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Athom Café
Categories: Restaurants French Food Coffee & Tea French, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1096 Broadway(between Dodworth St & Dekalb Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11221
Neighborhoods: Bedford Stuyvesant, Bushwick
(646) 881-5834
- Nearest Transit:
-
Kosciusko St (J)
Central Av (M)
Myrtle Av (J, M, Z)
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 6:30 am - 8 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
125 reviews for Athom Café
Review Highlights
-
"Great French bakery and cafe in Bushwick/Bed-Stuy." In 9 reviews -
"And the nutella-and-pear croissant was just heavenly." In 5 reviews -
"First off the pastries are truly delicious." In 26 reviews
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124 reviews in English
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Review from Malone M.
Brooklyn, NY
I'm the jerk who buys a $1 coffee and sits in the back playing board games for 4 hours straight- Love that they let me get away with that.
I loved this place the first day I moved here. My uhaul was parked in front of Athom and the owner brought out iced-coffees and croissants for me and my friends as a "welcome to the neighborhood" gesture.
The food's pretty good, but so often my coffee is lukewarm! That's my one complaint.
Oh, and, just beware that you might catch your boyfriend staring at the counter girl. Curse you cute counter girl!! -
Review from Tony T.
Brooklyn, NY
Let's all come back down to earth people. Just because there is a decent cafe in Bed-Stuy doesn't mean you have to give it 5 stars.
Personally, I'm getting a bit tired of schlepping through the ugly streets of no-mans-land Brooklyn only to find aloof employees, dingy atmospheres and ok food at somewhat unreasonable prices because of over elated yelp reviews.
That's what this place is. It's decent. If you live in this 'hood, it may seem like a god-send compared to the endless crappy bodegas but it is not a destination by any means. There is something in your neighborhood, that is just as good if not better than this, for the same prices.
If you find your self around here and need food and coffee, it's a good place. If you don't live anywhere around here, there is no reason to go.
It's a 3 star place that I'm giving 2 because the 5 star reviews are completely unwarranted even by the own reviewers review. -
Review from Sam G.
I love the location of Athom. Lively section of Broadway with people working and talking and playing music and yelling to one another. Wakes you up and reintegrates you into the land of the living. Going inside has a slightly different effect, though.
Indeed our server was a little removed and aloof, but thanks to the reviews I was prepared for it. She definitely seemed like she was working the job because she had to and found little to no joy in it.
You know what did have joy in it, though? The omelet I had with goat cheese, fresh herbs, tomatos, with a side of the Moroccan sauce. I liked the dense texture of the omelet, for one, and didn't find it to be too heavy. The sauce was so flavorful and added great spice to the meal. The goat cheese was creamy and the herbs didn't overwhelm the mix.
The pastries are really delicious. The plain croissant in particular. The apricot mini-danish was also good. As was the apple turnover. I wish they would've had the pear Nutella croissant the reviewers have mentioned.
The fresh-squeezed orange juice was abysmal - really bitter - imagine drinking a glass of oj after brushing your teeth and that's what this was like.
The space itself has a mellow atmosphere but the identity of the cafe was schizophrenic. We were in there when it was really quiet - only two other people were there, each working separately at different tables. It was empty and it also felt empty. Nothing else was there to fill in the void.
There was '90s hip hop and reggae playing on the radio. The front counter where you order feels really informal, almost college-town'ish. The back room has a pastry display case that is empty but looks like it would make for a great French'ish cafe feel. The tables and chairs are generic. I just couldn't get my finger on the pulse of this place.
I would stop in for a to-go coffee and pastry in a heartbeat. And although the omelet was good the vibe inside doesn't entice me to come back and stay. -
Review from Nicole R.
If you blink, you would miss it! Uber mignon!
If you are in Brooklyn and looking for a slice of France. Stop by. I ordered an omelet with bacon and I am glad I did. The espressos are strong you better be prepared to run to Manhattan.
Thanks for breakfast.Listed in: SFO to JFK
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Review from Lara K.
