Austin

We're Out Here

Discover LGBTQ-welcoming hotels in top destinations, plus tips and inspiration on where to go

We're Out Here: A New LGBTQ Travel Vertical

Photo courtesy of Oilcan Harry's

Drink

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Best Restaurants & Bars - Places to Eat & Drink - Thrillist

Pride in Austin may not be until August, technically, but it’s always a good time to show up for the LGBTQ+ community.

Drag, Dancing, Drinks: The Best LGBTQ+ Bars and Parties in Austin

Nation

Andrea Izzotti/iStock/Getty Images

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

In retrospect, perhaps I got a little too comfortable.

Now Is the Best Time to Visit the Galápagos Islands

Chicago

Party Noire

Chicago has transformed into a true queer destination in recent years, no longer looked at as some little Midwestern city cast in the shadow of coastal meccas like New York and Los Angeles.

Your Guide to Queer Nightlife in Chicago All Year Long

Las Vegas

Flickr/The Vox Agency 

Lifestyle

In Las Vegas, we celebrate Pride in October (officially LGBT History Month).

From the Pool to the Club, the Best LGTBQ+ Hotspots in Las Vegas 

New York

Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist

Nestled between East Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Mary’s Bar is a recent addition to Brookyn’s growing string of queer spaces.

Throw Back a Guinness at This Queer Irish Pub in Brooklyn

San Diego

Flick/richssandiego

Home to one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country, the San Diego neighborhood of Hillcrest is where much of the city’s queer community has been traditionally centered, but in recent years, gayborhoods have also emerged in North Park, University Heights, Normal Heights and beyond, creating welcoming havens for locals and visitors in search of queer-friendly bars and clubs, as well as restaurants, theatres, retail shops, and other businesses.

Underwear Parties, Country Dance Nights, and More at the Best LGBTQ+ Bars in San Diego

Boston

Photo courtesy of Carrie Nation Cocktail Club

When it comes to queer nightlife in New England, Provincetown might be the first to come to mind when thinking of big events and celebrations—but sprinkled throughout Boston, you’ll also find a thriving scene of LGBTQ+ friendly parties, sports bars, theme nights, karaoke, brunches, cabaret, and more.

Boston’s Thriving LGBTQ+ Nightlife Is Bursting with Super Fun Spots

Atlanta

b-squared-15/shutterstock

Atlanta is one of America’s most underrated LGBTQ+ capitals, and that’s largely due to its diverse groups of passionate activists, talented queer artists, and, of course, legendary bars and clubs.

Inside the LGBTQ+ Bars in Atlanta Making the South a Little More Queer

Washington DC

TRADE

Along with landmarks like the White House, National Mall, and Washington Monument, our nation’s capital has a rich history of queer community and activism.

The Best Spots for LGBTQ+ Nightlife in Washington DC

Denver

Gustavo Frazao/Shutterstock

We’re refreshing the list of Denver’s best gay bars at the kickoff of Pride Month, but obviously following bars are a good time all year long.

Drag Shows, Patios, Cocktails: Denver’s Must-Hit LGBTQ+ Bars

Houston

Thrillist Weekend Guides

Thrillist's weekly guide to everything you can do this weekend—from hot new restaurants to art exhibits to outdoor activities.

Thrillist Weekend Guides: Everything Happening This Weekend

Photo by Andrew Hemingway, courtesy of Brasserie 19



Events

While last week’s holiday weekend may have been more about partying your face off, this weekend eases into summer with things like free jazz in the park, a Pride-themed yoga stretch on a rooftop, and a decidedly less relaxing but still totally cool tattoo convention.

Emo Karaoke, Pride Events, and More Fun Things to Do in Houston This Weekend

San Francisco

FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images

I’m standing calf-deep in icy water, panning for gold, while I worry the rest of me is getting a sunburn even though I’m wearing SPF 50.

Feeling Lucky? Here’s How to Pan for Gold in California Right Now

Photo courtesy of Lilia

Lilia

From Asian-Euro fusion, to a centuries-old steakhouse, to seasonal, sustainable small plates spots, these are the best places to eat in Williamsburg.

