mediocre coffee and wifi with a time limit. I mean really a 1 hour limit on wifi? If you are going to be passive aggressive to people who like to work in cafes, just dont have wifi and we will go away! read more

Great cafe offerings, wifi, and tables to work at, but TERRIBLE BAD POP MUSIC! A playlist update would be very welcome. I can't think when P!nk is playing. read more

The espresso at Primrose has just taken over as the best in Clinton Hill/Fort Greene. The competition, admittedly, was not that fierce, but their espresso is expertly done, and the space is very inviting. The sheer blue curtains make me want to curl up and be cozy for hours. The only downside really is some of the seating is a little awkward; think grade school height desks that will hurt your back if you try to work at them. The staff is very nice and knowledgeable, without the obnoxious attitude that you, for whatever reason, get from a lot of baristas. I have not been disappointed by any espresso drink I've gotten from Primrose, and for a new place, it runs really smoothly. read more

Went to get coffee & a pastry on a Sunday morning. Got to the front of the line relatively quickly and the person at the cash register was very friendly. Ordered a cappuccino & croissant with butter & jam. Cappuccino came up in a timely manner, then I waited...& waited. Almost 40 minutes later I got my croissant. Arrived home and they made it with peanut butter & jam-really added insult to injury! The kitchen was a shit show. Felt sorry for a family with small kids waiting even longer than I did, and the poor young woman at the register who had to keep apologizing to everyone. They really need to get it together. read more

The Primrose Cafe opened up around the same time The Hunger Games movie opened up. So, whenever I talk about this place, all I can think of is the character from THG, Primrose Everdeen. Okay, enough of that... This is a unique space in a converted brownstone garden unit. It's a perfect space for a quaint cafe. I particularly like the idea of turning an entire wall into a mirror, as it creates the appearance of there being more space than there actually is. On my most recent visit, I was intrigued by the sign out front that read "Mint Lemonade Epic". Not one to turn away from a challenge when lemonade is involved, I tested their claim of "epic". I was not disappointed. The homemade lemonade alone is the best I've ever tasted, but throw in a subtle mint infusion and I was sold. This is a delightfully refreshing drink as the weather warms up and New York starts to feel more like the swamps of Southern Florida. The coffee is delicious as well. They also have a small sandwich menu that I will sure to try at some point in the future. Nice work Primrose! read more

A great garden level coffee shop. Made to order egg dishes, avocado toast with delicate crust delicious pastries and friendly service. ENJOY! read more

This place is just getting started but the atmosphere is awesome. It's literally like someone put a coffee bar in your living room. Oh and the coffee is great. They haven't quite finished filling out the decor and they need to get a few more tables in there, however. Supposedly they'll have a back yard some time this spring. read more

Primrose Cafe - Cappuccino - Cafes Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I liked this place until one of the employees(the only male one I've encountered) was incredibly rude to me. I was a regular who always tipped and now they have lost my patronage. read more

This is a cool little coffee shop. I stumbled into it after not realizing that another favorite coffee shop nearby was closed on Saturday. It's a lil basement apartment converted over in a store with access to the backyard. The coffee was good and so was the everything bagel. read more

"Great coffee, pastries and awesome sandwiches! I heard the lemonade is amazing but haven't tried it yet. Love the easy and relaxed atmosphere. Definitively on my "best coffee shops" list!" read more

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I used to come to primrose regularly because I loved the people working here! Everyone was so friendly (they remembered my name from one of the first times I met them!) and thoughtful. I noticed a few weeks ago that Vicky, the manager, wasn't there any more and over time many of the wonderful staff members were leaving. I ran into one of them recently and was old many people are leaving because the management isn't paying the workers for their time and punishing them in other inappropriate ways. They also lost one of their chefs who was so wonderful, I'm sad to see her go too. I'm really sorry to hear about the bad treatment of their workers, especially since the staff was the reason I kept coming back. I hope things improve, I miss how primrose was, even just a few months ago. The recent changes have not been positive. read more

