Tokyo Mart Has Arrived to 517 Grand Street

Welcome Tokyo Mart to 517 Grand Street! Tokyo Mart is Grand Street’s newest supermarket, specializing in imported Japanese goods and freshly made sushi. Loaded with snacks, skincare, sushi and everything one would need from Japan, Tokyo Mart is offering a slice of Japan to the neighborhood.

Owner, Ken, spent 2 years working in a supermarket in Long Island City before opening Tokyo Mart. Together with his brothers, Tony and Johnny, they decided on Grand Street for the location of their new Japanese Mart after noticing the lack of Japanese goods in the neighborhood. Ken sees the neighborhood as friendly and welcoming two months into opening Tokyo Mart. He’s already begun to have regular customers who frequently ask when his next shipment of goods is coming in from Japan. He says he enjoys talking to customers and getting feedback on the types of products they’re looking for; it’s helped him decide what to prioritize when he imports goods in.

Owner, Ken

Most of the goods Tokyo Mart offers are imported from Japan; these include Japan-exclusive snacks like matcha and strawberry flavored Kit-Kats, roasted nut assortments, and ramen packets to name a few. Tokyo Mart also offers sushi that's made on site, everyday. Available for pickup in store or through major delivery apps (Doordash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub) are a variety of rice balls and hand rolls - all made fresh! Look for them under the name “Tokyo Sushi” on delivery apps, and be sure to walk in to try out their variety of Japanese goods!

Freshly made Rice Balls

Grand Street (L) station Gets New Mosaic

The MTA has commissioned a new mosaic project at the Grand Street (L) Station! Artist Glendalys Medina designed this mosaic by touring the neighborhood, incorporating elements and colors they would see into the art. Walking from the station to their studio, Medina would reflect on their COVID-19 pandemic ritual of walking outside and feeling gratitude for the neighborhood. These feelings and memories were poured into the mosaic, alongside their practice inspired by Taíno culture, Hip-hop, music, Latinx culture, and the way people sort patterns in their minds. All photos are courtesy of Osheen Harruthoonyan.

“The two mosaic panels at the Grand Street station appear on each platform mezzanine. On the Brooklyn-bound side, Medina reflects on the various communities who have comprised East Williamsburg and Bushwick over time. The large color fields represent the original Lenape inhabitants and Pan-African, Irish, Italian, Puerto Rican, and Dominican immigrants. On the Manhattan-bound side, more intimate color studies were derived from the artist’s experience of the neighborhood across seasons. A nearby church, birds in the springtime, the Moore Street Market, and the collar of a passing dog provided inspiration for these compositions of interlocking forms that call to mind schematic design drawings. Fabricated by Miotto Mosaic Art Studios, the two panels feature overlapping shapes that allow the eye to complete forms that are disrupted, inviting viewers to look a little longer and contemplate gratitude.”

-MTA Arts Design

About the artist

Glendalys Medina is a conceptual interdisciplinary visual artist and received an MFA from Hunter College. Medina has presented artwork at such notable venues as PAMM, Participant Inc., Performa 19, Artists Space, The Bronx Museum of Art, El Museo del Barrio, The Museum of Contemporary Art in Vigo, Spain, and The Studio Museum in Harlem among others. Medina was a recipient of a Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant (2020), a Jerome Hill Foundation Fellowship (2019), an Ace Hotel New York City Artist Residency (2017), a SIP fellowship at EFA Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop (2016), a BACK IN FIVE MINUTES artist residency at El Museo Del Barrio (2015), a residency at Yaddo (2014, 2018), the Rome Prize in Visual Arts (2013), a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in Interdisciplinary Art (2012), and the Bronx Museum Artist in the Marketplace residency (2010). Medina is currently a professor at SVA’s MFA Art Practice program and lives and works in New York.

My practice is inspired by how humans learn, create order out of chaos and make sense of the world; how previous knowledge is essential for learning and perceiving; how the ambiguity of the world increases our reliance on that previous knowledge; how we project that knowledge when we don’t understand; and how we see with our brains recognizing patterns of information. I create work that amplifies marginalized voices, deconstructs and reconstructs image, language and systems to incite a change in cognitive structures that occur as a result of an experience. I am interested in creating moments when previous knowledge gets an upgrade and new perspectives are formed to establish cultural inclusivity. My work exhibits Taíno (indigenous Caribbeans) culture, Hip- hop and Latinx culture and music, and explores personal development as an empowering tool to re-identify societal and personal value structures to gain cultural equity in a transcultural global society.

-Glendalys Medina (About)

New Graham Avenue Mural: We Want To Hear From You!

The Grand Street BID is excited to announce that we are commissioning a mural at the corner of Grand Street and Graham Avenue! The mural will reflect the history and culture of the neighborhood and bring beautiful, vibrant artwork to this important corner.

Luna nueva, for Bushwick Collective (2020) - SON-HIJO

Cover Mural Artwork, “Do The Right Thing” 30th Anniversary, for Spike Lee (2019) - Danielle Mastrion

We have selected two artists to collaborate on this project – SON-HIJO and Danielle Mastrion. Both artists have deep ties to our community and can capture the unique qualities of our neighborhood, tell the stories of new and long-term residents, our strong entrepreneurial history, and the diversity and cultural melding that are an important part of our past, present, and future.

We know that many of our neighbors would enjoy an opportunity to connect with this artwork and inform its design so we’re hosting a community meeting over zoom on Thursday, May 25th at 6:30PM. Please join us to share your stories and inspire the artists. RSVP here.

If you aren’t able to attend the zoom session but want to share your stories with the artists, you can email the BID your thoughts at info@grandstreetbk.org before the end of the day Friday.

The artists will begin working on the mural in just a couple of weeks with the hopes that it will be completed before the end of June. Keep an eye on the corner and our socials to watch the piece come to life and stay tuned for more announcements about additional artwork coming to Grand Street next month!

