Williamsburg's dining landscape just got richer with the announcement of an iconic location's renaissance. JR & Son, a former Italian social club at 575 Lorimer Street since 1934, will reopen this spring after shutting down during the pandemic. Patricia Vega, alum of Thai Diner and Top Chef is on board as chef, bringing her culinary prowess to reinvent nostalgic dishes from the club's heyday in the '70s and '80s. The news comes courtesy of Eater, which delved into the relaunch's homage to the site's past.

Meanwhile, Kellogg's Diner on Metropolitan Ave sticks to its 24-hour roots with revitalized energy under Louis Skibar and co-owner Nico Arze. Since its 1928 inception, Kellogg's Diner has seen numerous owners, but the latest renovation makes it a spot for both families by day and late-night snack seekers. The fresh direction, guided by executive chef Jackie Carnesi, formely of Nura, was documented in a video by ABC7.

The menu at JR & Son is a nod to simpler times, but with a current twist, aiming to satisfy late-night cravings. "I’m not reinventing the wheel; I just want to keep it simple and make it really good," Vega conveyed to Eater about her approach to the cuisine. Patricia Vega's expertise, honed at Thai Diner, could be seen influencing dishes such as an herbaceous arancini salad. JR & Son is also expected to boast a robust bar program managed by Raul Flores, a mixologist with roots in the famed Pegu Club. It's a full-circle moment for Vega, whose career roots are in Italian cooking, "I knew eventually that’s what I was going to be doing," she told Eater.

Close by, Kellogg's rebirth is also well-timed, as it returned to 24-hour service approximately two months after it initiated its grand opening in November 2024, as per the story from ABC7.