Primrose Cafe - The new backyard is lovely! - Cafes Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Super cute cafe with great coffee and generous pour of wine. The owner was so nice! She let us bring our pug in to the backyard! Tried the Brie and apple/pear sandwich and the Madeline cookies: scrumptious! I wonder why people were so annoyed with the 1 hour wifi limit. Just go order another round and ask them to refresh your wifi? I've seen folks who camp at cafe for hours on an iced tea... read more

This cafe is great. It's so much fun to get a little snack and a good cup of coffee in such a chill, home type environment. Everybody is really friendly, the back yard is sweet and the coffee is delicious. The spicy avocado sandwich is a vegan delight. read more

Coffee is okay. Avocado toast disappointing. $12 dollars and the avocado wasn't even fresh. I definitely expected more!

I'm all for doing things for our friends. But at a business where all customers' dollars are created equal, I'd like to receive the same high level of friendly service as customers that know someone behind the counter. The coffee is delicious and food prices are decent. Equal treatment for all, please. A cozy coffee shop sans bias based on age or "hip factor" is the most comfortable setting for me. read more

Sweet little spot with delicious iced coffee in the Ft. Greene/Clinton Hills neighborhood in Brooklyn! They have great indoor and outdoor space. Grateful to know about this cafe! read more

I've lived right on top of this place for a year and avoid it like the plague. Acrid coffee served up with a grumpy attitude. (Nice backyard though!) read more

(Star rating is primarily for clientele) Sure, you're growing up and growing older: maybe you've settled down, gotten hitched, had a baby, or even taken out a mortgage to add to your student loan debt. You want a cafe where you can sit for a while without feeling too old, where you can be surrounded by people your age who can "act their age" instead of dressing and socializing like over-ripe teenagers. You want a place where a hand poll of people in the room would close-to-unanimously agree it is not all right for functional adults to ride razor scooters as daily transportation in times of non-disaster. Until you get what you think you want, and are subjected to the cluelessness of those lurking on the other side of the mirror. Primrose has the potential to be a lovely little café, and the coffee and treats are decent (even if it's preposterous to charge what they do for their little "morning bites"). The main problem, however, is that it's not a relaxing place to be: the music is fine and the layout workable, but the fact that it seems to be used as a space for parents who don't want to be home with their kids is a huge drag. And I have a child, if anyone out there assumes that I simply don't like children. Going to a café and paying for coffee/tea typically means that you want some kind of refuge/pleasure, be it to relax or to work, and the presence of kids (for hours, not just a little bit here and there) with loud (think bullhorn or Glenn Beck) conversations about diarrhea, diapers, schools, is an incursion on others' ability to also enjoy the café. Just to be clear, I welcome kids in cafés, restaurants, libraries, and I have even had to bring my child to work, but to have a child under one in a café for 3+ hours, and to hold basically court in the café, is just really obnoxious and demonstrates blatant disregard for the needs/desires of others. No, cafés are not sacred spaces that have to be hushed all the time, but they're also not the private domain of folks who can't deal with the fact that having a child changes your relationship to the public sphere and what it means to have a social life. Why do I have to be privy to every detail of a stranger's parenting just because I want to get out of the house and work/relax and have a cup of coffee? I will try to to find another place to go to instead, but I'm pretty resentful that I'm essentially being baby-bullied out of a perfectly lovely option for working out of the house for a few hours. In the months since it opened, this café has gone through some growing pains and made great strides in terms of food offerings, coffee preparation, and staff training (although I'm a bit concerned about this last bit, since there seems to be a lot of turnover). But please, Primrose, understand that there are 1 or 2 clueless people who should be sent packing (preferably to Park Slope's Tea Lounge where lots of people will actually want to engage them in conversation about the ups and downs of baby poop), or at least be asked to be more considerate. There was one repeat offender who literally forced me to boycott the place, but it's so convenient and so full of potential that I have found myself drifting back, then remembering why I swore Primrose off in the first place. Primrose owners and staff, please help! read more

