River Barrel: This newcomer to the heart of Greenpoint's Franklin Street dining scene opened for brunch on New Year's Day, undeterred by a little spelling snafu on the awnings that mis-identified the place as "River Ballel." That's since been rectified, and the place was packed for brunch last weekend, benefiting from Brooklyn Label spillover and a still-shuttered Paloma. The extensive morning menu includes a fresh pastry basket, housemade granola, house cured salmon with potato and chive latkes, a "Brooklyn burrito" with scrambled eggs, a Roasted Root Vegetable Hash, and oh so much more. They're doing dinner, too, and though the Yelpers were quick to bitch about service kinks during opening weekend, the chandelier above bar looks so charming at night that resistance may well prove futile. 160 Franklin Street, Greenpoint, (718) 389-8881 more ›