Cafe Cotton Bean

Cotton Bean is an excellent place in that is a simple coffeeshop, without gimmicks , without expanding their offerings beyond what is reasonable. Its a reasonable place. A logical place. A small simple operation pumping out delicious coffees in a very nice clean shop with friendly staff. It’s wonderful. Its precisely what a coffeeshop should be. I’ve encountered 3 coffeeshops like this one, the other two being Gotham and Olas where the coffee is spectacular, the service wonderful and the shop simple. Could offering no wifi be the secret to the enchantment of these places. Perhaps. Id like to think so. Sit down, read a book, have a conversation, pretend its the 90’s… which for many was peak civilization.

they do a mean matcha americano (so rare to see this on a menu!) and there is seating inside and outside. lots of natural sunlight, i photosynthesized very well

The only thing I would admire, coffee drink. Pastries were imported but baked at the kitchen. Croissant was good. I didn’t feel welcome when visiting the store today. When I approached to the cashier to ask for some napkins to wipe my chair, since I saw some pastry flakes on it and they didn’t put any napkins out for customers, they looked like I disrupt them in the kitchen. They did it for me but without patience. When my friend asked about ingredients in their food menu, the staff also didn’t know about or didn’t want to explain. My friend has food restrictions, that was why we were asking details.

In any other city this would be a famous/renowned coffee shop on every tourist "must visit" list. Even for Brooklyn it stands out ahead of most others. The pastries and coffee are outstanding, and it's very kid-friendly. Best croissant I've had this side of the Atlantic.

Great cafe. Food was really good. Some may say a bit expensive but the taste made up for that. Coffee is really good. They take their time! Will recommend and be coming back

I only had matcha latte and it was good. They also can make matcha americano and straight way. The place has quiet and relaxing vibe being located off the hustle of the Smith str but at the same time there is nice movement with locals coming in and out to pickup their coffee and breakfast. There are several tables inside, a window counter with 3-4 stools and 3 outdoor tables. The pastries all looked sweeter than I wanted but they also have the decent food selection.

Amazing staff. No management. All gluten free people stay away!!! The “rice noodle burger” is actually wheat noodles and seitan patty. I’m sick right now actually.

Tried this cafe after mailing off a package at the ups store across the street,one of my best choices this year by far the best healthy breakfast sandwiches 🥪 at very affordable prices and the coffee quite good 👍 also.

Just moved to the neighborhood and I think this is officially my favorite cafe in the area! It's usually pretty busy but the line moves quickly and there's a good amount of indoor/outdoor seating. Staff are super friendly. Coffee is good, and I just had the bacon egg cheese avocado sandwich this morning and it was phenomenal. Definitely worth checking out!

Grabbed avo toast and drip coffee from here and it was DELIGHTFUL. I was super duper impressed!!!

Stopped by on a whim it was pretty empty and chill, it was early afternoon. I was greeted with great service and attention. My questions were answered with no issue. Coffee itself (forgot to take a picture I got a large latte w 4 espresso shots) was delicious and smooth. I definitely got the kick I needed. The space is casual and cute imo. Minimalist.

Amazing staff. All GLUTEN FREE PEOPLE STAY AWAY!!! No management on premises which means no accountability - would also assume they don't care about the staff, customers, nor the local community. Kitchen food ingredients is sub-par in comparison to your local deli, or worse. The "rice noodle burger" is actually wheat noodles and seitan patty - they don't serve rice noodles and there is no burger on the premises. I'm sick right now actually.

Updated menu! A cute space for coffee and brunch, with a couple tables inside and outside. The yakisoba burger had a bun of the fried noodles which was unique and had a great flavor, although a little messy. Hazelnut chocolate pretzel pastry was incredible. Matcha wasn't the best I've ever had, but still decent. Would definitely go back!

Came here with my mom for breakfast and was not impressed with the food. Ordered an avocado toast and bacon egg and cheese. Avocado toast was ok, but not worth the money, also you get two small pieces of toast. My mom didn't even fully eat the bacon egg and cheese. She said the eggs had a raw taste. Will not be returning.

Came here to try the iced matcha latte a few different times and was hoping for different results.. each time it seemed like I was basically drinking nothing but a cup of milk. I don't know if their ratios are off or if the matcha they are using is not good quality but something needs to change. I came here to check other reviews and noticed this has been a common occurrence over the years they've been open.

