Bittersweet

Coffee shop · Fort Greene

Bittersweet

Coffee shop · Fort Greene

3

180 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205

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Highlights

Coffee, espresso, pastries, sandwiches, & dog treats in a small spot  

Featured in The Infatuation
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180 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205 Get directions

bittersweetbk.com
@sitandwonder

$1–10 · Menu

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180 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205 Get directions

+1 718 852 2556
bittersweetbk.com
@sitandwonder
𝕏
@bittersweetfg

$1–10 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 18, 2025

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Bittersweet Cafe Review - Clinton Hill - New York - The Infatuation

"If you live in Clinton Hill and Bittersweet Breakfast isn’t your Saturday morning spot, you’re missing out. It’s across the street from Pratt, so there’s always at least three students engaging in a debate, next to a family with their toddler, who will probably grow up to engage in debates, and go to Pratt. For anyone missing the pancakes from Lulu & Po (which occupied the space before), know that this spot makes some excellent ones too. From the team behind Bittersweet Coffee in Fort Greene, this light-filled spot is a fun hang on weekend mornings, but we’d just as likely come here on a Tuesday for eggs and bacon with a side of Pratt gossip. photo credit: Willa Moore photo credit: Willa Moore photo credit: Willa Moore Food Rundown photo credit: Willa Moore Pancakes These fluffy yet crispy, powder-sugared pancakes are sold individually, so you can order as many as you need, which is excellent news for anyone who appreciates table pancakes." - Willa Moore

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/bittersweet-cafe
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21 Great Black-Owned Coffee Shops In NYC

"If you spend a lot of time near Fort Greene Park, you’ve probably seen this small coffee shop just a few doors down on Dekalb Avenue. The entire building is painted aquamarine, and there’s usually a line of folks grabbing cold brew. You can also stop by for pastries and sandwiches daily." - will hartman, bryan kim, kenny yang

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/black-owned-coffee-shops-nyc
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@infatuation

Bittersweet - Review - New York - The Infatuation

"If you spend a lot of time near Fort Greene Park, you’ve probably seen this small coffee shop just a few doors down on Dekalb Avenue. The entire building is painted aquamarine, and there’s usually a line of folks grabbing cold brew. You can also stop by for pastries and sandwiches daily. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/bittersweet-dekalb-ave
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Tina Silverman

Google
I have bought iced latte and cinnamon bun and both were delicious 4 stars because I asked staff what was fav pastry ( he recommended cinnamon bun) which ended up pretty old ( still tasty tho) Plastic covers for coffee have bad design: i spilled coffee three times… coffee spreads on top of the cover and spills on the sides of the hole.

Nat T.

Google
Great cold brew for really good price (under $5) especially compare to other coffee shop in Brooklyn. Long line but the line move quickly. The cashier was not the friendliest but would come back again just for the coffee.

Emma Downing

Google
I ordered a vegan sandwich and OAT milk latte. The person taking the order was fantastic and kind. We took our order to go. The sandwich was good, but they served me a WHOLE milk latte (which I only drank 1/3 of). I’m severely allergic to dairy, so I spent the next two days dealing with my horrible reaction.

amy

Google
had an iced latte and a ham and cheese croissant here. both were great (although an iced latte is pretty simple so I expected what I got) and the croissant was delicious. much more flavorful than I expected and had a perfect chewy bite. I will say my stomach started panging and hurting immediately after having the croissant…but I won’t deck points for it because I’m going to assume I have a sensitive stomach and it’s not a reflection on their quality of food. lastly, the service was super speedy. I was in an out in like 1 minute, which is great if you’re stopping by before work or something! will return! :)

Julia W

Google
$6 for the almond croissant. Medium in size and tasty, but a steep price. I only go here when there is no line (not sure it's worth the queue out the door). Staff are smiley and kind.

Flora Tsui

Google
Craved for some fresh pastries on a cold winter morning, so popped in after walking my dog and got a scone. It was great - sizable and baked with fresh berries. Would come back again and again!

Corey Dugan

Google
Great little coffee stand right by Fort Green Park. Such a perfect location and simple idea. There’s a little takeaway counter and all drinks are to go. They have a few tables out front but we took ours to the park. The staff was super friendly and the drinks were great. The cold brew was a *little* heavy on the cream, so maybe just specify if you want less (see picture for context!). They ask how many sugars for each drink so you can really customize. Overall both the cold brew and the iced latte were delicious and we will definitely be back!

Steph Hill Rabasa

Google
Super friendly staff that helped with recommendations for my first time there - got the ham croissant, a latte, and a doggy treat. Friendly vibes from the other people in line and enjoying their coffee outdoors. Plus they were impressively quick! Need to go back for the blackberry scone :)
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Suanne L.

