Cafe Bench | Crêpe Flushing

I honestly hate writing reviews. I’m the kind of guy who doesn’t like to bad mouth anyone or business — especially in New York City, where running a small business is already tough enough. Prices are high, customers are demanding, and the last thing anyone needs is another negative comment online. But once in a while, something happens so outrageous, so disrespectful, that you can’t stay quiet. This is one of those moments. I’ve been a loyal customer of Cafe Bench for over 10 years. I’ve brought friends here, studied here, and supported this place since the early days. But after my most recent visit, I can confidently say — I will never be coming back. I came in with a group of six, including my wife, who’s pregnant and diabetic. She ordered a small matcha latte, which turned out to be incredibly sweet — undrinkable, really. I went to the counter and politely explained the situation, asking if they could kindly remake it with no added sugar for medical reasons. There were four employees behind the counter. The cashier mentioned the drink had five pumps of sugar (which is absurd, by the way) and went to ask her coworker what to do. That coworker checked with what seemed to be the manager — a Hispanic man — and came back to tell me I’d need to pay another $8.44 for a remake. I was stunned. I wasn’t asking for a refund, just a small accommodation for a legitimate health issue. I even suggested to simply add more milk or water to dilute it. But nope — flat refusal. “Store policy.” Frustrated, I told them to just give me the drink back and returned to my table. I quietly told my group what happened, and as they looked over — visibly confused — that same “manager” looked right at us and smirked. When I met his gaze, he pressed his hands together, bowed, and smirked again. Why is he bowing? Now, I don’t want to throw around words like racism lightly, but as an Asian person, I cannot overstate how humiliating that gesture felt. My entire table saw it. We were shocked and disgusted. If I hadn’t been there with small children, I would’ve walked out on the spot. Let me say this as someone who’s supported this café for a decade: Cafe Bench has gone completely downhill. •\tThe desserts are overloaded with sugar, chocolate, and ice cream — style over substance. •\tThe drinks are overpriced and inconsistent. •\tThe staff is unprofessional, and in my case, downright disrespectful. Years ago, I even used to study here until I learned from a former employee that the owner intentionally removed electrical outlets because she didn’t like people staying too long. That tells you everything you need to know about how they view their customers. And speaking of the owner — I’ve since heard that in local Korean community that she doesn’t have the best reputation due to similar rude and dismissive behavior. Sadly, after this experience, I believe it. At this point, Cafe Bench is surviving purely on its décor and Instagram appeal — not quality, not service, and certainly not integrity. If you want better value, friendlier staff, and actual respect as a customer, I recommend Cafe Grey, Beans & Malt, or Cafe Auburndale — all nearby and way ahead in every possible way. As someone who’s supported this business for 10+ years, it honestly pains me to say this — but Cafe Bench, you’ve lost a loyal customer for good.

Surprisingly a great cafe near me! Really love the ambiance and the foods are great as well. A nice place to chill and relax, I was doing some homework and really love it! I would highly recommend this place you to visit and do something.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The owner is the rudest person ever, she always gives nasty looks and talks with disrespect. She will literally look at you nasty is everyone from your party doesn’t buy something.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

At first this place seemed okay, we decided to try it out since the other cafes were full. I liked the decor but the space did not feel welcoming. I got a few items to try and did some work. After about an hour and a half there studying, what seemed like the owner came up to us in a very aggressive way and told us to move tables and asked us why we needed an extra chair - the place was mostly empty and there were several empty tables. She said “ are you going to stay for 3 hours “ in a rude way… it’s a cafe so yes I’m doing work. I felt so unwelcome and disgusted. Don’t call yourself a cafe when you don’t want customers to stay and enjoy your space.

P.S I’ve had friends who told me to avoid this place because the owner was rude but I still decided to give it a shot. Not going back again.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

the place is very spacious itself with lots of seating and at night it starts to get crowded so be aware of needing to wait a while. other than that the food and drinks are really good, the jasmine love a lot bear and it is, i the pancake is a must get!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The crepes and drinks are delicious, unusual, and fun! Great place to meet a friend to chat, or to take care of business. Small, comfortable, and pleasant atmosphere. It can get noisy if there are kids, but that is to be expected.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A coffee shop with a nice atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Such a cute cafe! The atmosphere is lovely. They have delicious desserts and coffees. Great place for a girls night. Try the lady nana! So, so good!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Excellent place to have a great coffee, 100% recommended

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It is a café. It has drinks and desserts.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

It's a beautiful place with kind people serving the most delicious food. The dish I had was Fiesta and it really tastes good like heaven and I would probably go there again if I got a chance.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I’ve been coming to this café for many years, and while there are things I truly appreciate, my overall experience has gone downhill to the point where I won’t be returning. Please read until the end.

The setup is simple: you order at the counter, get a buzzer, then pick up your food and clean up after yourself. The ambience is lovely, always decorated for the season with cute benches, and the crêpes, coffees, and cappuccinos are delicious (though the crêpes get cold quickly).

Unfortunately, the service has been consistently unpleasant. Years ago, I ordered a decaf drink. When I double-checked with the staff, I was told—very rudely and loudly—that it wasn’t decaf and that I needed to pay an extra $0.85 if I wanted it remade. The small upcharge wasn’t the issue; it was the way the situation was handled, with zero accountability and unnecessary hostility.

Another time, when I placed an order using the number printed on their menu (exactly as they’ve set it up), I was scolded and told I should say the name of the item instead. Why even provide numbers if customers aren’t allowed to use them?

On another visit, I had a personal bottle of water with me after walking there. Instead of kindly reminding me of the policy, the woman behind the counter came to my table and loudly scolded me in front of everyone. More recently, my brother ordered an iced coffee but was given a hot one. When he tried to correct it, he was met with the same aggressive yelling I had experienced before.

Even my son wasn’t spared. He simply moved a chair so our family could sit together for what was a large (and expensive) order, and he was harshly reprimanded for “causing hazards.”

The common theme here is that the person running the counter—whether owner or manager—seems to lack basic courtesy and professionalism. While the food and drinks are genuinely good, the way customers are treated completely ruins the experience.

Sadly, no matter how tasty the crêpes are, I won’t be coming back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 1

I really love the atmosphere and all the decorations. Besides the crepes and drinks were perfect as well as the customer service. Love how peaceful it is to have my own space at this kinda lovely place.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Been going here for years!! I love this place. Delicious crepes and drinks. The employees are so kind and welcoming. They change the decor for every season, super cute. Perfect cafe to go to with a group or for a date.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great atmosphere and cute decor! I got a matcha latte which was a little sweet and kind of expensive for me at a little over $8 but nonetheless I was happy to try out this place! I will definitely be going back to try out other menu items!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5