See Your City: Williamsburg Shopping Guide
Published 11/13/2017
Chances are Williamsburg is already on your shopping radar. For years, the Brooklyn neighborhood has drawn buyers to its mix of vintage stores, indie labels and one-of-a-kind boutiques with a feel far different from Manhattan. And though its seen a recent influx of national retailers, the place hasn’t lost its flair. Its major thoroughfares—Bedford, Driggs and Graham Avenues—are packed with locally owned merchants that sustain the shopping scene’s “cool” status.
1
D.O.C. Wine Shop
1
147 Broadway
D.O.C., short for Denominazione di origine controllata, is the label added to Italian wine that guarantees it was produced in a specific region and according to certain regulations. This rustic shop carries the likes of aged Barolos, plus a selection of hard-to-find wines from popular Italian regions like Piedmont, Liguria and Tuscany and from elsewhere around the world. It also hosts wine tastings; those looking for a sit-down experience can check out the nearby D.O.C. Wine Bar, its sister entity.
2
Spoonbill & Sugartown Books
2
218 Bedford Ave
One of Williamsburg’s only independently owned bookstores, this cozy shop has been an anchor in the neighborhood since 1999. Spoonbill carries a wide selection of fiction, nonfiction, art and design tomes, plus some rare first editions. The rotating selection includes all manner of printed materials—like used books, postcards, posters and cookbooks.
3
Rough Trade
3
30 Rockefeller Plaza
This London import is much more than just a record store. Rough Trade doubles as a performance space that hosts a slew of indie and mainstream artists, and it has an exhibition room and a café. The store primarily sells new records, including a healthy selection of international imports.
4
Bedford Cheese Shop
4
67 Irving Pl
This well-curated cheese shop focuses on specialty cheeses from local and international producers. You’ll find hundreds of different types, including goat, cheddar and Parmigiano-Reggiano, all neatly set up behind glass displays. Ask an enthusiastic, knowledgeable cheesemonger for help if you’re unsure what to get. In addition to fromage, there’s a selection of meats, platters and gift baskets for sale. Stop by on a Tuesday for a free beer-and-cheese tasting.
5
Alter
5
140 Franklin St
The indie boutique (there’s another location in Greenpoint) carries a chic collection of clothing for men and women in gray, black and neutral palettes. The place is small and the selection manageable, making for an intimate shopping experience. Expect simple silhouettes, sweaters, jeans and minimalist jewelry from independent brands like Native Youth and Uzi, plus a house line.
6
Whisk
6
231 Bedford Ave.
The folks at Whisk appreciate well-crafted gourmet cookware as much as their customers. Peruse the packed shelves for kitchen essentials like mixers, French presses, griddles, cutlery and linens, plus high-end cast-iron skillets, Le Creuset cookware and bitters for the fanciest of drinkers. A variety of cookbooks and whimsical knickknacks make for great last-minute gifts.