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Category: Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Neighborhood: Williamsburg - North SideBedford Ave (L)
Mon-Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
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Great staff. Great coffee. Great set-up.
Only quirk: Up the size of the cup!
I'm that rarity that hates coffeehouses. They remind me of all the types of people that I hate in the world. The smelly hippie chick, the stuck up barista who is serving her, pretentious day trippers & people popping in for coffee just so they can stink up the bathroom. All of these things make me cringe. Problem is, I love coffee... so what's a girl to do?
Needless to say that I usually avoid these places like the plague (here's looking at you Oslo), but as soon as I walk into El Beit, I shield my eyes from the gleam of the big cookie jars, hear the welcoming of a charming barista who insists on being very helpful (even during my hangover slowness), a nice calm atmosphere & a big backyard. Something about this place is very different to all of the others. Something about this place makes me happy to go in. Lucky for me that their coffee is the best in the area.
The good stuff: window seats facing Bedford make for great people watching and lots of fresh air in the cafe. The backyard also looks comfy and inviting. It's one of the few places in the neighborhood with free wireless, which means it's often full of cute apple-toting geeksters.
The other stuff...
First off, how hard is it to write the wireless password on several pieces of paper so that it can be distributed to more than one customer at a time? Every time I go there, the bored and snobby staff are screaming "DOES SOMEONE HAVE THE WIRELESS PASSWORD?!!!" so that the poor fool who showed up 3 minutes before will return the one copy to the counter. The password itself is not made of diamonds and moondust, darlings. Just make some more copies.
Second, I once ordered a cup of tea and had to wait more than five minutes for it. We're talking about five minutes to put a tea bag into a cup of hot water.
Last, their coffee is just so-so. To be fair, I haven't had an espresso drink there, just basic iced coffee, but it was overpriced and overly-bitter.
On a street with so many cafes, I don't know why you'd choose this one.
I'm a half-assed coffee snob. I know enough to be judgemental about the quality of an espresso, but not enough to use the correct words to criticize it. The espresso here always seems overwhelmingly sour, I know that the machine is supposed to be incredible, but a shot here doesn't have anything on gimme coffee or ninth st espresso.
That being said, I really like the ambiance of this place and all of the drinks that aren't straight espresso. There's definately some sort of european vibe going on here, which I love.
Excellent coffee and wifi! It's a small space with more room outside, gets crowded during the day.
Yummy Coffee, cute spot go :)
Quite seriously the best coffee I've had in the City yet. I mean, I've had 9th St Espresso, and don't ge me wrong I'm in love, but I live a few blocks from El Beit, and it's chocolately, creme-topped espresso goodness is just too good to resist.
It kills my day to run late and not be able to grab espresso here. Or to not have cash. (Getting cash near the Bedford L is a nightmare. Unless you like paying atm fees. Then you're in bliss. You masochist, you.)
Otherwise, I feel like a whole person with El Beit in hand. It's sad, perhaps, but my day's highlight comes from the rich americano that El Beit doles out. Such an inviting atmosphere as well, if it's not too busy to grab a seat... Summertime's definitely easier ; back patio's a must.
Those genuine folks behind the bar sure do make the spot quite neighbourly too. And for the quality of product doled out, I don't feel the least bit robbed by prices. They're ridiculously fair, I feel. And I'm the one who bought a french press to make liquid death coffee at home on the cheap. I tell you, it hasn't seen boiling water or grounds since I moved into the neighbourhood.
This is a great little place to get some work done. Big window view of Bedford. The staff are friendly and they have a nice big back patio for nice days and a covered patio room for rainy ones. Solid Free Wi-Fi. Less crowded than Atlas.
Hands-down, the BEST coffeehouse in the neighborhood. Here, you can get your cup of perfectly made coffee WITHOUT the snark. Imagine that!
I visited my old neighborhood last week and was so happy to chance upon this place because it was closer to where I was walking than Verb. I like Verb, but sometimes I feel like the baristas have utter disdain for me with my annoying Iced Americano order (to be fair even I get annoyed with myself for ordering it. Then I realize, um, if I am going to be spending four bucks for a cup of coffee, it damn well should be made the way I want it to, right?) That's right. Iced Americano and NOT iced coffee which is never strong enough for me.