Even if you’ve never been to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, you’ve most likely heard of it or seen it portrayed in countless movies and TV shows (everything from Girls to Younger). Previously known for its sizable Jewish, Italian, and Polish populations in the early 1900s, artists began moving into the area in the late ‘90s and early aughts attracted by low rents, and thus the tidal wave of gentrification began. Now it’s one of the city’s priciest zip codes and is home to an Apple Store, Equinox, and many other national chains. 
 
But that doesn’t mean there’s not a heart and a soul to the neighborhood in 2021. And it’s still easy to find independently-owned businesses, especially in the restaurant department. 
 
As one of NYC’s hippest neighborhoods, when it comes to food, Williamsburg practically has it all. From Caribbean cuisine to Peruvian fare, chic Parisian-inspired wine bars to top-notch tacos, there’s an option for every whim. Pioneering early upstarts like <a href="https://www.dinernyc.com/" target="_blank">Diner</a>, <a href="https://www.marlowandsons.com/" target="_blank">Marlow &amp; Sons</a> and DuMont laid the groundwork for Williamsburg’s trendy restaurant scene, and later <a href="https://www.smorgasburg.com/" target="_blank">Smorgasburg</a> cemented its status as a food lover’s paradise. 
 
So, whether you’re craving Scandinavian fine dining or a house-smoked brisket pastrami sandwich, it’s all within walking distance. Below, our guide to the 20 best restaurants in Williamsburg right now.

Even if you’ve never been to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, you’ve most likely heard of it or seen it portrayed in countless movies and TV shows (everything from Girls to Younger). Previously known for its sizable Jewish, Italian, and Polish populations in the early 1900s, artists began moving into the area in the late ‘90s and early aughts attracted by low rents, and thus the tidal wave of gentrification began. Now it’s one of the city’s priciest zip codes and is home to an Apple Store, Equinox, and many other national chains.

But that doesn’t mean there’s not a heart and a soul to the neighborhood in 2021. And it’s still easy to find independently-owned businesses, especially in the restaurant department.

As one of NYC’s hippest neighborhoods, when it comes to food, Williamsburg practically has it all. From Caribbean cuisine to Peruvian fare, chic Parisian-inspired wine bars to top-notch tacos, there’s an option for every whim. Pioneering early upstarts like <a href="https://www.dinernyc.com/" target="_blank">Diner</a>, <a href="https://www.marlowandsons.com/" target="_blank">Marlow &amp; Sons</a> and DuMont laid the groundwork for Williamsburg’s trendy restaurant scene, and later <a href="https://www.smorgasburg.com/" target="_blank">Smorgasburg</a> cemented its status as a food lover’s paradise.

So, whether you’re craving Scandinavian fine dining or a house-smoked brisket pastrami sandwich, it’s all within walking distance. Below, our guide to the 20 best restaurants in Williamsburg right now.

Even if you’ve never been to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, you’ve most likely heard of it or seen it portrayed in countless movies and TV shows (everything from Girls to Younger). Previously known for its sizable Jewish, Italian, and Polish populations in the early 1900s, artists began moving into the area in the late ‘90s and early aughts attracted by low rents, and thus the tidal wave of gentrification began. Now it’s one of the city’s priciest zip codes and is home to an Apple Store, Equinox, and many other national chains.But that doesn’t mean there’s not a heart and a soul to the neighborhood in 2021. And it’s still easy to find independently-owned businesses, especially in the restaurant department.As one of NYC’s hippest neighborhoods, when it comes to food, Williamsburg practically has it all. From Caribbean cuisine to Peruvian fare, chic Parisian-inspired wine bars to top-notch tacos, there’s an option for every whim. Pioneering early upstarts like <a href="https://www.dinernyc.com/" target="_blank">Diner</a>, <a href="https://www.marlowandsons.com/" target="_blank">Marlow &amp; Sons</a> and DuMont laid the groundwork for Williamsburg’s trendy restaurant scene, and later <a href="https://www.smorgasburg.com/" target="_blank">Smorgasburg</a> cemented its status as a food lover’s paradise.So, whether you’re craving Scandinavian fine dining or a house-smoked brisket pastrami sandwich, it’s all within walking distance. Below, our guide to the 20 best restaurants in Williamsburg right now.