Yelp
This is an ode to the Bittersweet Hangover Helper sandwich, which is probably my favorite lunch sandwich in the neighborhood. A six inch baguette with prosciutto, hard boiled egg, and fried sage leaves, the sandwich is rich without being overwhelming, has excellent bread, and is priced right at $9 for a light lunch. (While I like Alidoro and Textbook sandwiches too, they're borderline gluttonous portions and price points). Other pastries are also excellent, but the sandwich is *chefs kiss.* The coffee is fantastic here too. Dark roast, smooth, iced or hot. Bittersweet has a dedicated neighborhood following and a silly long line on Saturday mornings. Baristas are fast and cordial. This is a grab and go spot, with barely enough space to do a jumping jack. There are virtually no seats and forget a bathroom or space for a wheel chair/stroller. Go to the park. Do not bring an entourage.
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Laura S.

Yelp
This is my new favorite neighborhood coffee shop! The coffee is great, pastries and phenomenal, and the cherry on top is how much my dog loves the dog treats! Seriously though, the pastries here are some of my favorite. The blackberry scone is divine. The blackberries are bursting with juice and it's topped with chunky sugar crystals. The place is small inside so it's more grab and go, but there's an option for outdoor seating.

E P.

Yelp
My first experience here in 2022 with an almond milk latte was good, but it's gone downhill since. I hate to say it but the coffee almost always tastes burnt. The Brie and apple sandwich is also dry and disappointing. Cute spot and fine if you're in a pinch and it's convenient, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go here
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Raicheal M.

Yelp
Great ambience, great blue hair pronoun baristas. Worst chai latte i've had since moving here, but best cookie. Lives up to their name for sure, I stole a dog out front though and named him Buster
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Willie G.

Yelp
You see so many good cafes it's hard to see how anyone can really stick out, but this place makes some of the best coffees I've enjoyed.They have such a rich clean flavor and a nice kick of caffeine. The pastries are simple and good too. Best of all you can grab your coffee and walk right across the street to Fort Green Park

Dave V.

Yelp
The best cafe in the neighborhood! The staff is friendly, the coffee is good, and the ham and cheese croissants... OMG. Don't be intimidated by the line out the door if you hit the place during the morning rush. It moves lightning fast.
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S F.

Yelp
Cute small location with some outdoor seating. Yummy looking sandwiches and pastries. I always get excited when I see house-made almond milk so I ordered an iced chai to try it out. Their chai is unsweetened which is a plus for me but not be what people are used to when they get a premade mix. Looking forward to coming back and trying one of their iced teas and something to snack on.
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An-yi C.

Yelp
i got an iced matcha latte with whole milk because they didnt have almond. usually great coffee but matcha is not so great :( hoping for better next time!
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Melanie M.

Yelp
A nice Cold Brew with Fresh Almond Milk and some Splenda! It's perfect and great for a warm afternoon in the park!! Will definitely stop at Bittersweet again for some coffee before my reading in the part!! Cheers!
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Jenni W.

Yelp
After walking past this bakery and always seeing the long line that never seems to vanish during the weekends, I decided to suck it up and give this place a try. After all, I have a huge sweet tooth. I saw a lot of people in front of me order coffees and saw that they make their own almond milk in-house and ordered a latte along with the cinnamon bun, blackberry scone, large chocolate cookie, and small oatmeal raisin cookie (yes, I went out all out). I brought all of the goodies home for me (and my family) to try and quite enjoyed the cookies. They are the perfect semi-crispy, semi-chewy consistency with lots of butter. The cookies were fragrant and delicious and I would definitely come back for the cookies. The blackberry scone was also pretty moist and delicious, while it didn't have a lot of flavor, it did have entire chunks of blackberries in there, which tasted pretty good. And if you have whipped cream and jam at home, it goes along QUITE well with the whipped cream and jam. The cinnamon bun was a little bit of a disappointment. If you like cinnamon rolls that are bready without a lot of cinnamon flavor and kinda sweet, these might be your thing. They tasted more like a roll than a cinnamon bun. The almond milk latte was frothy and definitely had a huge almond flavor to it. If you don't like the nutty taste, I would not recommend this drink to you. I would also say that their coffee is on the more sour/acidic side. Definitely a decent coffee shop with a variety of baked goods to offer. Just be prepared to wait in line for 10-15 minutes if you're coming!
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Alexis S.

