I very rarely traveled down to Williamsburg when I lived in Brooklyn. I’m not a huge fan of hipsters, hipster culture (all things ugly) and I loved Bay Ridge…why leave? But when I heard this American Apparel covered neighborhood was home the best BBQ in town, I couldn’t resist. What better way to celebrate your friend’s 30th birthday then with some beef and beer? Enjoy!
BEEF - Fette Sau (354 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY) offers smoked meat, craft beer and a long list of whiskey flights. The cafeteria style ordering/seating offers a casual atmosphere perfect for what you came to do…EAT. I don’t know whether it was the succulent brisket or melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, but the term “food coma” doesn’t even begin to describe it. The food is fantastic, the staff is accommodating and knowledgeable, but beware of the wait. We had heard about this dreaded line and were the first fattys in on a perfect Sunday afternoon. No more than five minutes later there was a line out the door. Get there early and let your eyes be bigger than your stomach. You order by the pound so there is no excuse not to try everything on the menu. Go get some!!
BEER - Radegast Hall & Biergarten (113 North 3rd Street, Brooklyn, NY) was my first beer garden experience. I know! I’m shocked too. And even more shocked by how much I loved it. My normal drink of choice is simple…kettle one and ice (I’m low maintenance), but as I have gotten older I have enjoyed the beer world more. The enclosed beer hall was packed and the long tables forced us to make friends with our neighbors…and their kids, but it’s a beer garden so get close and meet new people! The service was a little slow, but what they lacked in speed they made up for in humor and knowledge (important for a novice beer drinker). Per Helen’s suggestion, I went for a liter of the Franziskaner Hefe-Weizen and the Blanche de Bruxelles. I don’t know what they mean, but it was fun to say. The beer garden has a relaxed unpretentious feel, perfect for any Sunday afternoon with friends.
