The 12 Best Coffee Shops in Williamsburg You Need to Visit

Published April 23, 2025• Updated April 23, 2025• By Williamsburg Coffee Guide
Barista preparing specialty coffee at a trendy Williamsburg coffee shop

Discover the best coffee shops in Williamsburg, Brooklyn with our local expert guide. From artisanal roasters to cozy cafes, find the perfect spot for your caffeine fix.

The 12 Best Coffee Shops in Williamsburg You Need to Visit

Williamsburg has emerged as Brooklyn's coffee epicenter, with an impressive concentration of world-class roasters, third-wave cafes, and innovative coffee concepts. From industrial-chic spaces in converted warehouses to intimate neighborhood spots, this guide will take you through the absolute best coffee shops that Williamsburg has to offer.

What Makes Williamsburg's Coffee Scene Special

Williamsburg's coffee culture stands at the intersection of craftsmanship, innovation, and community. The neighborhood's industrial spaces have provided perfect venues for roasteries and cafes, while its creative population has fostered a demand for quality and experimentation.

Unlike Manhattan's often rushed coffee culture, Williamsburg cafes emphasize the experience—beautiful spaces, carefully sourced beans, and baristas who have elevated coffee preparation to an art form. Many of Brooklyn's (and indeed, New York's) most influential coffee businesses started here or have flagship locations in the neighborhood.

Our Selection Criteria

Our selections are based on:

  • Coffee quality and sourcing practices
  • Variety of brewing methods
  • Barista expertise
  • Atmosphere and space
  • Consistency
  • Unique offerings or specialties

Each coffee shop on this list has been visited multiple times by our local experts to ensure consistent quality.

The 12 Best Coffee Shops in Williamsburg

1. Devoción

Interior of Devoción's sun-filled Williamsburg cafe

Address: 69 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Why we love it: Devoción's claim to fame is their "farm-to-cup" approach, flying in green coffee beans from Colombia within 10-30 days of harvest and roasting them in Brooklyn. The result is incredibly fresh coffee with vibrant flavors you won't find elsewhere.

Their Williamsburg flagship features a stunning plant wall and skylight-filled space that makes for one of the most beautiful coffee-drinking environments in the city. The baristas are knowledgeable and precise in their preparation methods.

Don't miss: Their signature Tinto (Colombian-style coffee) and the cascara tea made from coffee cherry husks.

2. Partners Coffee

Partners Coffee's minimalist cafe interior

Address: 125 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Why we love it: Formerly known as Toby's Estate, Partners Coffee has established itself as one of Brooklyn's premier coffee roasters. Their approach focuses on building direct relationships with coffee producers around the world.

The spacious Williamsburg location offers excellent people-watching through large windows, while the knowledgeable staff can guide you through their rotating selection of single-origin coffees. Their roastery is visible from the cafe, adding to the authentic experience.

Don't miss: Their pour-over coffee flight that lets you compare different beans and processing methods.

3. Sey Coffee

Sey Coffee's bright, plant-filled roastery and cafe

Address: 18 Grattan St, Brooklyn, NY 11206 (East Williamsburg)
Why we love it: Housed in a converted warehouse, Sey Coffee represents the pinnacle of light-roast, high-quality specialty coffee in Brooklyn. Their approach to roasting emphasizes the unique characteristics of each coffee, resulting in bright, complex flavor profiles.

The minimalist, plant-filled space with high ceilings creates a serene environment for appreciating their meticulously prepared drinks. Baristas are among the most knowledgeable in the city and happy to discuss the nuances of their offerings.

Don't miss: Their filter coffee, which showcases their light roasting style perfectly.

4. Variety Coffee Roasters

Variety Coffee's Williamsburg location with vintage decor

Address: 146 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Why we love it: Variety has grown from a small Bushwick cafe to one of Brooklyn's most respected roasters. Their approach balances accessibility with quality, offering excellent coffee that appeals to both connoisseurs and casual drinkers.

Their Williamsburg location features beautiful vintage decor and plenty of seating, making it ideal for both quick visits and longer stays. The consistent quality of their espresso drinks has earned them a devoted following.