El Beit's iced Americano is the best I've ever had and the baristas are all pretty nice in there. I mean, it's a breath of fresh air in this neighborhood. I know because I used to be one of those bitchy baristas (shhhhhhh) dying to scream, "Take your half caf order elsewhere MOFO!"
One small suggestion: PLEASE GET IN LARGER CUPS!! I need 25 ounce iced drinks. I am American(a), which is why I'm not ordering an iced Espresso.
Wow! Superb espresso and cool back area. The only other place that I've had in ny that comes close to matching Abraceo in ev.
Most people go to El Beit for coffee, I go there for croissants. Seriously the best croissants I've ever had. No idea where they get them, but they shouldn't ever stop. I've never had any of their hot drinks, but their iced coffee is okay and the iced Americano is even better. The people who work there are friendly and it seems to be a chill place to hang out. I work right around the corner and it's the go-to coffee spot for everyone in my office.
My coffee-shop go to on days I need to get some actual work done on the ol' Macbook in the sea of other Macbooks.
I just recently discovered the outdoor seating, which is pretty big relative to the minimal indoor seating. My favorite seat is in the front, not near the window, but next to the cookie jars. That's another reason for the 5 stars you see, the cookies. Especially the double chocolate cloud cookies from Baked in Red Hook. I'm a single girl in NY, leave me and my dessert fixation alone!
So yea, I've been a barista for years, and so I know the coffee is up there. They keep the sugar/milk table clean. They don't have this extensive brunch menu like Ella, which I like - they focus on coffee. They won't scowl at you if you're sitting on the bench outside without an order (but don't even TRY that indoors).
Great coffee, great baked goods.
There isn't much to bitch about, besides the fact that they discontinued the whole egg sandwich making thing. That makes me sad, but last time I was there a barista told me that they were serving savory lunch-y items again.
I am not usually a Chai person but theirs is pretty awesome (albeit more of a winter and fall drink in my opinion). Their iced teas are decent but at $3 a pop, you're better off just grabbing something from a bodega.
I think I remember their cookies being pretty radical. Definitely get in that if you're a cookie lover such as myself.
They do coffee here and do it well. They have a no-nonsense focus on coffee plus friendly, efficient counterhelp and a great back garden with tons of seating. Coffee was great and I will definitely be back to check out their other offerings.
While I was a big fan of the cafe that used to be here (obviously not that big of a fan, since I can't for the life of me remember the name), I can't complain about El Beit.
Other than the drinks being tasty and well-made (Clover!), the staff being friendly and not full of total jerks, I really love the space. The backyard is amazing, with a covered bit, and lots of seating.
Good job, El Beit!
For some reason, one of the hippest ny neighborhoods has a SERIOUS lack of free wi-fi cafes. It is actually totally strange. I know more free wi-fi spots in Decatur Georgia! That being said, El Beit has wi-fi, and while it closes ridiculously early (another thing crazy since this is a big city) it has good coffee and ample outlets. It also wasn't over crowded, which was nice. It has a back yard area as well which is very lovely.
Fragrant mint tea, coffee, delicious cookies and sandwiches, GREAT staff.
If it weren't for the fact that they didn't open this morning until 7am (15 minutes after I WANTED their coffee but had to head to the airport), I'd give El Beit 5 stars. I visited this shop twice while staying with my friends who live just three blocks away. I had heard of El Beit through the coffee grapevine and was excited to check them out.
Yes, they seek quality from beginning to end when it comes to their beans. And I can taste it in their coffee. I wish there was a coffee shop this amazing three blocks from MY home, but alas. There is not.
Fair prices for the quality you get. They offer press coffee, use a clover machine for drip and finish off lattes with art in the foam. El Beit pleased my eyes and taste buds.
It's alright- the standard coffee is pretty good, the wi-fi is spotty, they take cards for orders over $5, and there's a bathroom you can use. The bathroom used to have some great scribbles all over but they covered it up.
