Swallow Cafe

EAST WILLIAMSBURG, NY - The Swallow Cafe on Bogart Street it’s a local hangout and a morning stop for everyone who lives in the neighborhood to get their shot of caffeine and a place to relax, and everyone has a mellow and chill attitude. The staff, even though they may be stressed, are always polite. Their cold brews are quite nice. Their coffee is a hit-or-miss. Some have ordered a specialty coffee and said it tasted like regular coffee, without noticing the difference. However, any coffee served here will keep you energized without the jitters. The only downside: it's cash only. Not sure why. (Follow me on FB/IG/TIK @davegarcia.x)

I came here mostly to use the bathroom. The bathroom was disgusting, like brown gunk dripping from the hand dryer onto the floor disgusting. It smelled terrible and everything was wet. After the excursion to the bathroom I got in line to purchase something and the cashier was chatting with the person in front of me about how they had all these mutuals on Instagram... I figured out what I wanted but noticed they were cash only, I figured I would wait and ask about an ATM nearby. But they just kept talking so I left. The main coffee shop area looked really pretty and smelled great, but based on this experience I wouldn't go back.

Swallow cafe is a lot of things for many of us who go there everyday. For me it is a place of community, warmth, and friends. It's a place that is more than just grabbing a cup of coffee and running out the door. The coffee is amazing and strong. The bagels are absolutely killer and the vibe impeccable. Even when swallow is full of people there is still a sense of oneness and community. For many of us swallow is more of a beacon of what community should be like. I have met friends lovers and everything in-between through the doors of swallow. Swallow isn't just a neighborhood spot. It is the neighborhood.

Stopped by for a cold brew on a 95+ degree day and it felt great. The dim lighting and the cool AC was so nice on such a hot day and really helped me to relax. Cold brew is great and the atmosphere is cool with a bunch of repurposed furniture and light fixtures. A few people had laptops so it seems like the wifi is good enough to get work done. Just the perfect place to stop for a quick drink or to hang out and chat.

I love this coffee shop. I’ve been coming here for years, and it’s always been a nice vibe. The owner is a nice guy, and the employees are personable and friendly. Paying cash for a coffee is no big deal. There’s an atm. Great coffee shop!

Stopped in to grab coffee and it was a nice shop. Light frills, in the cut style coffee place with delicious lates and reclaimed style wood furniture. The day we went the fans were going and it had a warm airy vibe to it. I could see it being a nice out of the sun place for people to get work done or chill with some friends. It's cool, but not so cool that you feel uncomfortable. Definitely enjoyed the designs that engulfed the building - it added to the experience of the place. Stop in and enjoy.

