Shelter
(Now Closed)Bar, Pizzeria, and Empanada Restaurant$$$$
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
93 Tips and reviews
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Global HighlanderOctober 3, 2014In true Williamsburg style, it offers pizza and Argentinian empanadas w/ an interior of a ski lodge and exterior of an Italian cafe, along with aloof service. The wobbly tables spill water all over!
Cole KennedyMarch 2, 2016Can't speak to the quality of the food, but this is one of the coziest bars in all of Brooklyn. That wood burning fireplace can't be beat.
Mads MarzOctober 6, 2016The truffle pizza was amazing, you can order EXTRA truffle oil for free 👌🏼 Cozy seating with fireplace and epic throwback music with a twist
PeterMarch 2, 2019Amazing place! I can’t believe I didn’t try Shelter earlier. Love the drinks (Mexpresso was great!) and loved the Shelter Lox and the pulled pork empanada.
By far one of my 'go-to' places in the neighborhood for good wine, great food and ambiance like no other. The place itself is worth a look.
Johanna FuentesFebruary 8, 2015Cozy atmosphere, delicious empanadas, brunch was excellent. Can't go wrong with any of the skillet eggs (very cheesy/creamy though not described that way). The short rib benedict was to die for!
IrmaZandl ZandlSlantJanuary 9, 2015Strange place but recommend nevertheless. Truffle pizza is delicious as are empanadas - we had kale and BBQ pork. For dessert the pannacotta is wonderful.
J.M. SaponaroMarch 6, 2016How come I never been to Shelter before ?!Best pizzas that I've tried in Williamsburg so far. Awesomely cosy vibe (love the fireplace)... I will definitely go again !
Julian ModestoDecember 6, 2014Imagine a pizza & empanada house in your mind. WTF does that look like? Walk in with your eyes closed, open them, and you see an intimate ski lodge that's great for groups. You're in Brooklyn.
Everything here is oven baked. Always get same meal: beef empanada, kale and roasted squash salad, brussels sprouts. Great hangout in winter by roaring fire.
Brooke MindnichAugust 25, 2014Apparently. It is customary here to bring out your table's order one dish at a time as it comes out of the kitchen. No timing. You will not eat with your table mates. Haphazard is the perfect word!
Sarah ThompsonOctober 28, 2013Empanadas are to die for. Cozy and homey feel is only made better by the awesome 90s indie rock playlist.
David GreenbergerMarch 7, 2015This pizza's insane. Truffle pizza, truffle pizza. Also really cool, ski lodge feel. Great date/hang spot
Sandra RubinchikJanuary 18, 2015Pretty sure this is where they filmed Gaston's song in Beauty and the Beast. (Also, the beef empanada is so good!)
- L. T.June 9, 2015Oh boy. The drinks are great and the service is great. The food? Amazing. It may be a bit out of the way, but it's a good dinner choice.
Best empanadas in NY - beef and BBQ are my favorites
CécileNovember 19, 2017Finally a place that doesn’t rush you out. We stayed the whole evening and felt very homey. Nice cozy atmosphere in the cold winter.
Aimara ToledoSeptember 22, 20134 staggioni and truffle pizza are divine! The empanadas are too small for the price. Otherwise, this is the end of Roberta's! LOVE
Anna OhareSeptember 23, 2014Place gets pretty busy for dinner so call ahead if you want to get a good seat. Pizza is perfect to share with a friend over some Riesling.
They have gluten free pizza! Plus an upscale ski lodge vibe with bluegrass and oldies tunes. Solid choice in this ever-changing neighborhood
Allison NiksichJune 24, 2021The empanadas are always amazing but no one talks about the artichokes - they are to die for
Great neighborhood spot. Cocktails are delicious. Empanadas on point and pizza, while seemingly out of place, is very, very good.
Jen KatanApril 1, 2016If you are in the mood for a log cabin and fire this is the place. Big cosy, decent house malbec. Mac and cheese too
Trista KempaJanuary 25, 2014Great food and atmosphere but I don't recommend going in the winter unless you wear your warmest jacket the entire meal - 20 degrees outside, no more than 40 inside. Worth waiting for a warm day.
