New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [277]
Dressler.
$$$ | AMERICAN | The critically acclaimed Dressler has a modern menu full of meaty foods and an impressive wine list, served in a refined setting—a classic example of the “New Brooklyn Cuisine.” One standout is the braised lamb shank, served with pearled barley, roasted tomato, and Swiss chard. | 149 Broadway, between Bedford and Driggs Aves., Williamsburg | 11211 | 718/384–6343 | www.dresslernyc.com | AE, MC, V | No lunch weekdays | Subway: J, M, Z to Marcy Ave.; L to Bedford Ave.
DuMont.
$$ | AMERICAN | Slide into a candlelit leather booth and order what is perhaps the best mac ’n cheese in the city, served bubbling hot and punctuated with (optional) smoky bacon. The juicy burgers, which also have a large fan club, are best enjoyed at a table in the charming back garden. | 432 Union Ave., between Metropolitan Ave. and Devoe St., Williamsburg | 11211 | 718/486–7717 | www.dumontrestaurant.com | AE, MC, V | Subway: L to Lorimer St.
Fatty Cue.
$$ | SOUTHEAST ASIAN | This offshoot of Fatty Crab in the West Village features the similarly quirky aesthetics in its series of low-lighted, low-ceilinged rooms where the decibel level is as high as the enjoyment of chowing on deliciously juicy smoked fare with a Southeast Asian twist. Locally sourced meats and fish are thrown into two Ole Hickory smokers and rubbed with unique flavors, resulting in a delicious medley of snacks and more substantial dishes. Favorites include pork ribs with smoked-fish palm syrup and Indonesian long pepper, and the beef brisket with chili jam, aioli, bao (a Vietnamese steamed bun filled with meat or vegetables), pickled red onion, and bone broth. | 91 S. 6th St., at Berry St., Williamsburg | 11211 | 718/599–3090 | www.fattycue.com | AE, MC, V| Subway: L to Bedford Ave.
Fette Sau.
$ | SOUTHERN | It may surprise you to come to a former auto-body repair shop to eat meat, but the funky building and outside courtyard seem just right for some serious ’cue. Here a huge wood-and-gas smoker delivers well-smoked brisket, sausages, ribs, and even duck, ordered by the pound. Avoid the disappointing salads and sides, and instead order some of the more than 40 American whiskeys and 10 microbrews. Come early, as tables fill up quick, and even with 700 pounds of meat a night, the good stuff sometimes runs out by 9 pm. | 354 Metropolitan Ave., between Havemeyer and Roebling Sts., Williamsburg | 11211 | 718/963–3404 | fettesaubbq.com | Reservations not accepted | MC, V | No lunch weekdays | Subway: L to Lorimer St.
La Superior.
$$$ | MEXICAN | Serving some of Brooklyn’s best Mexican grub this side of the Red Hook ball fields, La Superior melds Mexican street food with the Williamsburg ethic. The service is slapdash and the decor is unremarkable, but the food—from beef-tongue tacos to pescadillas (fish quesadillas)—always delivers. Don’t be surprised if your waiter has a seat at your table while discussing the menu. | 295 Berry St., Williamsburg | 11211 | 718/388–5988 | lasuperiornyc.com | Reservations not accepted | No credit cards | Subway: L to Bedford Ave.; J, M, Z to Marcy Ave.
Marlow & Sons.
$$ | AMERICAN | It may look like a gourmet food store, but it’s also a buzzy restaurant. Slurp some oysters and enjoy a wedge of delicate tortilla Española in the wood-paneled dining room, or choose one of many daily specials. Don’t miss the adventurous cocktails, so good they’ll almost make you forget about the uncomfortable wooden seating. After dinner, shop for delicacies like wildflower honey and aromatic bitters. | 81 Broadway, at Berry St., Williamsburg | 11211 | 718/384–1441 | www.marlowandsons.com | Reservations not accepted | AE, MC, V | Subway: J, M, Z to Marcy Ave.; L to Bedford Ave.
Peter Luger Steak House.
$$$$ | STEAK | Long before Brooklyn was chic, even the snobbiest Manhattanites flocked to Luger’s. Other steak houses have more elegant ambience, bigger wine lists, and less brusque service, but the steak makes