It doesn't look like much from the outside, so I walked by this place quite a few times before I realized what it was. Turns out it's a lovely place with a really homey and friendly atmosphere. I often bring a laptop and work there. The coffee is great and I usually have it with a brownie, which is real good too. read more

Primrose Cafe - Almond latte - Cafes Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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i really really really want to like primrose. it's the only place nearby, and it's got a nice atmosphere and good people. trouble is, every time i come in, something disappoints. their cold press should be amazing, and it probably starts that way, but by the time they are done mixing it, it just tastes so watery. on my last visit, i understood why. they dump in tons of water, and while yes cold press should be cut with something, a gallon of water just ain't right. and the staff is super nice. really nice. but every time i'm there there are 3 of them behind that tiny counter and it's always a clusterf#ck of sorts. you have to repeat your order multiple times, and sometimes even when you're the only person there, it takes them a while to get organized to just get a single iced coffee out. they're not bad peeps, they are always genuine and pleasant, but it just seems like it's being run inefficiently. hopefully these are all just growing pains. if they start brewing the cold press right and communicating better, this place has huge potential. read more

This place was ridiculously dirty when I was here yesterday. I waited a couple minutes for the barista to acknowledge me, and when he did I felt me being there was an annoyance. I grabbed a seat at a table that had a cup left from another patron and crumbs. (All the tables were like this). After a few minutes a woman came out and started cleaning, she was listening to iPhone headphones and talking on the phone while sweeping. She swept the floor, cleared and cleaned the other tables, put their strangely mismatched chairs (they kind of missed the look they were going for) back where they belonged. And then came over to my table, picked it up and moved it to sweep (with my hot chocolate on the table) then picked it up again to move it back, hot chocolate swishing very close to the edge of the mug. The whole time while on a personal phone call. So rude. read more

I feel like if you're going to have hilariously overpriced food, you can't ALSO have crappy wifi on a one-hour time limit. There's just too much competition out there for me to bother going back. The patio is nice... but there was a giant, seething nest of black ants under our table. read more

This coffee shop seriously has better coffee than Ninth Street espresso. I stop in about twice a week after 11am when it's not crowded, but I can imagine that the space would feel incredibly close with a lot of customers because it is located in a brownstone after all. My experience with the majority of baristas has been great, although the Pratt-student types (just guessing) have tried to pour on the attitude when it's not necessary. The baked goods are pretty standard, but good, and it's a bonus that they accept cards for payment. read more

I normally come here for cold brew in the mornings but the last couple of days it's been fake cold brew. Regular iced coffee sold as cold brew. Not coming back to be lied to. read more

I wanted to like this cafe as its right around the corner from my new apartment. After two tries they are now 0/2. I'm guessing the owner and manager has no previous experience working in or running a cafe, because this place is disfunctional. The barista, though pleasant, does not handle more than one customer at a time. It took 10 minutes for her to get to my order for small regular coffee (which was served to me in 5 oz kiddie cup!) and there was only one person in front of me in line. And she didn't even acknowledge I was standing there. It was like I was in line at the DMV or something. A note to the cafe owner, if you are reading: have your counter people take orders from several people in the cue at one time, then fill the quick and easy orders, and then handle the bigger food orders. Not well maintained, not well stocked, poor quality control.... this is a POSER cafe; cute on the outside, but it can't deliver the goods. read more

Adorable cafe for a late afternoon coffee with one of my best friends. Had a lovely chili latte and they let us sit for ages. I'm a fan.

