WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYNBLUE BOTTLE COFFEE
160 BERRY STREET, BTW. 4TH AND 5TH STREET
My goodness, do I have a coffee shop for you.
One must board the L train and trek through a sea of red flannel shirts before arriving at this Mecca, but such a journey will only make your first sip that much more incredible.
Blue Bottle is located in the heart of New York City hipster-land — Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Below the surface of this quite “anti-trendy,” trendy neighborhood is a real Brooklyn ‘hood, steeped in a rich history of olde New York. I can’t help but love the vibe of this neighborhood. Step inside an old garage, and into a Willy Wonka factory for coffee. I swooned, really.
Clean and crisp steel, white walls, Chemex coffee brewers lined up like beakers in a laboratory. All coffee served has been roasted less than 48 hours ago, no questions asked. Coffee by the cup is dripped to order — a barista mans the station, using the pour-over method which is by no means speedy, but by all means an extraordinarily rich cup (sans bitterness.) They use a ceramic dripper, made especially for them, that requires a fresh filter and fresh grounds per cup, as well as manually pouring the boiling water over the grounds. It slowly extracts the coffee, drip by drip, with a delicious, full flavor. I highly recommend this brewing method, as it allows you to truly taste all of the dynamic notes in the coffee. One can buy it on their website here: bonmac ceramic dripper.
Beyond drip coffee, I may have found…dare I say…the best cappuccino in New York (?). My quest has just begun, but damn, this cappuccino is good. Perfect creamy milk, smooth rich espresso. I can’t even say much else, except go get one for yourself. It will enhance your life…plus, I saw a band member from TV on the Radio there, if that gets you going.
happy sipping!
xx elizabeth
is drip method is so interesting! I want a cup or two or more! Beautifully written–when I'm reading it I feel like I'm actually there with you! Can't wait to taste it for myself.
Elizabeth, I just found your blog and now after reading about the Blue Bottle I'm afraid I'm going to have to make a return trip to the city. I was recently there at Stumptown and was totally blown away (just search the blog if you want details). I'm a big ChemEx Fan and would suspect that I could learn a few things from the Blue Bottle Baristas. Keep up the interesting blog and the films which are really good.
theo, i'm so happy you find the blog interesting! blue bottle is definitely an experience. stumptown is great, too, of course. and thank you for the compliment on the films! those are too much fun. i just recently made the new one about chinatown coffee co. in DC.i have checked out your site as well. lovely to meet another fellow coffee enthusiast. keep in touch!