Yelp
I came here with a friend of mine to catch up. It's a tiny little storefront with just a takeout window and a few tables and chairs outside. They have a pretty solid menu of drinks and pastry/food items to chose from. I got the iced chai and a cinnamon bun and my friend also got a chai and everything was good. It's a cute neighborhood spot to grab coffee from, but would most likely get it to go as the seating is very limited.
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Laura Jean O.

Yelp
Short line at the window with a few small tables for outdoor seating. Grabbed an almond milk latte, ham and cheese croissant and a blackberry scone. Croissant is definitely the way to go.
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James N.

Yelp
Quick, local, friendly and delicious! This may not be your "sit down and have a meeting" coffee spot (although there are four tables outside) but it's great for a quick caffeine kick especially if you're out on a walk with your pup. Friendly staff that has the window service gave down to a science. Great morning stop for those on the go!

Kristen G.

Yelp
Tiny little coffee shop next to ft. Greene park. If you love Starbucks, you'll probably enjoy their coffee. Is it the best cup of coffee in the neighborhood? No. Is it decent? You bet. (Staff is always super nice!)
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Amanda D.

Yelp
I have passed this place every morning on my bike route and have been dying to try because every morning there's a long line down the street! Customers look extra giddy! I finally tried it. I got the ice coffee with oat milk. Delicious! Gourmet coffee! See you again soon!
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Jasmine B.

Yelp
Quick note: I live in the neighborhood and will be going often during the week. I got their iced latte and I usually get oat milk but noticed they made their own almond milk so tried that instead and it was really yummy. I like their coffee window and it's really convenient if you're just passing by. There's usually a long line on the weekends and it's worth it!

Ann W.

Yelp
Great coffee and pastries- love this spot! The cinnamon buns and chocolate chip cookies are so good!!
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Nicholas C.

Yelp
Quick, easy, and to the point! I stopped by bittersweet to grab coffee with a friend before going to the park. It's literally located within a block from the park so it's the ideal spot to pick something up if you want to chat and sip. I got a large iced coffee and a croissant (total under $10) and wasn't disappointed. No indoor dining space and they've got a to-go style window for ordering!
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Rohin S.

Yelp
Quick, local and delicious coffee spot in Fort Greene. This place has become our go-to spot to grab lattes, snacks and drip coffee when we just cant seem to make our own coffee at home. I've only known it post-covid so I don't think you can go inside, but its basically a booth on the sidewalk where you order and get your coffee and then just go on with your day. Theres almost always a line on the weekends but it moves quickly, is always filled with dogs to entertain you from the local dog park and is well worth the wait. Long story short; this place is great.

Jessica L.

Yelp
I Don't recommend. I got a dirty chai and regular chai, both tasted like water, maybe this is their chai recipe but it was awful for the price and I will never be going back. Adding to this poor experience the baristas where rude and considering. I don't recommend.
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Elisa Z.

Yelp
Such a cute coffee shop in Brooklyn! Went here twice during the weekend I stayed here. I didn't think the coffee was anything super special but the blueberry scone is sooo good!! It's not too sweet, has such a great texture, and pairs perfectly with the bitterness of coffee.
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Concetta M.

Yelp
Waited in line for over ten minutes. "This place must be all the hype" I asked for a hot matcha latte. Instead I received green milk for $5. Looking for foam. Do you see foam? I don't see foam.
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A. P.

Yelp
Mocha with oat milk was great. It wasn't overly sweet at all, and it tasted ever so slightly like cinnamon, which either was from the chocolate they use, or it was just in my head (stranger things have happened). Either way, it was awesome. The tea for the earl grey was very nice as well. They have an order window right now, plus outside seating. The sandwiches and pastries looked great, but that will have to wait until next time!
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Adam H.

Yelp
Coffee is fine but if you serve iced drinks with paper straws you don't care about your customers you care about green washing the environment. Paper straws are garbage and perhaps if they really cared about the environment they would first stop using plastic cups.
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Tiffany L.

Yelp
I already had coffee but I saw the long line and had to join and see what the hype was about. Passed on a beverage but they have AMAZING chocolate chip cookies. (get the large.) They also have treats for you doggo ($1 each). Will definitely return to "doggy-watch" and get some espresso!
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Joe J.

Yelp
I imagine that within my lifetime, marijuana will be legal in New York City, and small, hole-in-the-wall dispensaries will begin popping up in Brooklyn. They won't be like the warehousey establishments that now speckle Denver and Portland. Really, I imagine them looking and feeling a bit like Bittersweet. Bittersweet sits at the southeast corner of Fort Greene Park, making it especially dispensary-like: it dishes you a little treat or buzz before your stroll. And the treats and buzzes they dish are quite nice. I tend to have their iced soy latte, which, unlike many of its breed, manages not just to taste like coffee-flavored soy milk. Croissants have always been fresh. And the prominently-placed dog treats near the register make this a spot befitting the Fort Greene (Park) area. Baristas are cooler than you, but not obnoxiously so. If/when dispensaries weedrify BK, I hope the devil's lettuce doesn't push out my soy latte purveyor. Cheers to Bittersweet.
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Reece E.

