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Breukelen Coffee House
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
764A Franklin Ave(between St Johns Pl & Sterling Pl)
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Neighborhood: Prospect Heights
(718) 789-7070
- Nearest Transit:
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Franklin Av (2, 3, 4, 5)
Botanic Garden (S)
Park Pl (S)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 7 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
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$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
87 reviews for Breukelen Coffee House
Review Highlights
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"Can't go wrong with stumptown coffee." In 14 reviews -
"They make their hot chocolate with Nutella." In 2 reviews -
"The baked goods & bagels are tasty." In 4 reviews
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87 reviews in English
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Review from Dana J.
Brooklyn, NY
5/7/2012
Really. Good. Coffee.
The pastries look yum as well. Pretty spacious back space with seating and wifi. -
Review from Sean S.
4/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
I rode on down Willoughby towards Clinton Hill then turned down Franklin and headed another dozen blocks until I came upon Prospect Heights.
This coffeeshop was on my radar because of their inclusion in the NYTimes Scoop coffeeshops. I don't know if that means I'm looking towards the elder generation's news source of choice for coffee inclusion, but that's where I heard about them.
Stepping in, I liked the space. Long and thin with a counter for ordering up front. After I ordered my espresso & banana bread I noticed that they had NYC Condoms for the taking. This is a great effort by NYC public health, and besides the immediate smile of grabbing a few free condoms, it also means supporting something that's important, and that we new yorkers are lucky to have (http://www.nyc.gov/con...).
I grabbed my espresso & bread and grabbed a seat in the back. I like communal tables as I've said in my reviews before, and then have a few here as well.
The espresso was a bit subpar, sadly. Although they carry stumptown here, a lot about good coffee (maybe most of what you taste) is about the preparation, so-called made to order. I think the barrista today may not have set some dials, or whatever on the marzocco. It tasted a bit burnt, and was pretty watery too.
The banana bread tho was outstanding, and the vibe and layout of the cafe was great. I'd come back, but might get pour over instead next time. -
Review from Kelly S.
Brooklyn, NY
2/8/2012
Whoa how do they get make their lattes sooooo creamy?!?! Asked for a double latte in a small cup, to which the guy said all of their lattes are doubles..? umm ok.. the small cup was perfect just enough espresso without too much milk.
Came back again the next day and even with a different barrista it was still creamy and delicious. :)
I like the vibe here, everyone working here seems to really know their customers and treat them like friends. -
Review from Kara E.
Brooklyn, NY
5/20/2012
Great great great coffee but only one barista so not very speedy...
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Review from Gabrielle C.
New York, NY
Updated - 5/22/2012
they take cards now (five dollar minimum) but the music is still SO FREAKING LOUD. omg. whyyyyy. why? seriously - why?
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/6/2012
What I want from a coffee shop is a place with 1) good iced coffee (this place has it, though at… Read more »
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Review from Libby m.
Brooklyn, NY
5/18/2012
The coffee is fantastic. They make it as hard for you to get as possible!
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Review from Peter W.
Brooklyn, NY
5/22/2012
Definitely a spooky vibe...a scary place to be seen! The whole place is like Halloween on ROIDS! I love the coffee here and come to get my coffee every Snuday!
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Review from jewelofthecrowne j.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 5/15/2012
now taking credit cards.
now hosting community events including some cool jam nights.
coffee is good, hot or cold brew ice. some fun ice tea flavors in the summer too.
over all a great locally-owned business that continues to evolve and upgrade.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/3/2010
SKIM MILK!!
There is regular availability of skim milk now and the pace of the service has picked up.… Read more »
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Review from Reed R.
Brooklyn, NY
3/30/2012
The coffee is always great (you can't go wrong with Stumptown) and the hot chocolate is truly sensational (Nutella!), but the service is a bit hit-and-miss. Don't try and pay with the "Pay with Square" app lest you receive some confused snarls.
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Review from La M.