Edit: The mural has been completed and named - Familia / Famiglia ! You can read more about the new mural here

Adopt-A-Tree Summer 2023

We are excited for the return of our popular volunteer-based, tree stewardship program. This year, we are back and better than ever. Our tree pits are finally in bloom and we’re looking for neighbors who are interested in adopting a tree!

In addition to weekly waterings, participants will be asked to attend one short introduction session hosted by the BID, in June. Volunteers will learn about the pits, be given tips on what you can do to best care for them, and receive materials and goodies to help you along the way.

Please fill out this form to participate. We can’t wait to welcome all of our newcomers and to reconnect with our previous volunteers! Pit assignment will be first come first serve, and we will be giving priority of tree pit locations to our returning volunteers.

There are over 85 tree pits in our district (on just 6 blocks!)—and the process of planting perennials has been years in the making. It started four years ago with funding from the Borough President and City Council, allowing the BID to place tree guards in our previously unprotected tree pits. With each new tree guard installed, the BID is able to team with The Horticultural Society of New York to plant perennials native to Brooklyn.

Welcome Café Zouave to 759 Grand Street

Welcome Café Zouave to 759 Grand Street! Owner, Jeremie Carrier, is bringing his vision of a French Bistro to Williamsburg with this new restaurant. Café Zouave aims to be a neighborhood restaurant open to all: a place where you can enjoy a French pastry and coffee in the mornings, and a steak dinner later in the day. Alongside Jeremie are his partners George and Sammy. The three met while working at a French brasserie over 20 years ago. They dreamed of partnering up one day to open up a restaurant together; two decades later their dream has finally come true.

Jeremie has been involved in restaurants his entire life. His family back in Evian, France has run restaurants and hotels for several generations. This shows in the way the bistro is decorated: the walls are adorned with ornaments from his homeland and family. Above the foosball table in the lounge area are 60 year old lights taken from his grandmother’s hotel. Alongside the walls are paintings his father painted, artwork from all over France, and even his father’s old smoking pipes hang in the back.

Running a restaurant “doesn’t feel like work” to Jeremie. He says that he “loves the freedom of running a restaurant” and “loves to speak to customers and see their critique of my dishes in real time”. It’s in these interactions Jeremie has found his passion; sharing food with people and enjoying conversation brings him joy. That’s been the case so far with Café Zouave, with Jeremie claiming the neighborhood has been very welcoming and community oriented. Stop by Café Zouave to check out their newly renovated space and try Grand Street's very own slice of France!

Sammy, George, and Jeremie

Grand Street BID Explores Expansion

The Grand Street BID is exploring expansion!

Stakeholders in the adjacent commercial corridors of the BID have expressed interest in receiving our supplemental services to address the changing needs of our community. Currently, the Grand Street BID serves Grand Street, from Union Avenue to Bushwick Avenue. We’re in conversation with business owners, property owners and residents along Metropolitan Ave, Union Ave, Lorimer St, Graham Ave, and Bushwick Ave. to better understand community need and desires. Click here for more information on our potential expansion.

What does this mean? 

The areas outside of the current BID’s boundaries don’t have access to the services we provide on Grand Street, creating an imbalance from one street to another. Expanding the BID and its services would improve the quality of life along the commercial corridors in Williamsburg through advocacy and community connections. An expanded BID will help create a more defined sense of community identity that is representative of the diverse residents and businesses in our neighborhood.

We have formed a steering committee comprised of stakeholders from both the current BID and the adjacent commercial corridors. The committee meets monthly and is tasked with gaining a strong understanding of current conditions and helping to define a collective vision for the future of the neighborhood. Through conversations with stakeholders within the current BID and in the proposed expansion area, we’ve learned more about the desire for BID services in adjacent commercial corridors (map pictured below) and are continuing to learn about the needs of our neighborhood.

We can’t do this without you! 

Do you live, work, own property, or run a business in Williamsburg? Click here to tell us about your concerns with the neighborhood and your priorities for needed services in the community. The Grand Street BID will use survey results to determine community needs and its new service area. Don’t wait for change; shape the future of our community!

A map of the Grand Street BID and its potential expansion area.

Grand Street Spring Cleanup Day 2023

The Grand Street BID is hosting Spring Cleanup Day on Grand Street in partnership with North Brooklyn Parks Alliance. Join us on Saturday, May 20th from 11AM - 2PM to help cleanup our community! We’ll be picking up trash, cleaning our tree pits, and beautifying our neighborhood. Meet us at the corner of Manhattan Ave and Grand Street - We’ll have cleaning supplies and t-shirts for you. After that, join us for a happy hour and pizza on Grand Street!

Our plan is to start at opposite ends of the district, Bushwick Ave and Union Ave, and have each group clean towards each other until they meet in the middle. This is a family-friendly event so feel free to bring children. We can't wait to have Grand Street looking and feeling its best and to connect with our neighbors while doing it.

Edit: Due to weather conditions, we have rescheduled this event to 6/3/2023. Please RSVP using the new form here or by clicking the button below.

Get To Know Grand: Groomers & Pomade

Get to know Groomers and Pomade! Groomers and Pomade has been on 796 Grand Street since 2018, but they’re not the first barbershop to call 796 a home; A barbershop used to exist in the same location in the 1940s! The same tile floors from the 40’s are still installed, and are part of what drew owner Nando Velez to open here. An avid collector of vintage barber shop memorabilia, it was a perfect match. Vintage combs, chairs, barber poles, and other memorabilia fill the shop with a unique old-fashioned yet modern vibe.

Vintage barber chairs and a pole

Nando has been collecting vintage barbershop chairs, poles, and other items for as long as he can remember. He often takes trips to Upstate NY, in search of new finds. His passion for vintage barber memorabilia is apparent all throughout the shop; Chairs from 1888 sit atop the second floor of the shop, next to a restored barber pole from the 60’s. Nando ripped the walls and ceiling out when he opened up, revealing exposed brick. Every aspect of the shop’s aesthetic contributes to an old-fashioned, yet modern vibe.

