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El Beit
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
158 Bedford Ave(between 8th St & 9th St)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Neighborhood: Williamsburg - North Side
(718) 302-1810
- Nearest Transit:
-
Bedford Av (L)
Lorimer St (L)
Metropolitan Av (G)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 10 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 10 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
153 reviews for El Beit
Review Highlights
"I had a purple princess from the Clover for $2.75."
(in 24 reviews)
"The espresso is absolutely delicious."
(in 40 reviews)
"Nice hole in the wall atmosphere with a back patio."
(in 9 reviews)
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153 reviews in English
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Review from Scott R.
Jersey City, NJ
1/31/2012
The beans they brew are top notch. That's why I'm giving them five stars. My only complaint is that they don't do pour overs. Your only option for basic coffee is "french press". They brew the coffee using this method, but it's not as you order it (they brew it in advance and keep a large batch hot).
It's very good coffee. I think it's the best you can get in Williamsburg and it's one of my favorite coffee shops in New York City. They do a good job, but I recommend buying a bag of their beans and brewing the coffee yourself.
The atmosphere is typical for Williamsburg. Everybody is a hipster. If that bothers you, try to look past it and enjoy the coffee. It's worth it.
They also get points for accepting credit cards. -
Review from Carolyn E.
Brooklyn, NY
1/21/2012
I've been to El Beit twice - and I never plan to go back again.
The first time, I could tell right off the bat the staff fit perfectly into the pretentious, hipster stereotype those of us living in Williamsburg try to avoid - not friendly, didn't smile, slow service, and over priced coffee. The latte was good though, and I saw they had free wifi, so I decided to go back to study the next week.
Naturally I ordered a drink before sitting down with my computer - after bussing two tables myself before sitting down (without them offering to clear it at all.) About an hour later my friend joins me, and overhears the baristas talking about me at the counter, saying Id been there a while and they didn't think Id bought anything.
10 minutes later, one of the guys (WHO TOOK MY DRINK ORDER AN HOUR EARLIER) came up to me and said "you know the cafe and wireless is only for customers..." I was so taken a back and insulted, that my friend and I left immediately.
I know this isn't the worst thing that's happened to anyone in a coffee shop - but the whole point of a coffee shop is to have a nice environment to sit peacefully and work for hours on end. I felt so un welcome, that now I walk an extra ten minutes to Atlas Cafe to do work. -
Review from Regina W.
1/10/2012
I've only been here a few times. All of my experiences were so-so. The first time I was hanging out after not getting into a show at the Williamsburg Hall of Music. Another time, I was merely killing time before meeting up with a group at the Brooklyn Bowl. However, I lived in South Williamsburg for awhile and would have come here regularly if the experience was good. It just wasn't.
There are a lot of hipsters here, but who cares? The counter service was hit or miss. I remember once someone was pretty nice but I also remember service that wasn't impressive. It's also really hard to find a good space to sit and get things done. Wifi is free and plugs are also in good supply. It's finding a seat that's a challenge. I think it's more the crowd that the spot itself. I remember being there once sitting in the back across from a couple that seemed to be out on a date. Unfortunately, I could tell from the conversation that they were both actors. Talk about a distractingly bad convo. Their topics weren't very interesting and their observations weren't very insightful (there is a reason I always carry headphones with me).
It's just not a place that's worth trying again after a few very bland or simply irritating experiences. -
Review from Barbie L.
I don't care what my boyfriend says, this place has delicious coffee. The Iced Americano is unmatchable!
PROS
-coffee
-the blueberry corn muffin. so perfect. so good.
-friendly baristas (yes they are hipsters; hipsters need love too.)
-wi-fi free and decent.
CONS
-seating goes goes goes. Park it by or before 10:30am before the regular underemployed filmmakers and writers stake out for the afternoon.
-I no longer live near this neighborhood and can't go there.Listed in: WiFi and Tasty
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Review from Joshua M.
Brooklyn, NY
1/30/2012
Boy Yelpers are a picky bunch.
The coffee here is the best in Williamsburg, unless you want it a bit on the smooth side, then you should head to Oslo or Whirlybird. Both also excellent options.