Yelp
I go here somewhat often on my walk home from college. They are friendly and have quick walk up service, and the dirty chai is good
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Spencer H.

Yelp
Came after brunch because there was a long and hype-worthy line. The line moved quickly, which was great. I had a matcha latte and a chocolate chip cookie and thought both were fine. Maybe the coffee and sandwiches are better.
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Nolan C.

Yelp
Was in NYC for the holidays and stopped by to get some hot chocolate and reprieve from the cold and rain. Cozy shop inside, few stools seated where you can relax. Bathroom was clean. Got two large hot chocolates, and they tasted kinda watered down/overly milky--really wasn't chocolaty at all. Unfortunately, I gotta say that Swiss-Miss instant mix would probably have more chocolate. If I do try this place again, I'll go for the coffee instead.
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Hoi C.

Yelp
Bittersweet cafe! A local small business cafe, located near the gorgeous and open Fort Greene Park. I visited here a few times when I stayed in Brooklyn since my AirBnB was next to it, and my host recommended it to me as a great local spot. Sure it's not the best coffee shop around but it's pretty good, and there are fun quirks to it! The place is small with not too much space to sit (just a few spots), and but their menu has a big selection including a dog treat option! Also, their baristas are very friendly! I tried the Hangover Helper (sandwich), chocolate chip cookie, and almond milk latte. Be sure to get here earlier in the day (before noon) if you want to choose your pastries or sandwiches, since they may run out of them, which we encountered when we stopped by late in the day! If the lines look long or go out of the shop, don't worry, it moves quickly. If you come early in the morning on the weekend, tons of people who drop in for an order attach their dog to the stoop next door, which is just the best morning greeting ever. Some of my favourite little moments during my stay in Brooklyn were the dogs especially since the dog-friendly park is nearby too. So many dogs! Their chocolate chip cookie is AMAZING like at first it tastes like a regular cookie but then you get to the middle, and it is just heavenly, you will not regret getting one! It was my favourite cookie from our NY trip and believe me we tried a lot of cookies! The almond milk latte I don't think I can give a fair assessment on because I don't like almond milk... I was hoping to have my mind changed, but I think I just really dislike almond milk. My friend got a regular latte though and she liked it a lot! If you happen to be passing by Fort Greene in this area, do yourself a favour and get a chocolate chip cookie (or two... or three...) from here!!
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Carissa C.

Yelp
I give this place a 5 not only for the taste but for the service. It was my first time going so I had no idea how to order properly. I got a large chocolate chip cookie, iced matcha latte with simple syrup, and a dog treat for a total of $9.50. The cookie is amazing! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! The matcha latte was good! Recommend getting it with simple syrup as I can't imagine it would be that good without it. My dog loved her treat. She is pretty small so we broke the treat in half for two servings for her. We will definitely be back.
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Carolina S.

Yelp
Bittersweet is more sweet than bitter! Come to think of it, it's pretty sweet! I use to work close to Fort Greene so I was a fan of popping in early in the am or cutting through the park during lunch for an afternoon caffeinated beverage. One day I ordered the lemon, almond and polenta muffins. These muffins are gluten free which is not a selling point for me. However, the words lemon and almond are definitely ingredients that make my mouth smile. Maybe in my former life I was Italian because I've always been drawn to the flavors of the Mediterranean. The addition of polenta reminded me of a Spanish touch to the muffin. The muffin is dense and can be portioned out in my book. I love the balance of sweet and savory. It's my favorite! I love it so much that all the other delicious desserts are left in the shadows. And it is made in house! Recently I returned for said muffin and I noticed that the line was out the door and the new customers like to walk on all fours, drool and are covered in fur. Yes, you guessed it pups! Fort Greene Park is already a Mecca for dog walks that it only made sense to cool your jets at Bittersweet. The dogs all looked excited to see their friends. They normally have dog treats but not this day. The line is pretty long as I mentioned because the register and display case are set up by the entrance instead of towards the back bringing the line in. There's a few spots to sit at by the bathroom and a couple at the end of the bar. They have wifi and a little outlet by the bathrooms so it was perfect to get a little juice for the phone and myself. Highly recommend stopping here and especially with a furry friend!
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Gianna L.

