elNico: a Mexican rooftop in the heart of Williamsburg
A leafy glasshouse and terraces over the city
The Penny hotel sits in central Williamsburg, a few blocks from Bedford Avenue. At the very top, on the 11th floor, elNico fills a bright room under a glass roof, packed with plants, cacti and colorful artwork, with a long bar lined with wooden stools. All around, open-air terraces look out over the rooftops of Brooklyn and, across the East River, the Manhattan skyline with the Empire State Building.
The place works as both a restaurant and a rooftop bar: people come for dinner, a sunset drink or weekend brunch.
Mexican cooking and agave cocktails
The kitchen draws on Mexican traditions with touches from elsewhere: tacos, seasonal dishes and plates to share, served at dinner and brunch alike. At the bar, the menu revolves around tequila and mezcal, with house margaritas and more unexpected creations. A more intimate room, the Greenhouse, hosts private dinners, and the whole rooftop can be booked out for weddings or corporate events.
Practical information
elNico is open Monday through Thursday from 4pm to 10pm, Friday from 4pm to midnight, Saturday from 9am to midnight and Sunday from 9am to 10pm; brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm. Thanks to the glassed-in room, you can enjoy it year-round, while the terraces depend on the weather. Reservations are recommended for evenings and weekends. Subway: Lorimer Street (L train) or Metropolitan Avenue (G train), a five-minute walk.
