Dillon T.
Yelp
Overflow Coffee is a relatively new addition to LIC that my local friend recommended, and it exceeded my expectations. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted warmly by the staff, who took the time to answer all my questions about the menu. I decided on the spiced pear cappuccino ($6) from their specialty menu, which the barista described as subtly flavored with a hint of spiced pear. She was spot on as it had a delightful aroma of pear that added something special to an otherwise solid cappuccino.
The space is cozy and well thought out, with about six small tables that seat two, a high-top seating area along the wall that seats four, and a couple of chairs by the window. There's also a kids' area with seating and activities, making it a great option for families. For those looking to work, there are outlets along the walls and reliable Wi-Fi. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with cheerful Christmas decor and music playing during my visit, which added a festive touch.
While sitting down to read, I recognized the owner, Chris, from his responses to reviews and struck up a conversation with him. He shared the story of how he and his co-owners, all local residents, started the café as a way to create a welcoming "third place" for the community. He shared how they decided to donate proceeds from every sale to the Renew Queens community center ( https://www.renewqueens.org/ ) to help support neighborhood growth. Chris also spoke about how much LIC has developed over the past decade and how Overflow hopes to be part of that progress.
Overflow sources its baked goods from Native Bread and Pastry, and everything I tried was delicious. They clearly care about the quality of their offerings and the experience they provide for customers. I was planning to visit other coffee shops during my time in NY, but after chatting with Chris and enjoying the atmosphere, I might just have to come back to try more of their menu.
For Pokémon Go players, there are two gyms reachable from inside the café! Overall, Overflow is a fantastic spot to grab a coffee, do some work, or catch up with friends. Chris said that they have big plans for Overflow, and I can't wait to see how they grow as well as the impact they make. Highly recommend stopping by!