80 Wythe Avenue <a href="https://www.instagram.com/barblondeau/" target="_blank">Bar Blondeau</a> is the newest effort from the team behind Le Crocodile, both of which are located in the hip Wythe Hotel. Think small-production natural wines paired with light, seafood-focused plates like garlicky mussel toast with tomato, and a basil-accented lobster salad. Nitecap alum Sörine Anderson designed the cocktail list, and it’s not a bad idea to grab a bar seat and try her Pan Am (rosé, tequila blanco, lemon oil, Aperol and lava salt) and gaze out for some <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/bar-blondeau-opening-nyc-wythe-hotel" target="_blank">killer East River views</a>.

Photo by Liz Clayman

Bar Blondeau

490 Metropolitan Avenue Jackson Heights taco truck sensation <a href="https://www.instagram.com/birrialandianyc/" target="_blank">Birria-Landia</a>––credited with introducing the city to Tijuana-style birria tacos––debuted its second vehicle at the corner of Metropolitan and Meeker Avenue last fall, vending its namesake, beloved corn tortillas stuffed with juicy, adobo-marinated beef. The key to these tacos though is that they’re first dipped in a shiny orange-red blend of beef fat and spices, adding to the richness. For the perfect bite, order a small cup of beef consommé and dunk the taco in between bites.

Photo courtesy of Birria-Landia

Birria-Landia

Birrieria-Landia Tacos

495 Lorimer Street Elyssa Heller’s sandwich pop-up, which launched within Paulie Gee’s pizzeria and gained acclaim for its excellent bagel constructions, spun off into a skinny Jewish deli sandwich concept this past spring called <a href="https://www.instagram.com/edithsbk/" target="_blank">Edith’s</a> (not to be confused with the legendary now-closed Williamsburg bar of the same name), planting its flag on Lorimer Street. Come by to pick up sandwiches built from bagels, house-baked rye and challah, or pita, packed with smoked salmon and heirloom tomatoes, chicken schnitzel, or go classic with house-smoked brisket pastrami, fermented sauerkraut, Emmental, and special sauce.

Photo by Janice Chung

Edith’s

177 Bedford Avenue Chef Matt Le-Khac debuted this modernized, post-Colonial era-inspired Vietnamese restaurant one month before the pandemic hit, and it’s his vibrant, acid-forward plates that have ensured he sailed through to better days. In fact, much of the brightness in his menu comes from ingredients he grows in Pennsylvania, think rare herbs like fish mint and betel leaves, in addition to bamboo shoots. Throughout the Vietnamese menu, expect chef-centric touches as seen in his excellent bánh xèo, or crispy crêpe, in this case served open-faced as opposed to folded, fortified with house-made duck prosciutto, foraged maitake mushrooms, pickled baby leeks, and a fermented shrimp and soybean sauce (different from the fish sauce typically found in the Saigon version of this dish) from his parents’ hometown of Huế.

Photo by Matt Le-Khac

Bolero

134 Broadway Newish Brooklyn addition <a href="https://www.instagram.com/franciebrooklyn/" target="_blank">Francie</a> does bistro food right thanks to chef Christopher Cipollone (Piora), whose American-European menu ranges from souffle cakes with seaweed butter and caviar, to ravioli with lobster and saffron, to a pithivier. Cipollone’s partner in crime is Bâtard alum John Winterman, and together the duo have schemed a modern dining room that has a European air to it, where guests can grab a bar seat for some light bites, or go all out in the dining room with a three-week dry aged crown of duck for two, the dish, amongst many, that keeps locals coming back.

