Der Pioneer

Coffee shop · Kensington

Der Pioneer

Coffee shop · Kensington

2

737 Church Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11218

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Der Pioneer by null
Der Pioneer by null
Der Pioneer by null
Der Pioneer by null
Der Pioneer by null
Der Pioneer by null
Der Pioneer by null
Der Pioneer by null
Der Pioneer by null
Der Pioneer by null
Der Pioneer by null
Der Pioneer by null
Der Pioneer by null
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Der Pioneer by null
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Highlights

Der Pioneer Bakery is a cozy gem on Church Ave that delights with expertly crafted pastries, scrumptious sandwiches, and welcoming vibes for coffee lovers.  

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737 Church Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11218 Get directions

derpioneer.com
@der_pioneer

$$$$$$ · Menu

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737 Church Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11218 Get directions

+1 347 435 0132
derpioneer.com
@der_pioneer
𝕏
@der_pioneer

$$$$$$ · Menu

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dine in
takeout
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Last updated

Jul 7, 2025

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@eater

"Few things say “late summer” as well as ripe heirloom tomatoes. Yes, you can use them in salads, or eat them plain with a shake of salt, but Der Pioneer, a maverick German-French-Viennese bakery on the western edge of Flatbush uses them in a scrumptious galette." - Eater Staff

The Best Dishes Eater Editors Ate This Week - Eater NY
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@danielhurwitz

good soups and sandwiches.

food that i like in/near ditmas park
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Setareh Siahpoosh

Google
Chef Bjorn made the most incredible cake for my baby shower! Being Persian, we love flavors like banana, whipped cream, and pistachio, and I shared this with him—he improvised beautifully, creating a cake with a whipped cream, banana mousse pistachio and raspberry inside that completely wowed my guests. Hands down, the best-tasting cake I’ve had since moving to the U.S. 14 years ago! Not only was it delicious, but he also perfectly replicated the design I had in mind. So lucky to have such a talented chef in the neighborhood! (And it is as easy as emailing him, he nailed the assignment in few words 😄

Maddox Kovalenko

Google
Absolutely delicious food 😋 😍 👌 We got the prosciutto mozzarella sandwich for breakfast and the lemon ricotta pancake, pumpkin spice loaf, candle pain aux raisins. Everything was DELICIOUS!!! Highly recommend doing a detour to go here. 😉😉 Staff was Very nice and knowledgeable and the atmosphere is so nice!

Kristina Kovalyova

Google
Der Pioneer is a nice place with welcoming stuff and tasty snacks. My matcha had a delicious flavour. However, the one drawback is the limited seating. The space is small, and it can feel a bit cramped, especially during busy hours.

Christin Lee

Google
Stopped by Der Pioneer Bakery after a vocal lesson nearby, and WOW—what an incredible experience! Everything I picked up was absolutely phenomenal. The honey cinnamon scone, blackout cake, cardamom bun, and pumpkin slice were all 🤤 also grabbed an oat matcha, which was super smooth and creamy. The owner and staff were working so hard, yet they were incredibly friendly and welcoming. You can tell there’s so much passion and care put into everything they do here. The warm atmosphere and top-notch service made my visit even more memorable. Der Pioneer Bakery is a must-stop~ Highly recommend if you’re looking for exceptional pastries and good vibes! ☺️

Setareh Alavi

Google
An absolute gem for this neighborhood, the pastry is as close as it can get to the highest quality European pastry and the food is amazing!!! the breakfast burrito is the best I’ve ever had and I’m from Austin Texas so I know my burrito. My favorite part is the ambiance of seeing these beautiful people in the kitchen working. The owner is super nice and always present making things.

Justin Millar

Google
Food is delicious. I’ve gotten a few things when I used to work in the area. I tried to get the too good to go bag because I’ve seen others get a bunch of goodies. In my bag today 9/21/24 I got 2 bread rolls and 1 piece of vegan cake not a fan) . I guess it’s better to just pay $5 and get 1 thing you actually want. I drove 17 minutes out of my way to pick it up thinking I’d get stuff to share with the kids on a Sunday evening. There were a bunch of sandwiches and things left over in the stand but I guess you hey what you get.

