- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
- Nearest Transit:
-
7 Av (F, G)
9 St (D, N, R)
15 St - Prospect Park (F, G)
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
45 reviews for Almondine Bakery
Review Highlights
-
"I love their almond croissant but it almost always sells..." In 8 reviews -
"Their baguettes are by far the best in all of NYC." In 5 reviews -
"And possibly the macaroons (on a good day." In 4 reviews
Loading...
45 reviews in English
-
Review from Dianne K.
5/11/2012 7 Check-ins Here
Cheapest macarons you'll find in NY. Not a compromise on quality either. Their fruit flavored ones are my favorites. They don't have a LOT of flavors, but enough to make a variety box of 6.
Service is not the greatest though. They're not rude, but it almost borders on it. They're definitely not friendly, and there was a time when there was no one there while I waited for 10-15 minutes. So don't expect a friendly face when you go in.
However, their coffee is the strongest that I've had in the area, and when I need a jolt, I go to Almondine. They have freshly baked bread, which I haven't tried yet, but it seems to get good reviews. Their pastries look amazing, but I'm still trying to work my way through Colson's menu.
The 4 stars is mainly for their macarons. Gotta try those. -
Review from Ed J.
Brooklyn, NY
3/29/2012
Almondine was founded in Dumbo by a pastry chef from Le Bernardin, who was recruited by Jacques Torres to occupy the space across the street from his eponymous chocolate shop. They expanded to Park Slope a few years ago, occupying a cursed spot just off 7th Ave.
Cursed no more. Almondine makes pristine French cakes, tarts, eclairs, and other sweets that would cost you $8-$9 at a restaurant, for half the price. Both chocolate and fruit fans will find something to love. Many of them are also mini works of art, something you cannot do at home without spending a lot of time (let alone being a talented baker). They also have macarons and rochers as well if you want something a little smaller and simpler. Great in the store, and also as an assorted dessert plate at home for a group.
For breakfast, they have a wide range of breakfast pastries - almond croissants and pain au chocolat are the best in Park Slope. And the baguettes are also amazing - buttery, crunchy exterior, tender interior.
On weekends, you can also get pretzel bread - it looks nothing like a pretzel in shape, but has the pretzel color, texture and flavor. Look for it on top of the cake case. Bring it home, slice it up, and serve it alongside coarse grain brown mustard. Makes my 6-year-old's eyes light up.
The Valrhona hot chocolate is rich and satisfying.
The coffee is good, but the coffee drinks are average or less as compared to others in the area like Cafe De Luxe or Grumpy's. And the service is a bit Gallic, so don't expect lots of smiles and warmth.
But if you like French pastries, you can do no better! -
Review from Beee K.
Brooklyn, NY
3/2/2012
Best Almond Croissant I've ever had!
So dense and just the right amount of sweetness!
Crispy edges, buttery crust. Heavenly!
I tried Chocolate Croissant as well. Best chocolate croissant in Park Slope!
Liked that the chocolate was not too sweet.
Cashier maintained a dead expression on her face and she seemed impatient, but as for the food, it was very satisfying. -
Review from Maggie L.
Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY
4/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Amazing chocolate almond croissant and pretty smoothe coffee. The selections of items are small but so far its pretty good.
Its a very cute and quaint place that you can sit and work in but there's no wifi. Its also hard to spot this place with the exception of the standing chalk sign by the sidewalk out front to lure you in to try the pastries -
Review from d'N'L m.
Brooklyn, NY
1/29/2012
We were one of two couples in the place. it has a very chill vibe. perfect for a saturday morning. They have this little mock living room set up, it looks like something out of the shabby chic showroom.
I had 14 dollars on me and did not feel like walking to an atm. We purchased two black coffees, an almond croissant, and an apricot flan sitting in a quiche crust.
Everything was enjoyable. The almond croissant was not very almondy, no whole almonds on the outside. not marzipan filling, it was ground almonds. Not very crunchy but, damp (trying to say damp but, in a more appetizing way) The apricot flan had the same size dimensions as say a Chicago Pizza. The crust was not really salted, was dense, felt like it could have been cooked a little longer. it did not break when i went at it with the fork. We ended up eating the egg custard, scooped
from the crust, leaving the pie shell.
