Ivy Welsh

Delicious coffee and baked goods, a super personable barista, and an excellent book selection!

Alexander Inkiow

I also don’t need my ego to be stroked by my barista— especially when being fashionable and hot are bare minimum qualifiers for pouring a hot cup of coffee. As human beings; we all have better and worse days. However — the expectation that we treat our fellow human beings with kindness and common decency seems like a very low bar

Elizabeth Green

I don't need my ego stroked by my barista and sometimes it's actually part of the experience to be cooly served a good coffee by someone hot and fashionable playing techno, so I love this place. Best ambience of any cafe in the area. Coffee is good.

Leo K

Amazing wines! Japanese rare wines highly recommend!

Farnoosh Namdarpour

This is my favorite café in the neighborhood for working. I'm not sure if it's the music, the vibe, the lighting, or the cozy interior, but something about it helps me stay focused and makes it the perfect place for getting work done. Just be aware that they don't allow laptops on weekends. I only wish they had more food options.

Maciej Fedorów

Nice, cozy spot in Brooklyn. Very good coffee and service. You should pay a visit and support small local businesses!

E C

THE ESPRESSO is unbelievable. Really well balanced good taste. Cafe has good atmosphere and the restroom was very clean!! Thank you.

M

Awesome little family owned coffee shop. The owners daughter was working and made our coffees and while chatting with us told us a bit about the history of the family business having previously been a hardware store that was her fathers and then they turned it into the coffee shop it is today. Cozy and inviting space where many customers were just enjoying some downtime with a coffee. We will definitely be back next time we visit the area.

reliable nyc source

love the coffee and the general space here is a great place to indulge in it and pretend to work on your labtop whilst drinking maybe two coffees like all these other losers probably are doing. baked goods are really good as well

Rachel Forcillo

Really delicious espresso, great vibes, plus super cute bookstore. Everyone very friendly. Definitely will be coming back here to work or have in-person meetings. Also very clean bathroom.

darnell davis

Stopped by the Playground Coffee Shop for a book talk. The staff was nice and the vibe was chill and laid back. Great lighting. Clean shop. Definitely will be returning.

PATTIE ACE

The almond cappuccino is always on point. But one time it was off. I know it depends on the new person making it or whatever. It seems like cappuccinos are not always made correctly in a lot of coffeeshops, sadly. I think it’s something the barista needs to pay attention to because these drinks ain’t cheap. All in all the space and the atmosphere is super chill. The music is always good, always something new to listen. Thanks.

lulu

Cute vibe, cool crowd, cute barista, chairs are uncomfortable but there are power outlets which’s great. Also no laptops allowed on weekends I believe.

Gaby Rodo

The locale is great, close to the subways and great decor. However, their cappuccinos are over burnt and their pastries are not the best. Good vibe, not so good coffee or food.

I used to love Playground when I lived in the area, but I recently visited for the first time in a while and am shocked at how rude management is. If you’re thinking of booking a private event here don’t! It won’t actually be private, the owner wont properly communicate and the cocktails will be so tiny and overpriced. Like I’m not kidding, my espresso martini was straight up two sips for $17. Wine selection was great though. Shout out to the sommelier, they knew what they were doing.

Sofia Iacobucci

I have visited Playground a few times and up until today I absolutely loved it. Today I found out the employees enforce carceral and unnecessary rules in a nasty and judgmental way. I walked in finishing a bagel, but ordered two drinks (almost $20 total) and was immediately approached by a condescending and rude employee who told me I had to leave on account of the three bites of a bagel I was finishing. It’s really sad to see “community” spaces wielding unnecessary and money making tactics that honestly just make me never want to come back! Coffee is mid and overpriced also. I won’t be back!

Tamzen Naegele

Staff is rude. I once walked in and the one person working chose to remain in a personal conversation with their friend for 3 minutes before coming behind the counter and even acknowledging me as a customer. Heard similar feedback from other residents in the neighborhood about the cold, unwelcoming attitude of staff. Will not come back

Jackson Hale

This is the first Google review I have ever written; I have been coming to Playground for two years. I love it here: the coffee is great, it’s one of the very few family-owned coffee shops in the neighborhood, and it offers a quiet place to work productively during the week. Today will be my last visit to Playground, on account of how nasty and aggressive the barista was. This morning, as I approached the counter, ready to pay for my coffee, I asked the Barista: “What’s your favorite pastry here? Is there anything in particular you would recommend?” I asked because I have never had a pastry at Playground, and I wanted to get something to go with my coffee. When I asked, the barista looked up at me with a scowl. As if I had asked for her social security number, or said something deeply profane, she said, sharply: ”It’s subjective. I can’t say. Just get whatever you think looks good.” What is shocking to me, and so strange about this interaction, is that OBVIOUSLY my question is subjective: In fact, that’s precisely why I asked the person who works behind the counter! My thinking (crazy as it might seem) is that the barista who works here every day might be willing to recommend something to eat. Clearly, this was far too much to ask.The intensity and aggression with which she recoiled, and the dismissive, blasé answer she gave me was unexpected and disappointing. If this is how repeat customers are treated, I can only imagine how first-time visitors are dealt with. There are plenty of $7 lattes at other coffee shops in the neighborhood, and I'd encourage you to go get one of those instead of coming to Playground.

Victoria Duffy

I gave this place a few tries as I wanted to support a local business seems to promote community building, and it’s right by my apartment. However, every time this place kept proving itself to be an unpleasant experience. Probably the unfriendliest staff I’ve ever encountered. I went back a few times to try to see if maybe it was one barista, but I think it must be a pre-req to hate people to work there?? Every time, the minute they saw a customer walk in there was an eye roll. I’ve heard the owner kind of sets the standard from others. I’ve talked to other past customers about this and they agreed that was one of the major reasons they stopped going. That and the coffee was mid. Truly couldn’t even finish my Americano as it tasted burnt. Go to Little Roy’s, Padmore’s, Stonefruit, Cafe Phil— literally anywhere else. You’ll find better coffee and service. The only reason people go here is for the ambience. I have to say, it is gorgeous when you go to the back to work. If I could just go sit and not have to drink their coffee or speak to their employees, I would give this place 4 stars. I hate to write a review like this, but please get it together.

Brittney Williams

I’m always happy to support local, NY born and bred owned businesses that seem to be community focused. I was happy to find a place that had open outdoor and indoor seating readily available aka it’s not always packed. This convenience was the only thing that kept bringing me back. After a few visits over the past couple of weeks, I can see why that is. The wifi is spotty and doesn’t work outside, the music is not enjoyable, it’s hot inside and it’s not even peak summertime yet. The chai latte tasted watered down. But the worst part, is that the staff is not welcoming at all. And moreover, I had the “pleasure” of meeting the owner who must thrive amidst negativity. She was rude, impolite and lacked basic customer service. Will not be returning. Recommend Ginjan cafe where there are plenty of outlets, helpful and nice workers, uplifting music, good coffee and lots of food options.

Hannah Looney Lian

Gorgeous coffee shop, with super cool solidarity initiatives like their community fridge and lending library. However, woefully lacking in customer service and warmth. One of the people working there is grumpy and bad at customer service. Having been a barista too, I know it's not that hard to be courteous to nice customers. I wanted hot tea with a cup of ice on the side since she wouldn't make me an iced tea (although no one was behind us in line). I was told after getting my $4 tea that I would be charged for the ice (that I had already asked for) if I wanted it. The person seemed cold and tense, whereas my request wasn't outlandish and my husband and I were polite when ordering. Not being accommodated is one thing, but frosty interactions just make me feel weird. What's so hard about hospitality and friendliness? Go to Cup down the street instead!