Book + a Bite: Williamsburg, NYC
Our guide to where (and what) to read, one solo table at a time
Welcome back to our Book + a Bite series.
Think of this series as our guide to where (and what) to read, one solo table at a time. Each edition pairs a good book with a great place to eat. The kind of places we’d suggest you go, on your own, to take a break from the world.
Previous editions have included Locatelli at the National, St. JOHN at the Bookshop and BUDDY BUDDY, Paris. Today, we’re in Williamsburg.
The setting
Welcome to a solo walking loop around Williamsburg.
No destination restaurant this time, but for something I love even more when the sun is shining: a food-led walk, a few good stops, and a book that fits in your pocket.
Stop one: Leon’s Bagels. Because nothing makes me feel more like a wannabe New Yorker than popping out for a bagel first thing.
Stop two: McCarren Farmers’ Market for a mooch.
Stop three: Loaf on Paper. This is a stationery-meets-cafe space focused on Japanese paper goods and craft supplies. I picked up my favourite pens of recent times at this spot (these ones) and they made exceptionally good drinks.
The order(s)
Bagel: Sausage, egg and cheese bagel
Drink: Salted maple cold foam (I dread to think of the sugar content in this, but I can confirm it was delicious)
The books: Exit Lane by Erika Veurink and Grape Juice by Eliza Dumais
The reads
My favourite recent reading discovery has been 831 Stories. Romcom style novellas with Nora Ephron energy - think sharp dialogue, good timing and wit. I’ve loved Erika Veurink’s Exit Lane and also Eliza Dumais’ Grape Juice.
If Exit Lane is like When Harry Met Sally, then Grape Juice reminded me of A Good Year. For me, that’s pretty much a dream. If this is also your taste in movies then get yourself a copy of these books.
I have since devoured Set Piece, Hardly Strangers and Comedic Timing. At 200 pages they’re the perfect evening read, and fit perfectly in your pocket for a stroll around the neighbourhood.
A note on our subscriptions
If you liked this idea of carving out time for good books, you might also enjoy our Verse subscriptions - a thoughtful way to gift (or receive) great books, chosen just for you. Each one is pre-loved, hand-matched, and designed to help you find more of those moments that make life feel full again.
We’ve been shipping out our January subs this week. They’re the perfect present for that I don’t know what to get them feeling.
Take it from here
Not heading to Williamsburg any time soon? You can still order Exit Lane and Grape Juice through Verse.
Or better yet: plan yourself a solo date. Have some great food, read your book, and sit in a window and watch the world go by.
Happy Sunday!
Say goodbye to bad recommendations and hello to a better reading experience
And thank you again for supporting small, it means more than you know 🫶