San Francisco, CA
4/1/2012
One main, weird problem, in an otherwise nice place
It's redundant to review this place kinda, since yelpers are a probably a key demographic. But so far I've been here three times, and it's awesome big tables, free wireless strong coffee.. and I've got no problem with people making it a kind of office - heck, I do myself. EXCEPT
What kind of a jerk conducts multiple loud telephone conversations while sitting in a crowded cafe? So far, two different jerks on two different days. It's kind of amazing. I'm not talking about a quick chat on the phone like you would chat to your friend sitting across the table, I'm talking a piercing holler while staring into the middle distance, for multiple calls. The first time this lady spent probably 40 minutes to an hour on the phone doing her business - including managing underlings and whatever else the heck. A pro tip: you are not entitled to speak to someone condescendingly "as a professional" if you can't even organize a private place to do your professional business. Beyond that show some respect for your fellow humans! take it outside!
luckily I brought my headphones. That lady especially was so hyper and aggro on the phone I didn't want to get into it, but I think I would have had backup, the entire cafe hated her. Maybe the cafe should put up a sign about loud cell phone conversations. Not that they should have to, common decency should be enough. -
Review from Leslie H.
Brooklyn, NY
12/17/2011
Okay, so here's the deal. I literally JUST got back from a stop at Breukelen. My experience is such that I decided to strike whilst the proverbial iron is still hot.
I love a good, strong latte. Really, what I like is a whole bunch of espresso with a bit of steamed milk, and a tiny bit of foam. I know, I know, that's really more like a capuccino, but I hate all the froth at the top of those, so I usually just order a latte with an extra shot to make it nice and zippy. So I went into Breukelen and ordered just that--a medium skim latte with an extra shot.
Suffice it to say, the barista at this place did not like my order.
"We make our lattes with two shots," she informed me.
"I know," I replied. "I like my drinks to have a little zip."
"I don't understand. Can you explain to me what you mean by 'zip'?"
"Caffeine. I like the caffeine. I like a good, strong drink."
"So you want FOUR shots, then? Because we make our drinks with two shots."
(Apparently, you can only order espresso at this place in multiples of 2. There is no such thing as an extra shot.)
Tired of this circular conversation (with a frigging BARISTA, mind you), I decided to just order it as they make it.
"I'll just take it the regular way, then."
"So you want four shots?"
"No. I'll have a regular, medium-sized latte," I said through gritted teeth.
"I'm just trying to make sure I get your order right," she replied.
FFS.
If she would have made my order "right," she would have given me a medium skim latte with an extra shot, without waxing philosophical about it in the first place. If I'm not mistaken, it's ME that was preparing to actually drink this thing, and ME that was paying for it...so shouldn't she just have made it the way I asked
her to in the first place?!?!?
At the end of the day, it was a decent latte. I still wanted that extra shot, and most of all, I wanted it without the snark and condescension that I experienced here. NEVER AGAIN, Breukelen. Never again. -
Review from Gabby W.
Brooklyn, NY
4/13/2012
Great coffee at this place. The blessing and curse is that the large back area is completely filled all the time with people clicking away on their laptops. So, great if you need a place to work, but not so great for chilling.
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Review from Jamillah J.
Brooklyn, NY
12/19/2011
I RARELY leave reviews, let alone negative ones, but this is serious:
Breukelen Coffee House should make a note on their menu that their hot chocolate contains Nutella. For someone like myself who is allergic to hazelnuts or any nuts, this is an egregious and irresponsible oversight on their part. Luckily, my allergies don't manifest in anaphylaxis, but the next guy may not be so lucky. After returning to ask the barista about the content of my drink, because I'd become sick, I was neither offered a new drink or a refund. That aside, I hope they take seriously that their omission can seriously hurt someone. -
Review from Lindsay M.
Brooklyn, NY
8/16/2011
The unshowered barista girl with shoulder length dark hair pulled back and upper arm tattoos suffers from TFC (too f****** cool), an epidemic amongst hipsters in quasi-peripheries of Brooklyn that makes them believe they are way too important to be helpful to the people paying over $2 for coffee, and act disinterested and rude. And a tip jar? HA. Here's a tip: grow up. It's not that hard to be nice to your clientele.
I certainly hope she knows the owners because that's the only excuse they have to keep such a jerk working there. I heard that their staff was rude, but I thought I'd give them a shot. The iced coffee was really good, but I will not go back and discourage my friends from doing so; at the very minimum, staff friendliness and attentiveness is key! -
Review from Donna A.
8/21/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I had some serious student ish to do...papers, presentations, studying for finals and needed a new environment. I was hating looking at the same walls in my house. I rolled up to Breukelen Coffee House and the staff were really friendly. I had the New York Tea. Straight, delicious black tea. I also had a veggie wrap (no frills) and the banana bread which was dang good and moist.
I like that it is quiet enough to get work done but still hums so that you can shift in your chair and not feel like someone is going to give you the side eye. The music can sometimes be a bit loud and random (Ewe...they were blasting Lil' B) but overall it's a great space to study, work etc. -
Review from EricJames H.