What we ordered came out to 9:95 so, I had still had that 4 bucks burning a hole in my pocket.. I went back up and grabbed a chocolate eclair, 4 dollars on the nose. This was my favorite off the choices. chocolate pudding inside slighty on the sweet side. The eclair had the texture of being put in the fridge.
5 cents to throw around town.
In summation, it's a really chill, cute little spot. it was quiet, comfortable, people were really nice. I looked around and they have a huge production capability. They must supply stores in the area. Cup of coffee was nice, girl behind the counter was very lovely.
They had three quiche sitting out on the counter.. They looked great and was happy they did not have them put in a fridge. -
Review from Adria G.
Brooklyn, NY
5/5/2012
I love this place for their location, their couches, their coffee, their macarons and especially for the Almondine Cake, which I order every year for my husband's birthday and other special occasions.
But for a place that features such lovely French specialties, they could definitely make their café feel A LOT more special. If the owners are reading this, a loyal customer who can't pass 9th St. without popping in for two macarons suggests the following:
-play pleasant French music, not American Lite FM. Boring!
-offer real plates, coffee cups and saucers for those who stay in, not just disposable
-offer more training to the staff. We have had issues with cakes that we ordered that didn't end up at the right branch of the bakery. Sure, the owner drove the cake from DUMBO to Park Slope to save us the trip, but right down to seeing a hand-written order sheet, I can't help but wonder WHY in the world they don't have an actual typed form! The staff could be warmer, too. -
Review from Nancy W.
Brooklyn, NY
12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is a godsend when you want to sit and have a quiet cup of coffee before heading off to your next place. The coffee cups are small but it only costs $1.60. The treats are of course as delicious as you'd expect - all fresh and tasty. What I like best is that its not crowded - I hope they stay in business!
The baguettes are on the small side like the coffee, but that didn't bother me. I'm only an occasional consumer of pastries and croissants, and I never find fault with any of them ever, as long as they're fresh - and these are.
For me, the energy of a place, the vibes, are just as important as the chow, if not more so. So that's why my 5 stars - because it's a place I love going into. -
Review from Tiare T.
Brooklyn, NY
2/15/2012
I'm all torn up. The best sweets and baguettes and quiches. Delicious coffee (though I wish it were served in a real mug). My mouth feels like it's in Paris. But then...
The space: Besides a really nice couch area in the back, the rest of the seating is kind of cold. During my last visit, the bathroom was freeeezing (literally) and kind of in a mess: The toilet handle was missing and a pool of yellow was awaiting me. There was no mirror, which would be nice in a cute cafe.
The service: Every time I've been there, the barista is cold, leaving me to feel like I'm disturbing her.
The clientele: Why do Park Slope mothers speak so loudly about such boring things? Not sure what the owners can do about that.
I want to love this place, especially because of the food. Please make it better! -
Review from dee b.
Staten Island, NY
2/22/2012
Pretentious and overpriced. The macarons were Ok, nothing spectacular and neither was the croissant. What got me was the REALLY rude African American girl at the register. She acted as if she was doing me a favor by getting my pastries. I would never employ someone like that. This place is just not worth it.
-
Review from Jenny M.
Brooklyn, NY
11/15/2011
Stopped by to purchase fresh bread and pastry for a dinner I had planned. Got a french country loaf and baguette on Saturday that wass still pillowy soft days later (that's fresh!)
Also purchased a variety of confections, the home made Rochers, raspberry madelines, a slice of pumpkin pie, creme brulee, the almondine and the chocolate mousse. Decadent, fantastic deliciousness. My only complaint is that this is a CASH ONLY bakery so hit the ATM before bringing your goodies home...and the owner could use a little extra help taking orders when a gaggle of customers enters the bakery. She seemed overwhelmed dealing with multiple orders and mutliple customers by herself, but still remained polite and I will definitely return. The Rochers are bananas! -
Review from Saori E.
7/30/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I love Almondine's baguettes. They never run out in the evening, so it's always reliable. They're pretty small, though, which makes $2.75 seem pricey.
Aside from the bread, I'm not a huge fan. If you want good pastries, I'd walk a block down to Colson Patisserie which makes great viennoiseries.
But back to Almondine-- their brioche was good. Very sticky, but good.