Mazal M

Google
one of my top favorite coffee shops! their drinks and food are amazing (it is busy for a good reason) and the staff there are such lovely people and the owner always greets everyone he sees! the chai latte is my favorite there and the atmosphere is great as well!! it’s my go-to in the mornings. i hope they’re here forever ❤️🙏

Safi Bi

Google
This is one of my favorite coffee shop. There is enough seating and a variety of pastries/breakfast options. The cheddar and chive biscuit is one of the best we’ve had and I throughly enjoyed the walnut and banana bread. There are several seats inside and there is also an outdoor seating area as well. I come here at least 1-2 a month.

Michael H.

Yelp
I'm sad I waited so long to try out Der Pioneer and I even declined an invite to meet a friend there months ago because it didn't look like they would have anything vegan friendly besides coffee. I finally stopped in yesterday and was pleased to discover friendly neighborhood coffee shop vibes, along with a absolutely delicious vegan salted caramel cake. Paired with a hot oat milk latte, quick efficient service, and a bright, open, and bustling atmosphere and I had a great hangout chatting with a friend. This is a great stretch of Church Ave where I often find myself looking for a spot to chill for a bit. So happy to have found a new place to fall in love with!

Huai E.

Yelp
Had the Raspberry Mousse Gateau which was sweet and tangy. Quite delicious. Also ordered the chocolate brownie which was gooey rich, marble cake and the tomato mozzarella and roasted vegetables sandwich. Service was quick and friendly. Cute cafe joint.

Jamerson W.

Yelp
I really want to like this place more. It's within walking distance of my friends' apartment and is a great fit for the vibrancy of the neighborhood. It's small, but has a back patio perfect for a fall afternoon. And the service is solid. It feels a little frantic, but they are great at expediting food/beverages and are friendly in a city that can feel a bit abrupt and unnecessarily fast-paced. Where Der Pioneer fails is food quality and availability. Their food is good, not great. I've tried their breakfast sandwich, "burrito", and quiche. Their pastries are much better than their savories and drinks. And the last two times I've gone, they have been out of breakfast sandwiches. Both times were before Noon, so it was a disappointed both times. But, I'm glad there are so many people who like the place and they seem to be doing well! I'll definitely give other places in the area a try.

Wanda T.

Yelp
Stopped in for a quick coffee and meal. The place was small but convenient. I ordered a decaffeinated drink and eggs sandwich. The coffee was ok and egg salad sandwich was interesting. I really didn't asked about the bread choices but didn't expect the burger bun default choice for an egg salad sandwich. Seemed like an over priced sandwich to begin with at $12 and the burger bun was odd. She added Spinach leaves to it which was an unpleasant leaf choice for this sandwich. Paid close to $20 for both items which was pricey if you ask me. The service was off, I asked for a bag because she handed me a box that contained my sandwich at which she came out snobby and said I should ask for a bag at checkout because they charge for bags. Whelp, it would be nice to actually have been offered a bag at check out because no where in the store does it say the to go items do not come with a bag and or there is a fee for the bag. Rude. I will not be returning.

Patricia N.

Yelp
One of the best caneles I've had. I like walking here to grab coffee once in a while and I always get 2 caneles because they are that good! I wish they were closer to me because I'd get a canele everyday! Also for coffee they have a point system which I haven't seen in a while, so it's nice to be rewarded. This is such a cute cafe to grab a quick bite or to work in. It's small but seating is comfortable and there's an outdoors.

Barney C.

Yelp
Der Pioneer is a gem in the Prospect Park South neighborhood. The wide variety of delectable and scrumptious pastries they offer is greatly appreciated. The almond croissant is amazing and I'd highly recommend this flaky treat if it isn't sold out. Service is friendly and efficient. The store is cozy and laptops aren't allowed during certain hours on the weekend. The weekends are for buttery baked confections and not checking your email. But yeah, definitely check this place out if you're in need of a pastry and caffeine fix.

Riz Y.

Yelp
Needed some caffeine, and found this spot on Church Ave, I did want to say usually when you step into a coffee shop, the aroma of fresh brew uplifts your senses. However, here I didn't get the exact vibes. I ordered a large Hot Brew with a shot of French Vanilla, and the Barista was alright and left some room for cream n sugar. I was looking over their pastries as I see they had an open bakery toward the back, however they didn't looked appetizing as it appeared really dry. I just want to say if your going to charge $5+ for a cup of coffee put some kick into your beans at least guys, I would say it's time to level up your coffee bean game.

L M.

Yelp
The most burned bitter coffee I have ever had. If you want more than a pastry it's all got meat in it (except the egg salad). I'm also not into coffee shops on the edge of gentrifying areas using "pioneer" or "frontier" or "hinterlands" in their name seems hostile to the longtime locals.

