There really is nothing better than finding that perfect neighborhood spot. 

Maybe Friends is to blame, but I’ve always felt having a solid neighborhood cafe was a necessary part of living in New York.

A place where you can grab a solid drink, delicious food, and hang out with friends. 

I can’t guarantee you’ll find your group’s next Central Perk (Friends joke), but I will confidently say these are the best cafes in Brooklyn to hang out in.


1.Tous Les Jours


On the outskirts of Bay Ridge, you’ll find Tous Les Jours’ most popular Brooklyn location (there’s also one near Coney Island).

It’s a solid cafe with a variety of pastries, delicious coffees, and cakes. 

They also have a solid amount of seating, making it a great place to take a break while exploring Brooklyn. 

Address: 6003 8th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220



2. Manhattanville Coffee


This little cafe is the perfect stop for either breakfast or a light lunch.

The food and coffee are delicious and the service is wonderful. 

Manhattanville Coffee in Crown Heights has both indoor and outdoor seating available. 

I’m a fan of sitting here with a book and one of their acai bowls or smoothies.

Local’s Tip: If you’re hoping to get some work done or charge up your phone, sit inside. They have a bunch of outlets available for use.

Address: 142 Edgecombe Ave, New York, NY 10030



3. Coffee Project NY


The avocado feta tomato croissant sandwich at Coffee Project NY is a major reason I love having working afternoons at this cafe. 

I also like that the space is minimalist, calm, and clean. Plus, they even have a selection of books available to read. 

This is the perfect little spot to get some work done in or to have a relaxing bite with friends.

The staff are really knowledgeable and happy to help if you’re having a hard time deciding what sounds good.

If you’re craving dessert, try their carrot cake. I highly doubt it’ll disappoint you.

Address: 78 Rockwell Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11217



4. Freehold


Williamsburg’s Freehold is the ultimate hip Brooklyn cafe, complete with a grassy backyard. 

They serve coffee, cocktails, and American Gastropub cuisine—what’s not to love?

Their thin crust pizza is a solid choice, as is hitting this place up for a stellar brunch. 

Fair warning though, they don’t have servers, so everything’s ordered through an app. 

Address: 45 S 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11249



5. Lincoln Station


Head to Lincoln Station if you’re looking for a solid collection of sandwiches, coffee, and charging stations.

This is easily one of the best cafes in Crown Heights.

I also love that they serve hot apple cider. It’s one of my favorite holiday drinks. 

Address: 409 Lincoln Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11238



6. Hungry Ghost Coffee


Hungry Ghost Coffee has multiple locations across Brooklyn and Manhattan.

This is always my go-to spot anytime I’m searching and notice that they have a location nearby. 

They make a delicious latte and cappuccino. Plus, the staff are always really cool.

Address: Locations in Park Slope, East Williamsburg, Carroll Gardens, Forte Green, North Williamsburg, Prospect Heights



7. Social House Cafe


Social House Cafe has a chill vibe and a cool, almost living room-like vibe.

This a totally solid choice for hanging out with friends or going on a low-key date.

Their espressos are delicious, though it’s their espresso martini that always has me coming back.

That’s right, this Williamsburg cafe is also a bar.

Local’s Tip: Pair the espresso with a croissant for a delicious breakfast or mid-day snack.

Address: 60 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11249



8. Pep Coffee and Bakehouse



If you’re looking for a spot to hang that has delicious macarons and delectable coffee, head to Pep Coffee and Bakehouse in Bay Ridge.

Besides having delicious drinks and pastries, they also have a fun playlist and really cool stuff. 

I fully admit to making plans in this neighborhood more than once, just so that I could have an excuse to swing by this place. 

Address: 9413 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209



9. Dweebs


If you’re in Bushwick, head over to Dweebs for a bite at this adorable cafe.

They do a delicious cinnamon roll that I highly recommend trying. 

I especially love having my coffee and snacks out on their terrace when the weather is warm. This is one spot that’s super serene and perfect for an afternoon of reading.

If you come with a group, they have board games available to play while you hang out.

Address: 1434 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237



10. Sweatshop


Sweatshop in Williamsburg brings together two of my favorite things, shopping, and coffee.

This little cafe doubles as a cute little boutique. 

I love meeting girlfriends here for brunch and a bit of shopping. Their menu is small, but they do everything on it really well. 

