North 5th St, Williamsburg

North 5th Street is one of the more happening streets in Williamsburg. And, there are good and bad elements to that. Right off the Bedford stop of the L train is what people think of when they think of Williamsburg. It is a really young and hip area which means that it's always busy and there are a ton of restaurants, shops and bars. The bad thing about that is that it is always loud, dirty and filled to the brim with college kids and hipsters. North 5th, which traverses Bedford Ave is no exception. It's only one block away from the train stop and it is always packed. Having said that, there are some fantastic places to hit up on North 5th.
Egg is at North 5th and Bedford and it is one of the most famous brunch places in NYC period. It is a tiny dark hole that serves up cheap and simple food and it really all is delicious. The only problem with it being a tiny dark hole is that it isn't ideal when the weather is nice and it gets incredibly packed when the weather isn't so great. Actually, it's packed pretty much year round and the wait can be as much as two hours. But, if you happen to catch it on a not so awful day, it is definitely worth it.
The other breakfast spot I love is two buildings away and we stumbled upon it because we couldn't wait for Egg. Juliette doesn't have as good of food but they have a great vibe and a fantastic rooftop patio for spring brunching. I love that place on a sunny day. It's French, though, so vegetarian options aren't in abundance.
One of my favorite bars in New York is on North 5th, but it's by the Lorimer stop. Spuyten Deyvil doesn't have the crowd that tends to linger around the Bedford area, which is a good thing. They have one of the biggest and most glorious back patios in the city, a ridiculous beer selection and a really lovely atmosphere. I recommend it to everyone that is staying in Williamsburg. Plus, the bartenders are really nice for the most part which is a rarity in this part of town.
I wouldn't want to live on N 5th unless it was closer to Lorimer. The apartments are old and run down and swarming with kids. But, it is one of the best streets for things to do in the neighborhood.

This area is right in the middle of the nightlife scene in the area – it cuts through the neighborhood’s main avenues, and on any given night there is a good deal of foot traffic around. Worth a visit for a tourist (and for residents as well) is Brooklyn Fox Lingerie. The pieces can be a bit pricey, though, so if you’re not looking to spend money or get something amazing for a love cruise, then don’t bother yourself.

This is a wonderful street with a few great places to eat. I think you could find a lot to like in this neighborhood. There are some great restaurants and bars, not only on this street, but also nearby. All in all, I think that this is a great place to cool your heels and to have a good time, without having to worry about the pretentiousness in the midtown scene.

Metro:
Marcy Ave, J,M,Z
Lorimer Ave-Metropolitan Ave, G
Bedford Ave, L