News came out this week that two big names in New York City’s dining scene are expanding to Williamsburg and Greenpoint. The neighborhood is now home to one of Queens’ best Thai restaurants, a spot that’s been on citywide Top 10 lists multiple times, and Greenpoint Avenue will soon be home to a new wood-fired Mexican restaurant run by one of Brooklyn’s most underrated chefs. Of course, this great news isn’t without a little bad news as another long-time Greenpoint watering hole quietly closed its doors a few weeks back.
First, where you can eat. Qi Thai Grill at 176 North 9th Street has crossed over to being a full expansion of Woodside’s SriPraPhai. SriPraPhai’s chef-owner, Sripraphai Tipmanee, had been involved in Qi along with well-regarded chef Pichet Ong, but now the entire space is a part of chef Tipmanee’s realm. Word is the menu has been shortened so that the kitchen can focus on her famed spicy Thai fare. This makes the North 9th Street spot her third restaurant, as she also has one out in Long Island’s Williston Park. If you’ve always wanted to try the restaurant but were afraid of the trek or crowds, here’s your chance. [Eater]
Over on West Street, we’ve got another big food-related opening! Greenpoint Trading Co. has opened their own little brick-and-mortar at 65a West Street. The spice shop has previously been exclusively sold online and in shops around town, but now you’ll be able to peruse their entire line and get to know the owners, Kimmee and Evan Hoffman.
Despite being on an unassuming corner deep in Clinton Hill, Speedy Romeo has developed a serious following of regulars. Almost six years into the game, the restaurant still has long wait times and constant crowds ready to eat up every last pizza and grill-fired entree. They’ve done so well for themselves that they were able to successfully expand into Manhattan’s incredibly expensive Lower East Side. But it’s not their famous pizza and steaks that we’ll be getting when they open Oxomoco—named for an important Aztec deity, a goddess who is an ancestor to all humans—at 128 Greenpoint Avenue next year. Instead, chef Justin Bazdarich wants to explore “wood-fired Mexican.” The former plumbing store will apparently make a great spot for two wood-burning grills and skylights. Until that opens, you can still get your taco fix at any one of our wonderful Mexican restaurants, including the new Friducha. [Grub Street]
Speaking of, there’s also a new bar and restaurant called Good Move at 167 Nassau Ave. The menus appear to be Mexican-influenced as there are housemade chips and guacamole, tacos, and mezcal. The owners, Michelle Foster and chef Nikhil Khosla, both live in Greenpoint and have worked at Crave Fishbar, Bo’s Kitchen and Bar Room, and ACME. The spot is open 5pm-midnight with food until 11pm.
Now, for the bad news. Word came to us that Pit Stop, a wonderful little dive at the corner of McGuinness Blvd and Meserole Ave, has closed its doors. The closing comes after what appears to be another case of the rent being increased. Pour one out for the dive that was and please, support your favorite local bars as often as possible.
Hopefully some of these places are going to open for lunch.
There are far too many restaurants in Greenpoint/Williamsburg that only open for dinner. This alienates all of the working class of the area who want a good lunch during the work day before heading home each night.