First Look at Williams & Bailey, Slinging Royale’s Burger in Williamsburg
One of Alphabet City’s best hamburgers has come to Brooklyn: Williams & Bailey is the latest project from James Peralta, who also runs burger favorite Royale, along with Cuban eatery Cafecito. He describes his new Williamsburg spot, which opened earlier this week, as a (surprise, surprise) Prohibition-era whiskey bar, complete with faux-tin ceilings and fire-hydrant-festooned damask wallpaper. Later on, he plans to open a covered back garden and “speakeasy” called Fat Moe’s in the basement.
Co-owner and chef Ian Pearl is serving the same popular broiled Black Angus burger that he does at Royale, plus a New York–themed menu that includes a rare prime rib dip served with au jus, potato pierogies, and fresh-baked pretzels. Of course, no Brooklyn restaurant’s offerings would be complete without fried chicken, here served with a waffle under onion gravy and maple syrup.
American bourbons make up most of the 50-strong whiskey list, although a decent selection of single-malt Scotches and Irish whiskeys are also available. Fourteen draft beers are split between American craft brews and European standards, complemented by two wines on tap. Wiliams & Bailey is open for dinner nightly beginning at 5 p.m.; with a happy hour that features $3 drafts (Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.), it looks like Williams & Bailey is giving the Commodore, nearby, some affordable upscale burger-and-beer competition.
Williams & Bailey Menu [PDF]
507 Grand St. nr. Union Ave., Williamsburg; 718-782-3500