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Prospect Perk Café
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
183 Sterling Pl(between Flatbush Ave & Vanderbilt Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Neighborhood: Prospect Heights
(718) 783-7375
- Nearest Transit:
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Grand Army Plaza (2, 3, 4)
7 Av (B, Q)
Bergen St (2, 3, 4)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
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$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
58 reviews for Prospect Perk Café
Review Highlights
"They focus on fair trade products, which is great."
(in 8 reviews)
"They have solid coffee, and locally baked goods."
(in 7 reviews)
"Good coffee, good bagels and a friendly staff."
(in 6 reviews)
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58 reviews in English
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Review from Monica R.
Brooklyn, NY
1/28/2012
Yes, they have excellent coffee and tea, which, really, is what a coffee shop, especially a small one like this, should focus on. However, I'd feel like a failure if I didn't mention the ROCKIN' grilled cheese I had here. Melty cheese. Buttery bread. Amazing. I didn't want it to end.
I'm also a big fan of the smoothies. And I have to admit I'm not much of a tea drinker, but the amount of teas they have is pretty impressive. -
Review from Maya S.
Brooklyn, NY
1/27/2012
I try to like this place, I really do. I've had so many mediocre or full-on terrible experiences that have made me want to run home and leave bitter angry reviews, but wanting to support a local business and convincing myself it wasn't that bad, I decide against it, go back a few weeks later and the cycle starts again. The coffee isn't great, pastries are hit or miss, they often run out of bagels really early, and the staff often gets flustered and/or confused when it's busy (often resulting in messed up orders).Maybe I've worked at a café for too long to overlook the organizational/staffing issues. Granted, the space is tiny and inevitably awkward, but without a system to take orders and pay, things get confused and I've often had to make an effort to tell them I haven't paid for my food (making it almost too easy to just walk out.)
On a positive note, my boyfriend is a big fan of the smoothies and croissants and the bagels w/ a large variety of cream cheese options are tasty. Oh, and it's right off the subway, which is why I always end up there...stuck in a vicious cycle. -
Review from Athena W.
Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY
11/5/2011
Lived down the street from here for 10 months or so and had never gone in. They are across from the Q/B and I had assumed I would eventually want a coffee before getting on the train but knowing they are cash only I didn't end up going until yesterday.
I saw on my phone I had 5 minutes until the train came and remembered I had cash for once so I went in. I ordered a latte and it was made with equal exchange coffee so that was nice, and they had info out about it too. The girls were nice and moved quickly but not too fast that you have to worry about your lattes quality. Yummy latte that was not overloaded with foam and a good temp.
One star off for cash only and no foam art. Every barista should learn to make a leaf or two, easy way to brighten someone's day and get more tips :). -
Review from Rebeca R.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 1/30/2012
Prospect Perk has been one of my favorite places in the neighborhood for a long time. They are really nice and FAST! which is really important when you are going to work. I have to say that Prospect Perk is one of the few places in NYC where when you buy an iced coffee, you get coffee and not only ice! It's nice and strong also.
In the winter, I love their hot cocao
Have I mention the awesome bagels? I love them!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/21/2009
I love this place for multiple reasons, the most important one is the people who work there because… Read more »
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Review from Steven M.
Brooklyn, NY
1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great coffee. Great food. Great staff. Period. I'd go here over ANY coffee shop in Brooklyn.
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Review from Ricardo B.
Brooklyn, NY
1/31/2012
I like this place, its always fast which I really appreciate. The Joyce bakery can be a long wait especially on a weekend. Its nice that you can sit outside with your non-human friends. The selection of tea is really good as well.
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Review from C G.
New York, NY
12/5/2011
Good coffee, Balthazar pastries, bagels from The Bagel Hole, what's not to love?!
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Review from Alyssa P.
9/28/2011 1 photo
I found myself walking past The Prospect Perk Cafe a couple weekends ago and decided to grab a bite to eat....
Star #1 goes for the decor. The inside of the little cafe is adorable. 4 tables with a few chairs at each, colorful walls with chalk board menus and a nice sized counter to order at.
Star #2 goes to the staff... both gents working when I arrived were super friendly.
Star #3 is for the tea selection... which is huge! So many choices for whichever flavor you're looking for. I had a tea called "Eve's Temptation"... flavors of apple, mango and something else delicious. Awesome cup of tea.
