Verb Café (CLOSED)

Owner Jason Scherr wanted to provide a place to hang out. He succeeded: The always crammed café has become a social hub for Billyburg slackers (expect long lines on weekend mornings). Multicolored chandeliers cast a warm glow, and flyers advertising spoken-word shows, band gigs and apartment rentals are piled on every shelf. The menu is small: muffins, bagels and a few sandwiches. Your best bet is the grilled cheese, with fancy cheddar, Gruyère and Provolone handpicked from Scherr’s other endeavor, the Bedford Cheese Shop.