I have to say that I really like the the shed they built out back on patio (even if you can't smoke in it), with its chairman-of-the-board style long table. I call this meeting to order!
El Beit is awesome! Such a cute coffeshop with amazing coffee, delightful outdoor seating, fun staff, good music, great croissants and just a great vibe overall. My dad even loves this place and makes sure to get coffee here every time he visits. I'm sad that since I moved I no longer pass it on my way to the subway.
MJ's Star: 3.5
Price : Espresso 2.25, Cafe Latte 3.50
Mmmmmm....Clover Coffee. The $11,000 machine is in full force here, handsoming up the counter and ready to make you a flavorful cup of whatever bean is on the list that day. I had the Yrgacheffe, and boy did it taste different than anything out of a drip pot or even a French press. It was recommended without milk or sugar so you could really taste the intricacies of the flavor...and I could really taste things like notes and undertones and all the wine jargon in each sip.
Speaking of drip pot - they don't mess with that here. Even a regular cup of coffee comes from a French press.
Also, I crush on the decor here - if I could dream up a coffeeshop, it would look something like this. White and wood, a few bright colors, plugs everywhere, one cozy chair.
The wifi however has been sketch, and the guys who seem to run it and are sometimes behind the bar are also a little sketch - unfriendly and a little mafioso looking - quite a contrast with the regular baristas - friendly hipsters (yes, it's possible!) with a real enthusiasm for coffee.
So minus one star for that, but otherwise, mmmm...Clover...
This to me is a dive coffee shop. I'm not saying that in a bad way and its just one step above a diner. It's wicked cheap and the people were averagely nice. It was also really small. I went to meet an acquaintance there for the first time and it didn't appear to have a welcoming, cozy invite it just seemed like a place you would go if you were broke.
It's not that going to a cheap place is bad, cause hell who wants to spend more money unnecessarily but this place was just alright I suppose. I wouldn't go out of my way to go there but I wouldn't avoid it if I needed a quick cup of coffee and they dint have organic coffee by the way. Also I went at 9:30pm and they were all out of most coffee so my acquaintance had to get the americano. I got earl grey and used soy milk in it, cost 2.50 even, that seemed reasonable enough.
Oh and did I mention the hipsters... puke.
Honestly, more like a 4.5. Having moved here from living close to a bevy of amazing coffee spots in SF (Ritual, 4 Barrel, etc), I was searching out a place with the level of product I had grown accustomed to. This place is it. Everything I've had, from the regular cup of coffee, to the Americano has had that deep, rich nutty flavor that makes me sh*t myself (you do know that caffeine is a diuretic, right?). I will save the last star for the day that I can have an Americano with a cigarette out back/in front. (sub-zero temps...this is retarded).
The crowd has been nice and polite, and I like enjoying my coffee surrounded by people that actually care what they look like. I sat for over an hour reading without any disruptions. Those with "hipster-aversion" need not visit Williamsburg. If you do not feel "cool enough" that's on you.
Stopped by this place purely by accident as I wandered about Brooklyn.
DELICIOUS coffee.
Service was friendly and knowledgable and it seemed that the clientele was laid back and educated without the snootiness that sometimes comes with a hip cool coffee shop.
I enjoyed my coffee and a muffin while reading a paper and enjoying the sunlight beginning to warm the sidewalks.
A little pricey, but as the coffee was great worth every penny.
I had a macchiato. It was really good. My family lives in Seattle, so I've had good espresso before. But this place wan't bad at all.
Their regular coffee was also really good.
I didn't have any food, but their sandwiches looked great.
Loved the atmosphere. Loved the staff.
El Beit, Thank you so much for your amazing Moroccon Mint Tea!!! What a great treat for a hot summer morning commute to work. The tea is perfect unsweetened and just minty enough where it is not overwhelming. There iced americano ain't too bad either but as of late I am on a big Mint Iced Tea kick!!! The baristas are super friendly and thier prices ain't too shabby either. They also have a nice selection of baked goods, I have yet to try but I will definitely be back for more. Maybe I will even sit in thier backyard area, which completely adds to the appeal. See you tomorrow mornin' El Beit!!