As to the criticism of the staff: If you don't want to be waited on and surrounded by hipsters don't go out for coffee on Bedford Ave...there are plenty of cheery baristas in midtown. -
Review from Lauren K.
Brooklyn, NY
1/1/2012
Hey... could you maybe get off the phone and start making those 10 orders in front of me so I don't die of caffeine withdrawal? No? Ok.
I wanted a mocha and got a very unapologetic "We're out of chocolate." I think she might have even enjoyed saying this a little bit. -
Review from Marz S.
Brooklyn, NY
1/4/2012
Their coffee is fantastic. Seriously.
Also, their chai and hot chocolate are really out of this world good, and the staff really looks out for regulars. Its a nice place to sit and get a little work done or read a book in the evening. Sometimes gets way to packed and its a good idea to steer clear because both the service and the atmosphere suffer, but other than that I find myself here quite a bit. Also the back patio in the fall is wonderful. -
Review from Jennifer G.
New York, NY
12/13/2011
As you can see from reviews, this is definitely for people who care about their coffee and espresso and isn't for the faint of heart (ie wallet)
I do love an excellent cup of coffee or espresso. The espresso is excellently pulled for both the americano, mocha and single shots.
As of yet, I haven't had any clover coffee, but plan to wander in soon to try.
the mocha is spot on, btw. -
Review from Scott G.
New York, NY
1/14/2012
The shop is adorable, the coffee is amazing... But the people working there are what make this place truly amazing. They than take the worst day of the week and turn it around in an instant. Thanks.
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Review from Joanne L.
11/17/2011
This place seems like a really cute spot.
The service is not very friendly.
The hot chocolate is so tiny and way over priced. -
Review from Mog C.
10/17/2011
After a morning of laundry followed by a heavy (read: Fried Chicken Platter at Jimmy's Diner) late brunch, El Beit had the perfect "I need a pick me up" cappuccino. Almost bitter on the uptake, it rounds off beautifully, providing just the perfect Oohphm necessary to keep us going. The M&M oatmeal cookie was delicious and perfect for sharing for two/accompanying our drinks.
This place is busy and the flow of people in and out probably does provide plenty of people watching. Prices are not cheap but given you're paying for the wifi/hipster barristers/outdoor space, etc, it's about fair pricing. -
Review from Lisa Jane C.
Brooklyn, NY
10/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fine and different.
Was in the neighborhood and wanted to relax. Ordered tea to stay. It was served in a pot and came with cup and saucer - wow! So used to paper cups. It was fairly crowded, even at 10:30 a.m., but sat at the counter near the window. Tea was fine. Restroom was clean. Tea was reasonable at $2.50. Why complain?Listed in: More Coffee, Please
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Review from Stef S.
9/17/2011
No space. Expensive drinks. Obnoxious music. Annoying smokers in the patio seating (since there's nowhere else to sit). Also...
RIDICULOUS HIPSTERS.
The guy behind the counter didn't even know how to print a receipt. It was too much for him to figure out how to use the computer. Are you serious? Are you kidding me?! He ended up scribbling what i ordered on a piece of paper. Sorry, but under no circumstances does scribbling "latte: 4.50" on a piece of scratch paper count as a proper receipt.
Oh, and when I paid for my drink, he said "How ironic... I don't have enough dollar bills, so I'll give you quarters."
Can someone explain how that's ironic to me?
Also the latte sucked. They forgot my order. When I brought this up and they finally made it, the milk exploded all over the counter and it ended up being a shot of espresso with lots of bad foam.
Bleh. -
Review from Whitney E.
Key West, FL
9/29/2011
The coffee's usually good, I'll give them that. However, the one time I tried to do work in there, their wifi was down. I asked them if they could reset the wifi and was met with blank stares. Then the barista went outside for a cigarette. 20 minutes later, still no wifi. I asked them if there was a trick to the wifi (like, I dunno, resetting the router). More blank stares. One of the employees asked the other, "Didn't you reset the router?" "Nah. I had a cigarette." She finally did reset the wifi and it worked...for 10 minutes. I hightailed it out of there.
Infinitely frustrating. Thanks to you, I'm now chasing that americano with a bottle of Cabernet. -
Review from Justin L.
