Pies'n'Thighs : Brunch Goodness

After seeing Pies'n'Thighs (166 S. 4th St. @Driggs Ave., Williamsburg, NY) on  Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives a while back, we attempted to check it out last summer on a bike ride, but it was too crowded. We decided to come back at a time when they were preparing for their break between brunch and dinner. We made sure to plan correctly this time and come early enough to make the brunch hour. Upon our arrival, the hostess advised us of an hour wait. We were all starving and almost decided to forgo this place once again and find another place in the area to eat. After walking around for about 35 minutes, we approached the restaurant to check in, and we were told "right on time, your table is ready"! We were very lucky we didn't end up getting a drink somewhere for an hour because we would have missed our table! We were happy the wait wasn't the full hour, but also annoyed because the hostess said we're on time when we were actually early. We could have missed our table. I highly suggest this place take cell phone numbers to call when tables are ready so you can walk around while waiting and not risk missing out on your table. 

We went on an early fall Saturday and the air outside was slightly chilled, but not cool enough that a small place making hot food should not have air conditioning on. My friend that we were with was very hot that day and she hesitated on whether or not to take the table we were given because it was in the front of the restaurant where it was very enclosed. Luckily, the longer we sat, she cooled off. 

Drink Menu

The drink menu was different than most brunch places. It offered a different variety of cocktails other than the standard Bloody Mary and mimosa. I ordered the Cucumber Cooler because of its refreshing ingredients of cucumber aqua fresco with white wine. I figured heavy food may be nicely paired with a light summery cocktail. The presentation of my drink was very low key in a typical diner water glass with a slice of cucumber over the rim. The drink was tasty and refreshing, but definitely not strong by any means. I didn't even get that buzz feeling that I always get half way into an alcoholic drink. Oh well. 

My friend ordered the Bloody Mariko, which was an interesting twist on a Bloody Mary because it had sake in it instead of vodka. It was advertised as being spicy and there was a slight kick, but not spicy like I would want. All Bloody Maries should be somewhat spicy, so if you are advertising spicy, it better be VERY spicy! It basically tasted like there was Tobasco sauce in there and no other spices to add some special flavor!

The boys both ordered the Kalimotxo, which did not sound very appetizing by description, since it was red wine and Coca-Cola. It wasn't really my type of drink, but the boys seemed to love it!

Bloody Mariko, Cucumber Cooler, Kalimoxto

Me enjoying my Cucumber Cooler

Now onto the food!

Brunch Menu

For brunch we had to order the Chicken & Waffles since that is one of their signature dishes, and we saw it on Triple D! The Chicken & Waffles were decent, but not the best I have ever had. It is hard to live up to the Chicken & Waffles sandwich I recently had at the Pullman Kitchen, because of the combination of flavors of everything all being in one bite! At Pies'n'Thighs the chicken was nicely fried, tender, and moist, but didn't have a major flavor. I would have liked the batter on the chicken to be more seasoned to give it more of an exciting, zesty flavor. The waffles were buckwheat waffles that were very tasty, but I would have liked them to be a little crispier. They were topped with cinnamon butter and strawberry jam, which was a nice sweet touch. However, I would have also loved regular syrup on the dish to compliment the chicken since chicken and syrup are always a good team! All in all, not the most impressive Chicken & Waffles I have ever had.

Chicken & Waffles

For our second dish, we ordered the Rob Evans, which consisted of "sausage gravy" with egg and cheese inside of a homemade biscuit. This dish was a winner! I wasn't sure what to expect when I read the description of the dish having "sausage gravy", but I was pleasantly surprised and very happy with this dish. The sausage had a nice peppery flavor which went really well with the creamy gravy and cheese. The egg was cooked to perfection with the perfect texture, and the biscuit acted as a way to soak up all the gooey goodness! This dish is one I would definitely return to Pies'n'Thighs for!

Rob Evans

We ordered a side of grits, which no one at the table was impressed with. It was pretty bland and lacked in flavor in every way. Not even the cheese or the red pepper topping could bring excitement to this side. This dish needed more butter, texture, and seasoning.

Side of Grits

Dessert Menu

Even though we were all full, we couldn't leave Pies'n'Thighs without ordering pie! It would be sacrilegious to go to a restaurant with the word pie in the name and not order one!

Amazing Pie Display

We decided to order the Candy Bar Pie for the table to share, which was a special for the day. It was layers of shortbread, brownie, and almond nougat, in a chocolate shell. The waiter described this as a snicker pie, so we all knew you couldn't go wrong! The Candy Bar Pie arrived at the table and we all were drooling. It was better than described, since when I think of Candy Bar Pie, I think of the one I had at Momofuku, and this one was much better than that! The shortbread crust was crispy and soft like a cookie, just what you want on your pie! The brownie was as fudgy as can be, while the almond nougat was creamy, sweet, and crunchy! The outer shell of chocolate melted in your mouth and acted as shield to keep this gooey goodness all together in one piece. I may need to pre-order this pie next year for my birthday, because I may be dreaming about it till then!

Candy Bar Pie - Special of the Day

Im in Heaven!

I would rate my experience at Pie'n'Thighs as good, not excellent. The drinks, Chicken & Waffles, and grits were not the best, but the Rob Evans and the dessert were unfathomably delicious! I also love the chill atmosphere and unique character of this place with most of the tables and chairs being made out of old desks from a school. Next time I am out in Williamsburg, I may have to return for a Rob Evans and Candy Bar Pie!

Our nice window seat!