A barbershop on 796 Grand Street, 1940

Nando takes his craft as a barber as seriously as he does his shop’s appearance, saying he “Sees barbering as a career, not a side hustle.” And it shows in their work; Groomers and Pomade offers many premium services on top of cutting hair, including lather shaves, essential oils (eucalyptus is his favorite), and much more. Visit Nando or one of the other four barbers at Groomers and Pomade for your next haircut.

Mario's Pizza Opens on 812 Grand Street

Welcome Mario’s Pizza to 812 Grand Street! Owner, Mario Osorio, has been making pizza at a historic nyc pizzeria (Joe’s Pizza) for over 22 years. After decades of honing his craft, Mario decided to open his own pizzeria; bringing years of experience and his family alongside him.

Step into Mario’s Pizza and you’ll most likely be helped by either Kimberly or Yael; Mario’s eldest daughter and son. Yaztiri, his youngest daughter at 10 years old, handles the register. And in the back Mario’s wife Lucia is preparing the dough for Mario to work with. They’re a family-led operation from start to finish, with everyone chipping in. The actual pizza-making is left to Mario and him alone, with his son Yael still learning the ins-and outs of making pizza. 

Mario’s felt welcomed on Grand Street, already having regular customers only two months into being in business. He feels there’s a tight sense of community in the neighborhood, citing that as one of the major reasons he decided to open up on Grand. Be sure to swing by Mario’s Pizza for a slice!

Get To Know Grand: Cedeno Driving School

Welcome to the first installment of a new series, Get to Know Grand! Stories in this series will focus on businesses that have been on Grand Street for a long time. Our aim is to highlight foundational stakeholders and community members who makeup the fabric of our neighborhood. Get to know Cedeno Driving School, on 775 Grand Street!

Founded in 1999, Cedeno Driving School on 775 Grand Street has been providing the community with driving lessons and tax assistance for over 23 years. Marcia Cedeno, founder and owner, began working on Grand Street in 1994 at an accounting office a couple doors down. She decided to open her own business, getting a driving instructor license in the process. Starting out with no employees and a single car, Marcia was determined to make sure her business was successful. She at first handled everything on her own, having to make customers wait on her outside of the office as she taught driving lessons. A couple years down the line, her brother joined her, with her nephews and family friends tagging along as well. Now, Marcia is joined by 11 of her family members and family friends, including her son Chris who she’s teaching how to run the office. Each of them contribute in different ways; some as driving instructors, others with income tax.

Marcia has decorated the office with various items her and her family have collected over the years. Her son Chris’s coin collection of all fifty states, a traffic light her husband found and installed, art painted by her nephews, and various other driving related signs. Cedeno Driving School’s family oriented roots can be felt just by taking a look around the office. Stop by Cedeno Driving School for your driving school and tax related needs!

Marcia (left), Chris (right), and the rest of the Cedeno Family.

The Grand Street BID Welcomes Two New Team Members

Meet the newest additions to the Grand Street BID’s team, Megan Diebboll and Yaz Mansi. Megan is coming on as a Project Manager, and Yaz as a Community Engagement Coordinator. With backgrounds in urban planning and community building, Megan and Yaz are excited to work with the BID in improving the quality of life of the Williamsburg community.

Megan is an urban planner and social justice advocate with a background in community development and prison reform. A Southwest Detroit native, Megan graduated from the Rackham Graduate School at the University of Michigan with a Masters in Social Work and Community Organizing. Throughout her career she’s acted as a facilitator for creative workshops in local prisons and jails to provide therapeutic outlets. Working to support disadvantaged incarcerated people made her aware of the systemic issues that led to their incarceration; This led Megan to pursue her Masters of Urban Planning (MUP) at Hunter College, with a concentration in environmental planning. Megan’s bringing her experience as a planner and advocate to the Project Manager role, where she’s primarily focusing on creating stronger connections with businesses in the adjacent commercial corridor to Grand Street.

Yaz recently graduated from The Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College, with a bachelors in Public affairs. Born and raised in Queens, Yaz’s passion for public spaces and placemaking was cultivated by the community he was surrounded by. This inspired him to pursue a career in the public sector, with hopes of working to better the lives of his fellow New Yorkers. Throughout his career Yaz has acted as a communicator and placemaker, working as a liason for the New York City Council and as a social justice advocate. Yaz is bringing his experience in community building and his passion to improve New York City to his role as Community Engagement Coordinator, where his work focuses on cultivating the BID’s connections with both the businesses and the community of Grand Street. 

Yaz and Megan are excited to work to better the Grand Street BID and can’t wait to meet you all!

Best Pizza Arrives To 800 Grand Street

Pepperoni Pie

Best Pizza has arrived on Grand Street! Founded by Frank Pinello back in 2010, Best Pizza has served Williamsburg as a premier slice-shop for over a decade. The original location on Havemeyer Street has been recognized as a staple pizzeria in New York City since its inception, and now they’ve expanded to a new location on 800 Grand Street.

Owner Frank Pinello never wanted to work in a pizzeria growing up. He had grown up with a love for cooking that he gained from his Sicilian family, who cooked everything from scratch. This led Frank to attend the Culinary Institute of America, where he graduated with hopes of working in fine dining. Post graduation, Frank started working at a pizzeria to save up and open his own restaurant. This changed after a stint at Roberta’s; there the owners approached him about opening a slice shop in Williamsburg. The rest is history.

Frank and Fernando boxing a fresh pie

13 years have passed since, with a Vice show, HUF collab, and multiple co-owned locations along the way. Now, Frank is excited about bringing Best Pizza to East Williamsburg. Opening the location on 800 Grand Street was different from Best Pizza’s other expansion efforts; 800 Grand Street is fully owned and operated by Frank and his partner Hugo, who started as dishwasher when Best Pizza first opened. Be sure to check out Best Pizza for a slice!