Unfortunately, their almond croissant, which everyone seems to love, was also sticky and soft, and I was not a fan. I was expecting a flaky, crisp outer layer like all croissants should have, and this was disappointing. The almond paste had a strange artificial taste, and there was too much of it too.
Sadly, it can get worse. The cupcake tasted like a pound cake, which was fine, but the vanilla frosting was too thick and had absorbed the taste of mint from peppermint candy placed on top. For some reason, it was a terrible combination which, no joke, reminded me of a fish tank.
Their layered strawberry cake was okay, but the cream in the middle was too thick and hard. They should've made one more layer of cake instead of just piling on the cream.Listed in: New York Dessert
-
Review from Kyri K.
Brooklyn, NY
1/18/2012
Cute little cafe/bakery. I came to try their macarons. I bought a little pack of all the flavors to bring somewhere, so we tried a little bit of all of them. Chocolate was definitely the best in my opinion (others liked the lemon) but I wasn't crazy about it or anything.
-
Review from Christine G.
Brooklyn, NY
1/10/2011
Dark chocolate filled croissants and the hot chocolate are the 2 reasons I come here. And possibly the macaroons (on a good day).
This place is tucked away under stairs near the 7th ave. train stop below Flipsters. I walked by it so many times until I finally spotted it.
Don't study here, it's not study friendly. In fact, sometimes the staff isn't very friendly anyway. -
Review from Sophia L.
New York, NY
Food crawl stop #4
Ordered a plain croissant.
Flaky as hell, which is good.
But I like my croissants to have that...."pull" factor.
You know, when you take a bite, the dough on the inside kinda tugs behind and is chewy and stringy?
No, this croissant was all crunch.
Very cute little shop with lots of seating.
But the 2 girls behind the counter were as cold as today's frigid temperature.
Not one smile or any sign of friendliness.
We could've gone to hell for all they cared.
You know what?
YOU can go to hell!
*sticks tongue out!*Listed in: Small Bites Food Crawl
-
Review from Em M.
Brooklyn, NY
11/19/2010
'Meh. I've experienced better' sums up this place.
Popped in here on a Friday afternoon with my folks for a coffee and something sweet.
The place is a nice space (I'm a poet and I don't know it) and the chocolate chip cookie and eclairs were nice, but that's where the good stuff ends.
The coffees are served in paper cups, which is fine if you're taking out, but when I'm sitting in a nice little patisserie, I'd like a proper coffee cup please!
Also, the girl behind the counter was distinctly uninterested to the point of being rude. And the other girl that worked there had decided to take her break on the only comfy seats in the place, which I didn't really think was great customer service. Fine if the place is empty, but when there are people in the store you should really think about giving up the sofas for the paying customers!
I won't go back unless I'm desperate or the place gets better.
P.S. This is my first bad review and I feel unbelievably guilty leaving it!!! -
Review from Holly D.
Brooklyn, NY
12/13/2011
I'm gluten free and one of the few non gluten desserts I seek out would be macarons. Luckily I found these at Almondine! These were perfection. Crispy outer shell, chewy inner and gorgeously smooth buttercream. The only thing that was a bit off for me at first was the chilled/slightly chewy cream, but it doesn't matter asyou chew to warm it up.
AMAZING BONUS: They have flourless mini cakes($4 and change)! They are in rotation according to what they make each day so I've only had the lemon/raspberry/marshmallow topped one. Get a cup of the best tea, Dragon Pearl Jasmine, ever by Harney to cut the sweetness. -
Review from Kat B.
Brooklyn, NY
7/21/2011
Their croissants are amazing. I bring people here from out of town for (in my opinion) some of the best croissants this side of the Atlantic. They also have the killer "Almondie Baguette". But the service is really bad - they should definitely consider hiring some better staff. They also need to figure out a way of better stocking the Park Slope store. I regularly go to both locations, and there is usually never a problem getting what you want in Dumbo. However in Park Slope, if you go in even as early as 9:45am on a Saturday, they will already be out of almond, chocolate, and choco/almond croissants! This is a regular occurrence.
Their macaroons are also hit or miss - sometimes delicious and fresh and sometimes stale and gross. -
Review from Franny A.
11/8/2009 2 photos
Almondine finally opened SLOPE SIDE with all the usual suspects. Gorgeous breads and sublime classic pastries make this subway friendly outpost very welcomed in the hood.