Brooklyn, NY
good coffee and teas...has 2 different sandwiches here and they were both delish...
amazing croissants, and a great place to get work done w/out the noise of the street... -
Review from Kevin O.
Brooklyn, NY
Went again... got the BLT with Avocado... it was delicious... back up to 5-star. My buddy got the roast turkey... neither of us wanted to share.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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3/13/2012
Update: so um... I got the chicken salad to go and a small iced coffee... this time the Frenchie… Read more »
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3/13/2012
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Review from Drew R.
Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY
Omelet and salad is a great breakfast for me. Ordered my omelet with bacon, grilled onions and cheddar cheese with a side of bacon and it was very good. I agree with the other opinions that the coffee was average.
After reading the polarized reviews of this place, I wasn't sure what to expect. I found the owner to be no-nonsense which is different than rude. He was running the place on his own and didn't have time to chit-chat, I'm guessing. That's fine with me.
I was the only stay-in diner at 10:30am on a Saturday, but more folks showed up and it was 3/4 full by the time I finished my leisurely breakfast.
Warning: Cash Only!
I will certainly be back to Athom. -
Review from Gabe B.
Brooklyn, NY
Great hidden little gem in the neighborhood.
Went for a simple breakfast of omelets. Came with a delicious side salad and the potatoes were unreal. Coffee & tea was good. Guy behind the counter was friendly. Place wasn't packed early on a Sunday morning.
Highly recommended. -
Review from Steven B.
New York, NY
Banana and nutella croissant. There might be nothing better in the entire world.
The place has not very good 'art' as decoration and the small coffee is approx. 6 oz, but the pastries are so good it doesn't matter. -
Review from Danielle A.
Brooklyn, NY
Pear and Nutella croissant. Iced coffee with coffee ice cubes. Best herb, tomato and goat cheese omelet ever. Need I say more?
This place is amazing. I can't wait to go back from more croissants and to listen to french music. -
Review from Layne M.
Brooklyn, NY
I've been here a couple times now. The food and coffee are unbelievably amazing and incredibly affordable. The staff were super friendly and nice. I do have to admit that I saw someone get yelled at for trying to use the bathroom before ordering but as long as you don't do that, I doubt you'll have a problem. If it wasn't out of my way to get to, I'd go every day!!
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Review from Logan L.
San Francisco, CA
I came right from the airport, a little out of the way from where i was staying over by the Morgan stop...but was Not disappointed. Great yummy big breakfast and ice coffee/cubes. I can't wait to go back when in ny again.
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Review from Phillip R.
Brooklyn, NY
This place has some of the rudest people I have ever encountered in my life. No hello upon entering, they speak to you as if they have something in their mouths, and they are slower than molasses. The food is ok. Pastries are the best thing there. The pastries are the only reason I gave this place 2 stars. They must have their friends writing the reviews here, or paying strangers to do it.
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Review from Robby L.
New York, NY
Nice, laid back and mellow atmosphere with a cool rotation of blues and soul playing non stop. Friendly service and the sandwiches are pretty good too! Ham and cheese with caramelized onions was tasty. The lack of proper lighting in the back of the cafe was kind of a downer. I also wouldn't be surprised if there were a mutant race living under the floor boards. Regardless, I wouldn't be opposed to coming back here.
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Review from Nick S.
Brooklyn, NY
The demeanor of the wait staff here, other than the owner, is very awkward and nerve-racking. The forced passivity gives me the impression they feel like I am attacking them. It's weird.
Update: owner got my fiance's number after she called in an order and proceeded to ask her out on a date via text messaging. Dude needs to look at that ring.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/5/2010
The croissants are amazing. Let me say that right away.
When I got home with the menu I noticed they… Read more »
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7/5/2010
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Review from Andrea B.
Brooklyn, NY
Note: review of this place for the coffee, atmosphere, and potential for work/study.
Came here to get some work/reading done because Little Skips was completely packed out on a Sunday afternoon.