I spent possibly $400 there last month on their terrible coffee, disgusting bathroom, which apparently has some type of GOLD TOILET NO ONE CAN SEE, or rather, possibly the most disgusting bathroom in all of Bushwick (and that's saying something). All for the creative "atmosphere". not for the room or the staff. But I am never going back. I am not a bum, as the manager Anne, seems to relentlessly believe, no matter how much I spend there. I am a legal office manager, and the owner of 3 businesses!, I am actually a business owner, musician and publisher who has spent all the money she was paid when waiting for unemployment and self employment payments to begin, and spent like, an unbelievable amount of money there last month. cruising through the menu trying to find SOMETHING that was good, or ANYTHING that was worth the money. However much I have ever spent, the Manager, Anne, has always treated me as if I am some kind of bum. I don't appreciate it. I am NEVER going back. I have listened to the barista's talk on and on about how pleased they were to be able to tell people they couldn't use the bathroom if they hadn't purchased something. How they were "shattering dreams" LOL. For Real? I have seen countless customers offended and treated SO BAD there, and when they complained, they were just relentlessly ganged up on and bad mouthed by the staff right in front of the customers. and I can't believe I ever went back the first time. I saw it. And i should have known, it would eventually be me. It will be you too. Believe me. I am here to tell you, there is a nicer coffee shop just steps away., SEY. The coffee is tons better. They are usually A LOT MORE CROWDED. Obviously for good reason. Also, there is another really nice coffee house on Jefferson, NOOK. They also don't treat their customers like that. Also, Ange Noir is usually pretty open, has a GREAT menu, specially vs. The Swallow's. Please join me in patronizing them and receiving kinder, better and more convenient service and quality. I am through with the Swallow, and mark my words, you will see me all over nearby, but I will NEVER go back. Hey, obviously I am not their type of customer. A LOT OF PEOPLE ARENT' THEIR TYPE OBVIOUSLY. And frankly, they are NOT my type of place. It has become more and more anti customer and inconvenient to have coffee and work there. I used to like the atmosphere. Now, it;s like everybody is in trouble for wanting to go there, and we are all just SO LUCKY to pay for their awful coffee and food. I HAVE HEARD THE STAFF TALKING NONstop about how the customers make them mad, so mad, with all the little things they do wrong. Which is basically anything anyone does.How Anne will 'CHECK THEM" Like apparently, ordering a cup of hot water after a spend of ABOUT $100 A WEEK, MY BAD, of course, but still. I just can't believe how happy I was to be able to go back there today, after she humiliated me over a 1.00 cup of water yesterday when I only had .50 cents yesterday with me on my way to practice. I thought it was .50 cents because that's what the other barista said. But so what, you treat a customer like that over .50 cents and a cup of hot water. When I came back the next day I was curtly told that the owner had been contacted about my infrequent purchases of hot water, and they were no longer allowed. I rushed back to give her the other .50 M, SO CONSCIENTIOUSLY, AND I AM so SORRY I DID. Meanwhile, her friends drink their coffe for free, no problem. Only a bum like me that spent so much money so stupidly was worthy of her "special treatment" I hope that she will be fired, but probably, she never will. The owner makes a big show of supporting his rude staff no matter what they do. He is against the customers who make the place possible and the generous jobs he gives possible. . I am not giving him one more dime of mine. Be sure. Most coffee houses wouldn't even charge for hot water, even STARBUCKS!

Coffee shops that only accept cash are indicative of a time gone by. I adore this house. I easily got lost in the artwork on the walls. There was NO MUSIC playing. Perfection. The attendant Nikita offered me a pastry for free as they were about to close and there were still a few left. I chose the gluten free iced lemon loaf. I also purchased a cold brew iced coffee which had me humming well into the night. Nikita also told me about thee artist, a puppeteer who was doing a show in October that I might be interested in seeing. I told them I’d bear it in mind and if I was around hopefully be able to check it out. I sincerely recommend this haven of caffeine in Williamsburg.

Coffee shop beautiful very vintage. Feel barista was patient with us while we figured out where we were going to get cash from because we had no cash and it's cash only. They have an ATM. I see that a lot of people are saying they don't like the coffee but personally my latte was great and the hot chocolate was yummy.

Coffee is mid :/ service is normal no complaints but again the coffee is not good. Friend got a tea pretty mid also

One of the best spots for coffee! My daughter introduced me to this beautiful gem of a coffee shop awhile back and was happy to revisit with my wife! It's a great place to relax, as everyone is very mellow, and the staff have always been nice and polite. The place is very clean and I just love the rich history it's interior vibe brings! So welcoming and cozy, I want to sit there all day! The coffee was delish; I ordered a mocha and my wife ordered their seasonal Pumpkin Spice latte. Will definitely go back to this place MANY a time, as it's one of my fave spots!

The strawberry blond at the order counter was rude and incompetent. It took over 25 minutes to deliver an oatmeal. By the time it came, I had to get it to go. When I asked about the order during the extensive wait, she snapped so rudely that the other customers noticed. It later appeared that she had neglected to put in the order but never apologized. The other gal at the counter took over. I will never spend a dime in that coffee shop again. No one needs to pay to be disrespected.

Spacious and cute cafe, music/chatter were quiet enough that I could take Zoom calls in here without any issue. Cold brew was quite nice. Coffee is hit-and-miss in its effects on me but this cup kept me energized all day with no jitters. Cash only, but it keeps prices down I guess.

