Marlow and Sons

In South Williamsburg only a few blocks inland from the East River, Marlow & Sons is a rustic respite with nice wine, good cocktails, and excellent snacking fare such as oysters, local cheese, and potato tortilla. But there's more: seasonal salads and soups, the famous brick chicken, a dimly lit space outfitted in various types of wood (this is an Andrew Tarlow restaurant, after all). In many ways, it's a cornerstone of the Brooklyn dining scene — superbly cozy in colder months, with a sidewalk patio for summertime people-watching and a bit of breeze.