Decent neighborhood coffee spot. Somewhat lacking in character. Should probably step up espresso skills, quality of cold brew, and attentiveness/friendliness of staff if it wants to continue to be competitive with Windsor Cafe now open around the corner on East 4th street. read more

Where this place excels is in its fulfillment of a rather empty market - one of few cafes in the area serving solid (but overly expensive) pastries and coffee, and has seating and wifi. However, I stopped going there and will not return due to the intense rudeness of the staff. Practically every single barista is cold, aloof, and obnoxious. I understand the demands of the job and am not asking them to be chatty and overly-friendly. However, slight decency goes along way. They barely acknowledge or respond to you, seem annoyed, and are rude if you ask questions. This made me not want to give any money to this establishment, which is not something I ever want to do. read more

eh. a lot has changed. service has gone from genuine to absent/ depressing. the coffee and products are still the same, i just don't really /want/ to give this shop money anymore. baristas taking multiple smoke breaks during my single sitting of americano isn't cute. also, who wants to see someone wearing their hair down making drinks? i used to work in restaurants, bars, and cafes. i know your hair should be held back. disappointment and caffeine reappropriation. read more

This is the coffee shop that finally broke my will. I have to leave Brooklyn. It just doesn't work. This morning I sat down at home to try to get work done, but -- this being Brooklyn -- I was soon interrupted by very loud drilling and hammering from upstairs. Then a second group of workers arrived to drill at my window. Obviously, I would have to leave my apartment if I was going to accomplish anything. The problem is, most coffee shops in Ditmas Park/Kensington/Windsor Terrace apparently double as free-for-all daycare centers now. Please, Brooklyn parents: Keep your little monsters at home. No one wants them. Even you, it appears, if you really can't stand to spend the day at home with them. So I went to Steeplechase, even though it's a bit of a hike, because it has a reputation for NOT being a daycare center. But of course when I arrived, all the available tables were marked as no laptops/tablets. What the fuck, Steeplechase? How is reading my tablet different from reading a book? And how can you possibly think that this is a workable business strategy when EVERY working table is taken and EVERY nonworking table is empty? I give up. I have been here for almost two decades. But I am done. And when I, and the folks like me, are gone, I guarantee you Steeplechase will become just another child-infested hell hole. read more

Ahhh Dearest Steeplechase, my coffee spot in the neighborhood I grew up in. I like you. I was excited to go to you. I even loved your no laptop policy for certain tables. Places that enforce that hold a special place in my heart. Then I got the let down. This past summer you charged me 6 bucks for a large iced coffee and it wasn't even a cold brew. That hurt like crazy. I couldn't get over it but then I came back again and today I got undoubtedly the most attitude a person can muster up while pouring pre made drip coffee. I am done with you. It's over between us. Too many way better places without the attitude. You officially suck. read more

I was so looking forward to visiting this coffee shop, and potentially finding a new place to work on my writing, since where I live in Boro Park doesn't have any espresso cafés. Most of the space is open and pleasant. The coffee is decent. However, if you have any intention of coming here to use a laptop while you enjoy your coffee, you will be relegated to the cramped back corner of the room, away from the windows. I would suggest that the management at least consider decorating the non-laptop-banned tables with the same plants that are on the front tables, to make them a little more cheerful. The current setup feels pretty passive aggressive to a customer like me. There are very few coffee shops in the area, so it's not like there are a lot of other options. I would probably be a regular here if the vibe was a little more welcoming. read more

I'm in this neighborhood several times a week and after many encounters with this place I figured it was time to write a review. The staff get a very low rating. They're rude. They aren't rude in a cool hipster kind of way. They are rude in a lame wannabe hipster lazy trustfund baby kind of a way. This is a place where you can walk in and wait for the cashier to finish a long personal phone call before acknowledging you. The prices are fine (ish). Not too much crazier than other coffee shops but the coffee isn't that much better really either. I was there one time with somebody who likes a little splash of coffee in her hot chocolate. I'm not talking about a mocha or an espresso drink, I'm talking about an ounce of basic drip coffee. At steeple Chase this cost an extra dollar where as every single other place it's free. The explanation was that "when you add coffee it becomes a new drink". They Don't spread cream cheese on your bagel. This is a pet peeve of mine because I like the cream cheese to go on when the bagel is fresh out of the toaster. It's even lamer to get a couple packets of Philadelphia as if I bought the bagel at a gas station. They are cash only. This is something that I don't really mind on an old mom and pop type shop but when you have a brand new coffee shop there's not really an excuse. It's 2015 and it's extremely easy to accept credit cards, there are far worse costs of doing business than this. Hopefully somebody else will open a coffee shop in this neighborhood soon because it's still in need of one. read more