LARGE space with P.S. deriguer exposed brick. lots of seating and two bathrooms in the rear.
A new pastry not seen at the other store is a RASPBERRY BEIGNET which with it's darkly baked exterior and sweet raspberry interior was simply delish. -
Review from pete r.
1/28/2010
OK so if Zana is the large coffee bakery than Almondine is my fresh OJ place. They have the best fresh squeezed OJ I have ever tasted. I have no idea where they get there oranges. The coffee is good, when I am not getting a Large coffee I get a Double Cappuccino and they make a good one. It is a little more expensive than ZANA but better (even though they do not put sugar in my coffee). There croissants are good. Baked in Brooklyn Heights (or Dumbo) and brought to Park Slope so it is normally very fresh.
When the place opened I wandered in to check it out and they gave me a free french baguette. It was amazing. My biggest problem with Almondine is that they do not open till 8am, and I have normally left for work. -
Review from Dina V.
3/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
Star off for not cleaning the table before I sat down, while I was there, or after I left. If I was supposed to dispose of my disposables myself I didn't see a garbage can. And it made me a little sad to eat great food and drink great coffee out of disposables. Meh.
As for food though, the quiche I had was so yumm, ranks as some of the best I've had. Great but smallish cappuccino. The complimentary macaron I got for Macaron Day was downright amazing, like a little cloud of black currant flavor. On my way out I grabbed a baguette too since they seemed to be flying off the shelf, I did not regret my decision.
So I am a fan and will be back because it was just so laid back on a Sunday afternoon, the doors swung open to let in the first springtime sunshine, and all the baked goods looked tasty. -
Review from Ming T.
Brooklyn, NY
5/4/2010 1 photo
I found out about this place after I heard some thing about a "Macaroon Day" back some time in March. So I started reading the reviews and read that the almond croissant is awesome. So after reading it, I said, I must try this croissant. In my mind, I thought it was a croissant with almond paste baked inside. (if you hadnt had almond paste before, its the same what they use for almond macaroons, which had this nice flavor to it)
So, today I finally said I was going to try this croissant. I got off the 7th Ave (F train) and was looking for this place. Now I agree with Jerome Espinosa B., this place was hidden, I was about to give up looking for this place. I walked pass by this lady who was sitting on the bench like 3 times...I know she saw me and thought I was lost...LOL.
So I finally found this place and I thought it was small. I thought they would have more of a selection of baked goods but it was mostly to the left of the register. I got there around maybe 2pm and I ordered the almond croissant. There was only one left, which was fine, I was going to get my brother one as well, but I guess I'll just share this with him.
SO...when I bit into it, it was GOOD. It was exactly as I imagined, with the almond paste in the middle. It would have been great with a cup of coffee, but eating it alone was good. I kind of wished I didnt split it with my brother, but hey I'm trying to be nice here..LOL So I will definitely be going back and try the other items they have. Hopefully I'll get there earlier so I can snatch me a few more croissants...
**edit...WOW, was the croissant that good that I forgot to mention that I also bought a baguette. Ever since going to Paris, I've been wanting a good freshly baked baguette (like how they have it in Paris). This baguette was good, nice and crusty outside and soft on the inside. I would get it again IF I dont find another place with a good baguette.Listed in: OBCD...This is why you're…
-
Review from Jessie D.
New York, NY
10/8/2010
Plain croissant and cafe Americano - $4.15
The croissant was not too airy, definitely better than most bakeries.
The coffee wasn't very impressive. It is a very nice bakery to have around. -
Review from Derek B.
Brooklyn, NY
11/28/2010
I was told to swing by here for one reason: the croissants. And I was not disappointed. The almond croissant was perfectly baked, with a slightly burnt feeling without being overly brown, not too sweet, and the perfect texture. The plain croissant was light, airy and delicious, with just the right amount of butter baked into it. I like the baked goods at Cafe Regular, but this is my new go-to place. (The muffins look great too, though I'm not sure I'm ready to break away from Blue Sky Bakery for these.)
The coffee was very good, strong without being too acidic. My fiance also bought some macaroons, which looked just like those we got in Paris earlier this year.