Stars #4 & 5 are absent because of the food. While the panini list looks pretty good... I wasn't too impressed with what I was given. I ordered the #2- Monte Cristo. What I got was too much bread. They put only one slice of ham/turkey/cheese inside the sandwich and grilled it up. The sandwich could have really used another couple slices.. especially for the $ it cost. Overall I just wasn't impressed by the quality I got and the price is cost.
If you find yourself in the neighborhood and craving a cup of tea- definitely stop by the Perk. For food- keep walking. -
Review from Rob H.
Brooklyn, NY
12/12/2011
I stop by this place from time to time. I wish I liked it, but I don't. The service ranges from very friendly (I do like this place!) to mediocre at best. For instance, I walked in this weekend in the morning. I was the only one in the place, with three people behind the counter. Far behind the counter. They all stared at me. Said not a word and made not a move. Sorry to interrupt your chat, I thought I was walking into a business. Most businesses want customers. They didn't.
And the coffee. It sucks. Dark roast? It was dark. Most coffee is. But it was weak and flavorless, tasting more of water than coffee. I threw it out, and I never throw coffee out. No soy milk either.
The tea is good, with a nice selection. -
Review from Sacha M.
Brooklyn, NY
10/28/2011
They have solid coffee, and locally baked goods. By that I mean the locals bake their delicious goods. Try the home made granola bar (The Grass Root Bar).
The biggest attribute is it's friendly staff and personal feel. Sorta feels like the Cheers of cafes ( I would be Norm). Great place to get to know neighborhood characters in an unpretentious setting.
If you want to "study" or "work" go to the library. This place is for coffee. -
Review from Jon S.
New York, NY
8/30/2011
I live pretty much next door to this place, so I could come here often, but I don't, not because it's not good, but I just never find the time when they're open. But I came in on Saturday for a pre-hurricane smoothie, and it was REALLY good, if a little on the expensive side ($5.50).
I came back on Sunday for a post-hurricane smoothie (oh, did something happen? I must have missed it!) and they had run out of OJ, but they had apple juice for it, and that was better than I thought it was.
The bagels are good the two times that I've gone over in the morning before leaving for work, but I'm not much of a breakfast person, or else I'd be there more.
Another disadvantage in my mind is that they don't take cards - I try to live as much of a cash-free lifestyle as I can. -
Review from Tanda M.
10/26/2011
Had lunch here today! Service was rather speedy. The place was clean. Although a little claustrophobic in there. SMALL! Also a bit pricey. 2 Paninis and 2 iced teas....$21! Seriously? A bit much for even Park Slope Brooklyn. Easy location and nice staff. Just small and pricey. By the way, my Panini was "ok". The bread was alot "crunchier" than I expected it to be, but made nicely and to my specifications. Decided against a scrumptious baked good after they damn near cleaned out my bank account for lunch...kidding...but still...pricey.
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Review from Rose N.
Brooklyn, NY
1/27/2012
I've been coming to Prospect Park for years. First of all they have amazing Fair Trade Coffee, I like drinking coffee without feeling guilted to think about drinking a tall cup of slavery. So many people have terrible taste in coffee and they go to starbucks for some acidic over-roasted burned coffee beans. The Dark Roast coffee at prospect perk hits the same spot that dark chocolate does for me. I don't know how to describe it any other way, other than sounding like one of those pricks who sniffs wine and sloshes it around in a glass for 45 minutes. They also carry an amazing Lady Grey Tea, which I have never been able to find anywhere else, Earl Grey and real lavender! It gives you the caffeine jolt and then smoothes it down and relaxes you at the same time. Also they have really great sandwiches, I like the veg-enini, roasted veggies and goat cheese mmmmm!!! The staff is always friendly, they always keep a fair amount of good looking competent employees around. I'm glad places like this exist in the neighborhood. Don't any of these other yelp pricks blow it for you. Go in there, and if you have a problem, tell the manager. Don't try to destroy a good business! Keep it alive, one of the best coffee shops in NY.
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Review from sylvia w.
Brooklyn, NY
12/10/2011
Friendly staff. Delicious food and drinks. Great atmosphere.
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Review from Seth O.
Brooklyn, NY
10/26/2011
The coffee is mediocre, the staff uninterested, and it's a terrible place to study or do work due to their lack of restrooms and outlets. If you aren't going to accommodate people who want to hang out for a while, you've got to at least bring the quality beverages...
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Review from tim h.
