage arcade games you thought were only a distant memory as you sip one of dozens of microbrews on tap.
Barcade
388 Union Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-302-6464
barcadebrooklyn.com
The Glasslands Gallery is an art, music and performance space that hosts the kinds of uniquely Williamsburg events including soul interactive movie screenings, music dance parties and burlesque shows.
Glasslands Gallery
289 Kent Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-599-1450
glasslands.blogspot.com
