you can stand there and wait for service for 15 minutes and no one will bother to show up, much easier to take something from the counter and leave and STILL no one would notice
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Dante Comedy
Regrettably, on March 12th, 2025, I visited Konditori Swedish Espresso Bar at 187 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217. The clientele that day primarily consisted of individuals of European descent, all of whom seemed to have effortless access to the restroom facilities. However, my experience differed markedly after I made a purchase. As I attempted to use the restroom, a young Spanish lady wearing a black cap informed me she needed to verify permission with the person in charge before I could proceed. Thankfully, after a moment's consideration, the authority figure permitted me to use the facilities.
It is disheartening, especially in an era where immigration issues have heightened tensions and sensitivities around ethnicity and race. Given that the staff that day were all Latinos, one might expect a greater empathy and less likelihood of discriminating against other minorities. I am inclined to believe that the discriminatory behavior I encountered may stem from the policies of the owner or upper management rather than the staff members themselves.
This incident deeply upset me given my personal connection to the neighborhood. For over two decades, I taught at a prestigious public school nearby and lived in this community since 1990—a community that historically resisted racism and championed inclusivity. This recent experience starkly contrasts with the values I have known and cherished in this area. Although I refrained from causing a scene, I felt compelled to share this review to voice my disappointment.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Miles Josephson
After giving it 5 stars literally the day before, I placed an online order, waited over an hour over delivery time, but they never showed up and won't answer the phone.
Seraphim Toussaint
My matcha latte was not good at all. It tasted watered down. The muffins are creative but dense and tasteless. The atmosphere is very cozy and the music selection is very nice. It was R&B. Service was quick but as far as options go, I can’t recommend anything here. Go to the coffee shop down the block instead
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
John Richards
NO BATHROOM even though they have 20+ seats. If a food service establishment has 20 or more seats and opened after 1977, it must provide a toilet for its customers. Not right.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Dmitry Martynov
What happened with their coffee, it’s horrible 🙁
Cas
McDonald’s quality but 10x the price, super dirty workspace, nothing was fresh, took forever and got our order wrong. Any bodega in a 5 mile radius is a better choice
Magnus Westergren
Where do you get off calling yourself "pastry shop" in Swedish, and then serve none of Sweden's celebrated pastries? Like, what's the point? Especially now that even non-Swedish cafes are baking the ever-more popular cardamom buns...
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
Marissa Acosta
really good maple latte :)
Jacky Cheng
Came here as I was looking for a coffee shop to do some quick laptop work before heading to meet a friend in the area. It's an unkempt coffee shop with wooden tables and chairs in the front, a printing machine (not sure why), and a couch in the back. Random boxes stacked in the back and behind the counter is not a really good look.
I got myself a maple flavored Iced Latte ($6) from their flavor selections. I liked my selection and it wasn't super sweet as you'd expect. I sat myself with my cup of coffee by the window where there was a ton of flies flying around and chillin. They gotta take care of that. Had to move away from the window area although that's where I usually like to sit. Didn't order any food so I cannot comment on that.
Great food and coffee, but pretty mediocre service. No bathroom.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Sauce, Bec
mary howell
the couch at the back is super comfy. very calm atmosphere and a great experience overall.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bagel
Michael D
Nice place, friendly staff - thanks guys
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jose Jaquez
Early morning Monday for a bagel and coffee, bad actitud from cashier girl and food prepare guy … business owner should fix that …
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Bagel
Joseph Falco
Early morning on Monday and they already ran out of bagel. Food was okay, just an attitude of sandwich maker and cashier. Unwelcoming vibe gave out from them when I asked the question and when they gave me food.
you can stand there and wait for service for 15 minutes and no one will bother to show up, much easier to take something from the counter and leave and STILL no one would notice
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Regrettably, on March 12th, 2025, I visited Konditori Swedish Espresso Bar at 187 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217. The clientele that day primarily consisted of individuals of European descent, all of whom seemed to have effortless access to the restroom facilities. However, my experience differed markedly after I made a purchase. As I attempted to use the restroom, a young Spanish lady wearing a black cap informed me she needed to verify permission with the person in charge before I could proceed. Thankfully, after a moment's consideration, the authority figure permitted me to use the facilities.
It is disheartening, especially in an era where immigration issues have heightened tensions and sensitivities around ethnicity and race. Given that the staff that day were all Latinos, one might expect a greater empathy and less likelihood of discriminating against other minorities. I am inclined to believe that the discriminatory behavior I encountered may stem from the policies of the owner or upper management rather than the staff members themselves.
This incident deeply upset me given my personal connection to the neighborhood. For over two decades, I taught at a prestigious public school nearby and lived in this community since 1990—a community that historically resisted racism and championed inclusivity. This recent experience starkly contrasts with the values I have known and cherished in this area. Although I refrained from causing a scene, I felt compelled to share this review to voice my disappointment.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
After giving it 5 stars literally the day before, I placed an online order, waited over an hour over delivery time, but they never showed up and won't answer the phone.
My matcha latte was not good at all. It tasted watered down. The muffins are creative but dense and tasteless. The atmosphere is very cozy and the music selection is very nice. It was R&B. Service was quick but as far as options go, I can’t recommend anything here. Go to the coffee shop down the block instead
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
NO BATHROOM even though they have 20+ seats. If a food service establishment has 20 or more seats and opened after 1977, it must provide a toilet for its customers. Not right.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
What happened with their coffee, it’s horrible 🙁
McDonald’s quality but 10x the price, super dirty workspace, nothing was fresh, took forever and got our order wrong. Any bodega in a 5 mile radius is a better choice
Where do you get off calling yourself "pastry shop" in Swedish, and then serve none of Sweden's celebrated pastries? Like, what's the point? Especially now that even non-Swedish cafes are baking the ever-more popular cardamom buns...
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
really good maple latte :)
Came here as I was looking for a coffee shop to do some quick laptop work before heading to meet a friend in the area. It's an unkempt coffee shop with wooden tables and chairs in the front, a printing machine (not sure why), and a couch in the back. Random boxes stacked in the back and behind the counter is not a really good look.
I got myself a maple flavored Iced Latte ($6) from their flavor selections. I liked my selection and it wasn't super sweet as you'd expect. I sat myself with my cup of coffee by the window where there was a ton of flies flying around and chillin. They gotta take care of that. Had to move away from the window area although that's where I usually like to sit. Didn't order any food so I cannot comment on that.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Iced Latte
Restaurantji Recommends
Great food and coffee, but pretty mediocre service. No bathroom.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Sauce, Bec
the couch at the back is super comfy. very calm atmosphere and a great experience overall.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bagel
Nice place, friendly staff - thanks guys
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Early morning Monday for a bagel and coffee, bad actitud from cashier girl and food prepare guy … business owner should fix that …
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Bagel
Early morning on Monday and they already ran out of bagel. Food was okay, just an attitude of sandwich maker and cashier. Unwelcoming vibe gave out from them when I asked the question and when they gave me food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 1
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