Pros:
--My iced latte is decent (although not great; espresso is a bit bitter/stale tasting). Good proportion of coffee to milk and they used COFFEE ICE CUBES. Thoroughly impressed about that.
--This is potentially an excellent place to work/study. I'm the only person in here as I write this).
Cons:
--There's only one outlet in the very back corner which is very dark; gonna have to move to another table in the light to read once I'm done on my computer. Very annoying.
--The waitress/barista was pretty mute/borderline rude. This isn't necessarily that important to me but it added to the unpleasantness of the overall experience.
--I called to make sure they were open and got the voicemail for someone named Jerome after a couple rings.
All in all pretty disappointing, especially since coffee shops/cafes in these parts are scarce and it wouldn't be difficult to improve upon the things I've mentioned and the general mediocrity.
That said I'll definitely be coming back to check out the pastries/food that everyone raves about. -
Review from Emily D.
Sippn' on a cappuccino, eating an omelet w/ a toasted baguette, and listening to french rock music. Not a bad way to start our morning on our visit to Brooklyn.
Driving here we kept missing the cafe, it's really easy to miss. You have really look for the signs and little red seat outside. Once we were inside this alternative little cafe we were a little concerned. We really didn't know how to order or where to sit. There are tables in a dark back room that looks barely finished but the creative pictures on the walls and cool music playing drowned that all away. We made our orders with the chef, he had this really awesome french accent and was very friendly.
The food was really good and my cappucino was perfect and strong! I was amped for the rest of the day. If I wasn't so full I would've ordered one of their amazing looking croissants. But I guess I'll have to leave that for another trip back to Brooklyn. -
Review from Isaiiraa A.
Brooklyn, NY
I'm an espresso aficionado and a lover a flaky pastries baked fresh. Obviously my move to Bushwick was a miserable one. I felt like a princess in foreign lands but with a little help, I developed a love for Brooklyn.
After constant scouting, I found Athom and dragged my ex-boyfriend along for an adventure. The omelet was fluffy [without being too fluffy] and the coffee was just right [i had iced] if I recall he hand some sort of chicken sandwich which he also enjoyed and over all? It was a great experience. The croissants we took home were delicious and the apple turn-over is still a favorite and a pick me up on a hard day. I recommend it for anyone who doesn't mind the lack of decor for an amazing bite. -
Review from Davey W.
Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY
Owner is super nice. I work at a coffee shop so I don't visit athom much. BUT when I don't work, I always get my coffee fix here! Great, cheap iced coffee. The ice cubes r made of coffee!!! My favorite croissant is the chocolate and it's only 2 bucks. I've also taken friends here for lunch and they liked it :)
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Review from Sue K.
Brooklyn, NY
I can't understand for the life of me why this place tops out around 5 stars, except that maybe it's the only cafe in the area that fits the bill for its demographic. The acoustics are really awful here -- the echos and loud bangs from the kitchen, and the endless slam of the front door could use some attention. This normally doesn't cross my mind as an issue, but as I was scouting for a cafe conducive to reading/doing work, I was paying attention to those details in particular. The back area is very dark and would be a great place for a DIY show or film screenings but during the day felt like a sense-deprivation cave, as it wasn't well-lit (or lit at all?).
As for food, I would love to try the oft-referenced croissants and change my opinion of their fare, but the omelettes my friend and I ate were both overcooked and dense, with ingredients that didn't seem quite fresh. One plus was the roasted potatoes, which weren't bad, and the more-than-just-garnish minimal mixed green salad.
For a place that makes (?) pastry (again, i didn't get to try the lauded croissants), the bread they were using from a dominican bakery nearby (we saw a counterperson go out on runs a couple times) was serviceable when grilled for toast, but fundamentally tasteless and porous supermarket-style baguette otherwise. Although providing butter, there wasn't any jam available to make the bread more flavorful. Normally I wouldn't mind this in a reasonably-priced cafe, except for the conflict it created with their reputation as having fine baked goods.
