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Ainslie
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Ainslie
7.8
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Brunch Bliss Spots
This 10,000 square-foot multi-level venue from Chef John DeLucie combines beer garden vibes with surprisingly solid Italian-American fare. Wood-fired pizzas, rosemary wings, and NY strip emerge from the open kitchen while DJs spin until 3am on weekends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood Fired Rosemary Wings, Saltimbocca Pizza, NY Strip Steak
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Three-floor converted warehouse with rooftop, beer garden, and Italian fare until 3am
Who should go: Large groups and those combining dinner with nightlife
When to visit: Saturday/Sunday for $32 bottomless brunch
What to order: Rosemary wings, any pizza, prosecco burrata
Insider tip: Second floor ski-lodge room available for private events
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; street parking in Williamsburg typical - expect to circle the block, especially weekends after 6pm. Take L train to Lorimer St or G to Metropolitan Ave
Dress code: Casual Brooklyn chic - jeans and nice tops work fine, but the crowd tends trendy especially on weekend nights when DJs spin
Noise level: Loud - beer garden atmosphere with DJ music on weekends. The dining room is slightly quieter than the beer garden, but expect to raise your voice
Weekend wait: 30-45 min even with reservation during peak brunch/dinner; walk-ins accepted but longer waits
Weekday lunch: Closed until 5pm weekdays; weekday dinner typically seats promptly with reservation
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - menu items marked VEG, including pizzas, pastas, and salads throughout
Vegan options: Limited - select items marked V, but Italian-American menu is cheese-heavy. Ask server for modifications
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF pasta cooked separately, GF pizza and beer available. Common kitchen with potential cross-contact; not celiac-safe
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a 3rd or 4th date - the beer garden vibe is lively and loud, making intimate conversation tough. Works great if you want a fun, energetic atmosphere rather than quiet romance. Request dining room seating for slightly lower volume.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins welcome and the 10,000 sq ft space absorbs crowds, but weekend brunch and dinner often have 30+ minute waits. Book via Resy for prime times; weeknight walk-ins are usually fine.
Is it kid-friendly? Technically yes - high chairs available and guests have brought infants. Best for weekend brunch before the DJ starts; evening shifts to a 21+ party atmosphere with loud music until late. Not ideal for young kids after 7pm.
Best For
Better for: Large groups wanting to combine dinner with nightlife under one roof - the multi-level layout, late hours until 3am, and DJ weekends mean you don't need a second venue. Also unbeatable for $32 bottomless brunch value.
Skip if: You want a quiet romantic dinner or authentic fine Italian dining. This is beer garden Italian-American in a party atmosphere - go to Lilia or Bamonte's if you want quieter, more refined fare.
Ainslie
7.9
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Trendy Table Hotspots
Ainslie is a sprawling wine bar, beer garden, and Italian spot built into a converted warehouse, with wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and multiple levels of seating. It’s less candlelit whisper and more lively date night, especially on weekends when the room fills with groups and couples sharing pies and spritzes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita wood-fired pizza, Truffle mushroom pizza, Rigatoni alla vodka
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Large-scale Italian beer garden with wood-fired pies and wine-friendly pastas.
Who should go: Couples who like buzzy, social date nights over quiet ones.
When to visit: Early evenings for more intimate tables; later for full energy.
What to order: Margherita pizza, truffle mushroom pie, rigatoni alla vodka.
Insider tip: Ask to sit on the mezzanine or near the garden area for a slightly calmer corner away from the main bar traffic.