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Categories: Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches, Music Venues
Neighborhood: Boerum HillNevins St (2, 3, 4, 5)
Atlantic Ave-Pacific St (2, 3, 4, 5, M, N, Q, W, R, B, D)
Fulton St (G)
Mon-Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sat. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Flying Saucer is an excellent and classic coffee shop. Some say it has a "college town" vibe, but that's not bad at all. Very nice, pleasant and they have a great backyard. And excellent staff.
Only minor complaint is they sometimes run out of bagels and pastries fairly early in the day. But that depends on the day and the delivery.
Overall a great neighborhood hang out.
I really really want to love this place. It looks like an average 90s coffee shop, with quirky furniture and fun paint. It plays all of my favorite music. They have nutella/banana paninis and cheapish coffee. The counter staff is always really nice, very chill- definitely has a relaxing vibe.
There is always room to sit (on a couch or with your computer at a table), and there is free wifi. The backyard's not bad either.
So why am I sitting in a different cafe right now? It's the little things- the air conditioning is rarely on (if they have it), the wifi is sometimes spotty, and the hours can be a little unreliable. So it's my favorite cafe in the 'hood, but when I'm already hungover and trying to focus, it can just be a little too much of a hassle.
I came here for a friend's reading on a rainy Tuesday. As I was walking along Atlantic, admiring the new storefronts, I dreamt of a bagel and chai, the perfect coffeeshop dinner (yes, I like bagels for dinner). I vaguely recalled prior visits, the prior summer, where the bagel sandwiches were particularly good.
So I walked in the door to find an almost empty café. I asked the guy behind the counter for a chai. "A what?" he asked. "A chai and - ." He interrupted me with, "You mean chai tea or chai latte?" "Chai latte, and -" He interrupted me again. "No food." "What?" I asked. "Kitchen's closed. When Ivan comes he'll open the kitchen again." "Um, I can't just get a bagel?" I asked. "Yeah, I can give you a bagel just like that." I looked at their bagel sandwich menu. That was not part of my vision of coffeeshop dinner when I walked over, and I said no.
Who closes the kitchen just before their replacement comes? Even if it's that's the shop's policy, it's not a reason to be rude to customers, and, well, it's downright weird.
To top that off, as I'm sititng down, the counter guy goes, "Why did you look shocked?" I mumbled, I figured it wouldn't be that hard to toast a bagel, not in the mood to get into it with him - especially since he was still holding onto my frothy chai. He said, "What?" Was this guy itching for a coffeeshop brawl? His aggressiveness was very offputting and entirely out of place.
So finally I sit down with my chai, ready to do a little work prior to my friend's reading. A long list of locked networks appeared. "What's the wireless network here?" I ask. "Not working," the dude said. Perfect.
And then he played that song Birthday Sex really loud. Not sure if that made things better or worse.
This place is good, but not great - however the potential to be great or near-to is there. Decor is relaxed worndown cool, garden out back is nice, staff is very nice. They have Free-WiFi which is a must. Pastry-wise all they had was 2 muffins and some bagels, that is it. I would love this place if they had some more options, croissants, etc. Hello? You can use croissants on sandwiches too, and you can buy the pre-made so no baking... Last comment I'd say is the floors could use something, a throw rug, anything. I'm all for laid back rough around the edges chic, but it just is exposed chipboard floor, nothing more.
All this place needs is a little love and effort put into it, and its an easy 4+ star coffee shop in an awesome part of Brooklyn.
Yes, it's adorable inside.
However, the coffee tastes so watered down, it can barely be considered coffee. They had no baked goods or any snacks on display -- in the middle of a Saturday. I found that a little strange. It just seemed like I was inconveniencing them by coming in and ordering something.
great little spot. laid back atmosphere. patio out back. coffee is good and cheap. bagels and muffins are just okay. good seating options: sometimes you feel like a couch, and other times you want a wooden chair/desk combo.
This part of Brooklyn is saturated with cute local cafes, but for some reason, Flying Saucer seems to rise above the average.