Sharon W.

Yelp
The place is small but there are few tables inside you can sit in. I order the matcha latte and it's kinda small. The drink is okay. There was only one barista and also is the cashier. They also have some pastries you can order as well.

Lucy M.

Yelp
I love this neighborhood coffee shop and cafe. All of their sandwiches and pastries are delicious, the staff are friendly, and they have a great backyard. My favorite item here is the canele which is soooo heavenly. The outside is crispy and chewy at the same time, and the inside is like bread pudding. It's the perfect treat and probably one of the best caneles I've ever had in NYC and in France.

Laura C.

Yelp
The cherry walnut brownie was delicious even though I had to play hide and seek to find any trace of walnuts. I ate this a day later and it was still moist and fudgy. The sandwich which I ate at home was not a success because it was pre-made and the side with the mayo and tomatoes on it was soaked through and the bread was soggy and fell apart. I also had the runs after eating this $9 sandwich. I will not buy another sandwich from here again. I would have preferred to have the sandwich freshly made and then have the mayo on the side. The other side of the sandwich had mustard on it which was a surprise. I'm not sure what on the sandwich messed with my digestive system but I'll stick to their baked goods instead.

Kamara S.

Yelp
A few times, I do a random google map search in the area to see what places are newly open or just available for my random whims. Der pioneer was one of these places I put in my list to visit when I'm in the area. By chance, I needed to eat and my gym was in the area. If you are going to a cafe for coffee or tea, this could be the place for you (whether to go or in person). My London fog (with oat milk) was done right and they have the options for different sweeteners if you prefer agave! But something that intrigued me about this spot as opposed to other cafes is their pastry and baked goods sections. As apparent by the name, there's a couple more German pastries available through the baked good window but overall they have a nice assortment. They even have caneles which are hard to make. They have desserts in the same window and also in the fridge near the register. They had a nice looking mousse which I enjoyed. Of course, depending on when you go, some things would not be available. I think I was the last one to get the egg and bacon sandwich when I ordered it (plus it is actual egg and not egg byproduct). Other than that, I think it is chill. They prefer cash to card, they have hours and sections which they say no to laptops so it might not be your optimal work space but I say it is pretty decent

Neil B.

Yelp
I stopped at this little coffee/pastry cafe recently during one of my daily walks. It's a little pricy for Church Avenue but my coffee was high quality and the folks working here were all very friendly. Also, worth, noting is their beautiful backyard where I sat and enjoyed my coffee! I've walked by on weekends and recommend if you like tranquility to visit during the week when they are much less crowded!

Justin K.

Yelp
Wonderful feature of the neighborhood. Great ambiance. Note: no laptops allowed on the weekend, which isn't great for weekend workers, BUT it also gives you a better chance at getting a seat.

Lovoria W.

Yelp
Der is my fav coffee shop. The service is always food and friendly. The food is good and the coffee is fabulous. The prices are very good. The outdoor seating in the back is very nice.

Matt I.

Yelp
We moved to Kensington a year ago, but I hadn't stopped by this amazing cafe and pastry shop for half a year after that. I am sad I'll never get those six months back. Perfect croissant and pastry of all kinds, where you can taste the freshness of the butter and watch every morning as (the owners?) personally create all of these treats in the open/glass kitchen. You can tell they love their work and it definitely shows. For lunch they have simple sandwiches served on fresh baguette. Extravagant cakes and tarts and pies for every holiday. Great music and friendly service all throughout the pandemic, and a back garden to meet friends in the neighborhood or to sip espresso or hot cocoa with your kids. Highly recommend.

Casey W.

Yelp
There are 4 coffee shops within 3 blocks of my house and this is by far the best one. The chef and owner has done such a wonderful job curating the menu and baked goods over the last couple years and every time I go in he's always working his butt off and is extremely kind. The coffee here is outstanding, especially the espresso! I love sitting in the back of the shop especially because it's so quiet.

Donna D.

Yelp
One of my favorite places in the neighborhood ! Best croissant ever. Love the staff and my morning iced coffee

g g.

Yelp
I live just doors down and have tried to give in but the coffee is just so bad, it is a cup of bitter sludge that no amount of milk can fix. Please add a second brew or something and you would make probably $40/week just from me... and beware this place on Friday mornings when it is overtaken by 200 runners from the park each competing with each other to speak and laugh louder than the next. It literally echoes around the room while the people who were quietly enjoying a coffee do their own run for the door.

