As autumn settles over Brooklyn, crisp air and golden light transform Williamsburg into a canvas of sweater-weather charm and rust-colored leaves. Tucked away on a quiet stretch of Ainslie Street, Ainslie emerges as the quintessential fall sanctuary—a place where raw industrial history softens into candlelit warmth, vibrant laughter, and the irresistible aroma of wood-fired cooking.
Opened on September 12, 2019, by Sergio Riva, Mario Riva, and AJ Bontempo of South Village Hospitality—the seasoned team behind Osteria Cotta, Follia, and Ainslie’s sister location at 199 Bowery in Manhattan—this 10,000-square-foot, multi-level destination effortlessly bridges the gap between a high-energy venue for 340 guests and an intimate setting for a romantic fall evening.
An Industrial Romance Restored
Stepping inside 76 Ainslie Street feels like uncovering a secret from New York’s manufacturing past. The expansive building is the last remaining remnant of a historic wire loom factory complex that once occupied an entire city block. Originally designed around 1910 to allow soft northern sunlight to pour through 120 operable scissor skylights while transoms ventilated the heat of copper and brass production, the space has been lovingly preserved and modernized to roll out pizza and pasta dough instead.
When the fall temperatures drop, the architectural heritage creates an extraordinarily cozy backdrop:
- Repurposed Heritage: Original tin ceilings have been re-crafted into rich wainscoting, while heavy timber salvaged from the factory floor now forms custom rustic bars and tables that catch the amber glow of low candlelight.
- Indoor-Outdoor Harmony: A massive 30-foot-wide hangar door glides open to flow directly into a private walled garden, letting the crisp autumn evening breeze mingle with the warmth inside.
- Intimate Hideaways & Open Spaces: The sprawling venue offers multi-level nooks for every mood:
- Main Dining Room & Wine Bar: Accommodates 210 guests under soaring ceilings and warm timber accents.
- Back Beer Bar & Garden: A 70-seat glass-enclosed bar seamlessly tied to the outdoor beer garden.
- Mezzanine Living Room Lounge: A secluded 60-seat upstairs lounge with plush seating, perfect for whispering over shared bottles of red wine.
- Rooftop Deck & Bar: A 1,000-square-foot outdoor deck for 50 guests to sip under the autumn stars.
Autumn Comfort: Wood Fires & Smoked Delicacies
At the helm of the kitchen is NYC veteran Executive Chef John DeLucie—formerly of Waverly Inn, Empire Diner, Bedford & Co., and The Lion—who brings soulful depth and classic technique to a rich Italian-inspired menu.
The Autumn Star: Smoked Wings
While housemade pastas and rustic pizzas pull crowd attention, Ainslie’s Smoked Wings are the ultimate fall indulgence. Slow-smoked until deeply savory and tender, then crisped to perfection, their subtle wood-smoke flavor feels custom-made for a chilly October evening.
Seasoned Staples & Comforting Classics
- Creatively Crafted Wood-Fired Pizzas: Hand-stretched dough baked in blazing ovens for an airy crust with delicate charred edges.
- Housemade Pastas: Silky housemade Spaghetti, Ravioli, Pappardelle, and classic Linguine Vongole cooked al dente.
- The Ainslie Burger: A luxurious Black Angus beef patty topped with rich, melting Gorgonzola dolce on a golden brioche bun.
- Black Angus Free Range Hanger Steak: Served with fresh watercress, bright lemon olive oil, and crisp house-cut fries.
Sips to Warm the Soul with Curated Wines
Curated by Wine Director Suzanne Riva, the wine program boasts 20 wines by the glass and 4 wines on tap, featuring velvety reds and crisp whites tailored for seasonal pairings.
Heading up the beverage program is Jessica Duré (formerly of Broken Shaker), whose inventive cocktails balance sophisticated mixology with effortless warmth. For craft beer enthusiasts, 16 rotating taps showcase local breweries, making it easy to find the ideal fall pour.
Visiting Ainslie Williamsburg
| Operational Details | Info |
| Address | 76 Ainslie St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 |
| Hours | Mon – Thu: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM Fri: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sat: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sun: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Social Media | Instagram: @ainsliebkny | Facebook: @ainsliebk |
