5 Underrated Cafes in Fort Greene, New York NY Worth Trying
Updated 29 September 2026 · 8 cafes in Fort Greene, New York NY considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This list highlights five places in and around Fort Greene, Brooklyn that score well on Google but have not yet collected large review counts. To qualify, each needed a rating of 4.4 or higher with fewer than 400 reviews, and the 8 qualifying businesses were ranked by rating weighted by review count. It suits anyone who wants a quieter coffee stop or a well-reviewed meal nearby, with hours, addresses and the points reviewers raise most.
#1
Beanmonger Coffee
★ 4.8 (276 Google reviews)Coffee shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
Beanmonger Coffee at 620 Union St opens at 7:30 am on weekdays and 8 am on weekends, closing at 5 pm daily. Reviewers mention a rich, smooth cappuccino, a cozy vintage feel, good music and friendly exchanges between baristas and regulars. The space is small with limited seating, so some treat it as a takeout stop. Entrance, seating and restroom are wheelchair accessible.
Best for: A quick cappuccino near the subway
- Address
- 620 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7:30 am–5 pm; Mon 7:30 am–5 pm; Sat 8 am–5 pm; Sun 8 am–5 pm; Thu 7:30 am–5 pm; Tue 7:30 am–5 pm; Wed 7:30 am–5 pm
#2
Ikigai
★ 4.8 (158 Google reviews)Japanese restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Ikigai is a Japanese restaurant at 87 Lafayette Ave, open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday. Reviewers describe an inventive tasting-style experience where guests watch the chefs work, with storytelling alongside each dish and warm service. Several chose it for a birthday dinner, and one notes it was expensive but felt worth it. Reservations are recommended by reviewers.
Best for: Special-occasion dinners
- Address
- 87 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States
- Hours
- Fri 5:15–11:30 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 4:45–11 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 5:45–10 pm; Tue 5:45–10 pm; Wed 5:45–10 pm
#3
Cafe Volkan
★ 4.7 (350 Google reviews)Cafe$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Cafe Volkan at 85 Bergen St is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm and lists breakfast, brunch, lunch, vegan and vegetarian options, Wi-Fi and outdoor seating. Reviewers mention a long brunch menu, a smoked salmon omelette, a Nutella latte and careful food presentation. Indoor seating is tight, with only a few tables, but reviewers say the dog-friendly outdoor tables help.
Best for: Brunch and outdoor tables
- Address
- 85 Bergen St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
- Hours
- daily 7 am–5 pm
#4
Compilation Coffee Roasters @ Ft. Greene
★ 4.6 (218 Google reviews)Coffee shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
Compilation Coffee Roasters at 343 Gold St opens at 7 am on most weekdays and 8 am on weekends, closing at 5 pm. Reviewers mention chai lattes, a mazagran, Parmesan scones and other pastries, plus shelves of bottled drinks including Japanese beverages. They describe an upbeat atmosphere and personable baristas who recommend pastries. Entrance, seating and restroom are wheelchair accessible.
Best for: Pastries and specialty coffee drinks
- Address
- 343 Gold St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–5 pm; Mon 7 am–5 pm; Sat 8 am–5 pm; Sun 8 am–5 pm; Thu 7 am–5 pm; Tue 7 am–5 pm; Wed 7:30 am–5 pm
#5
Bittersweet
★ 4.5 (350 Google reviews)Coffee shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
Bittersweet at 180 Dekalb Ave opens at 7 am on weekdays and 7:30 am on weekends, closing at 5 pm. Reviewers mention cold brew, chai and maple lattes, and cinnamon rolls, and describe kind, patient baristas. Some found matcha quality inconsistent and cup sizes unclear on the menu board. It is a small space, mostly used for takeout, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance.
Best for: Takeout coffee and cinnamon rolls
- Address
- 180 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–5 pm; Mon 7 am–5 pm; Sat 7:30 am–5 pm; Sun 7:30 am–5 pm; Thu 7 am–5 pm; Tue 7 am–5 pm; Wed 7 am–5 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 8 cafes in Fort Greene, New York NY with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then rated 4.4 or higher on Google but with fewer than 400 reviews. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 29 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- For an early start, Cafe Volkan opens at 7 am.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated cafe on this list?
Beanmonger Coffee ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.8 from 276 reviews. Ikigai is second at 4.8 from 158 reviews.
Which cafes in Fort Greene, New York NY are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Ikigai, at 11:30 pm.
How much does it cost at these cafes?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Cafe Volkan $10–20. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Cafe Volkan.
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