Brooklyn, NY
10/2/2011
The
People
Watching is
Excellent as
Is the outdoor-indoor coffee options. -
Review from LARISA M.
11/26/2011
I was visiting my friend in Williamsburg and took a walk down Bedford and came across this unassuming coffee place. I don't need a lot of fluff in a coffee shop if the coffee is good, but honestly it was just OK. On top of that, the cashier didn't seem too thrilled to help me out and it just made for a very average experience. I'm sure there are a million more coffee shops in Brooklyn that would blow my socks off!
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Review from John W.
7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Shame on me, really. Had some time to kill at the beginning of a 15-mile walk from McCarren Park to Coney Island, was unfamiliar with the neighborhood, so my first impulse was to check the Starbucks app for the nearest Black & Green. Fortunately, the 'bucks has not inserted itself anywhere close to this area, so I had to look for *other* coffee options. This was the first place listed when I did a Yelp search, so I figured...why not.
Boy, was this ever a lucky find! My iced Americano was super-potent, super-smooth, super-fresh. The cranberry scone was nice and dry (but just moist enough), as it should be. The vibe was so laid-back, so ridiculously hipster-punk, so incredibly anti-Starbucks.
I'll be back. -
Review from Sean S.
6/22/2011
The espresso shots I've had here have been somewhat inconsistent. Again as I whine about in various posts, a *lot* depends on the barrista though.
Some of the shots I've had have been four star and some three. I do like the seating area quite a lot. There are booth seats, group seating, and a backyard area.
The verdict: go hear out of convenience, but the real shots in the neighborhood can be found at Blue Bottle. Always perfecto! -
Review from Natasha S.
Brooklyn, NY
12/2/2011
El Beit can El Suckit!
Multiple times (WHY!???) I have tried to like this little coffee shop, and multiple times it has failed me. It's dirty-run by frat boys dirty, not "new york" gritty. The backyard area is unkempt and people smoke a lot back there, which is cool for bars, but 9 AM-nah. They also do not have decaf anything, so ... if you like your coffee dirty smokey and full of caffeine this place is for you. If you want an afternoon cappucino after the first three have created a rattling sensation in you as you walk down the street. There are an abundance of FANTASTIC patisseries and coffee shops that don't have flies on their pastries and smug fart asses behind the counter.
Might I suggest: Blue Bottle or Margo. -
Review from Sarah C.
8/14/2011
Better than average coffee, cozy vibe and good service.
We liked this place a lot - love the neighborhood, the vibe and their baked goods. Their coffee is stronger than most, which alone is worth 3 stars, but combined with all the other factors, 4 stars it is! -
Review from Moon S.
Manhattan, NY
4/23/2011
Get your coffee and get out!!!
That's pretty much the attitude at this shop. They turned the music up so loud, it was pretty obvious they just wanted people to get their coffee and go. A whole bunch of people stood up and either left the building or went to the back courtyard -- too bad it's been raining all day.
Fucking assholes. -
Review from Allan H.
San Francisco, CA
9/13/2011
this place blows. Wtf, they took like 20 mins to fix the wi-fi without any communication to the customers. People were pissed. Also, coffee is alright, but the price I pay... I can get a sandwich with that price(not really though). The coffee is alright. It's just cool cause like 0284023 bunch of hip 20 year olds go there because they don't have jobs, and their parents spoil the crap outta them. Whoop-e. There are a lot of hot chicks in there though.
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Review from Pamela S.
Brooklyn, NY
7/16/2011
This was the first coffee shop that I've been to in ages where I've gotten something baked (their apple muffin) and was pleasantly surprised. It was quite good, nice and moist, tasty. I was already happy then had a shot of espresso, yum!!!
Yep, that's my review. Oh, and the two guys at the counter were super nice. -
Review from Marine B.
New York, NY
4/17/2011
1. "OH SoRRY, WE DON'T HAVE WIFI ON ThE WEEKENDS"
2. Ibiscus tea? No sorry.
3. The music is fun but im really mad about the wifi.
4. Nice outdoor area, probably awesome when you can USE THEIR WIFI -
Review from Houeida A.
