The Read Cafe & Bookshop

So Read is dirty and a little smelly and the counter folk apathetic, but the garden is a sweet refuge for you and your pals to share a tea/ coffee/ beer and/or do just what the moniker of this place suggests--read. inside the walls are lined with magazines, books and oddities like a Mr. T. Chiapet or a spooky looking puppet. I have never really eaten at Read, though there are several sandwiches, salads, bakery items, etc. Prices and fare appear to be what you should expect, but the state of the "kitchen" has always turned me off from trying anything beyond drinks. No wi-fi and no aircon really, but did I mention there's a garden? A GARDEN! Other favorite back Gardens include St. Helen's cafe (what cute turtles you have!), Cheers Thai restaurant, and not a garden, but a beautiful outdoor eating area at the newly opened My Moon (very NEW Williamsburg). more

Although the staff can be the epitome of Williamsburg Hipster Snob, it doesn't take much to ignore them and have a seat in the luscious backyard. They offer good iced coffee at $1.50, and decent meals. I prefer their Yummy bagel, with goat cheese, basil, and onion (which is easily exchanged for tomato). I like to take the bagel home and add a little balsamic vinegar to give it a kick. Although some people praise their desserts, I'm wary of anything that sits in a case for 3 or more days. more