Photo by Pete Herron

Francie

53 Broadway Zach Wangeman makes 11 different types of single-varietal heirloom corn tortillas at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sobre_masa/" target="_blank">Sobre Masa</a>, his six-month-old all-day Oaxacan cafe that pays tribute to masa. Here, dishes highlight that earthy rainbow of heirloom corn that Wangeman sources from tiny milpas (farms) and fires on a traditional comal (Mexican flat grill top) from shrimp or avocado tlacoyos during the day to local fluke ceviche with chile manzano, red onion, and cilantro at night. Expect rustic dishes, ample heat, and undoubtedly some of the most authentic tortillas in all of NYC. FYI: In addition to selling tortillas to-go, Wangeman also vends Oaxacan coffee that he roasts in-house.

Photo by Samantha Hillman

Sobre Masa

91 S 6th Street Clean, minimalist interpretations of street food dishes from Central Mexico is the focus at two-month-old <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aldama.bk/" target="_blank">Aldama</a>, the Brooklyn eatery from chef Gerardo Alcaraz (previously of The Black Ant and Spain’s award-winning Martín Berasategui) and partner/bartender Christopher Reyes (Cosme). Deriving inspiration from traditional Mexican dishes he grew up eating, expect rustic, yet refined plates of campechana, the classic seafood cocktail with cold-pressed vegetable juice and cilantro oil, and a daikon tostada, with ribbons of radish and carrot, salsa and avocado on an heirloom corn tortilla.

Aldama

47 S 5th Street The golden glow of flickering candles illuminates <a href="https://www.instagram.com/askanyc/" target="_blank">Aska</a>’s dark, austere dining room, conveying a dualling sense of warm and cold often found at restaurants in Scandinavia. Swedish chef Fredrik Berselius leads the teams here, plating a minimalist $295 tasting menu that pays tribute to the seasons as much as it does to his Scandinavian roots. Of course, one will encounter wild foraged ingredients and ample fermentation as found in dishes like razor clams with preserved black pine, and one of Berselius’ most beloved courses, poached Norwegian king crab with white beet and pickled ramps, flavored with Swedish dark beer and garnished with flowering dill. How to book: <a href="https://www.exploretock.com/aska" target="_blank">Tock</a>

Photo by Ryan Browne

Aska

191 Grand Street Husband-and-wife duo Xian Zhang and Yiming Wang who brought you the Michelin-starred <a href="https://www.cafechinanyc.com/" target="_blank">Cafe China</a> launched this Sichuan-focused eatery in 2017, specializing in everything from spicy noodles to house-made dim sum to braised whole fish in chili oil. At <a href="https://www.instagram.com/birdsofafeatherbk/" target="_blank">Birds of a Feather</a>, Wang is the interior designer behind the sleek, modern space which features wooden booths and vintage-inspired light fixtures along with a small bar area.

Birds of a Feather 鸳鸯

Birds of a Feather

291 Grand Street Partners Maribel Araujo and Arístides Barrios debuted their casual Venezuelan eatery, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/caracasarepabar/" target="_blank">Caracas Arepa Ba</a>r, almost a decade and a half ago, focused on affordably-priced arepas––the classic Latin cornmeal cake which, here, comes filled with everything from chorizo to pork shoulder. At this <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/caracas-arepa-bar-nyc-offering-delivery" target="_blank">former participant</a> of Thrillist Ghost Kitchen, house favorites include the De Pabellón, piled high with a mix of shredded beef, black beans, fried sweet plantains, and finished with a layer of cotija cheese. And don’t miss Caracas’ vast rum selection.

Caracas Arepa Bar

295 Grand Street In a city rife with excellent wine lists, oenophiles flock to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fourhorsemenbk/" target="_blank">The Four Horsemen</a> for rare and unsung bottles of natural wine unfound elsewhere in NYC. This stylish, diminutive wine bar channels a European feel and is perpetually packed with the cool kids not only for its booze (the place also stocked a concise collection of craft spirits), but for the clean, acid and umami-forward places designed by chef Nick Curtola. Fun fact: James Murphy from LCD Soundsystem is a co-owner.

