In Brooklyn, a borough filled with “chill” bars, it can be surprisingly difficult to find one that strikes the right balance between good food and drink, a friendly-yet-safe environment, and plenty of good art and music available to tickle the creative nerve.

Stain is the place you’ve been looking for. It’s conveniently situated in Williamsburg, but just enough off the beaten path to have avoided the Williamsburg cliches. The owner, Krista, painstakingly renovated the space to be eclectic and homey without being fussy or awkward. There’s free wireless internet, a back garden, and goodies like really great pretzels and mulled wine.

And Stain is devoted to all things local; their drink list only contains beers and wines from New York State, and their performers and artists are all local and unsigned. They host craft nights, open mic nights, art openings, costume theme parties, and too many other cool events to name. There’s a giant nickel made of car parts on the wall. And did I mention the mulled wine? It’s really good.

Stain Bar
766 Grand Street in Williamsburg
L to Grand Street
Opens daily at 5pm
718.387.7840

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If you’re looking for a cozy cafe with great food and a homey vibe, look no further than Grey Dog Cafe. It’s a little bit of rural Americana nestled into the West Village.

Grey Dog’s sandwiches are legendary, and rightly so, with dozens of mouthwatering options for everyone, no matter your diet restrictions. They’ve brought in all the best ingredients and put them together in yummy, why-didn’t-I-think-of-that ways; one of my favorites is the apple bacon pressed sandwich with smoked cheese.

The coffee is strong and plentiful, the kind that really fuels a much-needed break with a friend or inspires for the next chapter in your novel. Or, on a cold winter’s afternoon, try out some of their spicy mulled wine. Smoothies, tea, and beer round out the drink selection.

There’s a lot of tables at Grey Dog, but if you stop by at a busy time you may have to wait around. Once you’re there, you can stay for hours. And they’re open late. Grey Dog delivers, as well, for when you need a taste of home, at home.

Update: In July 2007, Grey Dog opened a new location in the East Village! Check it out on University Place at 12th Street.

Grey Dog Cafe
33 Carmine Street (between Bleecker and Bedford Streets)
B/D/F/V or A/C/E to West 4th Street, 1 to Houston Street

90 University Place (at 12th Street)
N/R/Q/W to Union Square/14th Street

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Admit it, girl – sometimes, you get a teensy bit tired of the ubiquitous “mixed greens” for lunch. Don’t you secretly just crave . . . a burger?

Well, when you’re ready to admit it, head down to Paul’s in the East Village for a no-frills, affordable burger with all the traditional trimmings. Paul’s is the kind of place you remember from back home – a bit like a roadside diner, filled with Americana, and serving up burgers, cheesesteak, fries, beer, and milkshakes for a great price (the burgers start at $4.20). Feeling guilty about your diet? You can order a small burger. Out with your guy? There’s a deluxe for him.

And while you’re there, enjoy it. There will always be more salads.

Paul’s
131 2nd Ave between 7th Ave and St. Mark’s
R to 8th Street, 6 to Astor Place
Cash only

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