Too tiny and not enough seating. Gets crazy busy here before and after school gets out, and many regulars like to socialize outside with their dogs. Cute dogs but not the point. I will say that the coffee is worth the commotion you deal with to get inside during busy times, but the baked goods are hit and miss. Good place for a quick caffeine fix, though. read more

Coffee shop opened and the coffee is very good and people care. Then it becomes popular and they hire people that have no idea about coffee, so the coffee goes bad. What surprises me is that no one notices. It is still popular. once they did not have porcelain cups left ( all dirty) and the guy behind the counter said "it's ok I just make it in a paper cup". I said "no please i wand my espresso in a porcelain cup". He looked at me like i was a major pain in the but( which i am but not for him to judge). I am a coffee snob, but is it too much to ask? After that even the porcelain cup did not save the bad coffee that he made. read more

I always get good service when I'm here. The last time was while I was waiting for my doggie to get groomed at Kiki's Pet Spa across the street and I'd asked for an Iced Americano. Let me tell ya - the first shot came out watery and the counterperson re-made it and whew! I was up all day. read more

Upsetting news for those of us who love the grape-nut ice cream: they've stopped scooping ice cream! Completely! They now sell it to-go -- meaning in pints in the freezer -- but it's just not the same as walking out with a newly scooped cone. Very bummed about this. read more

My friend recommended this place and she was right. I might not be a coffee exports but the coffee was great! Sadly they run out of donuts... Would love to try it next time. read more

On weekends and a certain hour of weekday mornings, this place is a magnet for the forty-something-freelance-stroller-and-dog-set, which congregates just outside to discuss real estate prices and recent upstate getaways. Still, the coffee is strong and delicious, as are the homemade chocolate chip cookies (crisp, buttery, and filled with high-quality dark chocolate) and sandwiches (the Hangover Helper in particular). To the woman who saw my Starbucks iced tea this morning while I was in line for the above cookie and sandwich and exclaimed "Starbucks?!" in smug horror, sorry not sorry for violating your third-wave hipster code of ethics. You embody what the missing star is for. read more

Because of the positive reviews I decided to cheat on my normal coffee joint and going on a date with Bittersweet. Well, I think the date was more bitter than sweet, and I don't think there will be a second date. I won't completely slam the place because that is not proper nor is it deserved. I dig the completely understated space. It is a gem of a hole-in-the-wall. The reason for the 2 stars was the customer service. I went there with a great attitude and nearly walked out mid-coffee order. The girl behind the register was rude and could barely tell me the amount due for the small latte I ordered. It was like my being there bothered her! I think today was one of those days for everyone...worn out post hurricane, little sleep, a lot of work because Brooklynites can't really travel anywhere. Maybe I'll give this place another chance when things return to normal. I'm sure it's fine, but I don't like to pay for rudeness. read more

Delicious cold brewed ice coffee. Sensible, artisan sandwiches. I enjoyed salami and butter. Friendly stop and hangout for dog owners.

I've been going to Bittersweet every week for years and today was my last time all because the beautiful woman with black glasses behind the counter wouldn't spot me 4 pennies when I was short on change for a doggy treat...right after I had once again spent my money there for lunch! I honestly thought she was kidding as I've never in my life had someone deny me over four pennies. "That's NOT how it works," she said and then laughed in my face. Really hurt, and a really unfortunate experience. I'll be doing everything I can to let others in the neighborhood know how miserable she is and to caution interacting with her. So sad and unprofessional. And after reading lots of the other 1-star reviews, I'm not taking it so personally; lots of locals think your employees are miserable people. Really pathetic. Business must be hurting! read more

Consistently excellent coffee, great service, awesome donuts from Dough, small but handy seating area at the back and solid wi-fi. Had the best latte I've ever tasted here - very rich and light at the same time. Will come back again if ever in the vicinity and in need of a coffee without a doubt. Can't really see any negatives so it's five stars for this great little coffee shop! read more

The coffee is pretty good. Really good. They have donuts from dough like every other coffee shop on this block. Most of the staff has a shitty attitude. Not a really friendly vibe. read more