The espresso is absolutely delicious. In every form. Even the five dollar iced mochas and similarly priced iced lattes. I'm usually a to go person so the slightly cold ambience has no effect on me. If I stay it's outside where I can smoke and do my crosswords in peace while waiting for friends/my boo.
Last time I was in (couple weeks ago) it looked like they were renovating the backyard...can't wait to see how it turns out.
Living in NYC, I realize that the search for the perfect coffee/tea shop will most likely leave me feeling hopeless, yet I continue looking, hoping that one day my search will be over.
So then I came to El Beit today (and am writing this review from El Beit as we speak), and unfortunately the search will continue.
Some things to note about this place:
-they have free wi-fi (a secure connection!) where you have to ask them for the password to join. it's a bit spotty, but so far it's serving me fairly well.
-drinks here are priced the way they normally are at any uppity coffee place in manhattan or brooklyn, and the chai latte is very, very good. love the foam from the milk here.
-the clover coffee press is so overhyped -- i can't believe people actually pay $4 for a cup made from this!!!! the el salvador was way too sour... and the server insisted it was her favorite because it had a "great fruity taste." Mmmm.... no.
-while our server was willing to explain the clover press to us, she really wasn't that friendly at all. meh.
-they play music a bit too loud here. how do people really get their work done?
-when you come in, expect to walk into macbook world. really. everyone here except for maybe one person is typing away on a mac.
-the seating area isn't that spacious in terms of the table space or the number of tables/seats in general, which is always the thing that gripes me about nyc coffee shops. there's an outdoor seating area in the back that's supposed to be nice, but it's raining today, so no way that anyone is out there now.
-there's a bathroom in the back!! yes!!
Lucky Williamsburg--- you have yourself a little four leaf Clover here!
The coffee shop itself isn't that lovable to me- looks like a good place to go write or chat with friends... but doesn't have the comfortable atmosphere of Outpost or Housing Works Bookstore Cafe. The coffee is delectable though- right up there with 9th St. Espresso in my book, or Blue Bottle for all of you little San Francisco-ers!
The staff seems well trained, and can explain the beauty of a cup of Clover-brewed joe to those of you who aren't familiar (just think God of Brewing) - without the snootiness of some cafes (no naming names).
I've been going to El Beit pretty regularly for about 4 months now. Yes, I know it's a little pricey. Yes, it means you have to deal with Bedford (and its clientele). But...
This is some of the best coffee I've ever had. Beyond their coffee just being good and never too acidic, it's CONSISTENTLY good, something a lot of cafes lack, the dedication to making EVERY cup or espresso shot perfect.
The staff is generally really cool and the environment is perfect for doing a ton of work all day. Free Wifi and delicious cookies round out the perfect nightly hangout.
With a date, grab her a "wicked" hot chocolate; the spicey aftertaste will keep 'em coming back.
People have asked why this is a 4 review, not a 5... I'm poor. I live on student loans and random odd writing jobs, so the expense of the place takes it down from being perfect.
Some people know coffee and a lot of people have no clue what they are talking about!
Most people though just don't care, they are in it for the caffeine, and couldn't care less.
For the past 2 years I have been going to Oslo for my coffee, its great stuff and a lot of care is put into making it and I am a regular at both locations.
El Beit was recommended by a number of the 'serious' coffee snobs from Oslo as a destination coffee place.
And you know what.
It is the bomb.
The Espresso has debt and a richness that you rarely see, and the baristas are all well skilled in their craft.
The funny thing to me is that the folks who have no idea what they are talking about are always the ones being the loudest negative voices.
This is amazing coffee, with extra points for presentation and precision.
This is probably my favorite coffee shop in Williamsburg so far. I've sampled a lot of the other neighborhood spots (Oslo, Verb, and so on) but I find that across the board el beit has the highest quality.
The atmosphere is cozy and less hipster than Verb, but still unique and apart from the overdone modern in places looking like Starbucks. There is a garden area in the back.
If you are used to paying 1.50 for your coffee, it may seem pricey but in comparison to other similar cafes it is equally priced.
