Roebling Tea Room - Williamsburg

Robert Burns once wrote that, "The best laid plans of mice and men go often askew and leave us naught but grief and pain for promised joy." Such was almost the case when my planned birthday dinner with my sister at Roberta's Pizza ran into a roadblock the size of their Saturday night dinner rush. The evening's bar plans would not allow for the 45 minute wait and I was left racking my brain for a nearby replacement. Thankfully, I remembered the Roebling Tea Room a short trip away on the L train.

Diner - Williamsburg

Since its opening Diner has been at the forefront of the Brooklyn foodie scene. Its commitment to local, sustainable agriculture and fresh, top quality ingredients (including meat cut at its own butcher shop across the street) made it one of the growing number of destination restaurants in South Williamsburg and an appearance on the “Outer Burroughs” episode of Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations - former Times “Under $25” critic Peter Meehan proclaiming it the best burger in New York - made this a must-visit.

Marlow & Sons - Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Down the street from Peter Luger's Steakhouse and standing in the shadow of sister restaurant Diner it might be easy to overlook Marlow & Sons along Broadway in Williamsburg. This would be tragic, however, as the little cafe has a feel all its own while still bearing the same local/sustainable food standard that it's owners have been advancing for years.