Brooklyn, NY
12/11/2011
This is a pleasing neighborhood place with outdoor benches that get great sunlight in the morning. I really want to love this place because it is a small neighborhood business, and I would assume from the decor that the owners and cool and quirky. I love the homeyness. The coffee, however, is not all that great compared to other places in the neighborhood. And I find that I am usually helped by a woman who is on the grouchy and resentful side. And I find the service to be pretty slow. But, I'll still go there for the sunlight, the benches, the excellent bagels. If things get better I'll change this review, because I am really rooting for them.
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Review from Elizabeth B.
Brooklyn, NY
8/16/2011
Cute place, with the kind of Park Slope vibe that made me ashamed of the plastic Target shopping bags I carried. My Monte Cristo panini was OK, the chocolate chip peanut butter cookie was better.
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Review from Suzie Q.
Brooklyn, NY
2/23/2011
They have solid bagels here. Unfortunately they don't come in until later in the morning. Also, I've been here early enough to suspect that food sits in the display case longer than it should. (But maybe that's common everywhere?) All in all, I haven't been blown away by the food here.
Staff is always very friendly. Outdoor seating is nice when it's warm. -
Review from ib B.
Brooklyn, NY
6/13/2011
i went to this place for the first time today. coffee was ok, service was good..until...i was hoping to work a little bit and meet a colleague for coffee..but left and went to healthy nibbles which was so much better.
i ask guy behind counter when they close.....he says 8pm but they are leaving at 7:30pm. He then starts to tell me that they ask customers to be considerate about using wifi and where they sit. (i was sitting at a table for four - the only table open when i walked in).. he continues to say its a small business.. i point out that the place is empty and when i walked in it wasn't... i am cordial and say i understand. sit down for 5 minutes and pack up my stuff.
you turned me off prospect perk a-hole. next time don't alienate the only person sitting in your cafe. as i said coffee was ok - so there's plenty of other places i'll go to. -
Review from Elizabeth R.
Brooklyn, NY
4/21/2011
This is such a great little gem, I wish I didn't live on the other side of the park. Fantastic coffee and great food. I love all the still shots that are for sale on the wall. Best wait staff and right near the train station. Keep up the great work guys!
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Review from Wally M.
Brooklyn, NY
8/21/2011
This fantastic coffee and food shop has tons of character and a welcoming atmosphere. The baristas get the job done during heavy traffic just as well as at down time. They sell fair trade coffee, have benches out front, and usually have a dog bowl handy for thirsty pooches. Their treats go from sweet to savory and the coffee is adequate. I usually lace it with espresso to add the kick. And whether you're perusing the local art on the walls or checking the bulletin board for events and services, there will always be a fetching playlist soundtrack to lead you through.
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Review from Christine Y.
Washington, DC
7/6/2010
I went with my vegan buddy, and they had something for both of us: croissants for me, and bagels/vegan cream cheese for him. Yay!
Unfortunately, the almond croissants are obscenely sweet and drenched in almond extract. Maybe stick to plain or chocolate.
Who knows what the coffee is like mid-afternoon, but I had a Guatemalan at around 6:30am. FRESH and mad delicioso.
Plus, the employees are chill and friendly!
Yep, I could easily make this my daily coffee run. -
Review from Philly B.
Los Angeles, CA
9/16/2008
My best friend, her roommate and I stopped by Prospect Perk for lunch, since it is located only a few blocks from their apartment. For an unassuming little cafe, their food sure hits the spot! I got the turkenini, a panini with smoked turkey, asiago cheese, and tomatoes. It took about ten minutes to be served (a warning posted on the menu for all of their panini offerings) but it was more than worth the wait.
Two huge selling points: (1) The panini was super hot and fresh, and remained warm for the duration of my meal, and (2) there was a pleasing (rather than overwhelming) amount of each ingredient. Not too much turkey, cheese, or tomatoes -- just enough to satisfy my taste buds without drowning them. A sandwich and an iced tea cost me around eight bucks. Delicious, inexpensive, and supporting local business: it doesn't get much better than that. -
Review from Sabrina w.
New Haven, CT
9/3/2008
This spot used to be a real estate office. When they closed I could not imagine that this gem of a cafe would emerge. They have great coffee. They feature interesting fresh brewed blends daily. I can not say enough about their selection of muffins, cookies and scones. My favorite are the scones. At times I am tempted buy something chocolatety. Go for the brownies. As for their prepared foods, the quiche is quite tasty. I had an egg salad sandwich once. I plopped down and devoured it right there in front of the store. Not very lady like but damn that sandwich was good!! The menu changes daily so visit often.