Their homemade almond milk makes their cappuccinos hard to resist! The space is a little small so get yours to go and sit in the park for a nice little coffee break. It's the only coffee I crave now! read more

Coffee was good, most of the staff was friendly. I am only giving this place a bad review cause the girl making the coffee ( round black rimmed glasses and terrible sherpa hat) was so unpleasant. My visit started off with her being rude to both her co-worker and customer because she had to remake a coffee cause imformation was somehow mixed up. No biggie to most. Waited forever for my coffee for the girl to give the customer way after me his coffee first. Needless to say I will not be returning, I much prefer the friendly staff of WTF. read more

Excellent coffee. Dough doughnuts. Just in case you needed another reason to go, it's right by Ft Greene park, so do what I do: grab a coffee, head to the park, and enjoy all those happy dogs running off-leash. read more

This is my favorite coffee shop in New York. First off, the coffee is fabulous (though I wish it was organic and fair trade). Second, the pastries are fabulous - especially the chocolate croissant - yum! Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the employees here are so great - friendly, smart, absolutely no attitude - just all-around good people. I'm so happy that I found this little gem! read more

It closes a little early, but the service is always excellent, even when it's busy. There must be something in the coffee because the baristas are always, always smiling. They remember your face, and your usual. They'll also suggest creative ways to mix things up if they're feeling particularly enthusiastic. I have to say though, I wish I knew where they bought there tea. I want to stock pile my apartment full of it. read more

Way overpriced. The drip coffee is very weak and certainly not worth the cost. The baguettes are pretty decent, but I can't go over a coffee shop that sells bad coffee. read more

Great place for a quick morning breakfast. Ham & cheese croissants are delicious and the coffee is very good. It's small inside but I like to cross the street and eat in Fort Greene park read more

Good coffee, homemade almond milk, but low energy staff and more space for staff than guests. They should drink their own coffee.

I'm surprised by the bad reviews. Yes, Bittersweet often has lines through the door. Yes, it can get crowded inside. But the coffee is delicious and the baristas are very friendly and down to earth. I like their sandwiches, as well. I remember when they used to have a little table in the front, many moons ago. The neighborhood as changed and many more people go here now, but I think they have managed to retain original cozy atmosphere. I like to grab a coffee and go to the park, rather than have one in the shop. read more

This place is small - a shotgun layout - but uncrowded. A fluctuating swarm of off-duty and on-duty baristas.outnumber the civilians. coffee: excellent. strong. cheap at $1.50 for a small. baristas: fashionable, hipster clientele: varied; pretty fashionable for Fort Greene guilt factor for laptop use: none read more

Probably the best coffee in the neighborhood. Dog snacks and pastries also excellent.

Popped in for the first time to do some writing. I loved the fact that it was quiet & warm. My Chai was awesome, however I had to go pick it up myself which I found a bit odd being as though the server brought everyone elses to their table, plus they didn't take credit cards so I had to run to the corner bodegas ATM & all of my stuff was already laid out. I was starving but all they had were pastries (like duh, what's it called)I'm not much of a sweets eater. I tried to log on to the Internet to no avail...I'm confused :-/. When I asked for the internet I heard crickets, dishes crashing, gasps from the patrons. Like WTF! So I left & went to the spot around the corner. read more

I don't drink coffee so I can't comment on that. They have good prepared sandwiches and other snacks--yogurt, muffins, donuts, etc. They have an amazing iced hibiscus tea. It is seasonal and is one of my favorite things about summer. Grab one and stroll across the street to the park. read more

BEST!! Coffee and folks in Brooklyn. If you read a bad review here it's because they are a competitor and jealous for the success of this local coffee hang out. The staff is friendly and colorful. The pastries and home made granola are absolutely delicious. Don't walk by next time you are in the neighborhood and in the mood for a cup of joe. If, you can get in. read more

Updating my review to four stars because their espresso is better than their drip. Like, I want to drink a Bittersweet latte every day for the rest of my life. That kind of better. read more

It's all about the coffee. No sandwiches or lunch menu, so people seem to come here just to study and work. Does not attract loud clients, which makes it a great place to focus. It does have a nice atmosphere. However, it is cramped, can be over-crowded, and it's a dead-zone for cell phones. However, the coffee and atmosphere make up for it. I always feel like I can focus best here. read more

They make a mean double espresso. What i also enjoy is the "red eye" (a shot of espresso in a regular coffee).