The coffee was average diner drip coffee, again nothing special or any better than what you might find at any of the thousands of delis in the area. I guess my real issue with this place is that in terms of quality, it seemed directly on par with the standard deli fare, just at inflated prices. That being said, its draw is that Athom is a sit-down cafe in a land of countertop buy-and-run joints made for folks who are jumping on and off the JMZ train.
It would be great if this area offered a good sit-down cafe, and I'm sure people would come. To me, the rave reviews about Athom show that demand, and I would just like something a little better on supply. -
Review from Marvin E.
Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY
This is the place for very good pastry and a mighty fine breakfast.
1 Previous Review:
-
12/18/2011
This is the place for very good pastry and a mighty fine breakfast.
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12/18/2011
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Review from Becca N.
Shakopee, MN
We stayed in Brooklyn at an Airbnb property and this little gem was close to our Subway stop. Unfortunately we only discovered Athom on our last day. We stopped in for a quick breakfast of pastries and coffee and then we stopped again for a take out lunch on our way to the airport.
The pastries were light as air and the coffee was just as everyone has said, delicious! The coffee ice cubes are brilliant!
For lunch I got the salmon, avacado and brie sandwich. Wow! I chose the baguette and the whole sandwich was a bit rich, but I guess I should have known that considering the ingredients. Nevertheless, it was delicious.
If you're looking for a great place in this neighborhood, give Anthom Cafe a try! -
Review from Angela H.
San Francisco, CA
I live directly across the street from this place and it is NOT as good as everyone is saying. I really can't see what the big deal is. Anywho...
I had just picked up a friend visiting from out of town and this place was the only breakfast spot open at the time (it was very early in the morning). The place is super small, but I guess if you like "intimate"/matchbox settings this is the perfect place for you.
The lack of stars is due to the service I received. All I wanted was breakfast potatoes and my friend ordered an omelette. I was told that I could not order potatoes without a sandwich. I politely tell him that I didn't want a sandwich and if he could be so kind to allow me to pay for the potatoes alone. He again told me that he could not* do that for me. At this point, it was pretty ridiculous because I was willing to even pay the price of the sandwich without actually getting the sandwich and he told me could not do that for me. Ready to leave, I turn to my friend and tell her that he's an ass an I'd like to spend my money elsewhere. After a very short discussion I agree to staying at the lousy place and order a croissant with melted cheese as my god forsaken sandwich addition that I didn't want in the first place.
The food is NOT as great as everyone is saying. I came here because of the Yelp reviews (and partially because of location), and this place did not live up to the expectation I had.
My friend said her omelette was "ok". My potatoes were hard and flavorless. I didn't even finish them. The croissant was pretty good though.
Overall, I do not recommend this place and haven't been since (this review is four months late). I live across the street and won't even consider it for breakfast.
* saying you can't when you really can. -
Review from Amir G.
Tarrytown, NY
Great espresso, bitter, somewhat grainy, but with a smooth flavor.
And the nutella-and-pear croissant was just heavenly!
Pipe in the French music and accent and the nice decor and pictures, and what more could you want? Apparently there's free WiFi too, although I haven't tried it. -
Review from Jamillah J.
Brooklyn, NY
I'm so glad to have Athom as a neighbor--not that I don't appreciate the nail salons and storefront churches with hilarious names.
It's great that I can call in an omelette and croissant for takeout (on New Years Day, no less), and scoot over in my pajamas to pick it up. Had a goat cheese and tomato omelette, with the much lauded chocolate croissant. Truly excellent, and the owner was very sweet. It's nice also to see that the cafe has expanded, so folks can stop complaining about "just two tables". -
Review from Whitney R.
Boise, ID
Any place in NY should have rocking bagels. Look, I live in Boise and the bagels are better there. The service was snooty and terse. I asked for a breakfast sandwich and was told they don't make them for lunch, yet they were happy to make an omelette for my friend and a bagel for me. The croissants were fair, but a little overcooked. They were out of everything else on the menu.
