Brooklyn-born actor Michael K. Williams doesn’t mind that Williamsburg has blown up in popularity over the last few years. “There’s only one train, and it can only hold so many people,” he says. “But it’s New York — what can you do?” Williams, 46, moved to the hot area to be closer to the Navy Yards set of HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire,” the drama on which he plays racketeer Chalky White. You can catch him in February in the “RoboCop” remake, and this weekend in the well-reviewed period drama “12 Years a Slave.” This is his Brooklyn.
1. Osteria Il Paiolo, 106 N. 6th St., at Berry Street
“The owner is a beautiful person, and he makes me feel at home. I love the atmosphere. It’s quiet, and you feel like you’re in Italy. One of my favorite dishes is the branzino. It’s simple, with olive oil, olives, pepper and endive.
“This past year, I’ve cut down on gluten. I wanted to look cleaner in Chalky White’s suits. [The costume department] spends so much time and attention on those suits, [so] I wanted to look clean. Also for my health. I felt sluggish, and I noticed when I changed my diet, I had more energy. I’ve lost a considerable amount of belly fat — the diet works, it really does.”
2. “Boardwalk Empire” set, formerly at Commercial and Clay streets, Greenpoint
“We [literally] blew it up last year. I forget how much [HBO] spent, but it was a massive amount of money. I think it was the most expensive set in New York City history. It was amazing to walk on — even to the naked eye, it looked so real.”
3. Output, 74 Wythe Ave., at North 12th Street
“I go here a lot. Q-Tip spins on Wednesdays. He plays classic R&B [such as] Earth, Wind & Fire. You’re liable to hear some Chaka Khan (above) in there [too]. He has a really great ear for that sound. I used to be a choreographer many moons ago. I was a house-head. I toured with a lot of house acts: CrystalWaters, CeCe Peniston, Technotronic — those were my three biggest tours. I don’t have the moves anymore — in my mind, yes. In my knees, no. I just like the music and love to watch people have a good time. It’s refreshing to see people not just standing around talking and drinking, but actually dancing. You don’t get that a lot at clubs anymore.”
4. Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave., at Flatbush Avenue, Prospect Heights
“I’m a huge Nets fan. I’m excited for the season — it’s an awesome squad. I would love to see the Knicks and the Nets face off in the finals. That would be the ultimate New York story. The Nets have a special place in my heart. It’s Brooklyn; that’s all you need to know. You go to a game and hear the entire room chanting, ‘Brooook-lyn!’ That’s what the Nets are — Brooklyn pride. It’s just exciting to see us have a basketball team again.”
5. The Burger Guru, 98 Berry St., at North 8th Street
“I just found this new burger spot. It’s off the chain. They make a Kobe beef burger (above) that’s really dope.”
6. Bamonte’s, 32 Withers St., between Union Avenue and Lorimer Street
“It’s been in Williamsburg for over 100 years. I’m like family there. I love the spaghetti and meatballs (above), some fried shrimp — it’s my comfort food.”
7. Sweet Chick, 164 Bedford Ave., at North 8th Street
“Sweet Chick is my ultimate cheap date. If you’re looking for awesome chicken and waffles (left), you’ve got to go here. They fry the chicken in duck fat [specially for me]. It’s just decadent.”
8. Flatbush Gardens, now 1403 New York Ave., at Foster Avenue, East Flatbush
“I grew up here. I don’t get [back] as much as I would like to, but I pass through every now and then. I hardly know anybody anymore. There are a few people I know, but most of the faces have changed.”