Don't miss: Their house espresso blend, which offers a perfect balance of chocolate and fruit notes.

5. Blue Bottle Coffee

Blue Bottle's minimalist Williamsburg cafe

Address: 76 N 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Why we love it: While Blue Bottle has expanded beyond its indie roots, their Williamsburg location maintains the quality and attention to detail that made them famous. Their scientific approach to brewing ensures consistent excellence.

The cafe offers a calm, minimalist environment with plenty of natural light. Their commitment to serving coffee at peak freshness means you'll never get beans roasted more than 48 hours before your visit.

Don't miss: Their New Orleans-style iced coffee, cold brewed with chicory and sweetened with cane sugar.

6. Spectrum Coffee

Spectrum Coffee's cozy interior with roasting equipment

Address: 355 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Why we love it: Spectrum represents the new wave of Williamsburg coffee, with an emphasis on transparency in sourcing and a deep respect for the farmers who grow their beans. Their small-batch roasting approach allows for careful attention to each coffee's unique characteristics.

The cafe offers a warm, unpretentious atmosphere where coffee enthusiasts and newcomers alike can feel comfortable. The staff excels at helping customers find coffees that match their taste preferences.

Don't miss: Their rotating single-origin espresso, which showcases different regions throughout the year.

7. Butler

Butler's sleek Williamsburg cafe

Address: 95 S 5th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Why we love it: Butler combines excellent coffee with a full food menu and beautiful design. Their approach focuses on creating a complete cafe experience rather than just a coffee stop.

The stylish space features plenty of natural light and comfortable seating. Their coffee program showcases beans from quality roasters, prepared with consistency and skill.

Don't miss: Their Australian-style coffee drinks and excellent avocado toast.

8. Blank Street Coffee

Blank Street's compact, efficient Williamsburg cafe

Address: Multiple locations throughout Williamsburg
Why we love it: Blank Street has quickly expanded throughout Williamsburg with their efficient, tech-forward approach to coffee. Despite their rapid growth, they maintain quality by serving coffee from local roasters like Parlor Coffee.

Their small-format stores and streamlined operations allow for quick service without sacrificing quality. The consistent experience across locations makes them a reliable option throughout the neighborhood.

Don't miss: Their seasonal specialty drinks and efficient mobile ordering system.

9. Qahwah House

Qahwah House's Yemeni coffee and traditional decor

Address: 162 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Why we love it: Offering a completely different coffee experience, Qahwah House specializes in Yemeni coffee, some of the oldest and most traditional in the world. Owner Ibrahim Alhasbani sources beans directly from his family's farm in Yemen.

The traditional preparation methods and unique flavor profiles provide a fascinating contrast to Williamsburg's third-wave coffee scene. The space is decorated with Yemeni artifacts and traditional seating areas.

Don't miss: The traditional Yemeni Mofawar (coffee with ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom) and their informative coffee ceremonies.

10. Sweatshop

Sweatshop's bright, Australian-inspired cafe

Address: 232 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Why we love it: This Australian-owned cafe brings Melbourne's renowned coffee culture to Williamsburg. Their approach emphasizes both quality coffee and a welcoming community space.

The bright, airy interior creates a pleasant environment for enjoying their well-executed espresso drinks. Their Australian influence is evident in both their coffee preparation and food menu.

Don't miss: Their flat white and avocado smash, both Australian cafe staples.

11. Freehold

Freehold's spacious multi-purpose venue

Address: 45 S 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Why we love it: Freehold is more than just a coffee shop—it's a multi-purpose venue that transforms throughout the day from cafe to workspace to bar. Their coffee program is solid, serving quality beans with consistent preparation.

The spacious interior and outdoor area provide plenty of seating options. The versatile space makes it ideal for different needs throughout the day.

Don't miss: Their excellent coffee in the morning and the transition to a lively social space later in the day.

12. The West

The West's cozy, neighborhood cafe atmosphere

Address: 379 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Why we love it: The West has established itself as a true neighborhood cafe, with a loyal following of locals who appreciate their consistent quality and friendly service. They serve coffee from Toby's Estate (now Partners Coffee) with skill and care.