That said, what kept me back from five stars was the vibe, at least so far. The space is way too big for what they've created, with only one garbage can right near the front (none near the coffee bar), and the walls are bare. Doesn't feel like somewhere you can hole up for a while, which is too bad, as the food warrants it. I also agree with some other reviewers that service can be stepped up a notch. -
Review from Sara O.
Portland, ME
1/15/2010
I was so excited to learn that Almondine was opening up a second bakery shop, steps away from my apartment. Their jam-filled beignets at their DUMBO location blew my mind. This is a top-notch bakery.
So far I've tasted a few other things. Twice I've had one of their raisin bran muffins (with tax $2.15) and they are so thoughtfully executed. Not only do they have raisins, they also have chopped dates, dried apricots and golden raisins inside, with a few whole oats sprinkled on top.
Their multi-grain bread has flax seeds and even better, poppy seeds in the dough itself. Fresh on the day it is crusty and crispy on the outside, chewy and soft on the inside. For $4.75 you are not going to get a nicer loaf of bread anywhere I know of. Wow.
I haven't tried much else (although their chocolate chip cookie samples on the counter are always outstanding-- chewy and decadent) and I'm sure whatever else you get here will be great. I'd like to try their quiches... those do look appealing.
My one complaint is the atmosphere inside is a bit austere. I like the exposed brick and the fireplace, but they could use some music perhaps, and some art on the walls to cozy the place up, to make it a place you'd want to linger at, not just grab your pastry and go.
Bon chance et Bon Appetit! -
Review from Lucy M.
1/27/2011
I love this place. I go to every weekend after I go to the gym (don't judge me, I just worked out). Their coffee is brewed very strong and delicious. They also make the best breads and pastries. Their baguettes are by far the best in all of NYC. IT is very crispy on the outside and light and fluffy inside. I can eat the entire loaf by itself because it is soooo good.
-
Review from J Y.
New York, NY
6/12/2011
I struggled with the star rating for this one.
Absolutely my favorite croissants ever, anywhere. Sandwiches are also deliiiicious. Macarons not my very favorite but still tasty.
However, the service often keeps me from going in. It's like, morning ruiningly bad service. You're right, I should know what kinds of cookies those are without asking. You're busy; you shouldn't be bothered with such pesky questions. I should really go fuck myself, you're right. Park Slope and Dumbo locations employ equally vicious staff.
But ohhhh the croissants. -
Review from Coffee B.
Brooklyn, NY
10/11/2010
The ice coffee is great; it's strong, just like how French coffee should be.
The Almond Croissant was good; crust the very crunchy with a moist and dense inside. It's not as good as the ones I had on the French side of St. Martin's island but where can you get that in the U.S., right? Probably not fair to compare.
And they seem to have European sweets...like macarons...oh, I love Europe. -
Review from Albert H.
Brooklyn, NY
5/1/2011
Arguably one of the best bakeries in the neighborhood. I love French pasties and Almondine does it very well. I love their almond croissant but it almost always sells out by noon on weekends! When they opened this branch in Park Slope I was overjoyed because I used to take trips to DUMBO simply to visit Almondine. The Park Slope store space is nicely hidden away from the busy traffic of 7th Avenue. the sitting area inside the store is very cozy and comfortable. I recommend this place for dessert takeout or meeting friends over coffee and pasties.
-
Review from Alexis M.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 1/25/2011
I guess I didn't update my review after the "galette des rois" disaster of 2010. Long story short: After making sure that they would make that cake after January 31st last year, I reserved one. When I got there to pick it up, they had decided not to make it. I ended up going home with a free cake but not the one I had reserved.
Now let's move on to the "galette des rois" disaster of 2011!
- Back in December I inquired if they would make them this year. The counter lady had no clue what I was talking about.
- Ordered one within the seasonal time frame
- Called on the pick up day to make sure it would be there (catch me once..."). Received a very unwelcoming answer ("yes we have it", "how do you know? I didn't even give you my name yet...").
- Went there to pick it up around 6:35, the girl behind the counter rolled her eyes seeing us walking in a mere 25 minutes before closing)
- Picked up the cake, brought it to my friends and the story could have ended here with a 4 star review
For those of you unaware of the whole French kings cake concept, one of the main attraction beyond the taste is that the baker hides a small token in the cake and whoever finds it is crowned king/queen. A fun tradition that encourage drinking.
