From the ashes of the beloved Read Cafe in Williamsburg (that space is now occupied by the decidedly un-funky El Beit coffee shop) comes owner Laurence Elliott's new baby, The Rabbithole. Opening this Sunday, his latest venture is further south but still on Bedford, between South 4th and South 3rd Streets. When we spoke with Elliott back in March, he still had a long way to go turning the former apartments into a restaurant/cafe with basement bakery; now he seems just about there, though the liquor license will be a few months down the road.

When the full kitchen is running (Elliott says he's a week or two away on that) there will be breakfast, lunch and dinner; for now you'll have to settle for panini, sandwiches, assorted salads, espresso and tea. The coffee is the classic Read house blend which Elliott declined to give details on because "someone could easily figure out how we do it." He's also, sadly, given the big thumbs down on the Wi-Fi because he doesn't like seeing people on their laptops. So for now bring a book or a bottle of wine and see what happens.

The Rabbithole, 352 Bedford Avenue, (718) 782-0910. Opens Sunday. Hours 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, open until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Back garden at The Rabbithole.

NEXT »