There's still much to like about Bittersweet, but it's getting tougher and tougher to go there. For one, the f-ing stroller situation is so out of control. Even when they enforce the rule that you can't bring strollers in, it's almost impossible to even get to the door because there are 480 strollers in front of it. For another, the new layout makes all the new crowding issues worse. I overheard the staff talking about it and how they were happy about the change because people would just come in with their laptops and ignore the other patrons and that the new layout would help develop a sense of "community." Well . . . I'm a misanthropic New Yorker, I guess, but I do like the idea of going somewhere with my laptop and drinking my coffee alone. Maybe that means that I should simply stay at my desk, but it's nice to get out of the house, have small interactions, but not have to have full-on conversations with people. Luckily though, it takes more than installing a bar to create that impulse in a bunch of freelance Brooklynites. They still have good coffee, great service, and a wonderful location. But I wouldn't recommend it as I used to. read more

Great, great, great chocolate chunk cookie ($2.75). Maybe because it kind of melted a bit while I was walking to a park, but it was really superb, compared to most coffee shops. Chewy and filled with large chunks of dark luciousness with a hint of salt. Yum. The iced latte was also really good and somehow maintained its ice content, without diluting the latte too much, which is mind-bogglingly amazing. Great job. read more

I love this place. The line on weekends is worth the wait. Plus there are always cool pups outside to keep you entertained.

I stop by Bittersweet at least two or three times a week. It's definitely the best place to grab a decent coffee near Fort Greene Park (and they don't mind if you park your dog outside their door). They have really strong coffee, a lovely staff, and those addictive Scooter Snacks the dogs love so much. The line can get long on the weekends, but just chill out and talk to your neighbors and enjoy the vibe. A real neighborhood fave for me. read more

I've been living in the area for 2 years now and after trying all of the coffee shops in the area, Bittersweet is part of my daily ritual. The lattes are delicious, the pastries are fresh and super yummy, and the staff is so personable that I look forward to seeing them every morning. I highly recommend a visit, but just know you may get hooked...that's a good thing. read more

Best espresso in the neighborhood, IMHO. Their iced americano is my almost daily summer treat. The cookies are excellent as are their donuts and sandwiches (when they have them. Croissants are eh and cash only is very boring, but overall a great place. read more

My favorite coffee in Brooklyn. They make my dirty chai just the way I like it: strong but not too sweet. And the staff is wonderful.

I love their coffee, though it is expensive. I also love when I get there early and they have the lemon polenta muffin still hot from the oven. So delicious. Sometimes there seems to be a neighborhood dog walker's convention outside, which gets annoying. read more

Decent cup of coffee and the wifi works great. There is a nice feeling in the space at least on a cloudy Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn.

Honestly, in this day and age and with the credit card technology available there's no reason a place is cash only unless they seriously could care less about their customers. And the lack of space, rude staff and long lines aren't worth the food (the chocolate chip cookies being an exception) or the trip to the ATM. read more

I have tried this venue 3x, and they're very consistent. Like most coffee places, no one here as a clue about how to properly steam milk or draw coffee. The milk is often far too hot (burning the milk), and the coffee over drawn (destroying the very flavor in the beans we are looking for). Barista is rude, never makes eye contact, and the staff general disinterested in who is there. If you're looking for a GREAT place for your morning or afternoon coffee, try WTF coffee lab, one block away. Not this place. read more

I like it & I hate it. NY/Paris cute cafe. A little bit cramped, often out of tasty baked goods, terrible Internet, and an dead-zone for cell phones. read more