CreativeEntity CourtneyApril 21, 2017Hey food is tasty, but the cocktails are amazing if the Florence born Lorenzo makes them. OMG guys
Lea CeasrineDecember 2, 2015Cozy happy hour jawn before heading to Williamsburg Hall of Music. Sit by the fireplace and order some cheesy empanadas.
christian svanes koldingDecember 28, 2018a perfectly acceptable winter stop for a few appetizers and beverages in front of a warm fireplace.
brittany jonesDecember 19, 2018welcome to a hipster owned upstate ny cabin vibe. dead things on the walls and cocktails. kinda cozy in the winter.
LeiaApril 29, 2015Really like the casual & cozy vibe here. The decor is awesome. The empanadas are freshly made. I've never seen such a miserable looking staff. Bartenders shouldn't look so bored and unfriendly.
Allie MahlerAugust 24, 2014Brunch is delicious here. Get the eggs florentine (or any Benedict) and the truffle pizza with eggs.- Julian ModestoDecember 6, 2014Get the skillet mac and cheese with arugula on top. I promise you'll be scraping the burnt edges for more.
R.G. LoganSeptember 15, 2013Bayou chic pizza place. Good selection of pizzas, but the empanadas are microscopic.
Nathan MusgroveFebruary 23, 2015Great brick oven pizzas, very good beer menu, awesome lodge-esque ambiance
Justin WohlstadterAugust 24, 2014The brunch here is surprisingly good. Go for the eggs florentine and egg pizza.
Dan MilanoOctober 31, 2013Decent pie, though vegetarians beware: the inside is a menagerie of mounted animal heads, stuffed birds, antler chandeliers and furs
Andrew LitvakSeptember 18, 2016Authentic Italian pizza, which is at odds with the saloon-like ambience.
Tyler MSeptember 29, 2014Tasty empanads, though small. Enjoyed the drinks and brussles sprout pizza was a hit.
Best Place for Empanadas in Williamsburg..Gluten free pizza too
Mychal 🍄October 1, 2014Empanadas are over-priced because of their size, but the pizza stands out. Get the sopressata
Max KesslerAugust 21, 2014Kind of basic bitch. Dope atmosphere, but the empanadas are dumb small. Pizza is solid, margarita and Brussels sprout would be my recommendation, but would probably say skip city on this one.
Empanadas are fantastic! Def a bit small but all tasty!
Dana DSeptember 14, 2014While the food here is decent, the staff is horrendous. The cold demure of hostess all the way down to the starf***ing bartender who ignored half the bar for service. Much better options available.
Daniela AsaroMay 25, 2014Ask to sit at a table with regular chairs. The log stumps are not comfortable. The food is good but it's like Epcot's version of Williamsburg. Stupid. I'm sad. It's sad. Empanadas are good. K bye.
My Bloody Mary I ordered before even getting a menu got to me 10 minutes after I finished my food, that being said the Bloody Mary was bangin'
Stinne WilhelmsenFebruary 12, 2015This place is amazing, pizzas and empanadas arefor larger parties.
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Permanently closed (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 5:00 PM–Midnight
- Fri
- 5:00 PM–1:00 AM
- Sat
- 11:00 AM–1:30 AM
- Sun
- 11:00 AM–Midnight
(718) 388-8338
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express)
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Dinner, Happy Hour
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
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"Perfect neighborhood bar/cafe. Great coffee, funky beer & natural wine lists. Friendly staff, good vibes all around."
Carly Dahl - 8.7
"The pulled pork sliders were awesome and the mushrooms appetizer was fabulous. Great atmosphere and fun."
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- 9.1
"One of my favorites. Large enough to hold a solid crowd, yet Intimate enough to feel really connected to the bad/artist"
Melissa Rosenthal - 9.0
"Amazing selection of beer. Get something from the grill :)"
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- 8.7
"Awesome Music venue, often something going on till late night. Bowling is also fun."
Maarten Markus