I love this place, it's coffee and its workers. I also love the happy atmosphere...but as of late, some owner whom I've never seen around has come in and ruined that vibe by lecturing the workers while there is a packed shop. The workers don't look happy, the vibe is no longer relaxing and it makes me uncomfortable. This owner needs to take a step back and deal with any business issues when there are no customers around. It's a bad look. read more

Decent cup, but a bit overpriced and the atmosphere is sort of stale and noisy. It sounds harsh, but I honestly prefer to just grab my $1.50 large coffee at a deli down the block rather than pay $2.75 for something that really doesn't have a major gap in taste even if their beans are better. I'd go here for an espresso, but it's again too expensive for me to want to make it a regular thing. Also it's difficult to use this place as a spot to write or study due to the whole "no laptop" policy at most of their tables. It honestly just feels like this spot belongs in the gentrified/still gentrifying part of East Williamsburg. read more

Cute cute cute shop in Brooklyn :) Came here during my short trip to Brooklyn & Manhattan, and was quite impressed by this coffee shop. Friendly staff and good coffee. I just wish there was a larger selection of baked goods, as there seemed to be only a few cookies left over in the display. I even saw a girl come in and ask for a sesame bagel, and had to leave because they had just sold their last one. Restock your goods, Steeplechase, but I will be back! read more

Coffee is AWFUL!!!!!!!! Grinds and oils clearly seen in the cup! Who would want to drink that? Barista also hates her job. No smile, no hello, like why do you even have a job. Avoid this place read more

As a Kensington resident, I am so happy to have a coffee shop in the neighborhood. The staff is super friendly, the music is usually good, and it's a nice, sunny atmosphere to do homework or read the newspaper. The prices lower than Park Slope and Manhattan coffee shops. The baked goods are a-one as well (but would it be so difficult to spread the cream cheese on the bagel?). I really want to love this place. And I really want it to stay in business! However, I HATE their coffee. Brooklyn Roasting Company coffee all tastes burned and disgusting. I have bought their beans from Steeplechase a couple times, and I just can't stand them. I went there for a bagel and a latte this morning, and I really had a hard time drinking the latte. I was pretty mad that I paid $3.75 for a burned-tasting latte when I could have brewed a nice Guatemalan from Grumpy in the comfort of my birthday suit. read more

The coffee is good and muffins as well, but regarding the sign "Cell phone use outdoors", This should state "Cell phone use allowed quietly" If the owner can sit at a table with someone talking and cursing loudly enough for me to hear at the next table, then I should be able to quietly use my cell phone to make a call. read more

Ok so I'm on the road all day through out the five boroughs and I drink a lot of coffee from anywhere not just Starbucks or dunkin but this was by far the worse cup of coffee I've ever had. Ever. Extremely burnt and a waste of my money. Just a heads up if you want try this place not sure why cash only. Welcome to America 2015 home of the credit cards. They don't tell you cash only to you go and pay there's just a little label on the register that says it no big sign so your standing there with your Amex looking like an idiot until they point to a piece of paper taped to the register. read more

I don't usually drink coffee, so I can't vouch for that, but I really enjoyed my tea and baked goods. I had a chai tea, a cranberry scone, and an orange butter cookie. I enjoyed them all, but next time I hope to order something more savory--scone plus cookie was too much sugar for me all at once. read more

Good bagels and decent coffee, though reading another review reminded me of the stupid little thing of Philadelphia cream cheese that they give you, which is kind of lame. Don't try to linger unless you want to drown in an ocean of eggheads with laptops. read more

