Balkan Grind

What a fantastic experience! I came in expecting a regular coffee shop and instead discovered the most unique and charming spot. Valen was an absolute delight—he took the time to introduce me to the basics of Turkish coffee and crafted an exceptional cherry coffee for me to try. The cups, mugs, and glassware are all adorable, adding to the cozy, curated vibe. Every part of the visit felt special. I’m definitely coming back with friends—this magical place deserves to be shared!

I’d saved this place for a while and finally stopped by on a weekend afternoon. It’s a unique Turkish café, and both the Turkish coffee and desserts made a great impression. The owner was so friendly and recommended the Turkish coffee, double chocolate baklava, and pistachio baklava—all of which were absolutely delicious. I really enjoyed my visit and will definitely come back next time I’m in the mood!

This was my second visit. And the owner Val is so nice and kind. His pastries are so good! I am OBSESSED with his pistachio baklava. As someone from Europe I was looking for a place like this with this kind of quality food and drinks for a while. It is a little bit hidden but it is worth a visit. I barely return to a lot of other cafes since there is so much variety but Val is such a unique kind coffee shop owner with great knowledge of good food (background as a chef), that makes me want to come back. I appreciate good customer service.

What an amazing experience we had here! The owner Valentino is so personable and I love that he gave us taste tests of all the cold coffees! The coffees and pastries are tens tens tens across the board! Love the attention to detail and the authentic yet modern vibe! Yay!

Wow! Felt right at home. Val was super hospitable and all of the food and pastries were home made and delicious. The burekas, 10/10. The Turkish coffee had a bunch of different flavors and twists and all made the traditional way, my new neighborhood spot!

The place was cute, coffee and teas were tasty and the service was amazing. The person at the shop was friendly and kind. He explained everything very thoroughly and was very patient. If I lived in this neighborhood I would go here often.

Lovely coffee shop/cafe tucked away on a side street close to McCarren park. Popped in after passing by the storefront a few times. Greeted with a tastefully decorated welcoming space and atmosphere. Chef Valentino was super inviting and gave us the rundown about the delicious coffee and pastries. Will go back for a catch-up with a friend or a quick bite to eat in the morning/afternoon.

Where do I even start? This coffee and pastry shop is an absolute gem! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warmth and kindness. Val, the owner, went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, taking the time to walk us through some of his favorite coffees and pastries—all made in-house! We couldn’t resist trying a little bit of everything, from sweet to savory treats, paired with two delicious coffees. Every bite was perfection, and the atmosphere was just as wonderful—cozy, inviting, and full of good energy. Val’s genuine care for his customers truly sets this place apart. We’ll definitely be back! If you’re looking for amazing coffee, incredible pastries, and a welcoming space, this is the spot. Highly recommend!

Randomly walked by and this place lured me in. They serve traditional Turkish coffee, a wonderful tea selection and a great chai latte as well as they have the pastry case of my dreams. We stopped by for a pastry and a drink. They have to go or to stay options and when you sit inside, they take great care of you with nice tableware, bring out waters and plate your pastries very well. Will absolutely be back!

This place is the perfect spot, it has a great upbeat vibe and a large food selection from lunch to dessert! Had the best experience, will certainly be back!

In many of our mental maps of the world, we sometimes forget how porous the border is between Turkey and the Balkans. One of the most posh neighborhoods of Istanbul is named Arnavutköy, which roughly translates to "Albanian village." As a consequence, I was able to find many of my favorite treats from the region that I normally thought of as "Turkish" at this lovely new Balkan cafe in North Williamsburg. We shared the feta böreği which was served with a lovely ajvar-esque spread and a Türk kahvesi, delivered in one of the most beautiful cups I've seen to date.

Amazing cardamon Turkish coffee and even better vibes and customer service! The owner is very sweet.

What an excellent, aesthetically pleasing, authentic, comfortable, and welcoming place! The individual working (who must be the owner) was enormously kind and gracious to every client, in a way I have not seen in NYC in a while. The coffee options were numerous and unique and INCREDIBLE (incuding decaf options for everything), there's wifi, and there is an assortment of wonderful burekas and cakes and turkish delight and more. What a wonderful place to work, chat, read, and I hope they have a long time in business in the neighborhood. And not your typical Williamburg gentrified cafe - lovely welcoming and distinctive.

I love the Balkan grind! Great coffee, service and absolutely delicious baklava and baked goods. Such a cute and peaceful vibe!

One of a kind experience in the neighborhood. Amazing coffee and tea, delicious pastries, and the staff is incredibly warm and welcoming. Highly recommend bringing family/friends and sitting at a table.

The Turkish coffee is so damn good. The cherry roast. And the baklava is great. Very pleasant atmosphere and nicely decorated.