The Design Lovers Guide to Williamsburg, Brooklyn
by Ali Arain
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Williamsburg, Brooklyn is one of the most dynamic, creative neighborhoods in all of NYC, so it's no surprise that it's a design destination in its own right. Here we list our favorite local stores, restaurants, and coffee shops - all within walking distance of BEAM. Updated for Spring 2018.
Sunday in Brooklyn // 348 Wythe Avenue
Our go to all-day dining spot in the hood. The warm design combines wood, marble, and lots of greenery for a fresh take on the Brooklyn design aesthetic. For brunch, don't miss the malted pancakes; all other times, check out the pastrami cod.
Atelier Mira // 224 Grand Street
A must-visit for head-turning, conceptual eyewear from under-the-radar designers like Masahiromaruyama, Anne et Valentin, Bruno Chaussignand, and more. The service is amazing -- if you let them, the sales associates will hand pick glasses from their extensive collection that will best fit your face -- and their recommendations are spot on.
Bird // 203 Grand Street
An iconic Brooklyn boutique, Bird has serious fashion chops, featuring designers like Dries Van Noten, Rachel Comey, and Proenza Schouler. With interiors designed by Norwegian architect Ole Sondresen, Bird's Williamsburg location was Brooklyn's first LEED certified store, with heart pine paneling and cabinetry milled from locally salvaged beams, zero VOC finishes, cork flooring, and low energy lighting.
Cafe Mogador // 133 Wythe Avenue
We love the eclectic design of this modern-meets-Moroccan restaurant, and the covered patio in the back is one of our favorite spots to eat in the city.
Devocion // 69 Grand Street
The skylight and the living plant wall are the main event at this bright cafe serving farm-to-table Colombian coffee. With a super friendly staff (who look like they are straight out of central casting for "Williamsburg barista") and ample seating, Devocion is perfect for a coffee pit stop.
Pilgrim Surf + Supply // 68 N. 3rd Street
A surf lifestyle store with a refined aesthetic, Pilgrim blurs the lines between surf, fashion, and design. The boards here are made by some of the best shapers in the world, but the shop also features clothing for men and women with a distinctly West Coast vibe.
Blue Bottle // 76 N. 4th Street
Recently revamped, this beloved coffee shop features lots of blonde wood, which makes for a modern but organic setting. If you are looking for a pick me up to help you power through a day in Williamsburg, order a New Orleans iced coffee.
Swords Smith // 98 S. 4th Street
A gorgeous shop featuring trailblazing fashion, jewelry, and accessories from independent designers like Adam Selman, Assembly New York, and Henrik Vobskov.
McNally Jackson Bookstore // 76 N. 4th Street
We could spend hours perusing McNally Jackson's collection of hard-to-find art, design, and photography books and magazines.
Mast Brothers // 111 N. 3rd Street
Mast Brothers combines chocolate and high design, an irresistible combination. Visit this Brooklyn flagship to witness their entire bean to bar process.
BEAM // 240 Kent Avenue
Shameless plug! If you love design as much as we do, stop by BEAM and discover our rotating collection of furniture, lighting, home goods, and gifts from both local designers and international brands, including Tom Dixon, Ferm Living, Menu, and Seletti.