I would not recommend this business because there is a barista (with pink hair) who is unreasonable, lacks common sense and fails to appreciate loyal customers. Yesterday I was with a friend who has patronized the cafe since the Pandemic of 2020 EVERYDAY (literally 7 days a week except for when she's traveling). Yesterday while still on cafe grounds, not yet having taken a sip, my friend's coffee slipped out of her hands and spilled. She went back inside to get a replacement coffee and the barista with pink hair told her she had to repurchase the coffee. My friend who, as I stated has been a LOYAL customer since 2020 and is a member of their loyalty program where they give out free coffee after so many purchases, was dumbfounded when Barista with Pink Hair doubled-down on not being able to replace the coffee. Where is the common sense, where is the appreciation for LOYAL customers? I'm hoping that the owner speaks with Barista with Pink Hair and makes this a teach-able moment because running a successful business is nuanced, especially within a residential community. My friend felt like she was a part of that coffee shop community, but now she is adamant that she will never purchase another cup of coffee from them again and as a result, neither will I. This is not how you treat neighbors who have supported you so loyally. Bad business-sense. The math ain't math-ing. But there is hope that the owner will reach out and make this right.

I'm very disappointed to say that because of the mistreatment my friend experienced with not having her accidentally spilled coffee replaced as would happen at any normal, reasonable food establishment, I will no longer offer my patronage here. The head barista with pink hair should publicly apologize for her insensitivity and this local business should make the situation right (publicly) or, sad again to say, I will have to discourage other Crown Heights residents (especially people of color) from patronizing this place that mistreats its customers.

good egg sandwich, great coffee, wish they had normal sugar though. Staff were super friendly, I'm definitely looking forward to another visit!

Small cute coffee shop that lets you order ahead. Great location off Nostrand. Some seating outside available. Basic menu with decent variety of food and pastries. Cappuccino was great, skip the iced matcha latte or at least try with any other milk besides whole milk. The matcha was kind of mild and massively over taken by the whole milk, felt like I was just drinking a cup of milk. Staff are very fast and welcoming.

Great service. Quality coffee. Freshly-baked, super tasty pastries (including savory ones, which I find very hard to find in Brooklyn). Cute, cozy ambience with sufficient outdoor seating. One of my favorite coffee shops in BK.

The coffee they use is delicious and I loved my cortado. A bit on the pricier side for a cortado with oat milk, but the people working were so friendly and the service was quick. I would love to go back and try the food since the menu looked delicious (that Yakiso Burger looked amaze).

I wish I had taken a picture of my matcha green tea ice cream (phone was dying) but I can assure you it was delicious!! I got only one scoop ($2.50) and it was plenty. Not too sweet and very creamy. Excited to come back and try the coffee! Atmosphere in the cafe was great to hang out in!

Unfortunately this is one of those NY coffee shops that don't have to sell flavor in their food or drinks:/. This is my second time trying this place and both drinks were bland and just terrible (smoothie first time and tea the second). I unfortunately tried their bacon egg and avacado and it was extremely bland. On top of that, the tables weren't wiped or cleaned both times I tried them. Just all around, no good :(

Very friendly service! Got a mocha and enjoyed waiting in the cute and clean tables that they have inside (omg! Indoor seating.) Will be back to try more menu options.

This small little coffee spot has really delicious drinks. I ordered a dirty chai latte with oat milk, hot and it kept me super caffeinated and it was delicious. This is definitely gonna be my new neighborhood coffee spot.

I popped in here on a whim today as I had a UPS drop off to make and it was across the street. It's a cute little cafe, with benches and a few tables to sit at outside. The inside is very typical of a upscale coffee shop with white walls and black lettering with lots of options (including matcha and coffee drinks). They also have some food and dessert items. I ordered an iced oat chai and a chocolate chip cookie, and both were pretty good. The service was good and friendly and I will definitely come back!

This is a real treat. Well-priced food. I had Avacado toast on sourdough. Perhaps cliche! Still I liked it and the coffee was excellent. Intimate atmosphere that's all about efficiency meets quality. I thought the staff was good and wished they would share themselves a little more. I'll come back!