Matt D.

Yelp
This is very good coffee and (what I think of as) Viennese-style pasty. I always order an Americano, and it's bold and smooth--just like I like! I often get the Franzbrötchen, a cinnamon-sugar delight that is just a little crispy without being over the top, but the other selections are consistently satisfying. Not always for everyone: it can get somewhat "family-ish" on weekends and it's usually poppin'. But it's my favorite over ALL the other cafes in the area.

Gordon P.

Yelp
I got a gluten free and non gf pastry and both were put together in same bag. Meaning my wife couldn't eat the gf pastry bc of cross contamination It's a concern of celiac folks that when that happens it feels unsafe to eat at a place because the staff doesn't understand the importance of separating gf and non gf food. If you're gf- make sure they separate your food.

Miho S.

Yelp
Pioneer sprinkle cookies! Hooray!! You can sit outside bench and get some sun bathing and chill!

Sharon W.

Yelp
UPDATE A/O 10/4/20 - The seas parted and the gates of Heaven have opened up. Yes, Der Pioneer is now delivering to our neck of the woods via Grub Hub and I'm ever so grateful. The roasted vegetable and chicken sandwich on ciabatta with pesto was divine. Another awesome establishment rockin it during the pandemic. Thank you Der Pioneer!

Suri M.

Yelp
Everything is weird now with COVID-19, but I'm glad Der Pioneer is still around. They do excellent espresso coffees, they have several non-dairy milk options (soy, almond, oat). Coffees and pastries are totally reasonable for what you're getting. And my, my, the pastries. They have everything. Sometimes I cannot pick one, so I buy several. Chocolate croissant? Yes. Almond croissant? Yes. Chocolate almond croissant? Yes... and they usually have vegan and/or gluten free cookies or whatever. The earlier you get there, the more options they have. Except on Mondays when they're closed. Somehow I always try to go there Monday on the way to work and I'm never awake enough to remember... Anyway, I'm not sure what they're doing in terms of meals these days, but in pre-pandemic times they had a full menu of various sandwiches and brunchy things made to order. Salads, quiche. Just delicious. There's a really nice back patio with umbrellas and big tables. They prefer cash but also take cards, and have hand sanitizer.

Sejla A.

Yelp
My go-to weekend cafe! They have great coffee and even better pastries. It's become a popular spot for the neighborhood but you'll always find a seat. The service is quick and you really can't go wrong with ordering anything... personally love their iced lattes, cappuccinos, apricot donuts (!!), croissants and berry smoothies. There's also a small outside area with tables that I'm sure will be open soon when the weather gets warmer.

Belle L.

Yelp
i've never been to the physical store, only had takeout but they have some of the best pastries. the coffee is also very strong and good! highly recommend.

Sara L.

Yelp
A true hidden gem of the neighborhood, and they've only shined brighter through the tough pandemic times. It's a bit out of the way, but so worth it if you're in the area. They make a slew of incredible dishes. Their dishes are familiar but they take it to another level. They've recently reopened for takeout, offering new items, their usual menu items, as well as some meal kits. Before pandemic, when dining in was an option, it was always so busy in here. Super family friendly as well, so it was always better to get here earlier than later. Some of my favorites off the menu included the Eggs Amatrciana American Style, Cheddar Chive biscuit, Smoked Salmon sandwich, Omelet, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, and Avocado Toast. Some of these items aren't currently available, but they still offer a bunch of other items, mostly sandwiches and pastries. I enjoy their sandwiches, which are served on a croissant or biscuit. The Cheddar Chive biscuit might be my favorite go to item. It's also great for reheating. Their pastries are all amazing. The owner here is super nice and the staff is always welcoming. They've recently offered some other special items, including Korean bbq kits, lemon ricotta pancake kit, and hot dogs/hamburgers for Memorial Day. The Korean bbq kit is definitely worth it if you're dying for some bbq. It's been too long going without some decent Korean bbq, and you'll be surprised. This kit might taste better than some restaurant bbq I've had. The lemon ricotta pancakes are also fantastic. These kits are super easy to cook up as well.

Jayde L.

Yelp
A sweet little place with many pastries, baked goods and sandwich options when we came to visit. I got the salmon sandwich which was tasty, and my partner got a gluten free cherry chocolate scone which they said was good as well. They have milk alternatives! Would have liked to see more gluten free options:)

Pear ..

