5 Best Coffee Shops in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

GREENPOINT, NY- As the weather (finally!) turns cooler and cold brew is traded in for its steamier cousin, it’s time to revisit what the local coffee shops have to offer. It’s also important to consider which cafés – since there are so many options these days- are the best of the best. Whether it’s oat milk you’re after, or a solid double espresso, or even an “extra-hot skim no foam latte,” here’s a few top picks for where to get your morning pick-me up.

Champion Coffee

Champion has been an NYC staple since 2006, but the Greenpoint iteration opened its doors in 2016. As of 2014, Champion roasts all their coffee locally in Maspeth, Queens. The café interior is fresh and bright with pops of green and a little retro in all the right ways. Try to snag a seat at the window that looks out onto Manhattan Ave for excellent people-watching. The seating area towards the back caters nicely to those with laptops who want to work while they sip (yes, there’s WiFi). They also sell their locally roasted coffee, mugs, and sweatshirts.

What to Order: Almond Milk cortado. A Matcha latte an excellent choice for non-coffee drinkers. Make sure to get one of Charlotte’s croissants. Just ask your barista, they’ll know.

Location: 1107 Manhattan Ave.

Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters

With a few locations in LIC (one just over the Pulaski) this Greenpoint staple opened in August 2015. The iconic barn doors grant a wide-open view to not only the café itself, but also Sweetleaf’s behind-the-scenes processes. Calling itself a “micro-roaster,” the roasting, testing, cupping, and packaging of the coffee all are in plain sight for patrons to behold. With exposed brick walls, worn-in leather couches, and a smattering of antique-show acquired seats, Sweetleaf has the Brooklyn aesthetic nailed down. Sit down and plan to stay, they have photo books, newspapers, and magazines to peruse.

What to order: Rocket Fuel (highly caffeinated cold brew with a dash of Maple Syrup) or the Voodoo Child (Vietnamese coffee) are house specialties. Great tea assortment for non-coffee drinkers.

Location: 159 Freeman St. Just follow the wafting scent of roasted coffee beans. Really, you can’t miss it.

odd fox

Founded in Greenpoint, odd fox is a quirky spot run by friendly folks with a passion for Legos and really good coffee. It definitely has a local feel, the interior is warm brown with a bit of gold trim which lends a homey, not overly stylized atmosphere (and in stark contrast with the recognizable yellow and blue exterior). Their backyard is a welcome escape on warmer days, and gorgeous windows at the front of the shop let in lots of light. Settle down with your laptop, a book, and maybe a slice of locally baked bread from Ovenly (may we recommend gf Pistachio or vegan lemon-raspberry?).

What to order: Oat milk mocha is a welcome treat, but house drip is a reliable favorite. Assam tea for non-coffee drinkers.

Location: 984 Manhattan Ave.

Maman

Oui! This French style café (the name means Mom in French) brings a European flair to Kent Ave. With a full breakfast and lunch menu, Maman offers a reprieve from routine coffee-shop stops. Step inside to a display of flaky croissants, or you may be greeted by a tray of S’mores cookies being pulled from the oven, wafting hints of chocolate into the already richly butter-scented air. The décor is light and floral- exposed wood and white brick with china-blue floral dishware. Have a seat at a bench-swing style table topped with baby’s breath, and plan to stay. Next time, venture upstairs to the loft for an elevated view of Franklin St. and Kent Ave.

What to order: Lavender Hot Chocolate is a must. An oatmeal cookie latte, if it’s available. Oat milk cappuccino never fails. Don’t skimp on the cookie- the Nutty Chocolate Chip was one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2017.

Location: 80 Kent St.

Homecoming

Flower-shop café-hybrid Homecoming has vibes like no other. While waiting on your coffee order, make sure to peruse the eclectic offerings inside this expertly curated shop. Feminine vases, geometric plant-holders, artisanal greeting cards, and organic perfumed body-oil comprise just a few of the many attractive wares. Plants are sold pre-potted and flowers are sold by the bouquet or the stem (there’s a florist counter in the back). There’s no seating here, so don’t plan on staying too long. If you’re lucky, you can grab a seat out front and sip your beverage while enjoying the view of the bustling and ever-cool Franklin Ave.

What to order: A latte or cappuccino is a solid choice. Cow’s milk is sourced from family farms in Upstate NY. Try a soy chai for something different, or herbal tea by Bellocq. Good luck leaving with just a beverage.

Location: 107 Franklin St.