Bean
167 Bedford Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn [map]
Located in the Williamsburg, hereto after known as the Hipster’s Paradise, Bean is a cozy [small – about 12 can fit comfortably] with nice atmosphere and good service. But the service and ambiance do not an excellent restaurant make. The food is decidedly Tex-Mex, with emphasis on the Mex. Luckily the cheese and the Chi-Chi’s food are nowhere to be found. If you are worried that the Hipster’s will edge you out, don’t worry! While Bean is off of Bedford, an after-work dinner, or weekend night meal is possible without nary a trucker hat. Typical rules of the road apply between 8pm and 10pm Friday and Saturday, where large groups should pray for a table, but pairs and foursomes should be fine. Bean also has a healthy carryout, which I would suggest taking advantage of on warm nights in order to picnic in McCarren Park or perhaps under the Bridge.
Start off with appetizers consisting of tortilla chips Bean’s homemade dip, with frijoles and black beans on the side. The white and red chips are enough to fill up the less daunting connoisseur, but sharing this with your date, or a close friend, is the perfect start to a meal. Herself and I recommend the tortilla chips and an order of enchiladas con pollo to share. Or, as we found out on night, if you find yourself in large groups [6+] orders of tortilla chips, potatoes, and dip are great starters along with tacos [not double wrapped as my associate would like] filling you up.
Please remember though, Bean does not have a liquor license, but they encourage you to bring in your own alcohol. Be it Negra Modello, or perhaps Dos XX, or homemade Margaritas, the Bean staff encourages consumption. They will even store your liquor in a refrigerator until you require a refill. While the neighborhood is sketchy [see Hipsters] Bean is an excellent starter or ender to a night. Access to the Bedford Ave L is a block away giving you quick access to and from the city – that is if they don’t shut the line down during the weekend.
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Faith Cummings thinks:
I am a self-proclaimed expert on Bean, making it an after-work jaunt at least once a week for at least a year now. I was dissappointed to see you did not mention the mole nachos in your review, certainly the best thing on the menu. For less than $6.00 you get enough nachos to last 2 meals. They are lovingly topped with ample cheese, sour cream, guac, and my favorite, the mole sauce (!). I have addicted at least 3 people and don't plan on stopping there. Nachos at any other restaurant have been ruined for me. I also contest your claim that the tacos are not "double wrapped." Besides them being the best fish tacos my friend and I have ever had, including Bonita (Williamsburg), La Luche (Nolita), and Pequena (Fort Greene), they have always come double-wrapped. I am giving you the benefit of the doubt and assuming they were low on tortillas the night you and your associate went. Otherwise I appreciate your feedback on this great restaurant and found it to be quite accurate.
December 19, 2005 4:03 PM