Yelp
the drinks are pretty good, and the matcha isn't overly sweet, but the food is is whats REALLY good, especially the cheddar biscuits.

Lori K.

Yelp
I recently bought a bike, which has helped me to venture out more. The good news is that riding a bike around the neighborhood is much healthier than sitting on my couch and watching tv all day. The bad news is that I'm going out to eat more and allowing myself to get dessert because I just rode my bike and that was hard! That brings us to Der Pioneer. I stopped in here on a Sunday morning around 10 AM. At first, I thought it was your typical run-of-the-mill coffee café. Upon first glance, they have a few tables, a bunch of hot and cold drinks and a glass display filled with delicious looking pastries and desserts. My favorite thing was that the people preparing food are in an enclosed see-through room right by the register. Customers are able to watch (and drool) as their items are being prepared. My lady and I ordered at the counter and then realized there was a whole backyard area, which we immediately decided we needed to go to. Whenever I have the chance to sit outside on a nice day I'm there. When eating is involved, the likelihood increases by 1,000. I ordered the huevos rancheros and she had the breakfast sandwich. We both loved our meals. The food was very flavorful and super filling. I'm pretty sure this is impossible, but it tasted like my beans were made by hand. Almost like each bean was hand rolled and injected with love. I don't even like beans that much, but those beans are heaven sent. On the way out, I got a gluten free cranberry chocolate scone and holy shnikies. A gluten free baked good has never, I repeat, never ever tasted as buttery and flakey as this scone of the gods. I highly recommend this place.

Rebecca E.

Yelp
Best baked goods in the area. Try the banana bread, pain au raisin, the lemon loaf, pumpkin spice bread, blueberry lemon muffin...also the BEC on a pretzel bun, so good!

Rohit K.

Yelp
Update 12/19: How rare for a place to get better the longer it's around. . . Der Pioneer has the best pancake I've ever had in my life, hands down. You get one giant, fluffy, ricotta-filled pancake per order and believe me, there's nothing quite like it. We've been almost every weekend since they've opened and don't plan on stopping anytime soon! Lovely neighborhood coffee shop with great pastries! We've been missing a place like this in the neighborhood, and I'm really glad that we finally have it! The coffee is great, as is the food. Also a huge fan of the decor. The wood tables and chairs give the place a nice warmth, and the general ambience is very peaceful. I wish they had a veggie sandwich without mushrooms or eggplant, but I'll cut them some slack, since they just opened. :D

R W.

Yelp
The pastries are expertly crafted and consistently delicious. The coffees are thoughtful and always on point. The atmosphere is always chill. The staff are great and the owner is always attentive and runs a great shop.

Michael J.

Yelp
This cafe is just around the corner from where I live and finally went this morning. The vibe is cool, the decor minimalist and the crowd mixed with hipsters, moms and freelancers that can support a good wifi! I tried the breakfast sandwich ($8) and a cup of coffee and it was very good although I think if you charged $2 more and added potato wedges or salad people would buy that to get a real fill/meal. The see thru kitchen and pretty large backyard are plus factors as well I will return to try the burger and bring my wife and son back for brunch. oh and they take Square (unlike many establishments in and around Windsor Terrace/Kensington) which is such a relief. We will return and good job guys!

Lana L.

Yelp
Plain latte was $5 after tax, which was slightly more expensive than other places. No complaints, but it was nothing special. If you're trying to get work done, don't go during peak hours, as it can definitely get loud especially with families and kids coming in. I came on a Saturday from noon to around 3pm. It was a lot quieter around 2pm and there were plenty of open spots. Outlets were easy to find. Haven't tried their food yet, but it looks like they have some good pastries and desserts.

Nataliya K.

Yelp
Very nice spot to have freshly made coffee , pastries or sandwich . We stopped by to have some coffee and something sweet to eat. Cappuccino was good , banana bread was a bit dry for me, I do not think I will have it again . But canellé was good, soft inside . People were ordering sandwiches , and it looked really good. We will try it next time!

Isabel H.

Yelp
First tried this place during lease-signing and dropped in just because. I had the gluten-free berry scone and it blew me away. Delicious and flaky--best I've had in a long time (including when I used to eat gluten). Definitely will be back! I've since tried the cold brew and it's not bad. My second favorite thing here is the "GF avocado toast" breakfast option--potatoes instead of toast. See pic.