Bar Hop on Grand Street this St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s day falls on a Friday this year, so we know many of our fellow New Yorkers are looking for the best ways to celebrate. What better way than a Bar Hop on Grand Street? Join us for our St. Patrick’s Day Bar Hop on March 17th for a day full of celebration! We’ve got 13 different bars participating in our Bar Hop all offering drink specials only available on St. Patrick’s Day. Stop by one, or make it a crawl and check them all out.

The Clonard

The Clonard - 506 Grand Street

Grand Street’s resident Irish Pub is coming out hot for their second St. Patrick’s Day! The Clonard will have Irish Dancers performing, a must see event. They’re opening at noon, serving up a special menu with signature Irish grub. This includes Corned Beef & Cabbage, Irish Stew, and Fish & Chips. For drinks, they’re serving an apple cocktail made with champagne and sour apple for $12. They also have the Irish classics - Guinness, Smithwicks, Magners, and whiskey options. With a full menu, drinks, and entertainment, The Clonard is a must to stop by on St. Patrick’s Day.

Green beers at Blinky’s Bar

Blinky’s Bar - 609 Grand Street

Blinky’s Bar is offering a fantastic deal for St. Patrick’s Day this time around. It doesn’t get groovier than their signature green beer. You might be wondering what makes the beer green - We don’t know and we don’t ask. Enjoy their Green Beer with a shot of Irish Whiskey all for $7.

Crystal Lake - 647 Grand Street

Crystal Lake will be serving up a fun trio of specials $5 Highlife pint, $6 Irish Whiskey Shot, & $10 Irish car bombs. For the uninitiated: An Irish car bomb is a cocktail, similar to a boilermaker, made by dropping a bomb shot of Irish cream and Irish whiskey into a glass of Irish stout.

While these specials are going to be top-notch, we have ten other bars participating as well. You can see the full list of our participating bars below and here. There will also be giveaways happening at some of our bars as well; keep an eye out! Enjoy the warming weather and make a day out of your St. Paddy’s festivities.

Bar Hop Specials and Opening Times

Mcondo Los Tacos - 502 Grand Street - $15 draft beer, Jameson shot & Taco - 11:00 AM

The Clonard - 506 Grand Street - $12 Irish Apple Martini - 12:00 PM

Carneval - 507 Grand Street - $10 Green beer & well shot; $12 Beer & Jameson Shot - 1:00 PM

Redd's Tavern - 511 Grand Street - $4 pint of Coors Light or Labatt Blue; $6 Pint Guinness; $10 car bombs - 12:00 PM

Dar 525 - 525 Grand Street - $5 draft beers, $7 selected wines, $7 sangrias - 11:00 AM

Ontario Bar - 559 Grand Street - $12 Pint Guinness & a shot of Jameson/scotch; $4 scotch shot - 4:00 PM

The Last Call - 588 Grand Street - $6 Jameson shots; $8 draft beer & Jameson shot - 5:00 PM

The Starlight Tavern - 596 Grand Street - $10 Greenpoint Porter & Jameson Black Barrell shot - 5:00 PM

Bushwick Country Club - 608 Grand Street - $10 Miller Lite or Stout & Irish whiskey - 5:00 PM

Blinky's - 609 Grand Street - $7 green beer and Irish whiskey shot - 2:00 PM

Crystal Lake - 647 Grand Street - $5 Highlife pint; $6 Irish Whiskey Shot; $10 car bombs - 2:00 PM

Haven - 683 Grand Street - $12 Guinness and Jameson Shot; $8 Beer and Shot; $35 bucket of Guinness - 1:00 PM

Philomena's Bar - 790 Grand Street - $10 Bushwick Pilsner and shot of Jameson - 5:00 PM

A Guide to Wine and Dine on Grand Street 2023

Today marks the beginning of Wine and Dine, Grand Street’s semi-annual restaurant and bar event! From February 21st to March 6th, you’ll have the opportunity to try 18 of Grand Street’s restaurants and bars at lower than ever prices. 11 of the best eats in Williamsburg are offering 3-course prix fixe dinners at discounted rates from $23 to $35 in North Brooklyn’s annual celebration of local cuisine, while 6 bars are also offering drink specials! With all these offerings on 6 blocks, it might be difficult to make a decision. This guide is here to give you all the answers to why you should visit each participating business on Grand Street, and what you can order for the best experience. Each of the following restaurants and bars has special Wine and Dine menus, so just ask if you don’t see one.

As always, take a picture of your wine and dine experience and post with #DineonGrand for a chance to win $50 to a Grand Street BID business of your choice.

Follow @grandstreetbid for the most up-to-date information on the event.

WINE

For the perfect evening on Grand, try either a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap at one of our participating bars. Our suggestions will help you decide the ideal course for your Grand Street nightlife experience.

For classic drinks and cheap beer be sure to stop by Blinky’s for their extended happy hour lasting till 9PM. With $10 house cocktails, $9 house wine, $7 draft beers and a $5 beer and shot, this deal is hard to beat. Crystal Lake Brooklyn also has a variety of options with $8 house sangria, $6 tap beers, and a $6 whiskey shot.

Passion Daiquiri, from Blinky’s

Grand Street’s newest bar, The Last Call will be sure to catch your eye. The Tokyo-inspired bar specializes in sake and draft beer, while also serving up yakitori. They’re offering two for one glasses of sake and draft beer until 9PM. For a summer vibe (it’s been feeling like summer this whole month hasn’t it?), the home of the pickleback shot, Bushwick Country Club is serving out $7 frozen boozy slushies just down the street.

Fancy a snack at the bar? Philomena’s is serving a deal of any two of their signature cocktails and throwing in pita and dip, all for $25. The Starlight Tavern is offering a similar special, offering two house cocktails and chips and guac for $21. We also recommend checking out Starlight’s skee-ball machine while you’re there, for a retro arcade experience.

If skee-ball doesn’t satiate that craving for fun, Haven is the place to go for drinks and billiards before you head off to dinner. This lounge is offering 2 beer and shot combos along with an hour of pool for just $25. Just make sure your hour of pool starts before 6pm.

