Nate B.
Yelp
The drinks, even the small ones, are large and milky, American style; satisfying if you're seeking for something filling, heavy if you're not. The croissant and cappuccino I've just had will surely carry me to lunch and through. I prefer espresso drinks, like wit, brief. Next time I'll ask for a cortado or macchiato instead.
Beans are from La Colombe, which consistently taste over-roasted to me, but that's not the shop's fault. They're like that everywhere, even in their shops. Maybe the amount of milk is meant to temper that. The turkey and cheese croissant was a kind I've never had before. Ham and cheese is the combo, traditionally. I'd guess that this is cater to the local community, in which many people do not eat pork. I didn't miss the ham.
Cost considerations: $4 for the cappuccino puts it about 15% higher in price than similar drinks in the neighborhood. $4 for the croissant makes it 12% lower in price than similar croissants in the neighborhood.
Brooklyn Kettle is perhaps less a destination than waypoint. The three interior seats accommodate two people comfortably. A picnic table in front of the space could seat 8 people, maybe 6 with laptops. WiFi is free and speedy but since space is limited, this is not a coffice, there is no infrastructure for campers.
It is somewhere to go to get something to go. Ceramic cups are not so be seen. Paper only. But that doesn't mean you can't stay here for a bit. Service is not rushed, you are not pushed to order and get out. It's a community spot, like a lot of businesses in Bed-Stuy. Having spent an hour at the picnic table, I've seen people come in for the coffee but stay for the tea. To hear and participate in that discussion, to get to know your neighbors, is worth the visit.