As the weather gets cooler, a warm cup of joe in the morning becomes even more delightful. Luckily, us Greenpointers have plenty of choices when it comes to quality coffee. I stopped by ten neighborhood spots recently and spoke to patrons, baristas, and even a few coffee-obsessed (and surprisingly well spoken) pups about why they like their favorite coffee shops!
“I come here every morning and have a soy flat white. I work in SoHo and I think this is better than anything they’ve got over there. For my money, it’s the best in the city.” – Steve, at Propeller Coffee (984 Manhattan Ave.)
“I came all the way from Melbourne, Australia. We’re pretty serious about our coffee but I have to say, this is very good.” – Phoebe, on CUP (79 Norman Ave.)“You know, my son is very picky and doesn’t usually go for stuff. But, we came in here one day and he saw their mini ham baguette sandwiches and said he wanted one. He loves them, and the coffee is really good, so this is my spot.” – Dan, on Early (967 Manhattan Ave.)“Champion was sort of a coffee pioneer in Greenpoint. And they were able to not only make it, but to expand.” – Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham on Champion Coffee (1107 Manhattan Ave.)“It’s a block away and is part of my daily routine. They have a credit card machine and the people working there have good energy and get you excited about the day!” – Alex on Konditori (687 Manhattan Ave.)“People that come in are great, they carry Ovenly pastries and also have a nice selection of tea. I like the bar you can sit at by the window, it almost feels like you’re outside!” – Amanda on Crema BK (182 Driggs)“I like the Scandinavian design, the coffee is really good and it’s a great community spot.” – Dario on Budin (114 Greenpoint Ave.)“We try and remember everyone’s name and what they drink. Instead of someone’s day starting with dread, we try to help start it with something that pushes that away. Nobody enjoys commuting, and going to work early can be rough, so we want to fill our five minutes with people with really good energy.” – Sean, barista at Upright (860 Manhattan Ave.)“I love how they have benches outside, I come here to get some reading done while the baby sleeps. It’s a great place to live three doors down from.” – Tilly on Sweetleaf Coffee (159 Freeman St.)“The owners really go over the top here to make sure we have direct relationships with a lot of the farmers who supply us our coffee beans.” – Ali, barista at Cafe Grumpy (193 Meserole Ave.)
About Erik Keithley
Originally from just north of Baltimore, Erik became enchanted with the country-tinged outlaw folk of Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, and Guy Clark while studying journalism in North Carolina. As a direct result, he moved to Austin as soon as he could, where he saw a lot of music, recorded a little of his own, and honed a strong appreciation for brisket, New Orleans, and a generally slower and more inquisitive approach to life. Having just moved to Greenpoint from Austin, Erik aims to explore the mellow charms of his beloved new neighborhood with the same quietly searching eyes.
