Brooklyn

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Some call it trendy, I call it home- Greenpoint/Williamsburg

A June 2000 trip to Brooklyn by Brian

The Bedford Ave. L stop.More Photos

An ongoing discovery of a NY neighborhood in transition.

  • 8 reviews
  • 3 stories/tips
  • 25 photos

Some call it trendy, I call it home- Greenpoint/WilliamsburgBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Postings at 169 Bedford
It is interesting to see a neigborhood change the way Northside Williamsburg has over the last decade. I have been familiar with this area for as long a time, and have been living here for the past four years. I am an artist, and in many ways am typical of the new element, for better or worse, that is causing this neighborhood, as it seems, to be heading in the direction of The East Villiage, or even Soho, though this is of course, a long way away. As rents skyrocket, and the quest for large loft spaces become more competitive, the possibilities that were once available to younger, low income people, are dwindling, transforming the area into a more gentrified, commercially focused environment. But hey, there's alot more stuff to do out here now.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Take the L train to Bedford Ave. or the G to Nassau Ave.

Oznot's DishBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Outside Oznot's
Oznot's Dish is a nice little place with a great interior. It has two distinct rooms and in the summer you can eat outside at tables adjacent to the street. Being that off of Bedford, it's usually not as crowded and more low-key. I know a lot of people who go here for brunch, I guess they have great omelettes, but being a vegan, I can't say. The other dishes I've had here have been great, and I've always enjoyed it's welcoming atmosphere and staff.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Brian on February 19, 2001

Oznot's Dish
79 Berry St. (N. 9th St.) Brooklyn, New York 11211
(718) 599-6596

Planet ThailandBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Inside Planet Thailand
I remember going into "Plan-eat Thailand" a few years back, when it was a closet eatery on Bedford Ave, with maybe 10 tables. Now, they have moved around the corner into a impressive space, complete with two bars, a sushi bar, at least thirty tables, a DJ, and a trendy decor. Despite these improvements, you can still eat really well for under $10, the menu offers an incredible selection, and the food is as good as always. Recently, I ate here on a Friday night, and was surprised how this restaurant's clientele has shifted to a young, hip crowd. As I sat there I couldn't think of a better metaphor for the growth of Williamsburg itself.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Brian on February 19, 2001

Planet Thailand
141 North 7th Street Brooklyn, New York 11211
718 599 5758

Amarin CafeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Inside Amarin
Being a vegan, and loving Thai food, this little cafe is a great alternative to standard take-out options. The food here is great, and although I rarely eat at the restaurant, it does have a nice, simple atmosphere that is totally unpretentious. They often feature local artist's work on their walls. The images are tasteful and change every couple of months. Delivery is always free, fast and friendly. Try the bean curd, basil, and vegetable pad thai.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Brian on February 19, 2001

Amarin Cafe
617 Manhattan Ave Brooklyn, New York 11222
718 349 2788

Teddy's Bar & GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Teddy's Bar & Grill"

Inside Teddy's
Although this place has great meals, I usually come here for the bar. I like that the crowd is a little older: thirty-something, and more mature. From the exterior, you can tell that this is an old bar, it looks like the original bar and fixtures. There is beautiful stained-glass sign above an entirely glass facade. It is a very bright and cheery place to eat lunch. You can find your typical American bar & grill selections at reasonable prices, yet prepared with special care.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Brian on February 19, 2001

Teddy's Bar & Grill
96 Berry St Brooklyn, New York 11211
(718) 384-9787

Mug's Ale HouseBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Mug's Tavern"

Mug's Tavern
This is neighborhood bar, with a great beer selection, many on tap. They also serve typical American bar food: sandwiches, hamburgers and fries, etc. The interior reminds me a little of a TGI-Friday's, but done tastfully, without a prefabricated feeling. The crowd is really diverse and easy-going, all ages, all types, just people getting together to have a good time.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Brian on February 19, 2001

Mug's Ale House
125 Bedford Ave Brooklyn, New York 11211
(718) 384-8494

Beacon's ClosetBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Inside Beacon's closet
The great thing about this place is that you can tell that they are selective about what they put on their racks. You don't have to search long before you find something worthwhile. I also appreciate their low prices, although they have risen over the past few years. You can still get a great piece of clothing for under $15. They seem to have a really good turnover of merchandise, so I find myself dropping in frequently to see what's new. They recently renovated and have new dressing rooms and a record room in the back.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Brian on February 19, 2001

Beacon's Closet
88 N 11th St Brooklyn, New York 11211
(718) 486-0816

McCarren ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

McCarren Park
It's great to have a big park like this in the neighborhood, complete with two ball-diamonds, a running track, jungle-gyms, tennis courts, handball courts, and some large, old trees. Dogs are permitted off the leash between 9 pm and 9 am, and don't push it because they will give you a ticket. The park is pretty full on warm weekends, but in the mornings and evenings it's not too bad. Occasionally the park will host festivals and free music during the spring and summer, and is consistantly littered with debris right after a busy weekend. However, our tax dollars ensure that the park service is there early the next day to clean up after all the folks who certainly wouldn't want to return to the park the way they left it.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Brian on February 19, 2001

McCarren Park
Between Bedford Ave and Roebling Brooklyn, New York 11222
(718) 965-6580

Pierogi 2000 Art GalleryBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Pierogi Exterior
Pierogi 2000, an art gallery located at 177 N. 9th St. is unique among the many NYC galleies. Although it contains two nicely sized gallery spaces, which show new work on a monthly basis, what I really like about this place is the collection of original work stored in several large flat files. Joe Amrhein, owner/director has collected a wide range of flat work-drawings, paintings, collage and photography. Anyone visiting the space can put on a pair of white gloves, and actually go through the collection, handling original artwork while learning about the artist who made it. Each artist has his or her own folder of work, usually included is a resume and exhibition history. It is a small library of original artwork, totally accessible, in a welcoming environment.

Williamsburg waterfrontBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Lot
This is an unoffical waterfront "park" on Kent Avenue from North 7th to North 10th, that people in the neighborhood retreat to for great views of Manhattan, big skies, fishing (if you can believe it) and an alternative place to walk their dogs. I wouldn't come here at night, a lot of homeless people converge here in the evenings. During the day there are actually a good number of people here, just enjoying the space, which is obviously appreciated in this densely populated city. Be aware that there are a lot of debris and glass and the ground is rumored to be very polluted. Still, I enjoy just hanging out and watching the water from the East River lap the shore.

My Studio in GreenpointBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

The view from my roof in the other direction
Living and working as an artist in Greenpoint/Northside Williamsburg has become quite precarious as of late. Countless tenants are slated for eviction and I have to say I've spent many worried hours and a lot of effort avoiding this same fate. Four years ago when I moved here, Williamsburg was a place where artists could find large spaces at reasonable prices but this is no longer the case. Even then it was getting hard to find a place, but now it's nearly impossible. Anyone who needs commercial space, and can't pay exhorbatant amounts for rent will be pushed further and further away from Manhattan. I feel fortunate to have a great space here, but realize that my time is limited as my income probably won't grow at the rate of the property values in this area.

About the Writer

Brian
Brian
NYC, New York

Get the Word Out

Share this travel journal beyond IgoUgo with your favorite sharing tools.