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Flying Saucer Cafe

4 star rating
based on 11 reviews

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Boerum Hill
494 Atlantic Ave
(between 3rd Ave & Nevins St)
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 624-0139
  • Nearest Transit:

    Nevins St (2, 3, 4, 5)

    Atlantic Ave-Pacific St (2, 3, 4, 5, M, N, Q, W, R, B, D)

    Fulton St (G)

  • Hours:
    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.
  • Price Range: $
  • Accepts Credit Cards: No
  • Parking: Street
  • Attire: Casual
  • Good for Groups: Yes
  • Good for Kids: Yes
  • Take-out: Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: Free
  • Alcohol: None

11 Reviews for Flying Saucer Cafe

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Photo of Jaclyn A.

 

1

20

Jaclyn A.

Brooklyn, NY

5 star rating
05/01/2008

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.

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Photo of Krissy G.

 

88

59

Krissy G.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
02/19/2008

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.

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Photo of Brodi B.

 

0

14

Brodi B.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
04/21/2008

I moved to the neighborhood a couple months ago and have been stopping by the Flying Saucer every week or two....so here are my thoughts:

The digs are nice with an old americana-kitch feel to it (old Memphis postcards in the bathroom for example) and the walls are colorful and usually decorated with some lacal artist's work. Certain tables are a bit too dark to do any reading and AC outlets tend to be a hot commodity, so when someone leaves a table that's next to a window or outlet, you'll see people jumping for it like vultures.

The staff is by no means the coffee connoisseur type as they pretty much stick to knowing what they need to know (pouring coffee and makin sandwiches), and will eventually crack a smile. Don't get me wrong, they're not rude, but they don't put in a whole lot of effort. Except of course a very attentive woman that's really on top of her game - because she's one of the owners, of course. When she's around everyone else seems to be a bit more awake.

Coffee is pretty darn good - tends to be a light roast which goes down smooth with no heartburn. The sandwiches are EXCELLENT, especially the chicken curry and the paninis. I was very disappointed with the muffins as they're overbuttered and not extremely fresh.

Some features I love are:
- the outdoor garden (is always open)
- cafe setting with couches at the entrance
- live jazz on Sunday afternoons
- you get coffee in real mugs and not paper cups (coffee just tastes so much better in a porcelain mug)...and there are no two mugs alike, they're all different sizes, shapes, colors which adds to the colorful vibe of the place.

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Photo of Chris C.

 

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38

Chris C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
04/18/2008

I am presently eating the best tuna melt I've ever chowed. And the coffee's good.

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Photo of Jennifer S.

Elite '08

172

345

Jennifer S.

Rego Park, NY

4 star rating
12/30/2007

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!

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Photo of Emily S.

 

0

1

Emily S.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
07/27/2007

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.

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Photo of haley p.

Elite '08

107

306

haley p.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
06/16/2007

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).

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Photo of Jeff M.

 

9

94

Jeff M.

Brooklyn, NY

3 star rating
07/03/2007

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.

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Photo of Oh K.

 

4

50

Oh K.

New York, NY

4 star rating
04/23/2007

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.

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7

b e.

Brooklyn, NY

3 star rating
03/24/2007

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.

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Photo of J ..

 

1

12

J ..

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
04/25/2007

Very nice staff and pleasant ambiance.  Free WiFi to boot.

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