Manhattan, NY
7/10/2011
Our order:
Ice Mocha
Cortado
Espresso
Orange and poppy seed cake
The girl at the counter wins the trophy of the most unpleasant person I've interacted with since the beginning of 2011! She was taking our order and talking to someone else on the counter, it took her 3 attempts to get our order right. She also was very dismissive and pretentious which makes the horrible espresso taste even worse! If you ever experienced a real espresso, don't go there for one. The small sparkling Perrier glass served with the espresso reminds you how this kind of place is thriving to look and feel more European, while using chocolate flavored syrup for their iced Mocha and foam milk for the cortado!
The backyard is nice and the orange poppy seed cake was ok. Overall, not worth it. -
Review from Marc B.
Sunnyside, NY
6/16/2011
El Beit is an alright coffee shop, but what really attracts me is the decor and the outdoor area. The restaurant features a quaint outdoor area with two communal tables and three single tables, and you're allowed to smoke there! Theres nothing better than at coffee and cigarettes in a relaxed, quiet outdoor area.
Unfortunately the coffee is nothing to write home about, in fact, being in Williamsburg, it's very hard to match places such as Five Leaves and Blue Bottle, both within walking distance. Still. The service is friendly, the decor is nice, and it's just a perfect place for a conversation over a coffee and a bogie. -
Review from Dan Q.
Brooklyn, NY
10/24/2011
Attitude of the employees is getting intolerable.. used to come here often for the espresso (which is still quite good).
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Review from Re M.
Williamsburg, NY
Updated - 5/7/2011
Thumbs up for them! The 2 guys that were working there really made a difference on my perception today. Thats the way to go folks... keep it going that way!
Its not 5 stars because I really dont like their extremely dark roasted coffee. I only feel the bitterness, no aroma, nothing... Had an americano today and oh god, had to put tons of sugar to make it good and avoid astringency.
Sorry for being so hard to please.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/26/2011
The place has a nice decor and is very comfortable. I really enjoy the way it was designed.
I was… Read more »
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Review from Minger M.
Washington, DC
11/28/2010
Ordered a cup of Organic Ethiopian Clover over ice. ~$4.50. The cup I received was small and PACKED with ice. I've never seen a small cup packed so tightly with ice. After a few sips, the cofffee was gone, leaving nothing but a zillion tiny cubes.
A day later, I'm at Starbucks in Manhattan. I ordered again Ethiopian Organic Clover. $5.17. The venti cup was enormous and less than 20% filled with ice. I estimate by volume I received 5-10 more coffee at the chain place.
Both were good cups of coffee. El Reit's wasn't THAT much better to warrant the stingy serving.
Support local? Not in this case. -
Review from Emma M.
New York, NY
12/23/2010
Ehh. What to say?
I thought the coffee was overpriced the hipsters behind the counter were (and are as I write this) lounging behind the corner, generally ignoring customers. At least the latte was good. The croissant was greasy, though. And not as "fresh" as it was described to be.
There aren't a lot of comfortable seating options, and the place gets pretty full. Mostly backless stools that look like they're designed to ensure a quick turnover on tables. The outdoor patio would probably be nice, but not in the dead of winter.
The Nelly CD they're playing from 2001 is too loud and not ironic enough to be funny, just annoying. I never thought I would have to hear "undale, undale, mami ei-ei" again. Yeesh.
Will I be back? Probably not. -
Review from Will C.
11/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
Picked up a Boylan for $2 after losing the other $0.25 into the cooling machine. You mean it doesn't vend that way?
The counter guy looked displeased, but I think he was displeased to begin with. His general state of being? Displeased. To each his own I guess.
I chilled in the garden surrounded by pairs of girls going on about that week's gossip. I worked on my research for a good 30-40min before my computer ran out of battery (I had forgotten to charge it since I had a long previous night). The smokers also increased exponentially in number around me. I opted to leave. -
Review from Ting S.
10/25/2010
Gluten-free English muffin + bacon butter = plate-licking a.m. treat
Bacon butter, I thought? It consisted of caramelized onions, black pepper, and chunks of sauteed bacon. yum!
Soy options, even for Chai.
A bit pricey, like around $8 for a coffee and a breakfast treat. But then again, sometimes money can buy happiness.
Free WiFi and a back patio. -
Review from Sean L.