Few people like to be called a hipster, so forgive me, but this is a hipster hangout only. Go down the block to Nuevo Canario instead--you'll get better food and service and have a hell of a lot more fun. -
Review from Arthur E.
Brooklyn, NY
We just had a late brunch at the newly-expanded version of Athom Cafe; everything was fresh and tasty like always.
The best part of Athom for me is the fresh ingredients, especially their breads, croissants, and cheeses. For example, my girlfriend and I had sandwiches with pastries, which don't sound like a big deal, but, when you bite into a fresh, toasted-sesame bread with fresh brie and finish with a perfectly-flaky dark chocolate croissant, then you understand why everyone raves about this place.
To top it off, Jerome (the owner) gave us two glasses of fresh orange juice on the house. Finally, after he saw us playing chess while eating (they have board games and books for customers), he offered free pastries for the winner.
We have been visiting Athom since it was the small, two-table cafe. Now the place has grown into a full-blown French cafe, but the small, cozy atmosphere and fresh, quality food have remained.
In a sometimes loud, dirty, and fast-paced neighborhood like Bushwick, to find a quiet, clean, and friendly cafe serving fresh, quality French food is a treasure. -
Review from arusha b.
Brooklyn, NY
Great little spot for tasty breakfast made with fresh ingredients.
I just moved to Brooklyn-bushwick specifically- and am finding it a little challenging to find a good, fair priced breakfast joint with GOOD food.
Flakey,savory croissants, yummy fresh eggs with your choice of cheeses.
fair price for food you can count on.
I just wish it was closer to my house! -
Review from Andrew W.
Minneapolis, MN
This place was close to the vacation spot we rented through airbnb and rated high here so we figured we'd give it a shot. We walked in at about 10am on a weekday and were the only people there. I bought the omelet and figured I'd try the croissant as well since I had a long day of walking ahead of me.
The food came out quick and was delicious. The potatoes had a nice seasoning, the salad (which I didnt expect to be included) was a welcome addition, and the bread while quite crispy was tasty as well. The croissant I had was very okay, it didnt taste the freshest so perhaps whoever was touting their greatness had one more fresh out of the oven. Overall I really liked the place, nice setup inside, good location (for where I was staying), and quick service. -
Review from dice-K S.
Brooklyn, NY
I've only come here for the coffee and muffins + croissants but I was amazed.
And, so should you. -
Review from Peter D.
It's not yet hot as it's only 10 am on this Sunday morning in August. It is however, sticky. As I walk down this Bushwick block, I hear in the distance the sounds of meringue music. I notice through hazy eyes the guy working on his car. He pays me no mind and so I continue on. I look to my right at the empty lot and note the waste of space that it is. I shrug my shoulders and continue on. The music is louder now and I notice my hips start to shake a little more as I walk. I realize the music is coming from the second floor of the apartment building on the opposite side of the street. As soon as I distinguish this, the train comes screeching by above me. I look to the left, I look to the right, and cross the street. I smile and say hello to the Rottweiler tied up outside the cafe. He ignores my gesture and continues his wait for his master.
I enter Athom Cafe and am greeted by the owner in his French accent " Ello, How are yooou"? Unlike the Rottweiler outside, I didn't ignore him. I opt for an omelet on a croissant and a coffee. As I wait I realized there's no room for me here. I take my food to go.
As I make my way back down that Bushwick block, everything happens in reverse. This time the Rottweiler barks at me and it is I who ignores him. I look to the right, I look to the left and cross the street. The meringue music this time went from very loud to faint. I ponder what the lot could be used for before I reach it. I feel the guy working on his car notice me but this time I pay him no mind. It feels like the temperature has gone up a few degrees and I disappear back into the house armed with a fantastic omelet on an insanely light and flaky croissant.
After I eat I'm ready to begin the day but instead decide to complete my reversal of actions and get back into bed.Listed in: Go Brooklyn
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Review from Jessie D.
New York, NY
Almond croissant-$2.50
The almond croissant was an absorutely perfection! Beautiful dark brown caramelized crust, and just right amount of almond filling which is not too sweet. Thinly sliced Almond on the top of the croissant was just perfectly done. It is probably the best Almond croissant in NYC.