Philomena’s bar seating

DINE

Grand Street Classics

GRAND MORELOS—$30

727 Grand Street — menu

A Grand Street staple, Grand Morelos has been with the neighborhood day and night for decades. The late-night diner & bakery has seen us all at our finest and not-so-fine hours. The Grand Morelos bakery is also one of the better-kept secrets of our food scene, so take advantage. Guacamole is our go-to appetizer, but we also recommend the nachos if you’re extra hungry. Mixed Chicken and Steak Fajitas for your entree will fill you if the app didn’t, but try to save room for the strawberry cheesecake. Impossible chocoflan and tres leches cakes are your other options for dessert. Once you’ve fallen in love with Grand Morelos stop back in for affordable cookies & doughnuts from the bakery and amazing iced coffee (not just by diner standards) any time you want - literally.

Miso Ramen, from Ryujin

RYUJIN—$25

513 Grand Street — menu

This Grand Street staple has been serving Japanese comfort food to the neighborhood for over 12 years. Something about the ramen from Ryujin leaves us stuffed after every bowl. Now add an appetizer and dessert to the mix to really make the most of a 3 course dinner. Keep it light with your app so go with the pork bun or the edamame. You can choose from 6 different options of ramen bowl, but our favorite is the samurai miso bowl. Finally, the meal is paired with either beer, or mochi ice cream. The jury is out here so we’ll leave that choice to you.

Vegan Burger from The Clonard

THE CLONARD—$25

506 Grand Street — menu

Known for their lager and bar food staples, The Clonard has been open for just over a year but is already Grand Street Classic. They’re offering bar staples Mozzarella Sticks and Jalapeño Poppers to get the appetite going. Then you can enjoy an 8oz burger, with the option of going for a Beyond Burger if you’re looking for a vegan option. Enjoy a Clonard Lager, or a glass of Pinot Grigio if you’re feeling classy, with your meal for the full bar eatery experience.

DAR525—$23

525 Grand Street — menu

A Grand Street classic, Dar525 just celebrated its 12th year on Grand Street this month. Serving up Middle Eastern classics, Dar525 is offering Wine and Dine’s best value deal with the lowest price point of $23. They’re also offering a fourth course, adding extreme value to this deal. You can start with hummus or babaganouj, but they’re offering other apps as well. Next you can choose from kibbeh or a cheese and parsley roll. For the main course you’ve got a variety of protein choices including the vegan falafel and the not-so vegan chicken shawarma. Top your dinner off with baklava or basbous for a fantastic four-course meal at amazing value.

Critically Acclaimed on Grand

AMMAZZACAFFÈ—$35

702 Grand Street — menu

All pasta at Ammazzacaffè is made in-house

Winner of a coveted Bib Gourmand title from Micheline Guide, Ammazzacaffè has already built its reputation for affordable fine dining at its best. Be sure to try the Tartare crostino with sea trout, Lettuga salad with Botarga, and sunchokes as an appetizers. For your entree, try the Reginette—pasta with pork shoulder ragu — it’s a perfect dish, especially during these last few cold days of winter. Finish the night with their daily dessert offering for the perfect date or special night out on Grand Street.

BK JANI—$35

679 Grand Street — menu

The Jani, from BK Jani

There are a lot of burger joints in Williamsburg, but only BK Jani’s burgers come with mint chutney as a sauce option. Featured on Infatuation’s The Best 20 Burgers in NYC, you can’t go wrong with a burger here. They’re offering Two Lamb Chops to start, then any burger of your choosing. We recommend The Jani Burger; ½ pound of custom blend ground beef, cooked medium rare, mint chutney at the bottom, grilled tomato and a touch of raita. Included in their special is a soda or one of their house drinks.

BAHIA—$25

690 Grand Street — menu

Bahia has been on Grand Street for over 20 years, serving up pupusas and other delicious Salvadorian dishes. After decades on Grand, they’ve been recognized as one of The Best Restaurants in Williamsburg by Infatuation NYC. We recommend you start with their famous pupusas; you can choose from a wide variety of options but some favorites include the revueltas pupusa stuffed with pork, refried beans, and cheese, or jalapeño pupusas .For the main entrée enjoy their delicious Carne Asada, Pollo al Limon, or Tilapia al Sarten. A glass of either sangria or wine is included in your meal, alongside a delicious slice of amaretto cheese cake to finish.

Filling Favorites!

TACO EDITION—$25

800 Grand Street — menu

Elote to start, at Taco Edition

It all starts with the birria consume, NYC’s latest birria taco craze is a must try at Taco Edition. The prix fixe menu starts with a choice of chicken tortilla soup, birria consume, or elote. We, of course, recommend any of these delicious options. With two hearty options to choose from for dinner, our favorite is the enchiladas. Don’t miss out on this tasty dish that comes with chicken or as a vegetarian dish. Churros are for dessert, served with a chocolate sauce it’s the cherry on top of a perfect meal.

MAD FOR CHICKEN—$25

617 Grand Street — menu

The chicken at MFC is an obvious choice, shipped in daily from a farm in Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania, and coated with a unique sauce of soy, garlic, and various fruits but Wine and Dine is a great chance to explore other options. Choose your drink, start with a salad, and try the kimchi fried rice or bulgogi over rice.

Curry from Thip Osha

THIP OSHA—$25

795 Grand Street — menu

This Thai spot nearby the Grand Street L station always feels cozy. With a diverse prix fixe menu, Thip Osha has altogether 50 combinations to choose from. There is surely something that will please everyone from curry to noodles to fried rice. Out of all of those choices, our favorites are the crispy chicken wings with red chili sauce to start, green curry with chicken, and banana sticky rice for dessert. Stop by this tiny spot for big flavors.

CARNEVAL—$25

507 Grand Street — menu

Carneval is inspired by the owners’s own cultures and carnivals from countries they’ve visited around the world. This comes in the form of a wide variety of different cuisines all fused into one. Start with Rainbow Sushi, then follow it up with Dominican style fried rice dish Chofan. Finish your meal with either a Poached Pear that sits in red wine and comes with almonds and ice cream, or Lava Cake.