Morlene C.

Yelp
There are so many adorable coffee shops, bars, and eateries along this stretch of Church Avenue, making this block an exciting reprieve from an otherwise low-key neighborhood. If you find yourself around these parts, don't skip a visit to Der Pioneer for one of their many lattes, pastries, and sandwiches. I came away with a delicious chai latte and pain aux raisin. I don't think they make their baked goods on their premises, but I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious and fresh my breakfast treat tasted. Among the other baked goods I noticed a coffee cake, pumpkin bread, muffins, and croissants in their case, any of which would make for a nice snack.

Jemima L.

Yelp
Grabbed a mystery bag from here on a food saving app. I got this delicious honey cinnamon scone and a chocolate ganache cake ball. They were both sooooo good!! I also received a chorizo egg sandwich which I couldn't eat as I don't indulge in pork so I can't attest to the taste. However, the portion was huge and the brioche bun looked tempting! The scone was huge as well. I'll definitely go back for the scones!

Amy S.

Yelp
The closest coffee shop to my home was Dunkin Donuts until Der Pioneer came into my life. It is EVERYTHING I want and need in a local, independent cafe -- as a freelancer, a foodie, a coffee junkie, a health nut (at times), and a sweet tooth (those other times). This is what I value and what Der Pioneer provides: 1. Freelancer amenities: Great WiFi, electrical outlets for laptops, and about 50% to 75% of the seating allotted for laptop users, with the back for those who come for conversation or the traditional cafe experience. No one makes you feel unwelcome even if you spend hours and hours here working on your laptop (after ordering something, of course). But there is a request that you not talk on your cell phone, which is a bit inconvenient for me in my line of work, but totally understandable. People can be jerks when they talk loudly on their phones in public. I get it. Boundaries. 2. Food: One of my biggest complaints about other freelancer-friendly cafes is that there are no food options besides baked goods. I don't care how good the pastries are. Actually, I wish they were worse. I spend my whole time there trying not to order them. But Der Pioneer has a full breakfast and lunch menu (and pop-up dinners) with fresh vegetables, animal proteins, and cheese. I adore the chicken Parmesan with broccoli rabe. It's a sandwich, but I get it without bread. The broccoli rabe is the best. It's tender, yet crunchy and sprinkled with Parmesan and slivered almonds. The chorizo egg burrito is another favorite. Today I had the vegetable mozzarella omelet with side salad, and it was so fluffy, packed with good vegetables and oozing with stringy cheese. The salad had good spring mix greens and the sweet tangy punch of thin green apple slices and flavor spike of radish. 3. If you're going to go the bread and pastry route, this is the place to do it. At least one of the owners is an official pastry chef, and it shows in the product. The French sweets are above and beyond. The baked goods are creative and varied. Everything is crafted fresh and in-house, and you can watch the owner-chefs and staff create their culinary magic in the glassed-in kitchen. 4. Ambiance: It's very important to me that the atmosphere is chic. Otherwise, I might as well get my drink and/or food to go, right? At Der Pioneer, the tables are live-edge wood, which I adore. The light fixtures and general style here is understated rustic-modern chic. The bathroom is huge, clean and has great wallpaper. 5. Staff and service: My favorite barista is this one friendly young woman; I forget her name, but she has dark hair and a nose ring sometimes. She's sweet. If you come somewhat regularly, the owners will notice and talk to you more often, while they're working. They're friendly to newcomers too, so that's cool. 6. Coffee/Drinks: This is my least favorite part of Der Pioneer, which is funny because it's a coffee shop. (But also bistro-cafe-bakery-patisserie.) I like that it's a local brand, Brooklyn Roasting Company; I just don't like the taste of BRC's coffees, any blend. My favorite is Counter Culture, which is actually from North Carolina, but it's smoother and fruitier. Oh well. I still drink it. It's way better than many other brands, and if you get anything other than simple brewed coffee (what I order), then it's probably great. Oh, order the cannelle pastry whenever it's there. There's a reason it's the center of Der Pioneer's logo. Seriously. That's it. ;-)

Andrea C.