(I have tasted about 100 almond croissant for the past few years so I think I can say it is the best.)
Croissant-$2
It was very good, too airy for my personal taste. I like the kind that Pattisserie Claude has. -
Review from Yelper N.
New York, NY
Real french dude mans the counter and prepares the food. The caffeinated beverages are serious, the food and pastries life-changing. The place in the back is rather dark though; great for mysterious hang-outs but I prefer a bit more light when I'm out for brunch/lunch with a friend. Solution: take out ^_^
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Review from Andrew R.
Brooklyn, NY
Part of our ongoing series on Bushwick gentrification success stories, Athom Cafe is a great destination for authentic French pastry and excellent coffee. I haven't tried the café side, but if the entrées are half as good as the ham and fontina croissants then I can't wait to do so. (Price rating is for the very reasonable $5 croissant and $2 coffee; entrees vary in price.)
The vibe spotlights local artists and events and the decor is generally very tasteful. There are a few tables and chairs near the front and a larger dining room in back and overall Athom Café feels very contemporary without being precious or self-conscious (see: Goodbye Blue Monday across the street). -
Review from Sadiqeh A.
Brooklyn, NY
This is my FAVORITE place. I go here all the time! Everything is delicious! The pastries, the coffee, the fresh orange juice, the omelets, the sandwiches... EVERYTHING... is amazing! It's just one guy in the kitchen and you can see what he's doing, this place is so clean and everything is fresh.
Anytime someone comes for a visit I take them here, we have never been disappointed! -
Review from justin n.
Brooklyn, NY
This place used to be good. What happened? The girl working seemed like she was going out of her way to be unpleasant. I ordered the salmon on a bagel not only did it take 15 minutes to prepare but the salmon smelled like a chum bucket. When I asked if I could exchange it the little girl behind the counter simply said she could not and would not do it. Overpriced and inedible.
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Review from Amanda P.
New York, NY
Woah...a very big woah at that.
So out there underneath the elevated train is a road marked most notebly by the dirty bodegas and 99 cent stores to which all deep Brooklynites have grown accustomed stands the Athom Cafe. If not led by countless praise worthy yelp reviews I would never have stopped at this inconspicuous joint.
I was absolutely entranced by the genuinely sweet and commited French man who appeared to be the baker/owner/ manager/ barista/ busboy. We spoke a little French and I placed an order for the Nutella Banana Croissant....seriously this thing was majorly delicious. I split it with two other people and deeply regretted doing so... Yum! Yum! Yum! I can not wait to return for the sandwhichs and omlettes.
So basically even though The City Bakery has me by the throat with their crispy, salty pretzel croissant the Athom Cafe holds my heart. -
Review from Justin L.
Brooklyn, NY
I
Only
Had breakfast
But this two
Table cafe while good seems overhyped, -
Review from Arianne K.
Brooklyn, NY
Quiet French cafe with great coffee and special coffee ice cubes for the iced coffee. Yummy sandwiches. Brie avo sandwich is great. Also free wifi. French dude is super friendly. Quiet girl smiles a lot.
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Review from Kat H.
Brooklyn, NY
Homemade Croissants + "Free pastry with dinner after 6pm" + $7 for an Omelette with Caramelized Onions and Fresh Tomatoes, Home Fries, Toast, and a Side Salad + Bushwick/Bed-Stuy location = a very bewildered and happy Kat H. with a belly full of butter.
With just a few tables, the Grease soundtrack playing in the prep area ("tell me more! tell me more!"), and a real Frenchman cooking up (very reasonably priced and beautifully presented) Sandwiches, Omelettes, Salads, and Chocolate Chip Scones, I'm officially 100% content with my decision to stay in this neighborhood. There's just no competition. Buy local! Stay away from Dunkin' Donuts! Keep Athom in business! And can I just quickly mention how great (buttery, sugary) this place smells? OY!