Photo courtesy of The Four Horsemen

The Four Horsemen

436 Union Avenue The two-year-old spinoff of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hanonbrooklyn/" target="_blank">Hanon</a> in Tokyo, here udon––the thick, chewy wheat noodle born in Japan––is the focus, made in-house every morning and served both hot and cold. In fact, depending on the prep, Hanon uses two different kinds of udon: The classic white noodles (zenryu fun), and green noodles (asauchi). Think various forms of udon soup (curry, braised pork), or a more summer-friendly option of chilled noodles served beside a bowl of tempura. There’s also small izakaya dishes like Japanese fried chicken and sashimi. How to book: Call 347-799-1433 or DM on Instagram

波音 hanon Brooklyn

Hanon

波音 hanon

65 Kent Avenue Delivering all the tropical energy we’re in need of right now, and inspired by island culture, year-old Brooklyn addition <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kokomonyc/" target="_blank">Kokomo</a> offers a stellar take on Caribbean cuisine within a vibrantly-hued indoor/outdoor space. Couple Ria and Kevol Graham are behind the place, and it’s here one will find staples like jerk chicken and crispy fish tacos, alongside dishes with Asian accents, like gochujang wings. Transport yourself to the islands by grabbing a seat on their lush greenhouse patio.

Photo by Katrine Moite

Kokomo

254 S 2nd Street Massimo Laveglia and Nick Baglivo opened this seemingly unfussy slice joint back in 2017, and since then, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lindustriebk/" target="_blank">L’industrie Pizzeria</a> has earned a devout following for its ultra-thin crust round pies laced with premium Italian ingredients. One of the standout slices that most order comes from the leopard-spotted, signature Burrata pie: it’s simple enough in execution––zingy tomato sauce, topped with grated mozzarella and mounds of creamy burrata, finished with extra virgin olive oil––and it’s those high-quality ingredients and a yeasty crust that makes this not your average slice stop. There’s often a line here (but it moves quickly) and patrons like to hang either at the outdoor tables or on a nearby stoop.

Photo by Rachael Lombardy

L’industrie Pizzeria

L'Industrie Pizzeria

80 Wythe Avenue <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lecrocodilebk/" target="_blank">Le Crocodile</a> is the chic coastal French-feeling bistro located within the Wythe Hotel from chefs Jake Leiber and Aidan O’Neal, the same team behind nearby <a href="https://www.chezmatantebk.com/" target="_blank">Chez Ma Tante</a> in Greenpoint. Oversize tropical plants, glowing globe-style lighting, and brass accents set the stage for an elevated dining experience marked by classic French fare from hazelnut-topped leeks vinaigrette, to chicken liver pâté, to trout almondine.

Le Crocodile

50 Withers Street <a href="https://www.instagram.com/llamainnnyc/" target="_blank">Llama Inn</a>––the hip, nearly six-year-old project from chef Erik Ramírez and partner Juan Correa––takes a modern approach to Peruvian cuisine, folding in locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, and paying tribute to the country’s cultural diversity (Peruvian, Spanish, African, Chinese, Japanese). Expect plates like crispy pigs tail with soy sauce and coriander, scallop tiradito with tapioca, and the singular dish Ramírez can’t take off the menu: the lomo saltado beef tenderloin stir-fry, which comes with a scallion pancake and pickled chilis.

Photo by Douglas Lyle Thompson

Llama Inn

567 Union Ave One of NYC’s most acclaimed restaurants, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lilianewyork/" target="_blank">Lilia</a> is the hyper seasonal, regional Italian abode from chef Missy Robbins, who converted a former auto body shop into her cultishly loved and industrial eatery. Honoring house-made pasta laced with saffron and honey or pink peppercorns and Parmesan, alongside seasonal veggie preps sometimes fired in a wood-fueled hearth, there’s more than good reason why it’s almost always impossible to snag a seat.

