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Boulevard Cafe

4 star rating
based on 16 reviews

Category: American (New)  [Edit]

Neighborhood: East Williamsburg
253 Bushwick Ave
(between Johnson Ave & Montrose Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11206
Nearest Transit:

Montrose Ave (L)

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
No
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
No
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good for:
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
Alcohol:
None

16 reviews for Boulevard Cafe

Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of michele l.

 

0

9

michele l.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
11/28/2009

I'm actually a little confused by a few of the reviews here that cite expensive prices at Boulevard-- $1.25 for a coffee, $6 for baked eggs with fresh spinach, goat cheese & tomato? these are not pricey tags for good things in this part of brooklyn! the prices are definitely on-par or better than those you'll find in maaany other spots in williamsburg & bushwick, certainly those that crack eggs instead of simply microwaving something pre-made.

i DO understand the reviews that mention feeling grateful for having this nice little spot in this particular stretch of the neighborhood... because really, there's not much else around. there are a couple of cafes and small places closer to grand and metropolitan that are open for breakfast and have good coffee, pastry and egg dishes-- but not many, and not at all many further down in this part of the neighborhood. Boulevard offers all us south-of-grand a pleasant place to eat, read and enjoy... or to hurry on with our hot coffee to catch our train and get to work, whichever.

however, i appreciate Boulevard not only because of the prices or the fact that it is, as another reviewer put it, a little "oasis" in this part of town. it's also a spot for good, solid coffee and tea, tasty and hearty breakfasts and good sandwiches, which make it a good bet for casual eating regardless of location.

as others have noticed, the space is good (both indoor and outdoor seating, seating for two, seating for 6), the music is good (you may tap your toes, but you won't be distracted), the wifi is available and fast, and the staff are friendly and don't rush you out.

only minus for me so far is that on one occasion, they were blending or pureeing something for a sauce and THAT was noisy/distracting, but what can you do. open kitchen. i'd rather have them making their sauces and soups fresh, and i'd rather have them blend food at the counter than in the broom closet or bathroom.

i like them. they're a great option in the neighborhood.

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Photo of Ashley M.

 

8

22

Ashley M.

Brooklyn, NY

5 star rating
10/8/2009

Over the past few years this coffee shop changed management, and kept opening and closing, but this now it's finally smooth sailing.  

Great spot to get lunch and light meals.  Definitely the neighborhood's best.  This is the place I crawl out of bed to 2-3 times a week.

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Photo of Dennis M.

 

0

10

Dennis M.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
11/3/2009

Boulevard has been a welcome addition to Bushwick since opening a few months ago. Not only is the staff friendly and attentive, as you would expect, but don't often get in most neighborhood spots, but the prices can't be beat. I go many mornings for a great bagel with cream cheese and tomato along with a coffee for under $3.00.

If you have the time to sit down, there is nice outdoor seating in the back, weather permitting, books on hand to read and wi-fi. Top it all off with a toasted sandwich on french bread and you can't beat it.

Oh and try the baked eggs!

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Photo of the p.

 

0

5

the p.

Brooklyn, NY

3 star rating
11/6/2009

I had an americano here the other night and was surprised by how good it was. Muy rico. Hell yeah.

Then I went this morning (a weekday), a little after 8, and they weren't even freakin' open yet! With no good coffee options anywhere else I was going today, I consider you personally responsible, Boulevard, for the caffeine headache I'm feeling right now. Seriously? Not open by 8? Maybe it should be renamed "Montrose Cafe."

The Americano was good though.

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Photo of Jodi B.

Elite '09

103

158

Jodi B.

Brooklyn, NY

5 star rating
7/5/2009

In my new neighborhood (in East Williamsburg, Bushwick, whatever you want to call it..) there aren't a lot of good cafe options. Cafe Nijasol is too inconsistent to visit often, so I was pretty excited when I was introduced to Boulevard.

The space is nice: bigger than it looks, more seating than usually found in a cafe, and a nice patio. The photography currently on the wall is terrific, and I actually considered buying a print.

The coffee drinks are great. They're a little on the pricey side, but they're worth it. The baguette with nutella is sinfully delicious.

The staff is a crazy departure from the typical Williamsburg barista tribe, meaning that they are friendly, and don't hate you just because you're ordering something.

I love it!

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Photo of Kelly S.

Elite '09

65

66

Kelly S.

Brooklyn, NY

5 star rating
6/25/2009

There's not much going on in my neck of the woods. So it's nice to have this little oasis. The music is always decent without being intrusive (for those oft-hungover mornings), the staff is always friendly, and I've eaten just about everything on their menu (mostly light fare and sandwiches), and it never disappoints.

Great spot for a breakfast/lunch break while I read my next chapter.

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Photo of Abby M.

 

0

3

Abby M.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
10/12/2009

I'm a huge fan of this little hole in the wall cafe.  The staff is attentive yet not pushy, and super nice.  They have free fast wifi, great coffee (only $1.25 a cup), and a delicious selection of sandwiches and salads.  They also have a small variety of pastries, cookies, etc.  I've spent hours there on my laptop with just one cup of coffee, and no one bothers me.  They also have a cute outdoor patio in the back where I can get my nicotine fix.  I highly suggest the grilled chicken sandwich with chipotle mayo.  It's fuc*ing amazing.

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Photo of Aimee A.

Elite '09

133

392

Aimee A.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
12/20/2008

I'm so happy to have this place so close to my humble abode. In this area of East Williamsburg/Bushwickville there really isn't a coffee shop unless you travel to Lula Bean on Grand, the out-of-the-way Potion on McKibben, or Gimme! on Lorimer. Even though all of those are probably less than 1/2 a mile from me, that's still far when you really need a coffee fix.

