Top 5: Coffee Shops in Williamsburg, BrooklynBy Angelica Malin
I didn’t really drink coffee until I moved to America. But it’s basically illegal to live in the States and NOT be obsessed with coffee. It’s an important culture touchpoint, so obviously I’ve had to get with the programme. I’m well-versed in the best coffee shops in Williamsburg, having been on maternity leave the last few months, getting out the house and reading in a local coffee shop with a sleeping baby has been my personal saviour. Here’s my top 5 best coffee shops in Williamsburg and why:
Best Coffee Shops in Williamsburg
1. Best freelancer-friendly coffee shop: Copper Mug
One of the best coffee shops in Williamsburg, Copper Mug has become somewhat of a local institution for freelancers in BK. Nestled in the heart of Williamsburg, right off the main drag of Bedford Avenue, Copper Mug is a quaint haven for coffee enthusiasts seeking a real Brooklyn experience. Infused with rustic charm, this coffee haven boasts a cozy ambiance – perfect for freelancers wanting to get a few hours work done whilst sipping their favourite brew. The coffee is creative and fun here – the strawberry matcha latte is a local favourite, and the baristas couldn’t be nicer. It has a huge outdoor garden for enjoying your coffee in the sun during the summer months.
2. Best family-run coffee shop: Qahwah House
I love Qahwah House so much; a family established in 2017 for the sole purpose of providing the best quality coffee with no added preservatives, artificial additives, or flavours. This Yemeni coffee shop is a gem in the heart of its community – always bustling – and we know why, the coffee is some of the best you’ll find in Williamsburg. The tantalizing scent of freshly ground Arabic beans fills the air, promising a sensory journey like no other. They grind their coffee on site and you can buy it to take home. Don’t just come here for the coffee though (although the Turkish coffee is the bomb) – the Chai tea is some of the best in the city, and we love their Yemeni pastries, like the cheese bread drizzled with honey.
3. Best coffee shop for freshness: Devocion
You can’t come to Williamsburg and not visit Devoción.
In the heart of Williamsburg, Devoción stands as a coffee sanctuary, embodying a commitment to freshness and sustainability. Renowned for its direct-sourcing model, this Colombian-inspired haven brings the lush mountains of South America to its customers. Devoción meticulously roasts beans in-house, ensuring unparalleled freshness and flavour. The industrial-chic ambiance, with living greenery adorning the space, creates an urban oasis for coffee enthusiasts – I love snagging a table here on weekends and reading in the light-filled space. It’s really the spot for coffee aficionados; the menu showcases a diverse range of single-origin coffees, each telling a story of its origin.
Warning: there may be a queue.
4. Best coffee shop for brunch: Butler
If you’re in the market for coffee and brunch, Butler is the place to go. One of the best coffee shops in Williamsburg, it’s located towards south Williamsburg, closer to the Marcy Avenue stop. A real hidden gem, they also have a window counter for getting coffee to-go. I love the brunch here; the Acai bowl is so good, the Rotisserie chicken sandwich is stand-out and the coffee is always on-point.
With an emphasis on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, the food makes this one coffee shop you need to add to your list. For something a little closer to the water, I also really like Two Hands on Kent Avenue, an Australian-inspired brunch spot with the best banana bread in town.
5. Best coffee shop for on the go: Oslo
There’s nowhere really to sit in Oslo, but don’t let that put you off if you want a really delicious coffee to-go. This Brooklyn gem offers more than just a caffeine fix; it provides a journey through meticulously sourced and roasted beans, reflecting a commitment to quality. With a menu that spans from classic espresso to innovative specialty drinks (their matcha is great), Oslo Coffee in Williamsburg stands as a testament to the area’s thriving coffee culture. They only work with small artisan coffee roasters, so you know you’re doing good by getting your coffee-fix here and support small businesses.
Best Coffee Shops in Williamsburg: Notable Mentions
There’s a few I’ve left off this list (it’s not personal), but deserve a mention all the same. Here’s 5 more worth checking out:
– Partners coffee: I’ve left this off because it’s really hard to get a table here, but the coffee is really good, so if you’re willing to hoover for a while, go check it out
– Bakeri – really Bakeri can do no wrong in my eyes. This women-owned bakery makes the most delicious baked goods in all of Williamsburg – it’s very small, so again hard to get a table, but if you come you must get the rosemary hazelnut cookie or their salted caramel brownie, both so good. They don’t serve decaf coffee, but the matcha is great.
– Hungry Ghost – also a takeaway spot at the top of Bedford, but really very good.
Photo credit: Instagram