A nice spot with some casual outdoor seating. I only had coffee and it was fine. It was a lighter than usual roast for an espresso drink. Service was reasonably fast and efficient.

Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 Value: 5/5 ------- I love love love Cafe Cotton Bean. Highly recommend to anyone in the area looking for a delicious cup of coffee and one of the cutest stores in the neighborhood. The staff are all incredibly friendly, and service is relatively fast given their space limitations. (If you're trying to come here to work, I highly recommend coming during off peak hours - late mornings on a weekend are basically claustrophobic!) I haven't really tried any of the food besides the pastries, but the croissant is heaven. That plus a cappuccino is my quickly becoming my Sunday morning choice of breakfast always. They also have a little bench out front and a water bowl in the summer if you have a furry friend accompanying you.

Cafe Cotton Bean has all of the hallmarks of a successful bougie coffee shop...overpriced food and drink, rigidly inconvenient policy and that brand of superficially polite service with chilly undertones that Brooklyn may not have invented but has truly perfected. Unfortunately the end result misses the mark. I've tried time and again to get on board with their offerings, mostly because they're the only decent coffee place in the immediate area that opens before 9 (seriously, how are you gonna open a cafe if you're unwilling to wake up early). After today I think I'll be waiting for those other places to roll out of bed. I'm really not that picky. I can deal with a $6+ cup of cold brew, although that seems high even by BK standards. But I expect that in paying that premium I will receive a product and experience of a quality reflecting that higher price. Why is it then that Cafe Cotton Bean can not be bothered to melt sugar in water so that I can prepare my beverage to my liking and enjoy it immediately. I guess the fact that simple syrup is available at literally every other coffee shop in the borough has gotten me a little spoiled. Oh well, I'm a big boy, I can deal with a little sugar on the bottom of my cup. I mean, I can just stir it up with my straw when I take a sip, right? Wrong. No straws at Cafe Cotton Bean. Ostensibly an environmental measure of some sort, I can't help but think just a small portion of that $6+ I paid could recoup the cost of a compostable straw. I tried the food once and it reflected the rest of my experience with this place; the quality is just about on par with what you would expect but at a slightly higher price point and lacking in some of the details you might find to be standard in other establishments of the same ilk. I have wondered if maybe this is just a sign of the times and I'm just transforming into an ornery old curmudgeon. But then I go into any number of other bougie coffeeshops and pay what I'm used to and receive what I expect, and walk away perfectly satisfied. So the only conclusion I can come to is that Cafe Cotton Bean is doing a things differently, namely charging just a little more and giving just a little less.

I ordered a hot mocha last week. It took them nearly 6 minutes to give me an ICED mocha. It took them several seconds to offer to replace it. Because they were generally rude to me (and not to the other patrons who looked nothing like me), I opted to not have them make another drink. It was probably the most overpriced, disgusting cup of MILK, I've ever had. A teaspoon of coffee and 16 oz of cream. Obviously, my friends, family and I (all from the neighborhood with deep roots) will never step foot in that place again. The bodega across the street serves a better cup of coffee.

I am so glad I tried this coffee shop out. It has a really cool/minimalist vibe. It's a very quiet place so if you need a place to work or read it is ideal for that. I love it even more for the Japanese twist and saw a lot of things on the menu I will be back to try. This time I had an iced latte and the avocado toast with egg, it was all delicious.

I've been a LOYAL customer for years (since the pandemic in 2020, that loyal) I come in EVERYDAY (literally 7 days a week), and the baristas know my coffee order by heart. It's a coffee community that I used to love until yesterday. Before even taking one sip I accidentally spilled my coffee at the seated table outside the cafe. The barista lady with the pink hair refused to replace my spilled coffee. She told me I had to repurchase the coffee (essentially paying $10 for an 8oz flat white). When I tried to reason with her, she doubled down. She knows me, the entire staff know me and I was shocked that she would be so nasty, power tripping and unreasonable with a LOYAL day-1 customer. Again, I come in EVERYDAY (rain snow pandemic I was there!) They just lost a LOYAL customer and showed themselves to not be such good neighbors because of an arrogant unreasonable short sighted barista lady with pink hair. She is BAD for business and community