Wine and Dine on Grand Street Has Returned!

We are thrilled to announce the return of Wine and Dine to Grand Street! Wine and Dine offers fine dining quick eats, and drinks for awesome prix fixe prices. A wide variety of restaurants and bars are participating this time around, showcasing the excellent dining and nightlife scene on Grand Street. The two week celebration of local cuisine and drinks begins on Tuesday, February 21st and runs through Monday, March 6th. Check out our Wine and Dine Guide for tips on how to navigate the event.

The Jani Burger from BKJani

For this season’s Wine and Dine event we have our highest ever number of participants at 18, with 11 restaurants and 7 bars joining in on the fun. Many of our staple restaurants and bars are returning to participate this time around and some, like Grand Morelos and The Clonard, are featuring exciting updates to their menus. We’re pleased to welcome a newcomer to Grand Street, The Last Call, a Japanese hi-fi audio bar offering a variety of sake and draft beer. You can read our latest story on The Last Call here, where you can learn about their hi-fi audio setup and Tokyo-inspired bar.

BK Jani and Bahia are returning with staple menu items that have been recently spotlighted on Infatuation NYC’s best restaurants in Williamsburg list. Grand Street classics Taco Edition, Thip Osha, Mad For Chicken and Ryujin are also participating again with many Wine and Dine’s under their belts. Wine and Dine restaurant pricing ranges from $23-35, with a variety of different cuisines at great value at each price point. At a steal of a price of $35, Michelin Bib Gourmand winning Ammazzacaffè is offering fine dining Italian cuisine. Dar525 ($23) and Bahia ($25) have both decided to offer an extra fourth course this time around, bringing amazing value to the table.

Local favorite, The Ginny from Philomena’s

Our bar participants have grown to include longtime mainstays to Grand Street like Bushwick Country Club, who’s offering $7 frozen boozy slushies. Our newer bars are stepping up to the plate with discounted sangria and shots at Crystal Lake and an extended happy hour at Blinky’s. If you’re looking for a light bite with your drink, Philomena’s and The Starlight Tavern are offering two cocktails with a snack; Philomena’s serving hummus and pita, while The Starlight Tavern serving guacamole and chips. For a night out of fun, check out Haven for a 2x beer and shot combo and one hour of pool, all packaged together. With mentions in Time Out New York, Bushwick Daily, and BKMag, Grand Street’s establishments won’t disappoint.

Stop by at any participating location to get in on discount dining offers exclusive to Grand Street—and only during Wine and Dine. Just ask for a wine and dine menu when seated. Click here for our official guide giving insight into each restaurant and suggesting our favorite dining options, and you can find the full list of participants and pricing below. Prices at restaurants range from $23 to $35 and apply only to sit-down dinners, starting at 5PM — tax and tip not included.

Be sure to snap a picture of you, your meal, or your friends on your night dining out with the #DineOnGrand for the opportunity to win $50 to a Grand Street BID restaurant of your choice!

Follow @grandstreetbid for the most up-to-date information on the event.

Restaurant Menus

BK Jani – $35 – Menu

Bahia – $25 – Menu

Grand Morelos – $30 – Menu

The Clonard – $25 - Menu

Ammazzacaffè – $35 – Menu

Mad for Chicken – $25 — Menu

Ryujin – $25 – Menu

Taco Edition – $29 – Menu

Dar525 – $23 – Menu

Carneval – $35 – Menu

Thip Osha – $25 – Menu

Bar Specials

Blinky’s - Menu

Crystal Lake - Menu

Philomena’s - Menu

The Starlight Tavern - Menu

Bushwick Country Club - Menu

The Last Call - Menu

Haven - Menu

The Last Call Opens Its Doors At 588 Grand Street

Yakitori, edamame, & drinks. Photo: @thelastcallbrooklyn

The Last Call has opened its doors to Grand Street as the new bar in town. Since rebranding and opening at the end of November, The Last Call has brought a surge of Japanese culture to Grand Street through its Tokyo-style hi-fi audio setup and range of Japanese bar foods. If you remember this spot as Koko’s, don’t worry the same owners are still there taking great care of the customers and the space.

Noriko Jimbo, owner, has made it a point to bring a piece of her Japanese heritage to Williamsburg. The Last Call features yakitori skewers Thursday through Sunday and ramen Monday through Wednesday (provided by @brooklynramennyc). Jimbo returned to Japan last October to study at a yakitori school in Tokyo. For three intensive weeks, she studied yakitori culinary techniques for 14 hours a day. The result of those hours were brought back to Brooklyn, serving as the foundation for The Last Call’s menu of different cuts of yakitori skewers.

Photo: @thelastcallbrooklyn

Yakitori and ramen are not the only new aspects of The Last Call - they are also boasting a hi-fi sound system, inspired by Tokyo hi-fi audio lounges. The bar hosts DJs on Fridays and Saturdays, while bartenders handle the setlist every other day. Though not marketing themselves as a “hi-fi audio lounge”, BK Mag has featured them in a list of Tokyo-style audio lounges. This groovy spot is bringing a variety of new foods and sounds to Grand Street, be sure to check them out!

Cover Photo: The Last Call

Spread Love, Shop Local On Grand Street

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, it’s time to show love!

As a part of the city-wide Small Business Sweeties Campaign we’re showing some love for our businesses and each other all month long! For the third year in a row we are participating in Small Business Sweeties - an event to support local businesses and foster care and appreciation for our neighbors. It’s been such a success so far, so we’re bringing it back to share with you all!

Check out our Grand Street Guide to Valentine’s Day and special events to spread the love and bring some joy during these cold winter months.

Crafts and Cocktails

Whether its for a partner, a local business, a friend, or a pet! We’re supplying art materials for you to craft the perfect valentine. Enjoy drink specials and get creative!

