Bowery to Williamsburg

Been here multiple times and soooo good. Quality NYC food in Melbourne, a rueben to die for!!

The first day in Australia, I was craving a big, hearty sandwich, a rarity in Japan. A quick Google search led me to Bowery to Williamsburg. The name suggests a connection to the street or bridge in NYC. Am I correct?

Located in the alley between Flinders and Collins, parallel to Russell, it was a bit unexpected to find this eatery here. With plenty of tables on the patio and inside, the atmosphere was inviting.

Being alone, I didn't want to occupy a larger table, so I decided to grab my order to go. After glancing over the menu, my eyes locked on the 'Reuben,' thinking 'this can't go wrong.'

The staff were kind and friendly. Despite not dining in, they allowed me to sit and wait at a table. After a few minutes, I received my order and rushed back to the hotel because I couldn't wait!

Excitement led me to open the box like a treasure chest, revealing a huge sandwich - the portion I had been searching for. In Japan, where I live, the general trend is to reduce portions to maintain prices rather than increase prices to keep portions consistent in the face of inflation. Now you understand how crucial this is.

Another crucial aspect - the taste was on point. With a generous portion of meat, it dominated the experience along with the sourness from the pickled cabbage. It was a bit too sour for my taste, but I assume that's how a Reuben usually tastes.

Overall, I was really pleased with this place and would love to come back again.

Lovely quaint place with quick, efficient service. Depending on how you like pastrami on rye with slaw, you'll enjoy this or just find it ok. I was the latter because I was hoping for more of a Katz's experience with really tender and moist pastrami, more of a saucy slaw, and a softer rye bread. But if you're not as picky, this is a hearty meal that should keep you fueled for the rest of the day. Still would recommend and to try the other dishes.

The brisket was fabulous! As an American at first I was going to pass on this meal but the server recommended it. I'm glad she did! The eggs complemented the brisket nicely. Great breakfast spot!

1st impression on a Tuesday around lunch time? Meh. Had the Shakshuka with hot smoked salmon. The salmon wasn't hot or smoked. Maybe I'm missing some nuance there. Also tried the corn bread w/salsa as a side, but it was light on the corn bread flavor.
Popular place, so maybe there are other, better items.

Was craving breakfast in the area and saw how this spot had plentiful reviews, so we paid a quick visit to grab a bite.

There's an interior and exterior area for seating. The inside feels like a little cafe, with a long table for people to be seated next to one another.

I ordered the Lox and Potato Latkes for $22 AU and it was...pretty good! The house cured salmon had a sturdier texture to it and its smokey flavor comes through really well. The potato latkes are rather dry but with the eggs becomes an easier eat. I like how there's a lot of varied flavor profiles on one dish - personally I think the dish could be cheaper, but its overall flavor was still worth it.

PROS:
- seating available inside and outside
- cozy interior that feels like a cafe
- plentiful dish, pastry, sandwich + more options
- dishes have varied flavor profiles packed in

CONS:
- price point could be a bit lower

Delightful breakfast spot! Absolutely loved the bagels here and the coffee was great (coffee in Melbourne is typically world class). Also, if you come to Melbourne you simply must eat in one of our famous laneways... it really is a unique experience and one of my favorite things to do in this city.

Great little place in a back alley in Melbourne CBD. We had break here a couple of days in a row as it was good and we both had a bagel craving.

The food was good with plenty of variety and fresh and delicious. The coffee was also really good. We shared a Ruben bagel with Pastrami sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. It was both good and satisfying and was just what we needed to get out day started. With a side serve of potato latkes and sour cream to top it off.

The staff were friendly and helpful and eager to help. I would come back here again for sure great little place for breaky or lunch.

We are visiting from Hawaii, but know good food when it is served up. B2W delivers. Great variety, creative breakfast combinations, friendly staff and cozy Cafe! Pastrami, slow-cooked beef brisket, sweet potato hash, NYC style bagels...you won't be disappointed! I only regret We can't take the crew to Honolulu so that we can continue to eat this well!​

A cute little coffee-sandwich shop channeling the N.Y. subway-hence the name. Tucked away in a little alley, they feature N.Y. style bagel (pretty authentic) as well as eggs and a few other breakfast goodies.

When you travel, it's nice once in a while to get a taste that's just aa bit familiar and this great spot did the trick for us on day 10 of our Australian holiday. We popped in just a few minutes after their 7:30 am opening and got a little table tucked just under the stairs. We each got a bagel with cream cheese and an orange juice-excellent quality. While we sat and munched away, lots of people came in for their morning coffee to go. The staff greeted many of these regulars by name-so it's definitely that kind of place.

We thought it was really good and a nice quick and easy breakfast.