This is the first time I have ever felt the need to write a review for a place I have found on yelp. Normally, I just read reviews and pass judgement, but despite all of the bad reviews of this place, I came in looking for some breakfast. First off, it's adorable, but that's been said and said some more. I have a service animal named blizzard that accompanies me everywhere and I am usually greeted at the door with screams of NO DOGS! NO DOGS! even though he is clearly identified as a service animal, but I received no such treatment at this cafe, I felt welcomed, which is rare. I ordered a ham and cheese croissant and it was fantastic. The ham was tender and the croissant was flaky and crispy. Delicious. My iced mocha was good as well. They have a really well stocked condiments bar, with simple syrups and spices. I didn't connect to the wifi when I was there (currently, I still am here) so I cannot attest to the security or the speed, but I can comment on the bugs. There are a few flies every now and then, but I haven't seen a single ant anywhere except on the backyard patio (it's outside, people!) If your day is completely ruined by a fly landing on the plate, then dont come here (or anywhere outside for that matter) But if you are a reasonable human being, this place is great, and the fact that they take Prattbucks makes them even better. read more

Primrose Cafe - All that's left of my ham and cheese croissant. - Cafes Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Yummy cappuccinos and chocolate brioche. Super friendly (but not TOO friendly) folks working there and a nice chill atmosphere. And... enough room to sit! Thank god. read more

I keep giving this place a chance but it's a bad experience time and time again. They're disorganized and overpriced; aren't open when they say their hours say they should be; the food is disappointing. Bad vibes every time. read more

In this day and age where the competition is tough for cafés, you would think that cafés like Primrose would come with their A game. Although I was happy to see a café around the corner from my apartment I was very disappointed in the service and quality of the place especially for the prices they charge. To start with, the place is very small and very old looking. Secondly, the service at the counter has been consistently bad especially if you get the female barista/register clerk with the red hair. She is always rude. Lastly, their pastry box is always empty regardless of what time you come. As I said earlier, it's good to have a café in the neighborhood but for the service and quality I have experienced I would rather take the walk/bike ride to Brooklyn Roast and get my money's worth. read more

First off, The cooks are great! Very nice and hardworking. Primrose gets one star from me for pretty much the same reason as all the low star reviews on here. The owner is mean and acts annoyed but customers. She constantly has a face that looks like she has poo under her nose and when she manages to be friendly it seems to be a huge challenge. The short barista is never behind the counter and when she is she forgets to make your drink 50% of the time. Had a few good months at the beginning of the year but entire staff has changed and the owner seems to be there more which brings down the whole atmosphere. And can we change the music please, the french song from moonrise kingdom was only good the first 100 times. read more

Primrose, you've settled in, you have community offerings, you have people who go there, I want to love you. I really do. And you've done great things. Like that time your coffee wasn't ready and you actually ran a cup of fresh brew to my house around the corner when it was. That was sweet of you. I don't know if I've ever expressed my appreciation. But can we talk about the half and half thing? Does the owner have some kind of attitude about half and half in beverages? Is that why you have to keep it under the counter, only available when someone asks, and usually pull it out in its cheap paper carton? (I've noticed it's never the artisanal fancy stuff, and I'm not a snob to complain about that... it just seems... a little passive aggressive.) The milk, skim and soy are all in thermoses on the shelf. But... you can't afford another thermos? You don't think people "should" be drinking half and half? Seriously, what is the thing? At this point, it's not that I care--I actually like having someone put cream in my coffee for me--I just kind of wonder. The coffee's good, the decor is very cute, it's a good neighborhood place. But not a great one. Honestly... when I'm doing a breakfast meeting I usually go to Urban Vintage. But I will continue to buy expensive coffee here. Occasionally. read more