The cozy space creates a homey atmosphere that encourages lingering and conversation. Their commitment to being a genuine community hub sets them apart in an increasingly trendy neighborhood.

Don't miss: Their perfectly executed espresso drinks and the warm, community atmosphere.

Best Coffee Shops for Specific Needs

Best for Working Remotely

  • Devoción - Beautiful space with reliable WiFi and plenty of seating
  • Partners Coffee - Spacious with good table options
  • Freehold - Multi-purpose space designed for working

Best for Coffee Connoisseurs

  • Sey Coffee - Exceptional light roasts and brewing precision
  • Devoción - Ultra-fresh Colombian beans
  • Partners Coffee - Excellent single-origin selection

Best for Pastries and Food

  • Butler - Full food menu alongside great coffee
  • Sweatshop - Australian-inspired cafe fare
  • Blank Street - Quality pastries from local bakeries

Best for Atmosphere

  • Devoción - Stunning plant wall and skylight
  • Sey Coffee - Bright, minimalist warehouse space
  • The West - Cozy, neighborhood vibe

Best for Unique Coffee Experiences

  • Qahwah House - Traditional Yemeni coffee
  • Spectrum Coffee - Innovative brewing methods
  • Partners Coffee - Educational tasting flights

When to Visit Williamsburg Coffee Shops

Williamsburg coffee shops are typically busiest on weekend mornings (especially Sunday) and during the late morning to early afternoon on weekdays. For a more relaxed experience, try visiting mid-afternoon on weekdays.

Many shops close relatively early (around 6-7 PM), so plan accordingly for afternoon visits. Some locations like Devoción, Partners Coffee, and Freehold stay open later and can be good options for evening coffee.

Getting Around Williamsburg's Coffee Scene

Williamsburg's coffee shops are concentrated in a few key areas:

  • North Williamsburg: The highest concentration of top coffee shops (Devoción, Partners, Blue Bottle, Variety)
  • South Williamsburg: More neighborhood-oriented spots (Butler, The West)
  • East Williamsburg/Bushwick Border: Cutting-edge roasters (Sey Coffee)

The L train provides easy access to Williamsburg from Manhattan, with the Bedford Ave station putting you within walking distance of many top cafes. The G train connects Williamsburg to other parts of Brooklyn, with the Metropolitan Ave/Lorimer St station being particularly useful for coffee exploration.

Final Thoughts

Williamsburg's coffee scene continues to evolve while maintaining its position at the forefront of coffee innovation and quality. What makes these establishments special is their dedication to the craft of coffee-making while creating spaces that serve neighborhood needs.

Whether you're a serious coffee enthusiast or simply looking for a pleasant place to start your day, these twelve coffee shops represent the best that Williamsburg has to offer. Each has its own unique character and specialties, but all deliver exceptional coffee experiences.

Have you visited any of these Williamsburg coffee shops? Let us know your favorites in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best coffee shop in Williamsburg for specialty coffee?

Sey Coffee on Grattan Street is widely considered the best specialty coffee shop in Williamsburg, with meticulously sourced beans and precise brewing methods. Devoción and Partners Coffee are close contenders with their direct-trade beans and expert baristas.

Which Williamsburg coffee shops roast their own beans?

Several excellent Williamsburg coffee shops roast their own beans, including Sey Coffee, Partners Coffee, Devoción, Variety Coffee Roasters, and Spectrum Coffee. These roasters offer the freshest possible coffee experience with beans often roasted on-site or nearby in Brooklyn.

What's the best coffee shop in Williamsburg for working remotely?

Devoción on Grand Street offers reliable WiFi, plenty of seating, and a beautiful environment ideal for remote work. Other great options include Partners Coffee on North 6th Street and Blank Street Coffee locations, which typically have good table space and WiFi.

Which Williamsburg coffee shops have the best pastries or food options?

Butler on South 5th Street offers exceptional pastries alongside great coffee. Devoción serves excellent pastries from local bakeries, while Partners Coffee has a good selection of baked goods and light fare to complement their coffee program.