People who say Williamsburg is now cool have definitely just moved to New York. This neighborhood has always been cool, and its streets still hold layers of history beneath the trendiness. So for this guide, we’re walking you through a day in Williamsburg, exploring the local gems that keep this neighborhood a favorite.  

To start the day:

If you’re heading from Manhattan, sure, the trains can get delayed, and most tourists take that as a sign to walk the Brooklyn Bridge. But since we’re doing this the local way, we’re walking the Williamsburg Bridge instead. It may not have the same postcard-perfect architecture, but the graffiti-covered views make it feel way more New York.

For Breakfast: 

Baby Blues Luncheonette

Once you hit Williamsburg, we’re heading to Baby Blues Luncheonette for breakfast. Yankees memorabilia covers the walls, so maybe skip the Red Sox hat. This Greek diner nails comfort food, but the Plato Plate, pancakes, and watermelon mint juice steal the show.

For Shopping:

Kalimera

After breakfast at Baby Blues, walk next door to Kalimera. This vintage shop mixes high-end designer pieces with more affordable finds. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect pair of ’90s Prada shoes or something for your girlfriend, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind piece.

Ebreo Vintage

This vintage store’s motto is “elevated yet understated menswear from Italy.” Inside, you’ll find racks of suits from the ’60s through the 2000s, with names like Brioni, Zegna, and Versace, all at surprisingly reasonable prices. And if the fit isn’t perfect, don’t worry, they’ve got in-store tailoring that’ll have you wearing your suit in no time.

10 FT Single by Stella Dallas

For more of a sourcing adventure, you’ll find endless rows of T-shirts, denim, slip dresses, and army jackets starting at $10. Not in the mood to dig? Head next door to Stella Dallas Living, where the edit is more refined. Think vintage home décor, 1900s gowns, and treasures straight out of a chic grandmother’s closet.

For Lunch:

Huda

Serving seasonal home cooking from Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, Huda is named after the community center in Damascus where Chef Hadidi spent his early years. The food feels warm, generous, and impossible to resist. You’ll tell yourself you’ll share the crudo and Koosa Meshi, but you definitely won’t.

Afternoon Treat: 

Kijitora

To calm your savory palate, stop by Kijitora, a Japanese coffee shop that serves what might just be the best matcha affogato in the city. Not on the matcha train? The yuzu ginger fizz will win you over, it’s refreshing, and the perfect reset for your tastebuds. 

A Different Type of Treat:

Sauced

After a long day of walking and shopping, unwind at Sauced, a cozy wine and record bar where “wine and good company blur into one.” It’s the kind of place where you can sip something great, enjoy good music, and guess whether the couple next to you is on their first date.

For Dinner:

Bonnie’s

Inspired by Chef Calvin Eng’s mom and her home cooking, this Cantonese American spot serves comfort with a creative twist. One bite of the cha siu–glazed pork on a sesame milk bun, and you’ll understand why being a mama’s boy sometimes pays off.

Pre-Gaming:

St. Mazie

If you still have energy for a night out, head to St. Mazie to set the mood for what’s ahead. Enjoy live jazz while sipping a classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned, or dive into their absinthe menu for something that’ll make your night unforgettable… or maybe just a little forgettable.

Going out:

Nightmoves

Hidden behind an unmarked door, this spot has one of the best sound systems in the city, an all-vinyl playlist, and a light-up dance floor waiting for you. If you love good music, dancing with strangers, and avoiding full-on rave chaos, this is your place, just make sure you can charm your way past the doorman and their notoriously tough door.

Text by: Wika Soto-Hay