Cute cafe with a wide variety of treats and drinks. I had the matcha latte with oat milk which was good and my friend had the iced cappuccino which they enjoyed. You pay at the counter, service was quick.

The epitome of a hipster Brooklyn joint to get some tasty espresso and coffee. Chill and relaxing vibe. Graffiti art coves the front of the place. Single and large wooden communal tables. Warm and cozy feel. Hot and cold coffees, small selection of bagels, hot chocolate, iced tea, and such. Terrific environment and relaxing setting to read or use your computer with the free wifi.

Very cute spot! Loved the ambiance. I got a maple bourbon latte that quite honestly tasted like a regular coffee. But I'll be back to try their homemade lavender syrup and give it another go!

A solid neighborhood cafe. This is a no-frills place with a ton of seating. We went close to the end of the work day for a pick-me-up and found several people chatting or working on laptops. The barista was very friendly. She had been sweeping when we came in but made sure to wash her hands before prepping our drinks. A+ there! We ordered two regular lattes, and it came out to $10. I feel like that's not unusual for an indie cafe in Brooklyn. I'm not sure why anyone who actually lives in NYC would complain about this price. Also, it's important to support small businesses right now. As for the latte, it was fine. Not my favorite. We actually only came here because Sey was closed for the day. I believe they serve Counter Culture coffee. If you're into that, this might be the place for you! It's a bit light and fruity, which isn't to my taste. Strictly for that reason, I likely won't be back. It's cash only, so keep that in mind. Also, the barista was more than happy to break a five for my boyfriend, who used some of the singles to put in the tip jar. If you're in the area, at least check out the amazing art on the building's façade. It's definitely unique for a cafe!

I came in to meet a friend and get some work done, went up to the register and saw it was cash only so I sat down to ask my friend if they had some cash on hand before they showed up (I didn't). The barista came up to me to tell me I had to buy something to use the space, I said ok and went to text my friend their eta. About two minutes later the barista said from behind the counter, "are you going to buy something orrr.." This was pretty embarrassing and made me feel really unwelcome, especially as it was said in a room with maybe 4-5 other seated customers. Rather than explain my plan to the barista I decided to leave, a bit red in the face honestly. Huge bummer since I just moved in down the street and was looking for a place like this to work in from time-to-time, this for sure would've been that spot for me. Can't comment on the food or drinks as I didn't make it that far!

Good coffee and friendly folks running the counters. Wish I could eat the pastries, but that stuff will kill you.

Lot of seating, pretty good coffee, occasional selection of bagels, friendly neighborhood vibe. Everyone is laughing at you if you don't have cash

There was a time where you can wander into any cute, independent coffee shop in this neighborhood and stumble upon a place that had if not good, then passable, coffee. Those days are gone and Swallow Cafe is a prime example of that. I purchased a cold brew and 2 bakery items a few days ago. All horrible: the cold brew was salty and undrinkable. The bakery items: stale, as if they've been left out overnight. Yelp reviewers: there's more to a good coffee shop than having somewhere to write your terrible manuscript for hours at a time (but perhaps not). The ratings are misleading. Avoid at all costs if you care about having a decent cup of coffee.

They have great oat lattes here. Sometimes it gets crowded and you have to wait a while to order, but it's a tiny cute place so it's worth the wait. The only bummer is that it's cash only, so we don't go as often because we don't always have cash and don't want to use the ATM inside with an additional fee.

Visiting for spring break, im so glad that Is tumbled upon Swallow. the wooden furniture and dim lighting gave a very nice atmosphere and made me feel like a real new yorker. By far my favorite part was the friendly staff. Anna made me feel so at home and I stopped by several more times for great coffee and chatting. Their matcha is ridiculously amazing, the best matcha i've ever had! Highly recommend this little place and it's definitely something i'll always remember!

