Back in 1999, Lawrence Elliott opened the Read cafe on Bedford Avenue, which was among the first hipster hangouts to stake a claim in the neighborhood. There were a slew of odd books and highbrow magazines to flip through, a sweet backyard, and a priceless Mr. T Chia Pet, which was so coveted that some bastard finally stole it. Anyway, Read finally closed in 2008, replaced by the ultra fastidious coffeshop El Beit, and Elliott decamped to the Southside, opening The Rabbithole Bistro on Bedford and South Third Street. It's been a humble neighborhood spot for years, but recently Elliott took the place to a new level. more ›

Laurence Elliott, owner of old Williamsburg's sorely missed Read Cafe (now the more upscale coffee shop El Beit) is opening up a new and bigger place in South Williamsburg, on Bedford between South 4th and South 3rd. First things first: the Read Cafe tradition of backyard garden lounging will live on behind Elliott's new home, called The Rabbit Hole. more ›