Post Overview: Williamsburg Coffee Shops
Remember the slogan America runs on dunkin? I get the sentiment, America does run on caffeine but more than chain cafes there are plenty of small neighborhood cafes worth shouting out too.
And of all New York City’s neighborhoods, the coffee shops in Williamsburg might be the best at capturing the irresistible essence of cafes. Quaint and charming with tasty coffee, the neighborhood is hard to beat.
So if you’re a fellow caffeine-fiend like me this post will wake you up in no time. I’ll keep the list short and to the point because at the end of the day this is New York and we all got places to be!
So without further ado, let’s get right to it!
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Williamsburg Coffee Shops
#15. Shop
Formerly known as Sweatshop, Shop is an Australian hipster cafe located in the heart of the neighborhood. The trendy Williamsburg coffee shop is small in size, however do not assume for a second that the modest size indicates a lack of quality.
On the contrary, quality is a priority over everything else and the proof is in the pudding coffee. The super friendly baristas greet you upon entry and help you start your day on the right foot.
Then you see the magic happen as they whip together the most perfect drinks using the smoothest espresso. I highly suggest ordering a flat white, it’s consistently smooth, strong and always hits the spot.
Shop is also one of the few Williamsburg coffee shops that has mastered avocado toast. In fact, the entire menu of bites is some of the best in the game. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients the dishes here should not be glossed over.
Local’s Tip: Shop is located right around the corner from Martha’s Country Bakery. Swing by and treat yourself to one of the best bakeries in Brooklyn.
Address: 232 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
#14. Social House
By using Italian coffee beans and making fresh and vibrant brunch, Social House claims a spot as one of the best coffee shops in Williamsburg.
The Williamsburg cafe lives up to its name, being a popular neighborhood hangout full of chipper locals. It’s safe to chalk it up to the friendly staff, who create such an inviting atmosphere.
Social House doesn’t feel as transactional as other coffee shops in Williamsburg so it’s easy to linger. Mix in a little alcohol into your beverage and you’ll be here till close (yep, Social House has a bar, too).
But you don’t need an espresso martini to get the party started. Social House makes a variety of unique drinks that are sure to pique your interest. The cinnamon crunch latte comes with real cinnamon toast crunch cereal on top, it’s where adulthood and your inner child collide!
Address: 60 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11249
#13. Hungry Ghost
Hungry Ghost came to grace us as one of the best coffee shops in Williamsburg by way of Turkish founder Murat Uyaroglu. They recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary, so it’s safe to say New Yorkers love them.
Serving exceptional Stumptown coffee, Hungry Ghost has 11 locations in the Big Apple, with more than half of them in Brooklyn and 2 coffee shops in Williamsburg.
“I saw the game changing, coffee started being treated like wine; it’s special. It’s important where you get it, how you roast it, how you brew it.”
MURAT UYAROGLU, THE BRIDGE BROOKLYN BUSINESS NEWS
In terms of cozy Williamsburg coffee shops it doesn’t get more charming than the Hungry Ghost. Both their cafés are sun drenched and exude an airy feel, but I’m partial to the East Williamsburg cafe because it has more seating.
Address: 721 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
#12. Oslo
Oslo Coffee Roasters has been serving some of the best coffee in the Williamsburg since their first cafe opened in Williamsburg in 2003. They’ve amassed an enthusiastic following thanks to their premium beans and velvety smooth roasts.
They boast two coffee shops in Williamsburg (and a third in the Upper East Side) that are rarely empty. Their location on Roebling has more seating than the one on Bedford Ave. but they’re less than a 10 minute walk from each other so worst case you can just migrate between the two.
And their welcoming Williamsburg coffee shops aren’t even the best part. It’s the cafe’s commitment to doing good for the community that makes it so beloved.
They only source ingredients from local vendors and strive to minimize their impact on the environment. Everything can be traced back to a local business and it’s hard not to love that.
Address: 133 Roebling St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
#11. PPL
PPL is where coffee lovers and plant enthusiasts gather to enjoy one of the best coffee shops in Williamsburg. The cafe is decorated with plants and trinkets, and the aroma of fresh coffee fills the space.
There isn’t much space to relax and sip your drink at this adorable Williamsburg cafe, which is its main drawback. Instead, plan on taking your drink to-go and stroll ten minutes to Domino Park where you can enjoy your coffee while overlooking the East River.