Came on a Brooklyn trip with my boyfriend for a nice date night and while waiting to be called for a table at Juliana's, we decided to go outside for a nice stroll. As New Yorkers, we wanted to check out every corner store in Brooklyn and came across this cute cafe. The door of this cafe is led by a small staircase upstairs inside to a warm and hipster cafe. Everyone inside was there with a laptop to do work or simply with another individual to quietly chit chat. My boyfriend and I got a small Cortado to share and we just sat down and chilled. I give this place a 5 stars not because of the drinks (because I tried basically nothing), but because of the chill vibes. If I was living in this neighborhood, I would totally come here to study or just chill. :)

Finally started getting my butt out of my apartment in the mornings when I work from home and decided to stop by Swallow Cafe since is literally a 5 min walk. So far I have visited twice and am loving it! The cafe is spacious with lots of seats and a nice rustic vibe. Online, people say it's hipster but maybe it's the crowd that visits? I'm not too sure. However when you visit remember it's CASH only! Don't be like me... My first visit I casually ordered Almond milk Cortado and Pumpernickel Bagel with cream cheese. When I realized it was cash only I had to use the atm. But like a dummy I forgot my atm pin. After about 5 to 10 min of fumbling with the atm machine I gave up and told the girl I would go home and get cash. She asked me where I lived and decided it was fine to let me have it. ( I am so grateful for this because I needed the caffeine to get my day started ) Like the other reviewer said, they know how to froth their almond milk which is awesome. They did put butter instead of cream cheese on my bagel though but I'm not gonna complain this time. I eventually went back again and asked to pay for the coffee and bagel I got free the following week. Personally I don't think the workers were pretentious at all on my visit. They weren't super duper friendly, but I wouldn't say unfriendly either. Just down to earth? But hey, maybe just they got new workers since last year. Overall my experience was great and good spot for coffee and quick breakfast or even just chilling.

Average coffee menus and baristas are friendly but the downside is they only take cash! There are some outlets inside but it's usually kind of dark and dingy. I prefer to just grab on my way to or out of the subway.

staff was pretty rude and cash only. coffee is okay. love the inside but wouldn't come back

Needed a midday pick-me-up and stopped by Swallow for the first time! The barista was super helpful and recommended me their cold brew and their iced mocha. He let me sample their cold brew to help me make a decision as I'm a indecisive person hehe The cold brew was super refreshing and had chocolate undertones and hit the spot with oat milk. Definitely will be back to try their iced mocha! Side note: They are cash only, but they have an ATM inside! Tldr; get the cold brew or iced mocha!

Great Cafe to get an expresso to start your day! The expresso is strong and will give you a good wake up for any day activities. There is only 1 guy behind the counter but he seems great at multitasking and engaging with all customers. I appreciated his demeanor and I would definitely come back to just chat and enjoy a coffee at the Cafe.

After the mandatory beesting pizza around the corner at Roberta's, stopped in for a mexican cortado. It was good. Barista did a good job. Seating was a plenty, comfortable environment and bathroom was clean. If you are in the area, I recommend it. The murals are pretty neat too.

Been here a couple time. This is my favorite coffee place in brooklyn. Unfortunately it was pandemic on the last visit so we cannot sit there but definitely will go back.

So many negative reviews here and I'm not sure why :( Swallow Cafe is such a nice cafe with nice decor and lots of space. Their coffee is delish despite being a bit pricey. I would come back again. Very nice place.

They have a CBD mint latte that is pretty great. It's a bit on the expensive side but so is anything with CBD. Staff is always friendly.

Matcha was amazing! Ceremonial grade & honey - surprisingly good for a coffee shop!!!

Damn what is in this cold brew?? They must do coffee different in Brooklyn I feel like I could fight a bus and win lol

My typical go-to coffee drink when I don't know what to get or when nothing else seems appealing is a good old Vanilla latte. For the most part, vanilla lattes seem to taste pretty much the same anywhere I go. Standard stuff. But here...was a pretty damn tasty vanilla latte. It almost had a hint of lavender. If only this place were in LA, this would be my go-to for my (new) standard vanilla latte. I don't know if it's a special coffee? maybe it's home grown vanilla? or who knows maybe they have special cows giving them their creamy milk?! Whatever it was, it was a very memorable yet simple vanilla latte.