Besides the obvious coffee order, get some of their freshly squeezed OJ and their egg biscuit.

Address: 232 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY



11. Cafe Grumpy


If you’re a Girls fan, you’ll recognize Cafe Grumpy as one of the show’s more prominent filming locations.

They have two locations in Brooklyn, if you want to hang at the same one as Lena Dunham, head to their Greenpoint location.

If you’re unfamiliar with TV shows Girls, basically Cafe Grumpy is a hip local coffee spot with a chill library vibe.

It’s the perfect spot to sit and get some work done over an espresso. You’ll also want to try one of their delicious chocolate chip cookies. 

Address: 193 Meserole Ave, Brooklyn, NY



12. Daily Press Coffee


If you find yourself in Ocean Hill searching for a caffeine fix, head to Daily Press Coffee.

They do a really solid cold brew and have a giant pastry selection. 

The interior of reclaimed wood and mismatched chairs, giving it a bit of a rustic vibe.

Keep an eye out for special events. In the evenings they offer a bar and live bands and poetry readings.

Address: 38 Somers St, Brooklyn, NY 11233



13. Cafe Madeline


Cafe Madeline in Flatbush is a small and unpretentious cafe that serves up a wonderful Chocolate Hazelnut Latte.

Their biscuits and brunch menu is also really delicious and overall pretty healthy. I’m also a fan of grabbing one or two of their health shots to-go.

They don’t have table service, so if you’re going to grab a sit-down meal; I recommend grabbing a table first, then ordering at the counter.

 Address: 1603 Cortelyou Rd, Brooklyn, NY



14. Devoción Café


Devocion Coffee in nyc

If you’re a coffee addict like me, the smell the second you walk into Devoción Café is seriously satisfying. 

I especially love grabbing a cappuccino and croissant at their Williamsburg location to enjoy while reading on one of their giant leather couches.

If you don’t score a couch, don’t stress, there’s plenty of additional seating along the walls.

Fun Fact: They have delicious coffee that’s imported from Columbia and roasted in-house.

Address: 69 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249



15. Partner’s Coffee


This Williamsburg Coffee joint serves up a solid cup of joe and a delicious lemon cake.

My favorite thing about Partner’s is that they roast all of their beans on site. Coffee lovers will go crazy over how unique that is.

Non-coffee fanatics should order the seasonal orange cardamom hot cocoa for a unique experience. 

Also, check out their egg sandwiches if you’re there for breakfast. They’re really delicious!

Fun Fact: Partner’s used to be called Toby’s Estate Coffee.

Address: 125 N 6th St Brooklyn, NY 11249



16. Variety Coffee Roasters


With a bunch of locations all over Brooklyn and Manhattan, Variety Coffee Roasters is a simple choice.

I love their oat milk lattes, banana oat muffins, and French cafe bistro vibes. 

This is a solid place to hang out solo or meet up with friends.

Address: Brooklyn locations in Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and Bushwick



17. Black Star Bakery


Black Star Bakery is a standout cafe in Williamsburg and a spot you won’t regret choosing. 

I love their artsy decor and breakfast sandwiches. Try the bacon, egg, avocado option for a real treat.

This is a brilliant spot for people watching or catching up with friends. 

Address: 595 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211



18. Swallow Cafe


This adorable independently owned cafe is one of my favorite Brooklyn chains. 

Swallow Cafe has major rustic vibes and a delicious cafe menu that will have you wanting to try everything. 

One of my go-to drinks is their iced matcha latte, it’s seriously refreshing on a hot summer day.

Fair warning though, this place is anti-laptop, so don’t plan on sitting if you need to work. 

Address: Brooklyn locations in Williamsburg, Bushwick, Cobble Hill



19. Odd Fox Coffee


Odd Fox Coffee is one of my favorite spots in Greenpoint, and not just because I love their name.

They do a really strong iced coffee, plus a backyard with benches to enjoy it in.

In the winter they do a delicious hot cider that will instantly defrost you. 

Address: 984 Manhattan Ave Brooklyn, NY 11222


Final Thoughts

Best Cafes in BK

I’m seriously longing for my next afternoon in a cafe, either working or catching up with friends.

I can almost taste the coffee just dreaming about it.  

I hope this guide has left you with the perfect cafe decision for your time in Brooklyn.

Let me know in the comments below if you know a spot that should be on the list!

 

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