Brooklyn, NY
9/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Really nice local coffee shop. The baristas are friendly, and it's truly a neighborhood spot. Plus, their coffee, always made with a French press, is awesome!
They take pride in their coffee, and it shows. -
Review from Jimmie S.
Brooklyn, NY
9/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
My name is Jimmie, and I am a Coffee Addict. This place is just a few blocks away from home and doesn't help my Coffee abuse what so ever. I need help. There's no better sensation than snorting crushed coffee beans.
That being said, this place actually has some really GOOD coffee. Nice hole in the wall atmosphere with a back patio. A very chill and quiet place to relax, read a book, and/or study. Plus friendly staff.
They have a nice assortment of Teas that I have yet to try. But I'm pretty sure they would be bomb as well.
Sincerely,
J-Bone -
Review from Catherine D.
Brooklyn, NY
6/25/2011
I have to say, I used to really resent going to this place. But it's the only cafe in the area (that I know of) that makes a decent coffee AND offers wifi. But the service was so consistently unfriendly (sometimes even rude) and the music so loud that I'd end up feeling annoyed every time I'd go.
The music is often still uncomfortably loud and while I'm pretty open-minded about music there seems to be a regular barista whose taste in music is pretty niche (to put it politely). But the service has definitely improved over the last couple of months, particularly with the influx of some friendly new staff members.
I'll usually sit outside despite the ups and downs of the weather as it's nice to work in the outdoor space, plus it's the only place to get some relief from the noise inside.
However it's great to see this place improving in terms of customer service - the new people working there seem to be making all the difference.
I have to say though that Blue Bottle coffee on North 5th is definitely the better choice if you're looking for a great cup of coffee and friendly staff. The only reason i don't hang out there more is because they don't offer wifi. -
Review from Alexandria V.
Richmond, VA
8/19/2010
My favorite coffee house in Brooklyn, but maybe even all New York. I've had some of the loose leaf teas here (which were standard), but can only vouch for the coffee and espresso. Perhaps it's just me, but most of the espresso-based drinks taste the same at El Beit, Oslo, Gimme, and Joe's. I try to distinguish a difference, but they all taste the same. Anyway, it's good for me because no matter where I go, I can't be disappointed. What makes El Beit one of my favorite coffee houses, though, is the outdoor seating. I used to sit out there on the weekend mornings and just relax. I love that the owner is always there with his family. He's very nice, along with his staff.
Indoor seating can be a bit cramped and uncomfortable, like most New York coffee houses. If you come here on a fair weathered day, sit outside. -
Review from S C.
Brooklyn, NY
10/23/2010
Great coffee place with an outdoor seating in the back. I'm always a fan of outdoor seating. They also have free wifi. Woohoo!
I had a skim latte. Delicious.
Ginger chocolate cookie, different but good. Not too sweet and can taste both ingredients.
Got the chocolate cloud. How can you not get it when it's named chocolate cloud? -
Review from Joseph A.
Brooklyn, NY
4/15/2011
would be 4 if not for the awful pretentious girl working, who tries to take our order while on the phone and provided zero in the way of comfort and rapport (basic customer service etquette...).
ive been before and had great coffee, cookies etc.
alright, 3 and a half when it comes down to it but variety on graham is way better... -
Review from Liz C.
5/18/2010
Noticeably absent conveniences in Williamsburg:
Banks
Gyms
Movie theaters
Low-end gourmet coffee houses; you know, a Starbuck's-
With that in mind, carry cash, and be prepared to drop "three or four dollars" for a cuppa at the reigning caff of Bedford Ave., El Beit. In its defense, this place serves good coffee, friends. The black, black blood of beans, under steam-cream froth, definitely runs through the veins with some primordial vigor.
It's a fine neighborhood coffee-house also with its unobjectionable indie pop loop; one big, worn caramel-leather armchair way in the back; cute, veganesque baristos (who don't work out in the gyms that don't exist); fairly ample seating; and outdoor space. Munch options are pretty limited to starchy snacks; grab a table if you're able, before the laptop nesters descend and occupy until the cows come home.Listed in: The next stop is Bedford…, MacBook Nooks
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Review from Lindsey J.
Brooklyn, NY
7/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really like this place. I do.