Nothing there. Nothing to see, or to eat. Coffee is so small, that it realy is a water down espresso. Will never come again!!!!

CASH ONLY Solid almond milk latte here ! Nice and creamy with bold espresso. They use pacific barista almond milk which really makes such a difference. I believe they also have macadamia milk for lattes! Good non dairy options. They have gigantic vegan cookies !! As well as other pastries (non vegan) and bagels. Lots of seating with a rustic feel- old refurnished wood decor. Very comfy for working in a chill quiet space. Service can be slightly slow if it's busy but everything is made to order. Overall a great cuppa in the neighborhood!!! There's a bathroom, ATM. I usually return whenever I'm in the area !

Chill place to do work, music wasn't too loud and the decor was good. I was a bit frustrated when I went to order a hot tea, and the bartender says "We don't have a tea menu, just tell me what you want. We have all the teas!" Well, after playing a guessing game through 4 fairly standard tea options, I finally got to a tea they DO have. (Note: They don't have all the teas...). How difficult is it to print a tea menu and laminate it? Also, they don't have ceramic mugs. Everything is in disposable paper cups, which is so wasteful and unnecessary. Oh, and all of the seats are hard wood or metal, no cushions anywhere. With a few small changes, I would give this place 5 stars but sometimes it's the little things...

HEY! Why doesn't this cafe have mugs/cups to stay? This is one of too many NYC cafes that puts all their drinks in to-go cups. So much expensive and unnecessary waste. Our environment is suffering. It's wasteful and infuriating.

My husband and I came here at the recommendation of our AirBnB hostess to kill some time before our flight. We were in one of those binds where we didn't really have enough time to go do anything in the area but didn't want to show up hours early for our flight so killing time here is was welcome. After sitting here there for a while I remembered that I had actually been there almost a decade ago when I was in Brooklyn selling at the Renegade Craft Fair. It's a hard place to forget, the interior is unique with lots of repurposed furniture (think old sewing machine tables, rows of old wooden auditorium seats, etc), but it took me a while for my previous time there to come into focus. Had a good visit then, too. Anyway, back to the present....we definitely spent a nice chunk of time here on a Sunday afternoon and it was perfect for that. The unique seating makes for not the most comfy of lounging but there's plenty of it so it was a-ok. While killing time there I had a bagel with scallion cream cheese, an iced coffee, and a chocolate croissant. All were fantastic. I liked the bagel best. Toasted up a bit with that oniony cream cheese? Real good. I sat and read my book and my husband got a little work done on his laptop. We had our luggage with us and it comfortably fit in the back corner with us since the shop is pretty spacious. No one gave us a hard time about hanging out there for a few hours and it was nice and quiet. Would definitely kill time or grab a snack and caffeine here again. Thanks for being our pre-flight refuge!

This is a cool cafe with a warm vibe. They have unique seating options like wooden benches and reclaimed theatre seats, which is pretty cool. They make the standard espresso drinks and have a variety of baked goods and made-to-order bagels available for sale. I only ordered a latte since I'd just had lunch. I appreciated that it was carefully and quickly prepared, but the baristas weren't all that friendly. I didn't stay for long because the bathroom seemed to be perpetually occupied, however I can definitely see myself hanging out here for a while with a friend or a date. They are cash only, but the grocery store next door has an ATM inside in case you are out.

Cute, quiet, unpretentious place to do work or study at in Bushwick near the L train. Enjoyed my Chai latte. Although the place is cash only, there is an ATM located inside. Enjoyed my visit and would come back if I'm back in the neighborhood.

Giving this place 5 stars because so far it is one of my favorite places to do my schoolwork at. I come here about 2-3 times a week and I have never had a bad experience with any of the baristas. I usually just order coffee so I cannot rate them on the quality of their other beverages. Its a very cool ambiance overall. ps. they take cash only, but they have an atm machine

I didn't enjoy my experience. Very run down. In times of COVID also, I can't eat an outside pastry with the drink I bought from here..? Also it's 2021, where are the cashless options?? That and the way the cashier carries themselves is pointed. Customer service is everything!! The drinks were great tho!