So here comes Boulevard, my little savior! It's your average cute little coffee shop that also happens to have some yummy cookies and cupcakes too. Sometimes they have Red Velvet COOKIES! I think they get them delivered, but whatever! Who cares? They're delicious.

A large coffee will only run you $1.75, and guess what? It's actually a pretty darn good cup of coffee. Much better than the others in the immediate area and for pretty much the same price. I think this place gets overlooked because it's really hidden. Unless you were walking by, you wouldn't even know it's there.

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Photo of Rachel S.

Elite '09

39

207

Rachel S.

Boston, MA

3 star rating
3/9/2009

On the expensive side. I've had an iced chai latte and a red velvet cookie, both of which were pretty dissapointing but forgivable since no place exists around here that sells either. I think that Boulevard Cafe clearly states what it is: an overpriced but clean, cozy space tucked away in a sea of bodegas and burrito places.

And it's way better than Potion!

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Photo of Matt A.

Elite '09

25

144

Matt A.

Brooklyn, NY

3 star rating
12/23/2008

The owners here created a "hipster-esque" sandwich shop along a dreary stretch of Bushwick Ave, but I'm not complaining....the area could surely benefit from some new life.  Inside, it's cozy....with polished hardwood floors, high ceilings and exposed brick walls, you almost feel like you're in a renovated prewar studio apartment.  

The food is standard for the most part....light breakfast options (e.g. bagels, muffins), different varieties of coffee and tea, soups, sandwiches that accomodate both vegetarians and omnivores alike.  They also offer a small selection of desserts in the display case.  

I came for a late lunch to tide me over before a holiday party that same evening.  My turkey sandwich and white bean soup was very good as was the portion size, so I didn't leave hungry.  I sipped my dining parner's lentil soup which was equally good.  

My only gripe at this stage was the sloppy service.  Two sandwiches and soups plus a coffee and a bottle of water came out to $26.25, tax included.  We were only served the sandwiches and one soup before I had to remind the server that the order was incomplete.  I recited the order again so he could tabulate the cost and see that I was not lying.  A minute later, he brougt over the other soup and coffee.  I had to go back up and get my water.  That day, I was in a forgiving mood b/c they'd only been open a few weeks and the guy that took my order had just started the day before.  It's worth another visit.

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Photo of Samantha R.

 

1

15

Samantha R.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
5/30/2009

Since Boulevard opened around the corner from my apartment I've been there almost as much as I've been to my job. The coffee is good, the sandwiches and macaroni and cheese are fantastic. They just opened a little patio in the back with a few tables which makes me love this place even more. Everyone who works here is so friendly and they are usually playing some kind of music that is entertaining, but not really conducive to working. The last time I was here I definitely heard something by Olivia Newton John.

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Photo of tiffany m.

 

2

14

tiffany m.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
4/9/2009

This place is fairly new and an awesome addition to the neighborhood if you ask me.  It is cute and the staff is friendly.  Their Chai Tea is delicious and runs about $3.50 for a large which is ok with me b/c  Its actual Tea leaves and not some liquid sugared garbage.  The bagels are good and I tried my first panini there and it was awesome as well. They are dog friendly (huge bonus!) and they are working on a backyard seating situation and will soon be carrying wine and beer. All around awesomeness.

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Photo of Skyler d.

 

3

14

Skyler d.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
4/12/2009

I totally disagree with Rachel S., whoever that may be.

I don't think the coffee is better than Potion but the espresso is really good.

But shit the sandwiches are so good. I just finally got one the other day and I'm pretty sure I will be getting more in the future. They're around $7 or less, and I do not think they are overpriced for the size, quality of ingredients, and taste. I'd happily pay $9 for sandwiches that good and filling. Can't think of any better place around here to get a non-ethnic sandwich.

Also the people who make your coffee there are exceedingly nice.

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Photo of Vanessa F.

 

29

62

Vanessa F.

Brooklyn, NY

5 star rating
2/10/2009

I love this place.  Im so  happy it is right around the corner from my place.  We so needed a little spot like this around.  Its a little sandwich/salad/coffee shop, and i think they just started to do breakfast too.  The only thing i have tried so far is the soy latte, which was made perfect and the avocado salad, which is the best salad ever!!  My friends and I are addicted.  I still want to try some of the sandwiches, my roomate raves about the chicken ceaser, so i should try that too.  And i always stare at the baked goods, maybe one day ill give in to thier pretty cupcakes....actually im pretty sure i will.

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Photo of Kristie B.

 

6

1

Kristie B.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
4/13/2009

A hop, skip and a jump from my house. I still like to support Jessi's around the corner when I am on the go but when I want to sit and chill with a good latte and enjoy my hood I go to Boulevard Cafe. The people who work there are very friendly and the food is good.

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Photo of Emily C.

 

12

45

Emily C.

West Orange, NJ

3 star rating
12/13/2008

Boulevard is about a month old, and so far I'm happy it popped up!  The sandwiches are a little pricey, but both the variety and taste of what they offer is definitely up there.  Their baguettes are wonderful - delievered each morning from a bakery in Manhattan.  Unfortunately, they do not do breakfast sandwiches, save for bagels and cream cheese.  Apparently they do not have an oven.  This limits what they can serve, but, I think they're doing interesting stuff without one.  Service is slower than expected, hence the 3 star.  I'm sure this will get better with time.  Try it out, I  think you'll enjoy.

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