Chart a Course to the Bedford’s New Location on Stone Street

Say ahoy to the Bedford. The Williamsburg establishment recently crossed the East River to open its second outpost at 55 Stone St., so naturally the Alliance had to go check it out.

There’s a seafaring theme to the space, but it’s far more subtle than, say, the Margaritaville in Times Square. There are thoughtful details like rattan chairs, wallpaper with a palm tree pattern, artwork of tall ships, wood-planked ceilings and two-bladed tropical ceiling fans. Each table is lit by a warm dimmable lamp that creates a cozy ambiance. 

The cocktail menu includes elevated sips like La Isla Bonita, a sweet drink made with clarified rooibos, San Cosme Mezcal, Wray & Nephew Jamaican rum, Cocchi Rossa, Giffard Abricot, yogurt, honey, and yuzu. There’s also the French Quarter, made with Mijenta tequila reposado, Odvi Armagnac, Xtabentun, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, Peychaud’s bitters and grapefruit bitters. It’s complex and delicious; on a recent visit, a friend of the Alliance described it as “it’s like whiskey but without the punch-you-in-the-face element of whiskey.”

You can also grab a margarita or Stone Street Daiquiri. Tequila and rum lovers will be spoiled for choice at the Bedford, but there are also gin, vodka and whiskey cocktails on the menu for those who prefer these spirits. They’ve also got plenty of beer, wine and even mocktails, so there’s truly something for everyone. 

Grabbing some food to go with your cocktail is highly recommended. The menu has plenty of bright, fresh seafood dishes, including shrimp roll sliders with an achiote aioli and wasabi caviar and sea bass a la plancha. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, there’s also chicken, grilled steak, burgers, salads and more on the menu. 

The Bedford’s Stone Street location is open Sunday through Wednesday from 4 p.m. to midnight and Thursday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.