Sunday 2/5 @ Blinky’s Bar, 609 Grand Street 4:00pm-6:00pm

Wednesday 2/8 @ The Starlight Tavern, 596 Grand Street 6:00pm-8:00pm

Shop Local Raffle

Show love to you favorite business on Grand Street to enter for a chance to win a $50 Gift Card! Here’s how you can participate:

• Write a Google Review for your favorite businesses in the BID and then DM us a screenshot on our socials (@grandstreetbid) to be entered into the raffle.

• Attend our Crafts and Cocktails events and write a Valentine’s Day Card dedicated to a business you love in the BID.

Submissions close at the end of the month of February with a winner being announced shortly after!

How-To Valentine's Day on Grand Street 2023

February is here, and we’re hoping to help you make this gray month a little brighter! With Valentine’s day right around the corner, the guide below lists specials, deals, and the best spots to shop! There is an abundance of ways to spread love this winter season - whether you are doing something special with a significant other or partner, spending time with friends and family, or most importantly showing love for yourself! Check out “How-to” Valentines Day on Grand Street for all the inside tips.

Check out our Small Business Sweetie events happening throughout February. We’re hosting Crafts and Cocktails and a Shop Local Raffle; join us in spreading love for our community, businesses, and each other!

Specials and Deals

We will be updating this section throughout the month! Keep your eyes peeled for Valentine's Day specials, promotions, or deals at our local shops!

Ammazzacaffe On Sunday, February 12th, Ammazzacaffe will have live jazz music. For Valentine's Day, make reservations and be on the look out for surprise specials. Make a reservation here.

Blinky's Bar has a new happy hour menu available weekdays from 5PM-7:30PM. This new menu offers $10 House Cocktails, $9 House Wine, $7 Draft Beers, and $5 Beer and shot!

Primp & Polish is offering a Nail Art Promo throughout February! Enjoy 50% off their Valentine's Day Heart nail design by booking online and adding on "February Month Promo" to your next mani.

Crystal Lake Brooklyn has a special Valentines menu up till February 19th. Try their Love Potion #9, Passion Fruit Mimosa, or Very Sexy Sanrgia for $13 all week and $10 from 1-7PM!

Birdies Hot Chicken is offering a Valentines meal for two exclusively on Valentines Day, 2/14. For $24.99, choose from signature fries for 2 or 2 chicken sandwiches. Drinks are included with both choices!

A festive flower arrangement from Flores Del Valle

Flowers

Flowers are a Valentine's day staple. Start off the month by gifting someone you love with a floral surprise. Or make some room on your coffee table, and treat yourself to a gorgeous bouquet to brighten your space.

Flores Del Valle Choose from an extensive selection of flowers, and coloful, decorative arrangements at this long standing flower shop. Whether you want to purchase a single flower, a bouquet, or inquire about their amazing custom arangements, swing by to surprise that special someone!

Wine, Dine, and Desert

Nothing says love like food. Grand Street has it all, from delicious dishes to bottles of bubbly, and sweet treats! Dine out or treat yourself or someone you love to a night in. Below are just a few of Grand Street's restaurants and desert spots that can spark some ideas to find the perfect Valentine's day vibe for you. Save the date for our upcoming Wine and Dine event, February 21st - March 6th.

Wine

Check out Blue Angel Wine and Spirits or Richie's Wine and Liquors for a bottle of wine, bubbly, or cocktail ingredients for a festive evening in.

Philomena's Did you say date night? Philomena's warm atmosphere is a great space to spend an intimate evening. Try one of their many creative cocktails or stop in on Wine Wednesday and share a bite to eat.

The Clonard Grand Street's classic Irish pub is warm and cheerful. With ample table space and a cozy bar in the back its a great spot to spend time with friends or someone special.

Crystal Lake , Crystal Lake has the perfect ambiance for a casual or intimate night out. With hot cocktails, weekly events, and resident restaurant Bitchn Kitchn in house, you'll be sure to have a great time out with yourself, friends or someone special.

Dine

Ammazzacaffe Grand Street's Michelin rated Italian Restaurant is the perfect place to have a romantic evening. Dine in their heated backyard or get it to-go! You can even purchase whole bottles of wine with your takeout order. Go to their website to make reservations or order to-go!

Garganelli with Bolognese from Ammazzacaffe

Dar 525 This Mediterranean staple has heated outdoor dining as well as takeout. Share a declicious platter with someone you love or order for yourself! They also have happy hour from 12-7 everyday, with wine specials galore. Order and look at their menu here.

Thip Osha Thip Osha's elevated Thai dishes make for an excellent date night or solo feast. Click here to order!

Dessert

Red Velvet & Rose Cupcakes, from Yummy Tummy’s Kitchen

Yummy Tummy's Kitchen is offering up some delicious valentine's treats. Including heart shaped brownies, red velvet & rose cupcakes, chocolate covered strawberries, and more. Get something sweet for your sweet, these deserts will say it all! Check out their Instagram to see all their specials.

Grand Morelos This diner and bakery is serving up delicious sweets, pastries and more! Check out their full case of baked goods right as you walk in the door. Stop by today or order online.

Nail design from Spa Ella II

Grooming and Self Care

Williamsburg Facial and Waxing Studio You'll be looking and feeling your best in no time after trying one of these amazing skin treatments. Zofia's expertise and top of the line products make the perfect treat for yourself or gift for someone you love. Click here to book an appointment or buy products.

Hour Rose Salon Make an appoinntment at Hour Rose Salon for a trim, color, or completely new look!

Hair By Catherine Catherine can help you get glam and feeling good with a cut and color. Book an appointment with her to fix up that quarantine hair.

Yummy Extensions Treat yourself to Yummy Extensions famed hair styles, inlcluding some of the highest quality, wigs, extensions and more!

Stop by Groomers and Pomade or Beard Barberia for a fresh cut, touch up and shave! Have yourself looking and feeling great during this dreary month.

Primp and Polish Nothing makes you feel fresh, clean, and beaitiful like a mani-pedi. Make an appointment with Primp and Polish for a mini spa day, or purchase some of their nail care products!

