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 ›

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. more ›