As far as drinks go, the menu is simple and straight to the point. I recommend ordering a matcha latte or any of their teas since they source them from Japan. The taste is unreal and the drinks are so smooth.
But if you ever find yourself struggling to decide, just ask the staff and they’re more than happy to help. PPL is one of those coffee shops in Williamsburg you’ll find yourself swinging by when you’re in the area because you just can’t stay away.
Address: 189 Roebling St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
#10. Sey
A list of the best coffee shops in Williamsburg wouldn’t be complete without Sey Coffee. Airy and bright with an an abundance of greenery – this Brooklyn café is a true breath of fresh air.
The captivating presentation doesn’t just apply to their physical shop, Sey Coffee (by their own admission) strives to produce beautiful coffee.
The cafe was recently being listed as Food & Wine‘s best coffee shop in New York state, so it’s safe to say Sey Coffee’s popularity is growing far and wide.
This is why Sey Coffee is offering a popular subscription program (that’s well worth taking advantage of!) It helps you try new coffee from one of the best coffee shops in Williamsburg, all from the comfort of your own apartment.
Address: 18 Grattan St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
#9. Qahwah House
Qahwah is the Arabic word for coffee, and Qahwah House is a Yemeni coffee shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Serving authentic and organically sourced coffee directly from Yemen, this coffee shop provides a change of pace to the usual big-box coffee shops.
The smell of freshly roasted coffee is guaranteed to embrace you the moment you walk through the door at this charming Williamsburg coffee shop.
Qahwah House offers traditional Yemeni delights, as well as your comforting coffee shop staples. Ordering the Khaliat Alnahl, (a cheese filled buttery roll with honey) is non-negotiable. I couldn’t tell you how I lived life this long without it.
Address: 162 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
#8. Think Coffee
Think Coffee is the happy medium between a chain coffee shop and a local hot-spot. It’s readily accessible all across NYC but their cafes boast a niche, neighborhood vibe.
In their arsenal is one of the best coffee shops in Williamsburg. They have an outpost on Devoe Street, a stone’s throw away from the Metropolitan Avenue subway station.
The Williamsburg cafe is bright and inviting, with a long, leather booth along its bricked lined wall and tables on the opposite end. Finding a place to sit down shouldn’t prove difficult, just find a spot between some worker-bees or gossiping friends.
But the vibe isn’t the only thing going Think Coffee’s way. They roast their own coffee beans and make a smooth, delicious cup of joe. Think Coffee even offers a subscription service that will deliver their coffee beans straight to your door, for days you’re stuck at home.
Address: 10 Devoe St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
#7. Land to Sea
Land to Sea was founded by two passionate women driven by their desire to create a welcoming community space.
Inspired by their immigrant parents, college friends Emily and Eva fostered an environment that continues telling the stories of those who are brave enough to put their dreams in motion. Needless to say they created one of the best coffee shops in Williamsburg.
Land to Sea opens their doors to artists, bakers, filmmakers and musicians to promote talented locals in the community (upcoming schedule here).
Serving delicious and innovative Sey Coffee, the time spent at Land to Sea never fails to inspire. If you’re looking for something unique, I can’t recommend their turmeric latte enough at this beloved Williamsburg coffee shop!
Address: 402 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
#6. Lion’s Milk
A modern cafe that features local artists’ work? Which direction do I start running in? Lion’s Milk is one of the best coffee shops in Williamsburg as well as a mini art gallery.
Most of the art is for sale, meaning you can support two small businesses in a single visit. But even if you just want a caffeine boost and a place to rest your legs, Lion’s Milk provides that too.
It’s a Turkish cafe and one of its signature drinks is called Salep, popular in the region. Sweet, milky and full of spices you’ll be shocked to learn it’s made from orchids (yes, the flowers). Salep doesn’t have caffeine, but you can always pair it with a cup of joe.
Lion’s Milk also has a variety of treats popular in Turkey, like simit (which is similar to a bagel), borek and baklava. Needless to say this is one of the best coffee shops in Brooklyn when you’re looking for something new to try.
Address: 104 Roebling St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
#5. BUDDIES COFFEE
One of Williamsburg’s top coffee shops, BUDDIES, was founded by married couple Rachel and Taylor Nawrocki during the pandemic with the simple goal of providing a place where people could slow down and enjoy their coffee.