I'll start off by saying that I have been here 100+ times. There's nothin else I'd want from a local coffee Japanese joint than this place has to offer. The employees, owner and community of people who frequent this place make it feel like home. The food is out of this world, anything you order from the menu is finely crafted into a food experience you have yet to imagine. -No bathroom ;( -No WiFi, but plenty of public access (Optimum/NYClink)

Very cute and modern cafe with a nice selection of sandwiches, toasts and granola bowls. They also have creative and unique drinks like the Beets smoothie (which is more like a juice because it isn't blended with ice). It was refreshing, had a hint of ginger, and was perfectly sweetened with the slightest bit of honey. The ladies who work there were really pleasant as well! I'd definitely come back for coffee and lunch.

The neighborhood spot where you come with a friend/family/loved one to chill in the AM. It has a beautiful, airy vibe that is refreshing without the cold minimalism so many coffee shops have these days. It feels super open and light in there, and despite the pretty quiet atmosphere it's not a good place to work. There is no free WiFi (there's an Optimum hotspot but that's it) and no restroom. This isn't a complaint as I totally understand some cafes aren't meant for that, just a warning if you're looking for a work/study cafe. Why it's not 5 Stars: the coffee isn't the best. They use Parlor which is a Brooklyn roaster and as much I love to support local, I'm not a big fan of Parlor beans. If you like Parlor, this will be your fave new place! I'll definitely be back with some friends for a chill weekend coffee.

I came here during a very freezing day when I needed a place to warm up for a few minutes. This was definitely the perfect place for just that! It was so warm and steamy in here that the windows were fogged, it was perfect after being outside in temperatures I don't even want to think about. The cafe itself is very minimalistic and cozy. Staff is friendly enough and the menu is very straightforward. I just ordered a simple black coffee, but even their black coffee was delicious and I ended up lingering here way longer than anticipated, not wanting to go back out in the cold. Highly recommended and I'd love to come back again myself.

Super good coffee. Pastries are okay, but everyone who works there is very friendly and quick

Cute little nook in Crown Height. Super small sitting area but has a warm homey feeling. They have a very simple menu, so don't need to rack your brain on what to go. If you're in a hurry and would like coffee and a simple breakfast than this is a spot you should try out. But warning upon entering you'll be hit with a musty egg smell. Lol I order their latte which was made with perfect. You can tell they take their coffee seriously because the barista took his time in making my latte; and everyone else's. Even as the small area got packed he did not rush, but took his time in crafting a great cup. I order one of their egg sandwich, with their price being a bit high you definitely get what you paid for. The egg sandwich are pretty big and made fresh. You can taste the real eggs and not that powder/carton egg you'll get at most spots.

v cute, good quality and fast service ! def want to go back to try their food because it looks good

This coffee shop opened right across the street from my apartment last winter, and it's a great place to grab coffee on the way to the subway or hangout while doing laundry. Coffee is good but a little expensive. Have only tried the avocado toast which is a good deal (only $5) but made with chipotle mayo so be prepared for a little spice. The lavender iced tea is also excellent and very refreshing. Pro tip: this cafe is right by the B65 bus stop at Bergen & Nostrand so perfect to duck inside when waiting for the bus!

A personal favorite of mine. This charming little Japanese cafe offers some of the best brews around, and it's only a short distance from my apartment, so I try and stop by to get my caffeine fix as often as I can. The avocado toast is great! I had mine with an egg on top for a filling power lunch. I wish they added more seeds to it though. The lattes are great, and I want to try their mochi next time I visit. Definitely come here if you're a coffee snob, the staff know their stuff, and every drink is excellently prepared. Be mindful that it does get a bit crowded at times (it's a popular spot around lunch and breakfast hours!) so be sure to plan your visit accordingly so you can find a place to sit down.