The pros: Really good coffee. Very fair prices. Delicious, affordable paninis and sandwiches. Free wifi. An adorable backyard. Generally friendly staff.
The cons: Service tends to be pretty slow (though if you're not in a hurry, the pace seems just right for a laid back coffee shop). Wifi is unreliable at times.
All in all, I'd say this is the best cafe in Boerum Hill--especially if you need a place to sit, which Victory, sadly, does not have.
i really love the decor in this place, let me start off by saying that, it's so comfy that the quality of food/service/anything is completely inconsequential, i would hang out here, i would try to read "the brothers karamazov" for the fifth time here.
so, there was only one woman working, oh but she was the cutest woman. she somehow managed to make a hairnet endearing, wait was it a hairnet or a prop from madonna's "take a bow" video or was it a gift from spain? either way, this chick had all the time in world and was sweet as could be. she must have sensed our impatience, the line of people at the counter but none of it phased her. you go, girl. but seriously, she couldn't have done less multi-tasking and the order in which she was preparing our food and brewing coffee and ringing us up was all wrong...adorably wrong.
ok so the service was unbearably slow...what else? the food was ok, my bagel was pretty good and the coffee was pretty good but nothing special. i feel like the flying saucer serves you the food you could make at home but are too lazy to.
Another dimly lit coffee shop with mismatched furniture and free wifi in Brooklyn, except the wifi is down today. oh! and they are out of soymilk. My coffee was okay but my muffin was old to the point of greasy. The bathroom was clean, though. I am starting to loose faith in the coffee shops around this area..
Great coffee. Nice service. Very pleasant and friendly workers.
I've never been a big fan of coffee, but a couple of weeks ago I stepped into Flying Saucer and simply asked for a large coffee with milk. It cost me a buck seventy-five (not bad at all) and it was, by far, the best coffee I'd ever had. Not too bitter, just strong enough. With a splash of milk, it was perfect.
I usually visit the place once a day and I've encountered a few different workers, every one of them have been nothing but pleasant and kind. Service is quick.
Typical coffee shop atmosphere, dark and cozy. Wi-fi access, though not terribly reliable.
Very nice feel.
Though I will say this, as far as pastries goes, there isn't much. It seems like no matter what time of day I go there, I never see more than one or two muffins (wrapped in plastic but not labeled, so I have no idea what kind they are), a few cookies, and a small bowl filled with energy bars.
I have seen the workers make sandwiches (simple enough) for other customers but I haven't tried any.
Over-all, great place to go. Nice atmosphere. Good coffee. My favorite coffee in the neighborhood.
"Dear Flying Saucer Cafe,
We would like to thank you for screwing up your drinks so badly that one of your neighbors has decided that even our burned up beans (but burned in a consistent, predictable way) are better than yours.
She mentioned something about an unsolicited doseage of chemical sugar syrup so massive that one sip burned the skin off the roof of her mouth. You might want to get your legal team to look over your training manual before one of your counter-jockeys kills a diabetic.
Love,
Starbucks."
The decor is nice, if a little kitschy (I do appreciate the chess table). The patio outside is worth checking out.
The coffee? Meh. Average - nothing special.
As for the food... if you order a sandwich/panini, don't get it on ciabatta bread. I ordered two different sandwiches with ciabatta on two separate occasions and both times it tasted like roofing shingles. I'm not sure where they're getting that bread from but the stuff is stale, bland, and rock-hard.
Flying Saucer reminds me of the local coffee shop from college. Mismatched furniture, laid back vibe, barista's choice of music.
I like to chill outside with a drink and a sandwich. Personally, I love the Nutella Panini. Free Wi-Fi is a plus. There are always ppl there typing away.
Bathroom is clean; something unusual for a coffee place.
My favorite cafe. They make the most amazing latte and tunafish paninis!!!
I'd love to own a second home. Hey -- I'd love to own a first home. But since neither of those scenarios seem to be in my cards at any point in the near (or distant) future, I instead frequent the Flying Saucer Cafe and pretend that I own the place.