Portland, OR
Updated - 4/6/2012
I moved to California and I really miss these guys!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/12/2010
I really like these guys and gals. The space has a really good grounded neighborhood feel to it. The… Read more »
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Review from Dana W.
Brooklyn, NY
7/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's places like this that remind me of why I love living in Brooklyn. I was driving by and after having brunch at Abigail, decided to pop in. As soon as I walked in the barista was personable and I felt that I could ask him questions about coffee without seeming as if I was waisting his time.
I took my latte to the back and did some reading. I expected it to be loud considering it's next to/in back of Franklin Park, but not lout at all. There were several people working there and upon closing time, the barista came back and made a gentle announcement for last call and closing while acknowledging that most were working.
Breukelen is not within walking distance, but have no issue with making the trip from Bed-Stuy for great coffee and service. -
Review from Ava E.
3/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm a eat breakfast at home kinda girl and I love baked goods from Dunkin Donuts, so why not venture beyond my daily regimen and head out to a coffee shop*?
On my way to work, I stumble upon the Bruekelen Coffee House. What a cute and quaint little place!! As soon as I walked up, the owner was standing outside having his morning java(cigarette) and the music was blasting.....guess he still has that song in his head from last night. I asked what he recommends being that it was my first time. I had his request for the almond croissant** and my favorite, the all classic sesame bagel with butter. The bagel was great but the croissant was awesome. The crunch of the slightly sweet almonds and the flakiness of the croissant was enough to put me over the edge until lunchtime.
* By the way, I did bring my tea from home....I'm not going completely beyond my regimen.
**I saved it for my mid-morning snack...I know what you all were thinking. -
Review from Alex D.
Brooklyn, NY
2/24/2011
Good coffee. Only slightly above average price, or what I would call "cheap coffee" at $1.75 for a large plain coffee, and $3.50 for a latte.
Although the coffee is good, and the sandwiches are excellent, and the staff is on the whole very nice, it must be pointed out that their stumptown practice is not legit. They don't filter it in the french press, or at least, it is served out of a coffee dispenser, ergo sum, it is made in a normal coffee maker. It doesn't really affect the taste, but I'm just saying, that's not legit stumptown practice.
Apart from that, this place is the best coffee joint in the area, second only to Glass Shop I would say, and that's only because glass shop has a better range and higher quality foods.
It is true that coffee and drinks are sometimes served a bit cooler than usual, but personally I like that. Enough burned tongues. -
Review from Joi B.
1/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
There is something authentically Brooklyn about Breukelen Coffee House. I don't mean it's got that coffeehouse vibe. That is, the ratty second hand furniture and mismatched tables-don't get me wrong, I like that vibe, but it would seem contrived and kind of lame in this part of town.
If I'm in need of a straight-up good cup of coffee (Stumptown, yo!) and a sandwich, pastry or snack. Breukelen's got it! Some of the nicest owners I've ever encountered in such an establishment, I might add. No air-headed barista nonsense that I've noticed in cafés that will remain nameless throughout the city. Breukelen CH is small, but inviting nonetheless and I dug the people who were hanging out and/or working there that day. It was just...comfortable. No scene necessary, thank you.
Keep on keepin' it real Franklin Avenue, Breukelen! As Geof M states in his review last month, Prospect Heights has some great coffee shops and I shall add that you have a lot less visiting hipsters to this neighborhood, so you've got a nice mix of people from all walks of life coming in and grabbing a cup. Although I still adore El Beit on Bedford Avenue, I know it means I might not get a seat thanks to it always being too packed for comfort, and it seems like people go there to be seen. If you're weary of such things, I'd say Prospect Heights could be a destination spot (just hop on the 2,3, 4, 5 to Franklin) for those seeking some damn good coffee joints (if you were my grandparents, native Brooklinites, you'd pronounce that "cawfee jernts by the way). Thank you for being there, Breukelen Coffee House!Listed in: Java Jive, NYC
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Review from Li C.
New York, NY
11/6/2011
Dear hipsters, your service sucks. Wake up! Did you really have to smoke that blunt before you came to work today? Oh, and can you not use a panini grill to toaster my bagel? Its too bad...because this could be the best coffee in Brooklyn..and I don't even like coffee.
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Review from Ryan S.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 8/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Haha!!! Seriously unfriendly staff. Just because you use Stumptown beans does not make it a good cup of coffee.