Yelp
It's your classic douche attitude here. Asked for my kids hot chocolate to not be super hot & wouldn't you know it, it was scolding hot when i got it, when I asked for more milk the cashier rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath to his friend an unkind remark (which he thought I couldn't hear) To the truly appalling staff here- I was kind & tipped you! So what if I asked politely for more milk to dilute the lava hot beverage you gave my kid. THIS PLACE IS ALL BITTER NO SWEET.
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Almaz D.

Yelp
Overrated hipster spot. Pastries are good but 5 out of 5 times my latte was lukewarm.
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Casandra S.

Yelp
I'm lucky that this is the closest coffee shop to my house. I come by here after run club, during park walks, or just on my way to the train before work. The staff is incredibly nice, which is unfortunately a novelty in barista culture lol. I love the coffee window they implemented during COVID to keep us safe while caffeinated. Also, we buy fresh coffee beans from here for our home brewing as well. My only suggestion for improvement would be to use sturdier paper coffee cups. Mine has broken from the bottom in the past, but since then I've only gotten iced drinks or brought my own cup.
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Angelina T.

Yelp
This isn't a cafe where you can sit and relax, but luckily the park is so close. When I was in Brooklyn Tech, this was my go to spot when I wanted to treat myself. I'm not sure if they still have these, but the hangover cure sandwiches were so good. I literally dreamt about them. The coffee was great too, it's really something wonderful when it's brisk out and you stop in this small place.
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Deirdre L.

Yelp
Not the cheapest coffee shop but man do they have the best chocolate chip cookies in Brooklyn. Even better than the worlds best cookie dough. It's just way too good. The cold brew is also very delicious. Easily a great spot for breakfast. The place is very small so this is really a place to get and go. There's some seating, but I prefer grabbing my stuff to go to make it in time for work.
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Stacia K.

Yelp
Hands down the best chocolate chip cookie AND the best mocha that I've found in Brooklyn (and I've tested a lot!). Don't let the line deter you, it moves quickly!

Julie P.

Yelp
Best chai latté in Fort Greene! All of their pastries are solid, but the cinnamon roll is extra. Don't be discouraged by the long line; they do a great job of moving through it quickly. The only point of improvement is the cost seems high in general, but notably higher than other shops in the area -- but a favourite nonetheless.
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Noelle M.

Yelp
Is a go to spot for us when we're in the area visiting our niece! They have one of my favorite mochas. They make their own almond milk and the drinks are consistently delicious. The space is small which works for us since we normally take it to go when we're here, but it wouldn't be somewhere you'd try and sit to study or with a friend.

Bailee B.

Yelp
Amazing. This place serves the best matcha I have ever had and it makes me so happy!!
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Alexandra V.

Yelp
Bittersweet is quite simply the best coffee spot in Fort Greene. The homemade almond milk is so delicious it ruined me for any other almond milk. The cinnamon rolls and cheddar scones are mind-altering and a very indulgent treat on a Saturday or Sunday morning. There is always a line but it goes very quickly. BONUS: There are always so many sweet little doggos hanging around outside you won't even notice the wait.
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Miriam W.

Yelp
This cafe is walking distance from the fort Greene park. It's not a big cafe at all but it's cute. Pastries and snacks looked really good..I'll definitely try to pick up something next time I come. The mocha was super smooth and tasty. A large ran me about $ 4.75 which isn't bad for the size.
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Adria C.

Yelp
This place rocks. I truly hope they survive this govermental ineptitude pandemic response induced economic depression. You can smell the espresso a block away and they make some of the freshest croissants. I like to take my latte across the street to Ft. Greene Park. Enjoy!
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Deborah M.

Yelp
Really good blackberry scones- crispy and crunchy on the outside, buttery soft on the inside. I saw people lined up to get coffee after visit the park so wanted to see what the hype was about and def lives up to it! I also got the chai latte but didn't love it bc it wasn't sweet but that's prob just my preference. Also got a dog treat for my shiba and he likes them too :) highly recommend!

R g.

Yelp
This place is overrated and chai latte is watery. Outdoor seating and scone were decent
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Mari M.

Yelp
I always stop here for a homemade almond milk latte. Delicious and not too sweet. The milk is always steamed to perfection.
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Joe W.

Yelp
Hey Lucien! So glad to hear you were able to reopen and to serve your loyal customers.. i'll be sure to stop by next time I'm in New York in the meantime be safe!!
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Celia B.

Yelp
I most certainly love this place. Beautiful yet not overwhelming in decor. I ordered their darkest coffee. The service was friendly and knowledgeable. Bittersweet you make sooo happy.