That said, I'd like to invite you all over for a drink (of the caffeinated, non-alcoholic sort, that is). Please -- make yourself at home! There are plenty of chairs and comfortable couches and tables for everyone. Or take a seat in the garden. Oh, and of course you can use our Internet! The wi-fi is free, and we've got, just to keep all of you Mac-toting visitors happy, plugs galore.
Thirsty? Might I recommend an iced mint tea? Our coffee can be hit or miss, but the tea's a sure sell. We've got tasty hot sandwiches, too, and Nutella panini if you're in the mood for decadence.
Those board games? Oh, sure. They're yours for the playing.
What? What's that? I'm a good hostess? Oh, stop.
Don't know about this place... The garden is nice, it's kind of comfy inside. And the service is really friendly, BUT...
They buy Gorilla Coffee, but they make it really bad. Not sure how, but that's just the case. Then, this place has no AC and is cooking during the day. Outside in the backyard - bugs. The selection is pretty bland, wish there were more options and it's pretty pricey.
Wifi is nice, but the surroundings are not so fly.
I love this place. If I lived closer, this would be "my" coffee shop. It's cozy, well decorated (the posts are covered in comic book pages!! the bathroom with postcards!), has wifi, and of course-great food and coffee.
I highly recommend the Paddington Bear Sandwich-my absolute favorite. Brie cheese, apples, and orange marmalade. Sure, it's simple, but it's comfort food and it's just what I want after the hustle and bustle of the atlantic terminal.
Oh, and they support local artists-it's always fun to check out their walls.
great place, laid back, great coffee, and it's all reasonably priced. they're really friendly there and will bring you food out to you when it's ready. try the veggie burger if you go, it's SUPER filling and very tasty.
I love the look of this place. I would definitely like to go back on a rainy day with a book and just sit and drink something other than coffee....
The coffee wasnt bad...just a little too starbucky for my taste.
They have a nutella creation i need to try too!
Free wifi is great!
Super kitsch decor including chalk boards on the walls support beams decoupaged with comics (really awesome look, I may consider this for my own apt if Ryan C. consents). There's an adorable little garden out back that I didn't sit in, but will definitely check out if I return. I didn't feel like this place was too cool for me which is a feeling I get in trendier coffee shops. The friendly staff definitely contributed to the welcoming ambiance.
They serve Tazo Chai (the same kind as Starbucks) which I find extremely tasty as it isn't grainy at the bottom and doesn't hate to be heated first so you don't get the melted ice cube issue.. They also feature a variety of coffees, teas (free trade and organic, included) and food items (which I should have paid more attention to- I remember they serve crepes).
Good coffee, good bagels, comfy, relaxed atmosphere and a cute outdoor space. I always feel like I'm back in college again...
Hello and thank you to those of you who reviewed our coffee shop, we appreciate your comments, suggestions, and (hopefully frequent) visits. In the last six months, our new management is striving to create a relaxing and enjoyable spot for our friends and neighbors. New additions include a variety of locally produced eats and drinks; community art and events; free wi fi; and a sprucing up of the once white-plastic ridden garden.
All-natural Fizzy Lizzy sodas have replaced Coca Cola, and the Lopez family of South Park Slope now supplies our tasty pastries and bread. Our staff hand-squeezes honeymade lemonade, and our homemade and vegan peanut butter cups hold a prominent spot in the old-school deli case. Last, but not least, homemade spinach pie has made a name for itself on this block all the way from Nevins Street to 3rd Avenue!
Local artists have been introduced to our walls and our walls to their art. Our microphone has met local bands, usually during weekend brunch. And, Monday nights play host to Open Mic Night - which began in July and will continue every Monday until our neighbors beg for mercy. Thursday nights are our personal favorite, Free Movie Night! Projecting an array of films from classic to current, documentary to fantasy, its a good end-of-the-week chill out session and an intro to the newly bustling weekends. Free movie, free popcorn, all in our peaceful Garden (or inside if its rainy).