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/11/2011
Seriously un f riendly staff. I was just in there and in walks a Japanese woman and she asks a… Read more »
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Review from Molly T.
Manhattan, NY
1/24/2011
This place is fairly small and messy in a very endearing way. The coffee is awesome and cheap. The baked goods & bagels are tasty.
Have to say that the staff are some of the nicest people I have come across getting coffee in New York. Super friendly!
The vibe is laid back. I'm happy to stop by to pick up coffee or sit for 20 minutes and do the crossword. Worth walking 6 blocks purposely to go here.Listed in: COFFEE
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Review from Kelley H.
Atlanta, GA
2/22/2012
i was looking for a coffee shop that was active with some vibe and this is the place. i enjoyed the atmosphere (music a touch loud) and i thought the service was prompt and friendly.
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Review from Elizabeth B.
Brooklyn, NY
8/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm bugged out that I can buy fancy Fair Trade beans this close to my house, and they have pretty darn good pecan sticky buns. Nice people, too. Exactly the kind of quirky coffee bar you'd find in the East Village a dozen-plus years ago.
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Review from Carlie D.
Brooklyn, NY
10/2/2010 5 Check-ins Here
Breukelen is definitely not my favorite coffee shop in the neighborhood.
First of all, if you know anything about coffee then you probably already know that stumptown is overrated. Anyone basing their reviews on the fact that they have stumptown just further proves my point that new yorkers know nothing about coffee. If New York were to ever have Ritual or Vivace, then I might get excited about the "coffee scene" in NYC. Stumptown was great when they were small and just starting out in the Portland area but as with all things that get popular, the quality is usually lost with the growing popularity.
Second, this place has by far some of the worst employees that I have ever experienced in a coffee shop. I have never gone into this shop and not been ignored so that one of the counter people can continue their own conversation. The first time I ever went in to get a bagel the girl working at the counter looked dumbfounded. Bagels?! Also, you can go up the street to pulp & bean for a better selection and price.
In reality, I will probably never step in to this coffee shop again. Even though I live a block away. There are better coffee shops in the area that actually offer decenta coffee and good customer service. -
Review from Billy S.
Brooklyn, NY
8/3/2011
At 630 I walk in and ask how late they are open. The response is till 7. Walk back in at 655 am greated with hey just ice coffee and regular coffee. Wtf?
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Review from Suzie Q.
Brooklyn, NY
2/23/2011
A solid place to sit, get a drink, and do some work or chill. I agree that the staff is extremely friendly. They make their hot chocolate with Nutella!
It is very hipster, especially considering the neighborhood it's in. That could be a pro or con, depending on your preferences. -
Review from Rosebud V.
Brooklyn, NY
7/1/2011
Look, I'm a coffee slut. I cheat regularly on my coffee providers, being that I walk 15 blocks to work and have a large range of options. There's a little something for everyone on/around Franklin Ave- want a tiny latte that'll knock you off your ass? There's Glass Shop. Want a coffee but don't have cash on you? There's Pulp and Bean. Want to have a good coffee at a good price, made by good people with [generally] good attitudes? Breukelen is the place. Also- if you can get there in time for an almond croissant, OH MY GOD HEAVEN
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Review from Jen R.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 5/4/2011
Meh. Last time I went in it was in disarray, with only soy, whole milk or half and half for milk options (what happened to all the others? The girl said they've been "getting lazy...")
Their iced coffee is still great but for the price I'd rather give Glass Shop or Pulp and Bean my business. After settling into the 'hood a bit I find myself going here less.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/7/2010
I have a problem.
I just moved to a great little place in Prospect Heights. The issue is, I live… Read more »
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Review from Geof M.
Brooklyn, NY
12/12/2010
I'm not quite sure why it's worked out this way, but Prospect/Crown Heights has fantastic coffee shops out the wazoo. Breukelen is no exception. I still prefer Sit & Wonder and The Glass Shop, but I've been gravitating towards this place the last few weeks.
It's comfortable if on the small side, although the back room opening should help. I recommend if you're in the area.Listed in: These are the places in my…
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Review from Damon N.
Brooklyn, NY
9/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
The 3 stars are for the delicious coffee but everything else was a hot mess. There is no organization behind the counter so people were running into each other and not sure who should do what. Took me almost 20 minutes to get a coffee and a toasted buttered bagel one morning. Will give it another shot but can't afford to spend that kind of time standing around trying to get to work.