Why as a coffee shop do you not have vanilla or wifi? And almost $5 cappuccino made with whole milk?? Wild

They are stingy with their coffee and milk. I asked for light ice, I had to beg them to finally take out enough ice (at first the entire cup was full) finally when they did they poured approximately 2/3 of a cup of coffee. When I asked that they fill to the top they told me that since I got light ice that's how much coffee I'll get. After a minute of arguing I gave in and asked for milk. They gave me a splash, when I asked that they fill it to the top they said "well know we have to charge you for cafe au lait". Basically worst coffee experience in Brooklyn, you may have saved some coffee and milk, but you definitely lost a customer. Good job

Cute, unassuming coffee shop with a delicious breakfast sandwich! I've only been here once, but a friend of mine who lives nearby goes all the time and loves the coffee. Back to the breakfast sandwich though: imagine a perfectly fried egg, crispy bacon, fresh avocado and melted cheese all sandwiched between toasted wheat. *Drool* It puts the standard egg 'n cheese on a roll to shame. The shop is pretty tiny, but if you can snag a table it'd be a cozy spot to read or work for a bit. When I was there it was *really* hot inside, almost to the point of discomfort, but I think it's a building issue that I'm sure they're already addressing. I'm looking forward to coming back and trying their ginger honey juice to go along with my breakfast sammy :)

I love cafe cotton bean! They use Parlor coffee which is dope and I'm addicted to their açai cups! Love love love

With an understandable but still misguided name in such a gentrifying area, Cafe Cotton Bean opened with two focuses: coffee/pastries/sandwiches and clothing, and it confusingly looks far more like a gallery/clothing shop. The coffee is Parlor and the food options will apparently soon expand in scope and skew Japanese. Their current hour are 7-3/4 weekdays and 8-3/4 weekends.

i love this little coffee shop. great find in brooklyn. their coffee is amazingly good. the food was filling and fresh. the location and area is super quaint. the benches and tiny chairs inside play great with the aesthetic. will come here again.

They are not friendly at all lol. I literally walked in and said hi, and asked one question and the girl rolled her eyes. Don't come into an all black community as another culture and constantly talk down to black community members. This has happened both times I've come in here. Which was only because Rosalias across the street was closed: which by the way the coffee is better and they are beyond friendly.

Such a wonderful little coffee shop with such a kind staff and great coffee! An incredibly lovely spot all around.

Wanted to find a coffee shop during these pandemic times. Have lived in the area for a while and just discovered this place. Cute little cafe with a nice ambiance. They had all their safety precautions in place. Matcha and cold brew tasted delicious. Will be coming back a lot more often, in lieu of other coffee shops (cough cough...Starbucks)

VERY CUTE VERY DELICIOUS. I've enjoyed coffees here, I've enjoyed avocado toasts here. It was my first experience eating chipotle mayo. Love the simplicity and clean, easygoing vibe---maybe if I ever have a free afternoon, I'll get an affogato and read for a while.

An awesome new coffee shop on nostrand and bergen! Yes!!!! This place is small, but has seating (4 tables) inside, and a delicious-looking array of baked goods, as well as some delicious coffee. The spot is very reminiscent of Anchor Coffee in bed stuy, but they take cards (not only cash), so that's a big plus. The coffee was pretty good, the mocha was delicious, and the place is a great addition to the neighborhood!

Very cute, minimalistic cafe. Came in for a drink this weekend, and so glad we did. The service was great, and staff was friendly. The iced mocha was delicious and the Beet Smoothie was great. Saw someone order the egg and avocado sandwich and it looked fantastic. Small but unique menu. Will definitely come back to try their breakfast sandwiches, burgers and desserts.

Cute place just off of Nostrand ave. Nice vibe, music, and decor - even better now that they have AC ! Excluding the pastries, everything food-wise seems to be made in-house. As for the small plates they serve; simple, tasty, homemade flavor. The best/most hearty options are made with meat. So, vegetarians beware. I like the coffee, but it needs work. I've tried the cold brew, solid; iced americano, a little too much water for my liking but the barista will adjust it for you; flat white, always too hot and too foamy. I order my steamer drinks with soy, but they just make it too hot and and the milk doesn't have a good texture. I was however disappointed by the matcha, the flavor was rather weak considering the price. That being said, the positives outweigh the negatives ad the staff and owner are nice and friendly, so overall you're bound to have a good time.

These guys make an amazing cup of coffee. The decor in this coffee shop definitely aligns with my taste. I love everything I have ordered there. They're very friendly and helpful. I will be back!

Excellent coffee and food! Try the Yakiso Burger (it's like a ramen burger), it's delicious. A very good addition to the crown heights / Nostrand Ave neighborhood.