Thanks again for visiting! If you haven't been, the turtles in our garden would love to say hi to you from their very own bathtub, and our staff is sure to entertain you with iced coffee-shaking contests.
Much thanks to our amazing customers and keep the comments and suggestions coming,
The Flying Saucer Cafe (owners, staff, and turtles)
P.s. We rated ourselves a 4 because we are always looking for ways to improve. Besides, had we been able to achieve perfection at our first try then we might as well be running the world instead of a coffee shop.
The coffee and food here is just ok. A bit on the expensive side, if I remember correctly. small and comfy on the inside.. but the tables are wobbly. outback is a cute little garden. they have books and games, but the games are all missing pieces :( .
I really, really wanted to love this place. It's cute. I love the neighborhood. The staff is really friendly and helpful but it's so hot in there during the summer and not worth the walk during the winter.
The panini sandwiches are rushed and no matter how many times I ask them not to put bacon on my sandwich they always do. The salads are pathetic. The coffee is bad, but the specialty teas and espresso are pretty good (better than Starbucks at least).
If you're looking for a quiet place to read and get a cup of tea this may be OK, but go somewhere else for a meal.
Great place to sit and hang out. Not a destination for the coffee, but the tea is good and they have a fridge with Odwalla drinks, so you won't go thirsty. While the baked goods are hit or miss, the toasted sandwiches are very good. The staff doesn't fawn over you but I've never had snide or surly service, either. It's great just to have a place where no one is rushing you and you can relax. I may wish they had more of those comfortable chairs, but... In a world that is stuffed with Starbucks, it's nice to find an alternative (other than a diner, that is...)
Again, I wish that yelp allowed for half stars. Flying Saucer was just slightly better than A-OK, but i'm not enough of a fan to go out of my way to come here.
I agree with the assessment that it is reminiscent of a college coffee shop. The decor, the plateware, the spoken word sessions... all you need is an immediately accessable college.
I appreciate the diversity in sandwich choices. I wish they offered rice milk for those of us who can't manage dairy or soy, but that's really a pipe dream of mine.
Been here a couple times over the summer while waiting for my laundry to be done next door (see: Atlantis SuperWash). It's a very cute cafe with comfy couches and nice people-watching window spots. A good lazy Saturday afternoon kind of place. Unfortunately the coffee isn't too great and the menu is rather limited. My friend had a hard time downing her espresso once. But I like the neighborhood and the relaxed vibe here -- a good place to read and study, if they're not playing loud emo music.
I am presently eating the best tuna melt I've ever chowed. And the coffee's good.
Nice, sunny, chill and even tranquil setting for some Gorilla bean coffee. Never ordered a bite there but if setting's your thing, you can hardly go wrong to duck into this diverting little boho nook to escape hectic Atlantic.
This is a fantastic place to sit around and do nothing on one of those days that you just feel like being alone, out of the house, somewhere that you can sit and do nothing. (Not that you can't/shouldn't bring friends). It's mostly empty all day, and there are a couple of couches and all kinds of regular chairs. They serve some decent teas (looseleaf and bags), and have a bookshelf in the back with some games and books. The staff are nice and the bathroom is clean.
Previous reviewer said, "They buy Gorilla coffee and make it bad, not sure how..." That pretty much sums up this place to me. By the way don't get the soup, it sucks.
Nice place to hang out. The staff is friendly, and the food is great. I have only 2 complaints; fist, the coffee is too bitter, and the lighting needs work, it's too dark in there. Perhaps they could use low-watt screw-in florescents.
This place is in a rather convenient spot in boreum hill near Atlantic where nearly all the subway lines meet. It's a little dark inside, but the people who work there are friendly enough to brighten it a bit. There are couches and oddly plastic patio style tables in the back. but once again, im all about the free wifi. They are open till 9 on weekends and 8 on weekdays. check it out. it's more like 2.5 stars.
Very nice staff and pleasant ambiance. Free WiFi to boot.
Neighborhood: Boerum Hill
Category: Coffee & Tea
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