FREE Table Snacks: The Next Cheddar Bay Biscuits

I’m gonna throw a word atcha: Cheddar.   I’m gonna throw another two words atcha: Bay Biscuits.

If you’ve ever been to Red Lobster in your life, you know about the Cheddar Bay Biscuits.  These biscuits are possibly the greatest thing ever invented and though they’re a free item, technically they’re only served for free when ordering at least one entree per table.  But really, it’s a win-win situation (Cheddar Bay Biscuits in your mouth = win-win).  Red Lobster has “meh” food at best, but you know why they’ve probably been in business for as long as they have?  CHEDDAR BAY BISCUITS.  This is possibly one of the only chain restaurants, when going back to the suburbs, I go out of my way to visit.

But what if you’re jonesin’ for some CBB (as I like to call them), and Westchester (or Times Square, for that matter) seems way too far away?  Here are some spots in the general non-Times Square New York Metropolitan area that may just fill that gaping Cheddar Bay Biscuits-shaped hole in your heart (and yes, these are pretty much all in Williamsburg, but gimme a break, I live there):

1. Dumont (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)

Funnily enough, for dinner, Dumont actually serves these imitation Cheddar Bay Biscuits– I might as well give it to you straight, though, on a scale of one to CBB, I give Dumont’s a 3.  And 2 of those 3 points are just on account of them technically being a biscuit product.  However, I’ll tell you what delectible free item they DO have that is worth spending $10-20 on brunch on: donut holes.  At least 2-3 per person.  They’re almost beignet-like: always fresh, a bit cinnamon-y, and perfect with your morning coffee before the real brunch business begins.

2. Chimu (Williamsburg, Brookyn)

Whether you like mountains of Peruvian meat or not, there’s one thing there’s no way you’re not going to like– bowls of these little nut things that are somehow a combination of a popcorn kernel and a cornnut.  They are deliciously salty and addicting, and I’m pretty sure you can get limitless bowls of them.

3. Zampa (Manhattan, West Village)

Sure their salads are like $13, but their bread basket is not only irresistible, but they usually have a variety of some of the best foccacia, some sort of multi grain bread, and baguette I’ve ever had.  Also, if you order a panini (which again, are some of the best I’ve ever had) to stay, it comes with a little taste of whatever pasta salad they’re featuring that day.  Also, the decor is tops.

4.   Il Passatore (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)

Not only do they give you A TON of yummy, moist foccacia at dinner, but for some reason, they give them to you at EVERY MEAL, including brunch.  Even if you order to go.  And it’s one of those foccacias that are more heavily spiced and a little on the saliter side, too.

5. Elote (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)

One of the few Mexican restaurants in New York that don’t have the audacity to charge for chips & salsa– the way god intended it (or something).  Ok, so it’s not a great Mexican restaurant, but they at least attempt a fish taco.  PLus, is there really anything better than a Dos Equis and a free bowl of chips & salsa?  I think not.