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Review from Michelle R.
Brooklyn, NY
1/22/2011
It's got a cute vibe and their offerings of teas and alternative milks is impressive, the staff is really friendly and good looking...
And... I really, REALLY wanted to love this place since it's just a few blocks down from my house. Unfortunately the chai I got, while dancing with real spices and not too sweet (a plus!), was barely above lukewarm, which I didn't discover until I was steps from the subway. :(
I will give them another chance, but right now Pulp and Bean is my go-to on Franklin Ave. despite their use of powdered chai--at least it's piping hot. -
Review from Matt R.
Brooklyn, NY
9/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is THE place in Crospect Heights to spend your day reading, working, or just socializing with the coolest cats in the neighborhood.
Back room open soon!!! -
Review from Bryant F.
Brooklyn, NY
10/7/2011
The coffee is great but the staff is slow and don't seem to listen to your order. I've had to repeat myself multiple times. If you're a barista, be a barista. I will say "to go" and I receive items on a plate to stay. It seems if there are too many people they get confused very quickly. The assembly line needs refinement. Keep the coffee great!
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Review from Laura E.
Washington D.C., DC
10/16/2009
They just opened today and I'm so happy for them. Great pressed espresso. They have organic coffees, organic teas, organic pastries, fresh organic juices and assortment of organic nut milks. $3 for a tea, but it's larger (think a Starbuck's grande or thereabout).
I like clean new places in Brooklyn in my 'hood. Jason and Frank are super friendly and helpful. Stop on in and meet them! -
Review from Danny H.
10/26/2009
Excellent coffee.
Order "for here" and you get served in take-out containers.
Limited, uncomfortable seating.
Beautiful bathroom.
You can sit and look out the windows onto Franklin Ave, which offers a good variety for people watching. Good for an afternoon or an overcast day, as there is excessive heat/glare in the East facing windows on a sunny morning. -
Review from Bianca B.
1/4/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Nice spot.
It was snowy and cold and I forgot my tea on my kitchen counter and didn't want to go back home. SO I went into Breukelen Coffee House.
Actually, I'm lying.
I went in because the man behind the counter had the best smile ever and I wanted to check him out AND because I left my tea on my counter.
I kept hearing about the Stumpton coffee but I don't drink coffee and therefore, really had no reason to come here (I have a serious tea collection at home and I'm not too big on pastries these days because they thwart my bikini plans). But Mr. Smiles kept on smiling and before I knew it I had a nice $2 cup of pure green tea and agave nectar waiting to be sipped. He even told me exactly how long to let it steep, which was useful because I usually over-steep.
I could definitely come here to get some work done when I need to get out of the house, even if it's a tad cramped inside. Good tea, good vibes, great smiles. -
Review from Madison C.
New York, NY
10/16/2010
My friends and I spent a day at the Brooklyn Museum and decided to get some coffee and snacks. It is Brooklyn after all, there are plenty of coffee/tea shops to explore. So we "yelped" our way to Breukelen Coffee House.
Its a cute local coffee shop. There are seating areas in the front and at the back of the shop. Its a cozy shop with free WiFi so people can bring their MACs to write their next great American novels. BCH played great music.
The barista was friendly and the service was good. Turned out that our barista was one of the owners, Jae. He informed us that today, 10-16-2010 was their 1 year Anniversary. So HAPPY Anniversary Breukelen Coffee House. Keep up the good work.
Oh, did I mention that Breukelen received an A from the Dept of Health? You know what that means kids, the place is CLEAN.
Congrats BCH!!
FYI: Cash OnlyListed in: 4 Coffee Addicts & Dessert…
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Review from Ashley B.
Brooklyn, NY
11/13/2009
This coffee here was so bad, it enticed me to write my first Yelp review. I stopped by on my way to work today to try out a regular cup of coffee and grab a bite. The good thing is that the cranberry scone was acceptable. I mean, even a bad scone can still taste decent, right? Unfortunately, said scone was handed to me in a piece of wax paper, which I knew would make for a messy train ride. I had to request a bag, even though it was pretty clear I was on the go.
The coffee...oh the coffee...Unfortunately, it was the worst I've ever had. Worse than instant, worse than day-old deli coffee, worse than the most burnt Starbuck's bean...Perhaps there espresso is better? Decent decor (esp. for the neighborhood) and nice to have a coffeehouse in this neighborhood, but, I think the other new one a few blocks away might offer up a tastier brew.