I like their coffee overall but I think the iced tea is overpriced and there is something oddly unsatisfying about it (I'm an iced tea fan and there *are* differences) and while they used to allow computers at all tables, and, yes it's true, it was often packed, now they don't and there are lots of empty seats. go figure! for better or worse, coffee shops are now the freelancer's place to go (and others too). I don't go there as much but it used to be a nice alternative although it's pretty small and a bit dark. As an another commenter said, it's the only option in the neighborhood. read more

I've been here numerous times, probably because it's the only coffee shop in the neighborhood, but I'm not coming back. Their pastries are stale. Their drinks are bad. Coffee is sour. The baristas are rude as hell. Prime example: guy says "can I have a plate for my croissant?", girl behind the counter who didn't bother to listen barks "didn't you just see me sell the last croissant?" To add insult to the injury they are overpriced and cash only. And they only accept the use of laptops or tablets in the last couple of tables. In 2016. read more

Eh. If you need coffee they have coffee, although it felt like I was paying Midtown Manhattan prices for a Windsor Terrace cup of coffee. Also, cold brew is the only iced coffee on offer, and I hate cold brew coffee. read more

Negative vibe. And it's a $10 minimum to use your credit card. I can't ever get just a coffee in the morning because I don't carry cash. That's a lot of money they're loosing just with my coffee. It's a shame because it's a place with a lot of potential. read more

Great coffee and very friendly staff! Also they have tins of coffee from Brooklyn Roasting Co that I always go to for gifts & stocking stuffers. Love supporting local business! read more

The coffee is here is super good. Really tasty. The pastries are great too. Happy it's in the neighb.

Neighborhood coffeeshop with good coffee and drinks. Environmentally conscious with wifi. Comfy chairs and bagels and desserts from park slop places. read more

This is a great little coffee shop; I just wish it were closer to me! I love that they have outdoor seating, but so does everyone else - it's usually pretty busy, but it's not impossible to get a table. read more

TLDR: Decent coffee/ sky-high prices. As a local resident, I find myself here nearly every weekend despite the fact that I cringe every time I fork over money for anything other than a small coffee. For example, there is no iced coffee -- the only option is cold brew for a minimum of $4.25. Small $4 donuts. The pricing seems out of whack with the neighborhood. And at least a couple of the baristas have the standard-issue nonchalant attitude. Umm...I guess I'll be back for that small coffee, though. read more

Despite excellent service and a nice atmosphere, the iced coffee was so expensive, and so bad, that I will not be back. I stopped in early on a Saturday morning to pick up iced coffee and a couple of pastries. I was unhappy with the price - $4.25 for a 16 oz, $6.00 for a large - but did not have another option in the area before 10 AM. I assumed that if I was paying over $4 for a small coffee, it would at least be good. It was not. Bitter, watered-down, burnt-tasting - I honestly wonder if, instead of the cold brew that was advertised, I was served old coffee from the day before. Might explain why I got such a bad product from a place that seems to be known to offer at least good coffee. The pastries were good, particularly an oat bran scone, and the service was excellent. There was one woman working, and despite the line she was cheerful and friendly to each costumer and kept things moving efficiently. I just wish the overpriced coffee hadn't left such a bad taste in my mouth. read more

The lower end of Windsor Terrace (often confused for Kensington) is really starting to come up in the world. First Brancaccio's moved in and brought destination-worthy food to the neighborhood. Then came Commune, which brought more great food, as well as (finally!) a pleasant sit-down atmosphere to the nabe. Now, Steeplechase fills out the trifecta! This neighborhood has been screaming for good espresso drinks and a real coffee-shop atmosphere for a long time, and Steeplechase heeded the call. The coffee is terrific, the pastries are from Balthazar and the bagels from Terrace Bagels, the shop itself was remodeled with great attention to detail, and -- this shows that they know their customers -- every table has its own electrical outlet! And I really don't know what some of the earlier commenters are talking about, but I've found the owners and staff to be friendly and considerate. They really set a great tone for the business. All I can say is that I have been waiting for a coffee shop like this in the neighborhood ever since Lonelyville closed. It was worth the wait. read more

I love this place --- so unlike Starbucks! A little pricey for me but more than well worth it when I am inclined to treat myself. My current favorite is the steamed milk/espresso combo, the nameof which escapes me at the moment.. Wish it came in grande size. read more

