BYOB Williamsburg
Eating cheap in NYC is easy. There are countless inexpensive options that don't involve fast food (from dumplings to bahn mi), but few that include a meal in a relaxed restaurant setting with authentic cuisine accompanied by a decent bottle of booze. But, as most New Yorkers know, one way to land a fantastic meal at a fraction of the cost is to find a spot that's BYOB. In these belt-tightening times, thanks to a recession compounded with holiday high season, it's as good a time as any to bring your own. Since the list of NYC eateries that allow outside alcohol is long (Amuse Bouche has an extensive round-up here), to save space I've narrowed my focus to my absolute favorites (all within walking distance of my apartment).
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Egg
135 N 5th St
Brooklyn, NY 11211
This beloved Williamsburg brunch spot serves an equally delicious lunch and dinner. The latter, for which you can bring your own booze, includes dishes like fried chicken …
(cooked to perfection and served with a biscuit and greens to boot), a burger, and an assortment of other well-executed classics.
[link]
La Superior
295 Berry St
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Likewise in Williamsburg is this unassuming (from the outside at least) Mexican eatery. Its menu is ripe with authentic Mexican dishes--the enchiladas are to-die-for, as …
is the Pescado Pibil (which, the last time I had it, was served with Tilapia). And, the icing on the tres leches cake is the fact that you can bring your own Pacifico or Patron (with the latter they'll make you tasty margaritas on the spot).
(photo [link]
Motorino
319 Graham Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
This relatively recent addition to the neighborhood has been a huge hit. On weekend nights it's perpetually packed. Though, I called ahead on a recent Saturday afternoon …
and they happily reserved a table for 9 at 9pm. But, aside from the spectacular service, the prospect of BYOB is more than enough to warrant a visit as are the especially delicious traditional pizzas and stellar meat-and-cheese plates. Add a piece of homemade tiramisu into the mix, and the overall experience is just plain heavenly.
[link]
Amarin Cafe
617 Manhattan Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11222
The ambiance might leave something to be desired at this authentic Thai joint, but it's clean, the food is great and you can bring your own booze. So, all in all, whether …
you're looking for curry, pad thai or chili fish, Amarin has you covered.
[link]
Ella Cafe
177 Bedford Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Situated on Bedford Avenue right near the L stop is this vegetarian and vegan-friendly cafe. There's a coffee bar at the front of the restaurant that's consistently …
crowded during the morning rush, but come dinner time the focus is on dishes like simple sandwiches and made-to-order salads. For the most part, it's nothing too fancy, but paired with a nice glass of wine it can make for a perfectly enjoyable dining experience. Also of note: the garden out back, which is perfect come springtime.
[link]
Blue Angel Wines
638 Grand St
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Looking for a good wine shop for all of your pre-dinner booze buying needs? Hit Blue Angel, a newcomer to Grand Street. It stocks a great international selection, as well …
as a number of good wines that are $12-and-under.
[link]
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