Spa Ella II Spa Ella II specialized in custom tips and nail design. You'll be looking and feeling glam in no time!

Cutz On Lorimer Cutz On Lorimer is a luxury barbershop that specializes in fades, tape-ups, beard grooming, and facials. Get a fresh cut there before your big date night on Grand!

Your Style Nail Salon Grand Street's newest Salon, Your Style Nail Salon offers a wide variety of Nail design options!

Trinkets And Treasures

Raggedy Threads Purchase an E-Gift Card or stop by this funky second hand store! Based out of LA and NYC, Raggedy Threads has outfitted celebrities and normal people alike.

Clothes from Raggedy Threads

Grand Leaners Swing by Grand Leaners and check out their wide variety of household goods and vintage clothes. Be sure to use the rotating clothing rack that's been repurposed from a dry cleaners!

L-Train Vintage Check out L-Train Vintage for vintage clothes and a large selection of thrifted workwear.

King Kog Wheel yourself into King Kog to get a new bike, or a tune up for your existing one!

Fresh Off The Press Need to print a hoodie or poster? Waltz into Fresh Off The Press for all your live screen printing needs!

Be a Small Business Sweetie This Valentine’s Day

The Grand Street BID is teaming up with 20+ other community based organizations in New York City to Spread Love, Shop Local. For Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating small businesses and the community through the Small Business Sweeties Campaign.

Sweethearts Shop Local…Be a #SmallBusinessSweetie

Now in its third year, a group of neighborhood organizations across New York City’s five boroughs, have joined forces to deliver messages of love and support to small businesses throughout the city – all in time for Valentine’s Day.

Each of the 20+ participating neighborhood groups (complete list below) will customize its Valentine’s Day Small Business Sweeties program to its own area, with the common message to show the love to small businesses. Some examples include, crafts and cocktails Valentine making at district bars; raffles for patrons who leave positive reviews for neighborhood businesses; encouraging locals to submit e-valentines for their favorite district businesses; and highlighting the Valentine’s Day offerings in their neighborhoods.

Participating neighborhoods and their businesses differ, but the message is the same: Shop local; Call direct for delivery; Leave a positive review; Give a shout out on social media; and show love to local businesses to be a #SmallBusinessSweetie.

The event started in the uncertain times of Covid-19 as a way for communities to show love and support for their local businesses. The success of the event has inspired this group of organizations from across the city to continue to build on the event each year. 

“Delivering valentines made by loyal customers to small business owners is undeniably sweet. Seeing the smiles hit their faces as they realize how beloved they are to our community is so joyful,” said Erin Piscopink, Executive Director of the Grand Street BID.

“The businesses of North Flatbush Avenue are easy to love,” said James Ellis, Executive Director of the North Flatbush Avenue BID. “With this collective Valentine's support campaign, we are excited to highlight some of our "sweeties" and encourage consumers to buy local directly from the business, leave positive reviews as ‘love notes’, and explore some of our curated holiday itineraries showcasing some Prospect Heights and Park Slope experiences and gift ideas along North Flatbush Avenue.”

“The NoHo Business Improvement District is thrilled to participate in this third annual #SmallBusinessSweeties campaign alongside more than 20 other organizations. Supporting small businesses is at the very core of what we do, and we’re excited to uplift the small, special businesses that help make NoHo and all of New York the dynamic place we know and love,” said Cordelia Persen, Executive Director of the NoHo BID.

“The Forest Avenue BID is happy to be part of this city-wide collaboration with our fellow BIDs and community organizations. Shop small and feel good!  On Staten Island we some great shops for gifts and services for your valentine,” said Nina Flores, Executive Director of the Forest Avenue BID. “Become a #smallbusinesssweetie and share the love - shop - write a review - place an order.  Do your part to keep your neighborhood alive and vibrant.  Our small businesses are gonna love you for it!”

“Sunnyside Shines is excited to be part of Small Business Sweeties.  Our merchants need more love and this campaign helps us show them how much we appreciate them, and can increase their sales through social media,” said Dirk McCall de Paloma, Executive Director of the Sunnyside Shines BID.

Participating organizations: Bronx: Westchester Square BID. Brooklyn: Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, FAB Fulton BID, Flatbush Development Corporation, Graham Avenue BID, Grand Street BID, North Flatbush Avenue BID, Sunset Park BID. Manhattan: Atlantic Avenue BID, Columbus Avenue BID, Grand Central Partnership, Hudson Square BID, Hudson Yards Hell’s Kitchen Alliance, Meatpacking District BID, NoHo BID, Village Alliance. Queens: Bayside Village BID, MiQ (Made in Queens), Sunnyside Shines BID. Staten Island: Downtown Staten Island, Forest Avenue BID, Castleton Avenue Merchants Association.

Grand Leaners Brings New Mural To Grand Street

A new mural has arrived on Grand Street! Our very own Grand Leaners has debuted a mural on its gate, bringing vibrant graffiti art to the neighborhood. Owner, Joshua Kristal, collaborated with well known Brooklyn artist @muffinmannyc to create this mural; it depicts a muffin serving as bait on a hook for skeleton fish. Muffinman’s work can be seen throughout Williamsburg and Bushwick, his signature muffin tag being easily recognizable. 

The mural is the first of many rotating murals that Joshua plans on bringing to Grand Leaners, with plans to update the mural every 3-4 months. While this mural has an environmental message, the plan for the next mural is to showcase the Puerto Rican history of the neighborhood; he’s hoping to collaborate with local artists of Puerto Rican descent to paint his gate next.

Joshua chose 765 Grand Street as the home for his vintage emporium back in March 2022. His collection of clothes, art, and household items fill the shop with a wide variety of vintage goods he’s gladly shared with the community. The storefront used to be a dry cleaners and he took advantage of the existing infrastructure, repurposing the rotating clothing rack to showcase his selection. 

Stop by Grand Leaners to browse their diverse collection and check out their new mural. Stay glued to our socials to stay updated for when the mural rotates!

Cover Photo Credit: Grand Leaners