After finally convincing my Brooklyn friend to take us out-of-towners to hipster-town, I knew I needed to stop for a coffee, and that Willyburg would deliver. Thankfully there was no Starbucks in sight. After almost stumbling in a couple bakery places that serve coffee, I found El Beit. A true coffeeshop, where there are treats to nibble on, but the espresso is the main focus.
I was pleasantly surprised to see they even had a clover, albeit a small one. My boyfriend has become enamored of these things ever since we found one in our own 'hood of Alexandria. I knew I wanted something iced due to the sweltering heat outside, and after much deliberation my sweet tooth got the best of me and I ordered an iced mocha. The baristas were warm and friendly - not at all what I was expecting. You could tell they enjoyed working there, and weren't too worried about their image. In true coffeeshops, the coffee should provide enough street-cred.
Thankfully, it did! The espresso was smooth and lacked any bitterness. I used to be a barista and can concur with what Blake S. has said: making espresso is a science, and one can taste the true difference when espresso shots are made correctly.
My boyfriend loved his iced clover coffee, it was very clean tasting and also lacked the bitterness associated with over-roasting.
Minus one star because the place is pretty damn expensive - $5 for an iced mocha. But hell, it's Williamsburg and it was damn good.
second favorite coffee in new york. really great french press. sometimes they fuck up and it's hella bitter. but anyway i spend a lot of money and time here.
If only my laptop worked this would have been a very good spot for it using in Williamsburg. I haven't found a lot of coffee places that I sincerely liked around here. But I think El Beit has potential. They have a sunny wooden patio in the back and spacious room inside. The baristas I must say were friendly. Okay I haven't tried their coffee. I have only gone here twice. But had their tea, sorry I was not in a coffee mood. But as I said I haven't had any good coffee in the burg. I have had coffee in Oslo but that was so long ago that I can't remember, when I was a former dweller of this town. Yes, an update must be done. But from my overall experience everything was good and I am looking forward to trying more of their beverages.
The criticism of this place is totally unwarranted.
To those saying they felt "unwelcome" or "rushed": I spent 3 hours here once having a quiet conversation with a professor over ONE (1) shot of espresso. No one bugged me, I bussed my own table, and I got a lot of smiles from the staff.
To those who find it overpriced: go back to your coffee cart, this is for real aficionados. And you know what? This is New York. The whole city is overpriced, but at least this espresso is *worth* that price. Sure, maybe you can't buy El Beit every damn day, but for every now and then? Hell yes.
The muffins are good too...
Yuppie culture has made an edict: a coffee place can't just be a coffee place, but an "espresso experience" with expert machines and baristas. I'm under the philosophy that above all things, coffee shops should be cosy and have a good ambiance - I'd rather a comfy sofa and a 7/10 lattee than a foam art'd, roasted, steamed 10/10. El Beit doesn't give a "sit down and stay" vibe at all, and the cheapest iced coffee is $4. "But it's gourmet! But they use a Clover machine to make the..." Who cares? I love a good espresso soy drink as much as any other girl with glasses in Williamsburg, but essentially, it's all just coffee.
Also - tiny, tiny cups.
I have been told that their Clover coffee machine costs about $11,000 but I cannot confirm this as a fact.
That being said, it is an awesome coffee robot that complicatedly makes you a delicious cup of coffee. The machine can be adjusted with some kind of robot technology to enhance the different flavors in the coffee, and it really does.
So naturally, a regular cup of coffee is $3.00, which is expensive, but so are robots.
They also do regular espresso drinks and whatnot but come on....robots! Sweet.
Best shot of espresso I've had in the NYC area.
Ok, "best" is relative and Grumpy's was pretty good, this is the fist double espresso where I felt some true repore.
I mean, it wanted to listen to my weekend plans, or how my date the night before went, or to give me a big hug. It was that good and fulfilling.
That feeling is a rare thing and hard to find.
Aside: I almost didn't make it to El-beit but surveying the Bedford strip I walked by and went "OH YEAH, I HAVE TO CHECK THIS PLACE OUT!"
to my friends, and I of course dragged them in and ordered a double.
My uninitiated Aussie friend was forced at forkpoint to try a *real* espresso and how I wished he could have seen his face!
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