I live around the corner and am so happy Primrose is in the neighborhood. It's charming and accessible. The food is healthy and delicious. My wife and I are both regulars and our kids love the Madeleines. The best thing on the menu (IMHO) is the omelette sandwich with sriracha, but everything is yummy. It's not cheap, but it's excellent. The espresso machine is right at the counter, so the coffee is as fresh (and hot) as can be. The vibe is relaxed and informal. The staff is warm and friendly. I would like to address a couple of things others have said in their reviews. Cafes have a strange culture of customer entitlement. It's hard to imagine another business where you say, "I would like to buy a $3 item, then sit all day, listening to music, use your internet, etc." I don't think you would get away with that at a *friend's house*, but somehow some folks think that buying a cup of coffee is a ticket to having your every wish granted. So I find some of the complaints that a few others have listed here - like the (2 hour!) limit on wifi - to be sort of absurd. When you get a coffee at the Primrose, you get a code that grants 2-hour access. Seems reasonable. If you want more wifi, ask for another slip at the counter. I've never been denied. And while you're there, *buy something* to make sure the place can keep the lights on. Sheesh, people. The space is small (its in the basement of a brownstone) and sometimes demand can be high (like in the mornings before work or in the late afternoon). It's across the street from a playground, so there are moms with kids who come in, along with professionals, students, etc. Embrace it. It's part of the charm. And its a good sign that this is accessible to everyone. read more

The espresso here is seriously fantastic and the guy barista is friendly and knows how to pull a good shot. I wish they would figure out their hours, though. The sign outside says 7 AM to 7 PM and I've been there both at 7:45 AM and 6:15 PM to find it closed, no explanation. Not pleased about that. ++++ UPDATE July 2013 This place has really dropped off. The baristas that used to be able to make good espresso don't work there anymore so the coffee is just meh. The line is always way long even at 8 AM (really? 1 person on staff during the AM rush? WTF is wrong with you?), and half of the time they're out of things on the menu. It's nice that they welcome kids/strollers but forget about getting any work done here because of same. Also, OVERPRICED. 1/10, would not bang. read more

I was strolling around in the neighborhood and found this gem out of nowhere! a bit hard find as the cafe is basement level but so glad I did! if there is anything that I'm picky on, it is coffee. And Primrose Cafe certainly does not disappoint. I ordered a vanilla latte and wished I lived in the area so I can pick this up every morning. My latte had a sweet caramelizing aftertaste...and for awhile I didn't want to consume my avocado toast until that fragrant aftertaste has been fully spent. If I wasn't already on my 2nd coffee for the day, I would order another. The interior itself is adorable, great for kids and super friendly staff. I would definitely come back when I'm in the neighborhood and especially during the summer time as there's a spectacular outdoor patio area. read more

the trash can did not look appealing. the pandora station seemed like it was just out of control. needs more stability regarding pandora. stick to one station guys. read more

This cafe is right by the B52 bus stop that I take every Sunday morning so I like to run in here and get a quick coffee. The interior is cute - kind of like thrifty-chic. I haven't had any of the pastries here, but if it weren't for location, I don't think I'd go out of my way to come here. The cashier, although not unreasonably grumpy, is just not as nice as is comfortable, if that makes sense. It just was not a pleasure to interact with her. But whatever, coffee is strong and caffeinated. read more

Love this place. Service can be a little iffy. But the atmosphere is great and the coffee and food is awesome.

This place is absolutely adorable and cozy with great pastries. The coffee is pretty over priced though, and it's getting harder and harder to find a seat - a lot of people posted up with laptops and long ago finished coffee and no intention of leaving. I like reading and writing in coffee shops as much as the next guy, but it's to the point where I don't even consider it because I know it'll be too packed. Maybe now that it's warm and the backyard is open, that won't be the case. read more

The coffee is great and so is the food but the service is atrocious. The atmosphere and garden are nice. They allow dogs in the coffee shop and back patio, health code violation but not really my issue. Don't stop in to get your coffee before work here you will crazy late for your job. The communication system between the staff is abysmal, i have been grossly overcharged for pastries more times than I care to count. The baristas will forget your drink, you have to manage them. I know the owner (who is not American and could give two fucks about quality service) and am still treated like a second class customer at this establishment. If they weren't the closest place to me I would NEVER patronize them again. read more