Because of how quickly things move in New York, getting coffee to-go is now a requirement rather than just a whim. So the couple decided to take matters into their own hands and design a space that is not only unique and cool, but also inviting.
The menu is short, sweet and to the point (and it’s not by accident). The whole idea behind BUDDIES was to create a space that encouraged conversations and engagement. By offering a simple menu folks are more likely to ask for recommendations and alternatives and spark a chat.
Expect laid back vibes, satisfying cups of coffee and a friendly conversation. What’s more, this trendy Williambsurg coffee shop sources and roasts their own beans. The cold brew is some of the best in Brooklyn, not too acidic but still strong.
Address: 150 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
#4. Copper Mug Coffee
One of the things folks often sacrifice when moving to NYC is a backyard. Fortunately you can enjoy basking in the sun at the Copper Mug, one of the best coffee shops in Williamsburg.
Indeed, at the Copper Mug you’ll get to pretend the backyard is yours. You’ll be welcomed by plenty of tables, trees and a bright, clean space to hang. As an added bonus, the WiFi reaches into the backyard so you have a great outdoor place to work remotely.
Their artisanal coffee tastes great, even better when enjoyed in the fresh air. The menu offers an abundance of organic, health-forward options made from fresh ingredients.
And I know I blabbered about the outdoor seating area, but the interior is just as charming and welcoming. When the weather goes south they’ll make you a tasty, hot cup of coffee to keep you treading along.
All this to say, The Copper Mug is one of the best coffee shops in Brooklyn because it can be home away from home. Just remember, it isn’t your private residence though so show up early before the neighbors take your spot! 😉
Address: 131 N 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
#3. Black Brick Coffee
Not all coffee shops in Williamsburg are chic, bright and modern. Sometimes you want rustic and cozy(the industrial coffee shop never fails!), which is where Black Brick Coffee comes in.
Full of vintage decor and a huge backyard, Black Brick Coffee feels like a grandma’s house full of antiques. Even the backyard has rusty, metal chairs but they’re “cute” rusty, not “going to give you a disease” rusty.
And since the Williamsburg coffee shop uses Stumptown coffee beans a great taste is all but assured. There’s also an array of matcha drinks available that are just as good as the coffee.
Address: 300 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
#2. Partners Coffee
It didn’t take long for Partners Coffee to become a NYC staple. In 10 years the brand has gone from a single coffee shop in Williamsburg to 5 across the Big Apple. The success is due to them serving the best coffee in New York City.
By roasting their beans in Williamsburg locals are guaranteed a fresh cup of Joe, regardless if they order it from one of their Williamsburg coffee shop or order coffee to be brewed at home.
Plus they source their beans sustainably through long term partnerships, so the quality is among the best you’ll find. It’s top quality and after one sip it’s easy to taste why it they’re one of the best coffee shops in Williamsburg.
Address: 125 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
#1. Devoción
Devoción means devotion in Spanish, and this café is aptly named because they are devoted to serving the best coffee in Williamsburg. They provide New Yorkers with the freshest cup of coffee possible outside of the places where the crop is actually harvested.
After hand selecting the coffee plantations in Colombia, the folks at Devoción mill their coffee at their warehouse in Bogotá. Using overnight shipping they then transport it to Brooklyn for in house roasting. From there it is prepared to order and finds it’s way into your cup all within roughly 10 days.
With a handful of locations around NYC, they boast one of the best coffee shops in Williamsburg.
It feels cozy with their exposed brick and warm lighting. Fair warning though, this is one of the best coffee shops in Williamsburg so seating at times can be difficult.
Luckily Domino Park is a 5 minute walk, so worst case scenario take in some views of the East River while enjoying your coffee.
Address: 69 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Quick Recap of the best cafes in Williamsburg
- Devoción
- Partners Coffee
- Black Brick Coffee
- Copper Mug Coffee
- Buddies Coffee
- Lion’s Milk
- Land to Sea
- Think Coffee
- Qahwah House
- Sey
- PPL
- Oslo
- Hungry Ghost
- Social House
- Shop
Best Williamsburg Coffee Shops (Helpful Map)
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And there you have it, our list of great coffee shops in Williamsburg. As always, don’t hesitate to let us know if we missed anything. Cheers!
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