298 Bedford Avenue After a brief shutter, Williamsburg’s beloved, vintage-styled oyster bar and craft cocktail den is back, celebrating its 10th anniversary. Inspired by old world New Orleans, and proffering the largest selection of oysters in NYC, at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/maisonpremiere/" target="_blank">Maison Premiere</a>, alongside an award-winning cocktail program with absinthe drips, tableside Sazerac service, and perhaps the city’s most delicious piña colada (served in a young coconut over crushed ice), this proper drinking den is a must for anyone visiting Brooklyn.

Photo by Eric Medsker

Maison Premiere

150 Ainslie Street <a href="https://www.instagram.com/okonomibk/" target="_blank">Okonomi</a> gained a following for owner Yuji Haraguchi’s ingredient-driven, set menu Japanese breakfast and lunch, and eventually for his evening-only ramen, which he named <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yujiramen_bk/" target="_blank">Yuji Ramen</a>. But because of Covid, he has merged the two services into one takeaway outfit where guests can set breakfast/lunch bento meals and ramens to eat outside on benches. Don’t miss the spicy tuna mazemen, the restaurant’s calling card, with confit tuna, sesame oil, and seasonal greens.

Photo by Peter Colon

Okonomi/Yuji Ramen

Okonomi

178 Broadway As one of NYC’s most iconic steakhouses, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/peterlugersteakhouse/" target="_blank">Peter Luger</a>––in operation since 1887––serves beef in myriad cuts with a no-nonsense attitude. Claiming what looks like an austere German beer hall with wood paneling and simple wood tables, this perpetually packed American joint lures in NYC’s power players for dry aged steaks, alongside wedge salads and jumbo shrimp cocktails. Note, it’s cash only here. How to book: Call 718-387-7400

Peter Luger Steak House

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/kat-odell" target="_blank">Kat Odell</a> is a contributor for Thrillist.

Restaurants

20 Best Restaurants in Williamsburg

Best Restaurants in Williamsburg, Brooklyn: Hottest Places to Eat

Even if you’ve never been to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, you’ve most likely heard of it or seen it portrayed in countless movies and TV shows (everything from Girls to Younger).

Lilia

Featured In

20 Best Restaurants in Williamsburg

More From Thrillist

Drag, Dancing, Drinks: The Best LGBTQ+ Bars and Parties in Austin

Drag brunch, Pride parties, and diva-filled dance floors right this way...

Now Is the Best Time to Visit the Galápagos Islands

Hang with gigantic tortoises and blue-footed boobies in a bucket list vacation extravaganza.

Your Guide to Queer Nightlife in Chicago All Year Long

Here, queer, and ready to rage.

From the Pool to the Club, the Best LGTBQ+ Hotspots in Las Vegas

We’ve got queer day parties, bottomless drag brunches, the official pool party of Las Vegas Pride, and more.

Throw Back a Guinness at This Queer Irish Pub in Brooklyn

NYC gay bars like Mary’s are quickly becoming the new local gems.

Underwear Parties, Country Dance Nights, and More at the Best LGBTQ+ Bars in San Diego

From dive bars to nightclubs to the world’s first gay craft brewery.

Boston’s Thriving LGBTQ+ Nightlife Is Bursting with Super Fun Spots

From drag karaoke and sports bars to dance parties, gay bars in Boston have it all.

Inside the LGBTQ+ Bars in Atlanta Making the South a Little More Queer

Live your best life at these queer bars and clubs in Atlanta.

The Best Spots for LGBTQ+ Nightlife in Washington DC

Gay sports bars, karaoke parties, happy hour specials, and so much more.

Drag Shows, Patios, Cocktails: Denver’s Must-Hit LGBTQ+ Bars

Go celebrate.

Emo Karaoke, Pride Events, and More Fun Things to Do in Houston This Weekend

Plus, a Pride-themed yoga on a rooftop.

Feeling Lucky? Here’s How to Pan for Gold in California Right Now

Could the Big Melt yield more fortune? Probably not.