Locals getting their daily coffee fix at Verb Cafe on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg. Photo: Kurumi Fukushima
Grind, brew, pour, serve, and repeat. That’s the beautiful art of coffee making, repeated over and over by baristas — and Williamsburg can’t get enough. Take a walk on Bedford Avenue, and you’ll find coffee shops of all kinds on every corner (and in between corners, too.) The sight of countless people holding paper cups is commonplace.
Outside of Manhattan, Williamsburg has the highest concentration of caffeine outposts in the city, with 31 shops all within 2.18 square miles. And out of these 31 shops, only two are the large chain Dunkin’ Donuts, and none are Starbucks. One of the two Dunkin’ Donuts in Williamsburg opened recently into prime real estate on the corner of Bedford Avenue and North Seventh Street. The other 94 percent of the shops are smaller chains or single-location establishments. Residents say that uniqueness is what gives the neighborhood its quirky charm.
Jared Dodd, a barista at the Swedish coffee house, Konditori, said that although there are many coffee shops in the vicinity, there is no shortage of coffee lovers. “I think it’s fine that there’s many places, because they are all very different from each other,” Dodd said. He pointed to the glass cookie jars on the counter and said, “See these Swedish cookies are a hit. Everyone loves them and comes here for them.”
“This area is pretty populated, so there’s definitely more coffee shops in Williamsburg,” said Kelly Mahoney who lives in Greenpoint, but works at Verb Cafe on Bedford Avenue. Its customers are a mix of locals of all ages who come for their daily caffeine fix on weekdays and European tourists who flood the area on weekends. One thing to know: this coffee shop doesn’t serve decaffeinated coffee. “We don’t feel threatened by other shops or even Dunkin’ Donuts,” said Mahoney, “because we’ve been open since 1995 and have loyal customers.” She thinks special items, like the Jonny Boy sandwich — banana, peanut butter, honey and cinnamon on pumpernickel bread — keeps them coming back.
Williamsburg resident David Weiss enjoys a cup of small coffee in the mornings and is willing to pay no more than $2. “I like it strong and dark roasted,” said Weiss. When asked about his favorite coffee shop in the area, he couldn’t name just one. “Konditori is great, and also while you’re here, you should check out Toby’s Estate,” Weiss said.
Dunkin’ Donuts looks like a bit of an outsider within the neighborhood’s DIY culture and small business lifestyle. Residents seem to be accepting it for the most part. But, when asked, they name other favorite coffee shops they go to in rotation for their caffeine fix. The long list includes Blue Bottle Coffee, Gimme! Coffee, Black Brick, Bakeri, Oslo Coffee Roasters, and Caffe Capri.
Global coffee prices fell to their lowest point since July 2006 earlier this month, improving profit margins for many coffee shops and chains. Coffee giant Starbucks predicts a $120 million benefit from falling coffee prices in 2014. But, don’t expect to pay any less for your cup of morning joe. Local coffee shop owners say they won’t be lowering their prices just yet, but could delay increasing them over time. Good news for coffee lovers in Williamsburg — and worldwide.
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