Well the cake was there. The paper crown was there. 5/8th of the cake eaten, no token. We bring home some leftovers while our friends keep the rest. Yesterday they txt me: nothing in their last piece. We finish ours... Nothing but frangipane... The kid in me was more than disappointed. I had been caught a second time by their baker's laziness and the "i hate my job" attitude from the ladies behind the counter just put the final nail on it.
Bubye Almondine. I guess I'll travel to the city to get my cakes now.Listed in: Eating is my thing, My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/20/2009
Great bakery! Yesterday we braved the snow to pick up the bûche de Noël ordered weeks ago.
We tried… Read more »
-
-
Review from Erica T.
12/25/2010 1 Check-in Here
Super cute cafe conveniently located in Park Slope near the train. I had a lovely hot chocolate and sat at a cute table with a friend. I didn't try any of the pasteries, but they certainly looked delicious!
-
Review from Andi P.
Brooklyn, NY
3/1/2010
two words: almond croissant. The first time i had one, i swear, tears came to my eyes, it was that good. Returned a few days later, hoping it wouldn't be as good, but no such luck - a little slice of heaven on a paper plate. Also, it's one of the few places in the neighborhood that has plain soy milk for the coffee. Not a fan of vanilla which is what most places who do carry soy milk use. I was reluctant to share my feeling about this place: don't want it selling out of the almond croissants before i get there, but really, these are too good not to share. Just don't ask me to share mine. Actually, don't even talk to me while i'm having mine.
-
Review from Helen D.
Brooklyn, NY
2/6/2010
I'm beyond happy that they've opened in Park Slope so I don't have to drag my hungry, greedy butt over to Dumbo for almond croissants every weekend. I've tried just about everything - and they are all amazing. The beignets and croissants (especially the almond) are the best, and the cakes, creme brulee, eclairs, as well as the bread are amazing. I will trek from my place in North Slope down here with my 3 month old! My only wish is that they get the goods earlier in the day, since everything is made in Dumbo and brought over! Fantastic coffee too. This place is NOT good for my waistline!
-
Review from Mary P.
9/30/2010 8 Check-ins Here
French macarons available here. I came in for that. They were dry, flaky, and really not good. perhaps they'll be better for some other dessert choice but I'm not interested.
-
Review from Aryeh N.
Brooklyn, NY
3/7/2010
I have been here twice now:
The first time I stopped in on a leisurely Sunday on my way back home and I had an almond croissant which was HEAVEN. It was by far the most delicious croissant or any kind of pastry I have ever had. IT is FROM HEAVEN.
The second time I had a hot chocolate and a Blueberry muffin. The muffin was really good and the hot chocolate was the best I have ever had!
This place is AMAZING!
One star off, though, for:
Needs wifi
Is unreliable when it comes to selection of their pastries:
The first time and second time I went they had entirely different pastries. If they have the almond croissant next time I go, they will earn this star. haha. -
Review from Philippe S.
Brooklyn, NY
6/14/2011
They have excellent pains au chocolat (or chocolat croissants, if you're more familiar with that term). Croissants, eclairs and tarts are good too. And I like the coffee.
-
Review from Jerome Espinosa B.
Staten Island, NY
4/6/2010
i've seen this place often on my way down the subway, but it's only this time (towards sundown, after i completed my gig for the day) that i finally decided i have to try visiting the place. it must be the great weather, plus seeing a staff who's black. i noticed the cashier, too, was black. & i heard two caucasian customers ahead of me spoke french to them---well, isn't that cool? well, i actually love seeing people who work in foodplaces to be speaking in another language other than English---it reminds me that i'm very much in NYC.
actually, the other half of the story was that i realized i didn't have enough cash to pay them for what i ordered ( a napoleon plus a cup of regular coffee), as they're on "cash only" basis---i asked if there's a Chase bank nearby---& the male staff explained the branch is still some blocks away from their bakery (& offered that a BA branch is very close, but unfortunately, i didn't have an account with this other bank)...well, they told me to just pay them what i got---so i had to scraped from all the change i had then. i was very grateful for their kind understanding; i'm awed & humbled by this experience.
well, i have to very well add with more confidence, that i enjoyed my coffee & the napoleon....
i just had to add that i wish they can find a bigger location (or some other place where they can be seen more prominently). i have an impression that the presence of the businesses on the top floors, plus the ones next doors somehow engulf practically the limited attention of the (prospective) customer......thus their store gets somehow pushed away(i hope i got my point explained clearly LOL) because of their location somewhere in the periphery....but i think they still get a lot of share from the foot traffic in this area, because they're close to the "F" & "G" subway station in the part of Brooklyn... -
Review from Sol W.