Downside. Table hogs who insist on reading their newspaper for hours on end and those laptop freaks who come to look important. Isn't that what Starbucks is for? -
Review from emily h.
Brooklyn, NY
8/24/2009
Teeny little cafe, but extremely friendly staff, pretty good (iced) coffee, pretty good almond croissant from Balthazar.
It's definitely one of those places that could highly benefit from a larger location - especially with an obvious array of regulars, moms, pairs, etc. It's a place I could see myself lingering (and buying delicious baked goods and coffee) if it was a touch bigger.
But, if I'm in the neighborhood, which happens, I'll definitely head here. Especially when I'm debating between here and Heights Coffee. -
Review from Craig R.
Brooklyn, NY
10/14/2009
Tiny cafe with really good organic coffee and some vegan options to boot. I'll usually stop by after the morning rush, as it tends to get a bit claustrophobic. The staff is super friendly, and you have the choice of dark or medium roast most of the time.
They also have vegan cinnamon rolls (!!) , muffins and peanut butter bars. A great place to stop before your trek through the park / library.Listed in: Brooklyn Vegan, Brooklyn Coffee
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Review from Lauren C.
Seattle, WA
10/2/2007
This place is perfectly cute. A nice selection of loose-leaf teas, environmentally-friendly coffee, an unpretentious atmosphere, fresh baked goods and sandwiches--everything I want in a coffee shop. I only had some (really good) green tea, a kick-ass brownie, and a sandwich, but I'll be going again soon to sample more. The only thing that was off was the sun-dried tomato, proscuitto and cheese sandwich--just too many salty things on one sandwich, though the quality of the ingredients was apparent.
If, upon my return visits, the other sandwiches prove better than the aforementioned, I could definitely give this place 5 stars. -
Review from Ava E.
2/23/2011 26 Check-ins Here
Damn, I was open off of that muffin I had a couple of weeks ago so I was looking forward to trying Prospect Perk again. I was like ooo, the soup and panini selection looks great...can't wait.
The plan was set....hit the gym, grab lunch at PPC and hop skip to the next destination. Stepped up to the register and ordered the tuscanini (prosciutto, pesto, sun dried tomato, and asiago cheese) and a tomato bisque. First of all, there were only 2 people working and the itty bitty cafe walls were slowly closing in on me and my panini took even longer to make as the crowd swarmed in. Second and third, there were no more sun dried tomatoes for my sandwich and no more tomato bisque. Why didn't I exit stage left at this point? Sigh, I settled on lentil. Then the tomato bisque magically appeared...WTF? The barista must've had a long night....
My panini was so damn salty. The asiago and prosciutto mix definitely did not marry together. The lentil soup on the other hand had no salt and no flavor so I enjoyed neither one of my dishes. Sorry PPC, but my mature palette is no match for you. So glad I didn't pay for this meal but on the bright side, I will be back for another delicious pear muffin. -
Review from H R.
Brooklyn, NY
7/29/2010
I recently moved nearby and am on the hunt for some good coffee shops. After being disappointed by the other few places I went to, I didn't have much hope.
However, I was pleasantly surprised when I went here for the first time today. I ordered an iced coffee with soy. The brew was fresh (I went there around 7pm) and had a nice balance - it wasn't too strong and it was flavorful. I like that I was asked exactly how I liked my drink - dark, more soy, etc. and they made sure to make it that way. Wow. Someone who actually cares about what the customer wants!
Their vegan cupcakes and cookies are delicious.
The atmosphere is relaxed. Stop by if you're in the neighborhood. -
Review from Jenee R.
Brooklyn, NY
3/1/2011
Another great tea spot that I just can't get enough of. They focus on fair trade products, which is great. I love to know that my money is going to eco friendly and social cause conscious products. I have had issues with the sometimes unfriendly staff here, but everyone's allowed to have a bad day sometimes in New York. I love their grilled cheese paninis too. Great outdoor benches to hang out on a nice sunny day. Highly recommend this place. I am on my way for a cup of yummy tea now actually!
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Review from Sam M.
Brooklyn, NY
12/22/2009
Good coffee, good pastries, and the extra star is for the surprisingly good other options: sandwiches and smoothies.
Not a great place to sit and work, it's pretty small, but I like the food and the coffee, and an expansive tea selection to boot. -
Review from Simon E.