I was sitting here with a PC...and people made me feel funny about it. I mean, listen cool people, some people dont have Macs. Actually, truth be told, there ARE people out there that dont even like Macs. Swallow that down.. (see what I did there?) That said, I like the space. I like the coffee and I think the service is fine. Dont be a dick and you wont get treated like a dick. Write that down and thank me later. Cool little spot for a stop over. Wifi not killer and when too many people are there...its slows to a crawl. Other than that, this place works.

The long hair guy is amazing. The Asian girl is very rude. Coffee is very good.

Cute spot near the L. Unfortunately won't recommend nor be back due to the shitty customer service from the guy at the register. Very rude and condescending to any questions about the menu.

If you want a busy/chill vibe place to work this is it. Swallow Cafe provides good foods and drinks to be able to add a little fuel to started or to keep going. When I have gone in I ordered a hot chocolate and a plain bagel. I know it's a weird combination but I have them separately, plain bagel before I start my work and then the hot chocolate to have while working. Their plain bagel with cream cheese is okay. In the times I have ordered sometimes the bagel is a bit burnt sometimes it isn't. The hot chocolate is good. I was a good amount of sweet. In terms of a working environment there were plenty of outlets among the wall and tables to sit at. The tables were pretty big so if you are a person that spreads their stuff out you can.

Amazing coffee, tea and delicious pastries! The staff is super friendly, engaging and always gives the best service. The wait time here is a little obnoxious I feel like there's always only one person working their tail off while there's a long line of people waiting to order. If you have time, dear God don't come here if you are in a rush because you're going to be late to wherever you're going, you should try this place out. They only accept cash so beware of that too! Luckily they have an ATM in shop so I guess it's not too bad. I adore the atmosphere and environment of this place I just wish it didn't take so long to order a drink. Check it out if you want to relax and unwind in Brooklyn.

The chick with short black hair is the worst and super rude. Didn't even cut my bagel. I would come back if she got fired. If that happens let me know... howbowdah?

Great spot - lots of seating, free WiFi, incredible bagels, delicious coffee (Counter Culture beans), and friendly staff. Keep in mind it's cash only, but there's an ATM inside if you need.

This dude spilled his coffee and the Barista was rude and said "well I didn't drop it". It was already embarrassing and I had to experience second hand embarrassment. I just don't see why being rude is necessary.

This place fires and mistreats it's workers. It fired one worker who didn't show up because her roommate died. And it just fired another because she didn't show up because she was having a miscarriage. Boycott them!

I just wanted to leave this picture... When your neighborhood feels like the chill opening day of an EDM festival at all times, it's scenes like these that really get your heart fluttering. This should keep the stroller set out for another 2 years.

Very quaint little spot with excellent iced coffee and plenty of spots to do some work or quiet studying. The barista who helped me was very friendly and the overall vibe is super chill. It's a contrast to Sey down the street in that it's a bit darker and less conspicuous but I definitely appreciate the atmosphere here - it suits my mood when I'm in full work/study mode vs being social and outgoing.

Full disclosure, I only had a coffee here (no food). That said, from my experience, they're pretty good! It's an eclectic coffee shop that's right off the Morgan L stop. As many folks have already shared, they're cash only so if that's something that's not doable for you, you might need to find somewhere else. That said, their prices were good, they were a solid no frills coffee shop with LOTS of seating, even for the solo person just popping in and don't want to take up a whole table.

Beautifully drawn leaf On top of my macchiato... I've only taken a sip. But I just hold it like a hot treasure In this cold Polar Vortex winter weather. A whiff of aroma from french presses Filling the spacious room... To wake up my senses. Music echoes brick walls and I want to sing, My heart warming up under Swallow's wings. ... (Oh, and they have free wi-fi too)