12 Chairs Café

Food and Travel

May 31

Written By Damian Nicholas

A cozy brunch spot in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Food + Travel | 12 Chairs

Words by Danique Lorian

CUPOFCOUPLE

We tried our hand at getting a table over at Sunday in Brooklyn - a now popular location for brunch in particular, but the crowd size turned out to be more than expected. So instead, we made our way to 12 Chairs Café, a cozy and casual restaurant directly across the street. What started as a small café in Soho has now expanded to a second location in South Williamsburg, sitting on the corner of Wythe Avenue and S 2nd Street.

Indoors the space is smaller than expected but isn't stuffy as their thoughtful layout still allows guests to move freely. The bar area is fully stocked, seats about seven or so, and is posted near a massive window that opens up, allowing the room to feel airier and more spacious, especially during the warmer months. Outside of the restaurant, the sidewalk is occupied with enough seating to accommodate anyone who prefers to dine outdoors.

CUPOFCOUPLE

The menu lends a modern take on Israeli/Mediterranean fare and is broad enough to guarantee that there'll be something for everyone to enjoy. If you're in the mood for breakfast, which is offered daily until 4pm, you've got the option to have any egg dish served as an Israeli breakfast.

This option is a must– served with Israeli salad, assorted cheeses, dips and bread. For a light lunch the grilled chicken sandwich is a classic choice, but our favorite menu item so far is the Greek salad. Crispy romaine, cucumber, tomato, Kalamata olives, feta, za'tar croutons and house made dressing - all traditional ingredients that offer a fresh and satisfying dish when paired together. The creaminess of the feta along with their tangy/lemony dressing compliments the brininess of the Kalamata olives perfectly for a well balanced bite.

The menu also has a few vegetarian options, including slow cooked veggies served over couscous and a pita sabich - a pita stuffed with fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, Israeli salad, herbs and tahini. 12 Chairs has quickly become a favorite amongst visitors and a neighborhood staple for locals. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.