Decided to grab a cup of coffee after picking up my lunch next door from Brancaccio's, since good coffee is a thing of myth in these parts. The coffee was solidly good, they offered press, pour over, and espresso coffees, they had some stellar looking pastries, the atmosphere was super chill and serene - good for working (though I came in mid-afternoon on a Tuesday, maybe that changes?), and the young lady i spoke to behind the counter was super friendly. All in all, I like this place and I like that it's a good cup of coffee not too far from work. I do not love the prices - $2.25 for a medium cup of press coffee is a bit rich for my blood on the regular - but it's nice to know I have a spot to go to when I wanna treat myself. read more

I live in Sunset Park and always lament the fact that this place is a half hour walk from my place. The coffee and Americanos are always excellent along with the cold brew in the summers. The staff is efficient and the pastry and food selection are excellent. The space is small but I rarely stay. I usually feel it's too cramped to. Anyway I'll be hiking it over there some more in the near future. read more

Business in NYC have nerves of steel. To have tables designated as "laptop/tablet free" is absurd. My friend and I walked several blocks to work together at your coffee shop to find that we couldn't because of this truly absurd, unexpected rule. read more

This place rivals Blue Bottle Cafe as the best coffee I've had in Brooklyn. Not only did it taste great, it didn't make my stomach hurt like most strong coffee. The atmosphere is nice and there wasn't a shortage of electrical sockets for my laptop. I got a lot of work done, and enjoyed listening to "Africa" by Toto. read more

I come here nearly every day I'm in the neighborhood. Excellent coffee (highly recommend the Americano and the cold brew in the summer), friendly and knowledgeable service, and now even more choices for yummy snacks (pasties, bagels, yogurt, oatmeal, and some sandwiches). Must visit! read more

This place is a bit of a rip-off. It cost us $11 for a coffee, iced tea, cheese Danish and a bagel with cream cheese. The Danish and bagel were so-so, the cream cheese was in a container which we had to spread on ourselves! They have a damn nerve! Four star average - I don't know what people are expecting but this was poor. The beverages were OK - only reason it's not 1 star. read more

Amazing store! Food tastes great! Enough seating for about 20 people! Service is also quite spectacular! Definitely one of the better coffee shops in Brooklyn. read more

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The coffee is consistently good. I can appreciate the no laptops policy at the front end tables for those who want to come to a cafe and enjoy their coffee, without all the seats being taken over by the laptop users. I come to this cafe regularly and the baristas, except for the blonde haired female, are consistently unfriendly, cold, and rather rude. They do not great a positive customer service experience my any means. This is a consistent, regular thing as I have been coming here for months. If this was not the only cafe within walking distance of my apartment, I would not return so regularly. read more

It looks like it'd be a great coffee shop from the outside. The service is really nice and it has a good atmosphere, the only problem is the coffee. It was incredibly overpriced and disgusting. If I'm paying $4 for a cold brew then it shouldn't be really acidic and sour. The berry scone wasn't bad, it's probably the reason why I give this place two stars, but it was $3.25. This place is simply overpriced and not good. I was better off going to Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks. read more

So happy this place exists...I'm sitting here on a rainy Saturday morning, enjoying a cranberry scone from Tres Pommes (they also carry Terrace Bagels, and Balthazar pastries), and a damn good cup of pressed coffee. Zero attitude, free wifi, pleasant ambiance. Yay, I no longer have to trek to Park Slope for coffee...Rooting for this adorable little place. read more

Great coffee, tasty treats, and an awesome staff. Couldn't ask for more in a coffee shop!

We just moved to the area and have been here a few times. The drinks are great, we haven't tried the food yet. I wish they had almond milk in addition to soy milk, but everything we have tasted has been great! I have brought my kids here and not because I can't stand to have them in the house with me, but because I believe that raising tiny humans to be great parts of our future society, means they need to see the outside of our apartment. Every other parent that I have seen there has been very respectful to the others in there without kids, and left if the kids start to get loud or anything. Actually, most just drop in to grab coffee on the way to the park that is down the street. I am thankful for a little coffee shop near the park where my kids are welcome while I get some caffeine :) read more