Brooklyn, NY
8/17/2011
I'm a fan of this place. Sure, the servers are surly, but really, who cares? You order your coffee and your croissant, you pay, and that's it. End of interaction. No need for small talk. And it's not as if the local competition is staffed with elite baristas -- try getting the stoners at Colson to remember your order for as long as it takes them to make a latte, or try getting any of the ladies at Grumpy's to even note your presence if one of their friends happens to be hanging out. Anyway, I go to Almondine regularly to work, and I've never had any trouble with the staff. They do their thing, I do mine. I often stay up to two hours, and I've never felt uncomfortable. Sometimes they even smile at me when I go. I smile back. I like the vibe -- young parents meet there with babies, older folks linger over a coffee and a chat, and I usually spot another writer or two keeping me company. You can spread out and breathe, unlike at some other cramped local spots.
About the pastry: the croissants at their best are not quite as good as Colson's at their best, but Colson's are more unpredictable and can sometimes be a bit underdone. At Almondine, you know what you're gonna get: flaky, crisp pastries that taste just right and are always beautifully done. (I'm comparing Colson and Almondine here because, for my money, they serve the two best croissants in the borough and happen to be less than a block apart.) The famous almond croissants are magnificent but a little too heavy on the marzipan for my taste. Try one of the ridiculously decadent chocolate-almond croissants, and you'll never be the same.
My only beef is that the place seems like it's in a permanent state of soft-openingness. Still slinging pastries on plastic plates? What gives? No Wifi? Why not? And what's with the Top-40 radio? How about hooking up an Ipod once in a while? -
Review from Katie N.
Brooklyn, NY
8/8/2010
Beautiful little place, if a bit hard to find. Delectable chocolate and almond croissants, and iced coffee so good I immediately regretted spoiling its flavor with a few drops of milk.
-
Review from Jaime N.
Brooklyn, NY
7/21/2010
The first time I came here, I tried what looked to be a chocolate french macaron on steroids... and it was good- which surprised me because it didn't look like a typical macaron. I was excited to come back one morning and try more tasty items when I had some time.
On my day off, I decided to come here and try the almond croissant because it is so loved by my fellow yelpers. The place was quiet, the gentleman behind the counter friendly, and my croissant was stale, soggy and tasted vaguely of cleaning chemicals. Seriously? Shame on you for serving an old croissant. Really, it was awful. The iced coffee was pretty old tasting as well- although I've had worse. Maybe I'll give them another shot sometime, but I am in no hurry to do so.
And just for the record, empty pastry cases in a cafe never helps sales. Both times I've been here- once at 10am, once in the later afternoon, the cases were pretty anemic looking. -
Review from Jessica S.
New York, NY
Updated - 1/15/2011
I've decided, over the past year, that Almondine is too inconsistent - if you get a fresh croissant - hurray! enjoy! And if you don't - what?!?! Why are you selling me a day old croissant? (that's probably why it didn't have that "pull" another reviewer said). I'm changing my rating after a year of inconsistency, decrease in customer service (if you're nice, the girls behind the counter will be nice, but they're not quick or focused on customer service - in fact, very French in that way), and a recent gallette des rois that I paid $20 for, skipped home to eat, and found OLD! The pastry was so dry the top was crinkling off (not in a flaky way) and it crunched like toast with a feeling that had the whiff of the floor cleaner they use there - we returned it for a credit. Seriously? a $20 old cake? My husband had pre-ordered one last week to bring to his French family and said that one was better (he tasted both). Does this mean when I walk in and order something, it's not as fresh? If you're in the hood and willing to take your chances, pray it's a fresh croissant, order a coffee, and claim a little table away from the strollers and you can probably have an OK time.
Listed in: Pastries.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/18/2010
My idea of Almondine in DUMBO is that it smells of floor cleaner and has a few macarons hanging out… Read more »
-