Yelp
Loved loved loved eating here. Great atmosphere and love the interior decor. Their backyard looked so inviting! Their kitchen is open with clear glass so people can watch the chefs cook! Besides the decor the food was the best! Their lemon ricotta pancakes were so filling and airy! I definitely recommend getting it. We ordered one order of the pancakes for the both of us and it was just right! The pancakes were the right consistency and every cut with your knife you get the smell of the lemon and with every bite no matter which part of the pancake there was ricotta. I didn't even need the maple syrup it could be eaten alone. It did have a nice taste to it though. Their hot chocolate was perfect not too sweet and not too dull.

David G.

Yelp
I love this place. It's my go to for morning coffee and baked goods (the BEST chocolate chip cookies!), as well as sandwiches. A great variety of things, all prepared beautifully (and deliciously).

ShAaquil O.

Yelp
This Cafe always has long lines in the morning as their hours are very short right now. They have very tasty pastries but it's their coffee which is their specialties. The avogottoa(not sure exact spelling) but essentially it's a shot of coffee with vanilla ice cream. Its a must have. Their hours are much shorter due to COVID however so make sure to go early so you can be ahead of the lime. Their matcha loaf is really good especially if you love matcha tea. Its not too sweet which I love.

Kenny C.

Yelp
Der Pioneer is a welcome new addition to the neighborhood. Or I guess, relatively new, since my visits to Kensington are very sporadic. They're a coffee shop with basically every type of drink you could want. I ordered an oat milk iced latte just because I wanted to feel as millennial as humanly possible (and it was delicious). They also offer a wide variety of breakfast pastries and specialty desserts (with fancy French names like dacquoise and gateaux). They're super pretty to look at, but for $5.50 apiece, maybe a more special occasion type of thing. I'll stick to the croissants (and their version of cheddar bay biscuits). The space is lovely, and they have limited laptop hours on weekends, so plan accordingly. Or just stop being a deadbeat and get a dedicated working space, I guess. They also have a monthly dinner menu, so that's a nice option as well.

Renee A.

Yelp
Dreaming of a perfect cup of der pioneer coffee and this slice of dark chocolate heaven...

renje g.

Yelp
+++ - very sunny environment. I'd rather come for breakfast when it's a bit less hectic - very large portions ++ - good coffee - good pastries + - good pastries - chicken farm sandwich was good, but could have used a bit more flavor TIP: - gets crowded on a Saturday afternoon, but turnover is quick

Linh V.

Yelp
Not too far from Flatbush junction, this spot is great and cozy. We had our brunch in the outdoor patio, they had a small garden with herbs and ivy. We ordered: breakfast burger: tasty avocado, thick bacon, sunny side up egg on a roll with veggie salad on a side. The only part i dont like is the cheese, it didnt melt and kind of cold still. Lemon pancake : hot soft inside, berry sauce is tasty Hotdog: very yummy with fried onion on top, soft bread and pickle

Hillary L.

Yelp
Such a great cup of coffee and the food is really good. The breakfast burrito is burritotastic.

Katie B.

Yelp
My office doesn't do a traditional lunch hour. Office culture dictates you grab delivery or run somewhere close and bring it back to eat at your desk. Ugh. But thank goodness for Der Pioneer. It's just down the block and their food and coffee is excellent. It's a struggle every morning not to stop by for one of their cinnamon danishes. They are manna straight from heaven, delicate, doughy, sticky, sweet. I highly recommend them. Their pain au chocolat is good too, but why bother when the danish is so mind-blowing? Their breakfast sandwich is great, too. It's an egg, thick slab bacon, avocado, cheddar, MUSTARD, and lettuce and tomato. Mustard on eggs, not something I am used to, but it's tasty. I'm not fully sold on the lettuce on the sandwich, but that's an easy fix. Per the recommendation of one of the baristas, I tried the chicken parm. The barista said it was far and away her favorite thing on the menu. It is excellent. Garlicky with red sauce AND pesto on the other side. Plus it comes with some garlicky broccoli rabe with pine nuts. I devoured the side, might've liked it a bit better than the excellent sandwich. Everything is pretty pricey here, but it's worth it. For example, the grilled cheese is $6 and does not come with any side. I asked for a side salad, which I was charged $2 for, which I was willing to deal with. Plus the salad had some apples, radishes, and carrots in it with a really beautiful light dressing on it. But if we're talking salads, their summer salad is to die for. It's got grilled peaches, apricots, fresh figs, goat cheese, and walnuts. It's delightful. The staff at the cafe is very pleasant as well, the chef always makes a point of saying hello with a big smile and it's definitely very appreciated. And it's always very clean inside. The coffee is super rich and highly caffeinated.