New York, NY
2/19/2011
Who can argue with a no-frills neighborhood coffee shop with delicious coffee (every time), friendly service, reasonable prices, and the by far the best bagels around? And if you get there early enough, they even have bialys (Yes, I looked it up, and that really is how you spell the plural of bialy). When I moved to the neighborhood, this place was run by mean miserable people, and I avoided it for a couple years. The current owners didn't change the name or the appearance, but it is a completely different place, and we are very lucky to have it. None of the pretension of so many really good (and bad) coffee shops. You won't get the high-octane kick of Gorilla Coffee, but you also won't get the line, the attitude, the owner-staff politics, etc. etc.
The pastries are respectable, as well, and the smoothies (though I'm no expert here) are delicious. -
Review from prisci m.
Brooklyn, NY
8/25/2010
Stumbled upon this place while walking to Grand Army Plaza. Super Cute love the vibes. Great options I had an Eves Temptation tea and a piece of red velvet cake (pretty dry and way to sweet). The menu looked delectable, organic/vegan options which is a plus. a bit pricey but nice overall
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Review from La Toya L.
Brooklyn, NY
3/22/2009
Tasty iced coffee. Yummy cookies and pastries! Delicious teas.
if you go at the right time with a friend or two, you can sit inside the cozy little dine-in area. When it's warm enough, you can sit on a little bench outside, or walk around [namely toward the library and park] . The staff is never rude and the music they play rocks. It's normally some of their indie band friends.
It's a great way to end a day out with friends or start one! -
Review from Angelique A.
Ozone Park, NY
11/1/2010
I stumbled on this cute little coffee shop today when I was searching for coffee on my GPS. The woman here was very friendly and she made the perfect latte for me. I will definitely be going back for my caffeine fix.
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Review from megan w.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2007
The kind of cafe you wish was in every neighborhood you ever have to walk around in, so you can refresh yourself with inexpensive coffee, bohemian employees, a free weekly paper, and worn hardwood floors. Extremely friendly counter people and neighborhood regulars.
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Review from Aimee O.
Manhattan, NY
7/20/2009
even though the place is so tiny that i probably couldn't do a full spin with my arms stretched out to the sides, i dig prospect perk because they've got amazing cookies ... such a huge selection that includes chocolate chip, peanut butter, some oatmeal cranberry concoction, ginger, etc. i've also sampled their red velvet cupcakes and scones, but i've learned that the cookies are where it's at. favorites include the chocolate chip - of course, that's a given - and ginger. they're actually my favorite ones in the 'hood since they're decently-sized, a bit crunchy on the outside but chewy in the inside.
*drooollll*
not sure if the baked goods are made in-house but they've got this community-ish, flea market vibe that i really spark to - this includes how they only sell fair trade and organic coffee. i don't think i'll ever take my laptop and/or stay to read a book here because i'd probably die of claustrophobia, but i definitely see a bunch of peeps taking advantage.
also, gotta love their yummy chai tea lattes ... a cute gem to have in the area.Listed in: heights. prospect heights.
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Review from Caroline C.
Brooklyn, NY
1/22/2009
This is such a cute cafe with a friendly staff that makes one of the best iced (or non-iced) chai tea lattes!! i never tried their coffee but i always get my iced tea latte from them. And, the prices are pretty good - not like the crazy Manhattan prices. I also had the proscuitto sandwich, which was good but salty as expected, with the sun dried tomatoes. I'm so glad I live only 3 blocks from here.
Listed in: My Fav Park Slope Eats/Drinks
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Review from april d.
NY
1/23/2009
Really a great neighborhood spot. Lots of relaxing regulars, usually a small line for to go in the morning, but never a hassle. Nice people running the spot, and good fresh baked goods (Balthazar, I think). I'm not much of a coffee person, but they have enough teas and hot chocolate to satisfy me. It seems they support lots of neighborhood artists as well. I know theres lots of coffee options in the neighborhood, but I think prospect perk is the best. Oh, I also live right upstairs. Does that make me biased? Perhaps. I will now go downstairs and get a panini while I ponder this.
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Review from Lisa D.
11/25/2008
Cute name, cute place, cute mini-bagels. Eager to please counter-people and socially responsible fair-trade policy. Their house blend dark roast is too bitter, acidic, and over-roasted for my taste; the Guatemalan medium roast is more suitable to my palate. They also offer an impressive array of teas.
Listed in: The Best of North Slope, Daily Grind for the Daily…
