Classic Eats in Brooklyn - MD person traveling up that way

[jac0077]

I will be visiting NYC this week. Was thinking about doing the Brooklyn Brewery tour and checking out the eats in that area. Can anyone recommend some must see, classic spots? Italian deli's, pizza parlors, burger joints, whatever.

I post to the Mid-Atlantic board and am happy to return the favor for those visiting down this way.

Thanks much!

[Carol Gardens]

Along the lines of classic Italian, I also recommend Ferninando's on Union Street near Hicks. Sam's for pizza (nothing else) on Court near Kane.

[PAL]

If "that area" means Williamsburg and Greenpoint, here are few picks:

Italian Deli: Lorimer and Withers. I forget the name. They'll make you a good old fashioned sandwich. Alternately, DOC Winebar, for wine, cheese, and salumi.

Pizza: Classic--Carmine's on Graham Avenue, San Marco on Lorimer and Conselyea. New: Motorino (great), Fornino, Roberta's.

Burgers: Classic--lunch at Peter Luger. Less Classic: DuMont Burger--some swear by it, I find it somewhat lacking. Search the boards for other burgers in Williamsburg.

The Polish food in Greenpoint is classic I guess; try Raymund's on Bedford Avenue for schnitzels, soups and sandwiches, or Lomnyian*** (I can't finish this word and too lazy to look it up) on Manhattan Avenue between Bedford and Norman.

Other Williamsburg eats include Egg for breakfast (best biscuits and gravy I've ever had) the oft debated Fette Sau Barbecue and its across the street parent Spuyen Duyvil for imported beers (Mugs Ale House has a better domestic beer selection on tap, and pretty good pub grub.) Caracas Arepa Bar on Grand was enjoyable, I like Baci and Abracci for pastas and light modern Italian. Frost Restaurant, though I've never been, is usually tapped on these boards as the best old-school Italian restaurant in Williamsburg.

If you need coffee, check out Cafe Grumpy in Greenpoint or Gimme Coffee on Lorimer St. Or if you prefer a classic spot, you can hit up Fortunato on Manhattan Avenue and Devoe for old school (i.e., pre-Seattle) espresso and Italian pastries.

[jac0077]

Thanks all for the suggestions thus far. I appreciate it greatly. I am looking forward to checking out some spots suggested here. Keep em coming. Getting local, on the ground reviews is what this site is all about. Many thanks!

[saramcgovern]

I live in brooklyn heights, and one thing you can absolutely skip is Grimaldi's pizza by the Brooklyn Bridge...don't waste your time with that no matter what people tell you, the pizza just isnt that great anymore. But if you go to the DUMBO area you can stop by Jacques Torres' chocolate shop or the ice cream stand right by the Brooklyn Bridge. Fette Sau in Williamsburg is amazing-not to be missed. Peter Luger's for a lunch burger is a must as well, that is classic Brooklyn(and @ lunch and a burger are actually slightly affordable!). Check out edible brooklyn (a free magazine thats at food places around brooklyn, but i'm sure they have a website) for great ideas as well.

[Bob Martinez]

By "classic eats" do you mean places that have been open a long time?

[jac0077]

Yeah, places that have been around for a long time are always worth a look in my opinion. If there are new spots that can't be missed, I would welcome that info. as well.

Thx!

[Bob Martinez]

I was just asking because otherwise this will turn into the umpteenth "best of Brooklyn" thread. The search engine will give you lots of posts on that topic.

Sticking to the classics, Lugers of course. Go in the afternoon. You won't have problems getting reservations. Evenings can be difficult.

In Brooklyn Heights, Queen is a standout. They serve very good Italian cuisine, both southern and northern. Don't forget to check out their extensive list of daily specials as well.

http://www.queenrestaurant.com/

The restaurant is in easy walking distance of the promenade and views of lower Manhattan are spectacular.

[buttertart]

2nd on Queen, I love that place. Never a bad meal there and they have some very interesting and unusual wines. We almost always order from the specials menu. Their gelati are also excellent (torrone-flavor the last time was wonderful).

[Carol Gardens]

I just went to Queen for someone's birthday last week. It was really wonderful. The mozzarella appetizer is the best I have ever had. They make it fresh daily. Generic decor, colorful clientele, fantastic eats.

[buttertart]

The mozzarella is really something (the only one as good I've ever had is from Giovanni's -sandwiches/cooked food primarily to take out - in the gastronomic wasteland of Secaucus, NJ where I work - it's made fresh there several times a day, often in front of you). Great hulking portion at Queen as well, easily shared.