Image via Complex Original
Patrick Judabong - photographer, DJ, and founder of the Fat Bastard Crew, known to the world as Buddhabong. He has traveled the world in search of stunning images, great beats, and the best eats. Currently, you can catch him getting fat in and around New York City.
Beards, janitor keys, tats, bikes—you're now entering Williamsburg. Of course, the hipster heaven has by now become the playground of suits and families (and other sorts of folks who can afford to live there). The hipsters have relocated to warehouses in Bushwick, but one thing has stayed the same: the delicious brunch spots. Hit up these five prime locations and your taste buds will thank you.
Café Colette
Address: 79 Berry St.
Website: cafe-colette.com
The café—once a Vietnamese diner, now a quaint American breakfast spot—sits on the northeast corner of Berry and North 9th Street.
Without question, a scone and coffee must start your experience. The lemon poppy seed scone was my choice on this particular visit. Though it's lacquered with a sugary coating, the scone had a moist center. When you've breached the barrier, you'll find small dark poppy seeds and tiny lemon zest shavings. The strong, full-bodied Americano will make you feel alive with each sip, especially after a long night.
Fortunately, the day I visited they were offering a chilaquiles special. The traditional Mexican dish arrived in a hot skillet covered in queso fresco and two over easy eggs. Fried corn tortillas were buried among onions, shredded pork, salsa verde, and ample spices.
But he breakfast sandwich proved to be the true star of the day. Between a buttery brioche bun, fluffy and soft, the diner will find two fried eggs, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika aioli, lettuce, and a mind-blowing sage sausage patty. Though the patty is smaller than the lettuce and egg, the flavor is strong. The smoked paprika aioli spread provides a powerful sweetness that complements the saltiness of the meat.
Rye
Address: 247 South 1st St.
Website: ryerestaurant.com
Most people know Rye for their amazing dinner menu, which is a shame, because the brunch is killer.
I started with the homemade fried cake donuts. Served warm, the outer shell of the donut was crumbly, a contrast to the semi-moist middle. A side of syrup accompanies the dish, letting you convince yourself you're having breakfast instead of dessert.
The hidden gem at Rye is the delicious meatloaf sandwich. The meat, a blend of duck, veal, pork, short ribs, and mushroom, is savory, with hints of rosemary. The buttermilk-fried onion strips provide the perfect crunch, while the greens function as a silent garnish. Thankfully, the bbq sauce doesn't overpower the flavor of the meat. The bun comes nicely toasted, for extra crunch.
The stuffed french toast consists of Benton’s ham, mascarpone, fontina, maple Dijon and Vermont maple syrup. Sounds heavy, but on the palate it's surprisingly nice and light. The toast is fluffy, and overall the dish achieves the right balance of sweet and salty.
The end result: food coma and the unbuckling of the belt.
Juliette
Address: 135 North 5th St.
Website: juliettewilliamsburg.com
“A taste of Paris in Brooklyn.” Juliette offers a fine French brunch in an environment reminiscent of a Paris bistro.
I started with the roasted banana stuffed French toast. The middle of the thick French toast was dotted with banana chunks. The dish was accented with small slices of banana, maply syrup, whipped cream, and plenty of caramelized walnuts. Each bite packs at least one banana slice. For anyone with a sweet tooth, this is the dish you want.
The tartine croque madame with egg is what I go to Juliette to devour. It includes ham and Swiss cheese on a homemade brioche, with red bliss home fries and a side of salad. The ham is sweet, the brioche is fluffy, and the cheese is subtle. The potatoes are golden brown with a crispy outer crust. The greens are fresh, with a light vinaigrette dressing.
Located next to Egg, some say Juliette is Plan B but if you want a bona fide French brunch this is Plan A, B, and C.
Ella Café
Address: 177 Bedford Ave.
Website: ellacafe.com
Tucked on Bedford between North 7th and 8th stands Ella Café. Ella prides itself on being green, using organic ingredients and biodegradable materials.
I ordered the phenomenal, highly slept-on, organic steel-cut oatmeal with strawberries. One hearty serving easily feeds two. The oatmeal is thick and creamy, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The strawberries are fresh, and add another layer of sweetness without overpowering the grain.
The organic kielbasa skillet is another favorite: two organic eggs, rosemary potatoes, mushrooms, onions, Swiss cheese, roasted red peppers, toast, and unlimited coffee or fresh-squeezed orange juice. The eggs and melted cheese envelop the entire dish; each forkful is sure to include at least one sausage chunk.
Egg
Address: 135 North 5th St.
Website: pigandegg.com
Known as one of the most popular spots in Williamsburg, Egg lives up to the hype, despite the ridiculously long lines. Word of advice: arrive early.
The country ham biscuit is my favorite. The warm fluffy buttery biscuit, laced with a layer of sweet fig jam and grafton cheddar, complements the salted country ham. A side of lumpy, richly textured grits accompany the dish.
This visit, I also ordered the Grafton cheddar omelet with broiled tomatoes, hashbrowns, and a side of candied bacon. The three-egg omelet was scrambled to fluffy perfection, and the broiled tomatoes were soft but not slimy. Crisp but with a soft center, the hasbrowns were simply seasoned, just salt and pepper. Courtesy of the caramelized outer crust, the candied bacon was the real stand-out.