Hello, everyone, fresh coffee, the prices is very good great fresh pastries, and quick and friendly service. The outdoor seating area is a treat on a nice day. Cashier gave me a free extra donut because it was my first time at the store. read more

What's a Starbucks? There's no shortage of places to grab amazing coffee in Astoria. This vibrant Queens neighborhood is packed with independently owned cafes, specialty spots serving flavors from different cultures, and energetic community spaces. We were craving a midday pick-me-up, so I searched around on Yelp and found Balancero. And once I saw its nearly 5-star rating, I *HAD* to see if it really lives up to the hype... Balancero is a tiny hole-in the-wall spot that operates more like a walk up-window than a traditional cafe. The interior is probably only about 200 square feet, with a minimalist vibe and most of the space taken up by the barista station. There's no indoor seating, just standing room for about 3-4 people. You can grab a spot on one of the outdoor benches. The menu is simple, with all of the classic coffee drinks plus specialty teas. They roast their own beans in the basement, so you can actually catch that fresh coffee aroma while walking along the street! They also have a small selection of pastries, including their famous mini donuts! We ordered iced lattes ($5.75 each) and the barista had our drinks ready pretty quickly. The verdict? It was love at first sip. The espresso was perfectly balanced with the milk - smooth, creamy, and still bold and strong. It had this burnt, roasted, and slightly smoky flavor with a hint of caramel that I loved. This is the kind of latte that instantly elevates your mood. I'm not a huge coffee snob, so I didn't ask about the specific roast or bean origin. All I know is that it was GOOD, okayyyyy?! It definitely stood out from other lattes I've had. If I were local, I'd absolutely stop by again to try more drinks. Give Balancero a shot! #LOCALCOFFEELOVE read more

Balancero is a cute walk-up coffee spot that offers artisan coffee and baked goods - I wanted to check out their mini doughnuts, offering a filling of either hazelnut cream or vanilla cream. Staff were friendly, and there is a small bench, but most get their orders to-go. A good spot to stop by for a sweet snack if you're in the area. +mini doughnuts +friendly staff read more

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Nice little coffee window. No line when I stopped by at around 2 PM on a weekend. Iced oat milk latte and mini hazelnut donut were both great! read more

Balancero - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Astoria, New York

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Balancero is good, yes, but does it deserve all the hype that it gets? IMHO, no. The croissants are good, but absolutely nothing out of the ordinary & doesn't warrant a line in my eyes. I do, however, love the vanilla custard-filled mini donuts. I also got the Assam tea which was pretty good but again, nothing special. If I go back it would solely be for the mini donuts. read more

Balancero - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Astoria, New York

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Really cute hole in the wall coffee shop, a short line at 8am on a weekday but was able to get my coffee in less than 10 mins. Ordered an iced almond latte with simple syrup which was decent, on par with other coffee shops in the area. Next time I'll try the pastries as well! read more

I found this small spot while walking around Astoria and really impressed me the amount of people were walking away with their sandwich, just made me want to grab one! The place is small but pretty cozy, they even gave me a free mini donut which I found really sweet! The sandwich could not be warm up cause their policy is to eat it fresh, and it was DELICIOUS!!! There was not much of space to sit but their service was pretty fast! read more

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Their chai is out of this world. So good!! Just keep in mind they close by 4 every day.

Whenever someone asks for a coffee recommendation in Astoria, I always say "Balancero." Why? It's a local hole in the wall (quite literally, almost) grab-and-go coffee shop that makes really, really good drinks. From espressos, to lattes, to matchas, everything I've tried tasted delicious--strong and memorable. Other than the great drinks, I also love seeing everyone lining up and chatting it up at the window counter. And for regulars, they'll always say hello when you visit ... or ask where you've been if you haven't in awhile. Definitely a local spot with the nice neighborhood vibe here. If you'd like something to pair with your beverage, they also have donuts, sweet + savory croissants, pastries, and more. Pro tip: get a punch card so you can get a free drink after it's done. read more

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Ate and brought here today while working as a substitute paraprofessional at P.S. 234 Q on a rainy day. I had ate and brought the prosciutto croissant sandwich with a side of seasonal iced tea that it tasted really good and delicious. The service there was also attentive and pleasant that I even got a complimentary donut for trying for the first time. Finally, I would definitely eat and come back again next time. read more

Balancero - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Astoria, New York

Best coffee ever! The service was fast and great too. Can't wait to come back, thank you :) read more

Balancero - Vanilla iced latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Astoria, New York

Ordered: Iced Caffe Latte (~$6) with oat milk (+$1) Mini Donut - Hazelnut Cream (~$2) Mini Donut - Vanilla Cream (complimentary) Aya's take: Balancero is somewhat of a hole in the wall coffee spot but you'll know you're there when you see the line of people outside and smell the fresh coffee beans. The Iced Latte was exactly what I needed and really well-made! It was creamy, silky, and strong. I was debating between the 2 flavors of Mini Donuts and ended up choosing the Hazelnut Cream. The worker threw in a Vanilla Cream one so I can try it and see which one I like better. This was so appreciated; great customer service! I ended up liking the Hazelnut Cream more as it tasted fresher and was more filled than the Vanilla Cream. Great local coffee spot to support if you're in Astoria! read more

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Straight up objectively the best coffee I've ever had period. The only place that I can enjoy an iced americano without having to add milk because the taste of the beans are so good. Service is great with the exception of one person but not enough to deter my thoughts about this place. Quintessential Astoria coffee spot, do not miss out read more

One of my favorite coffee shops in Astoria! They don't have seating since it's a window, but they have a bench outside. There's usually a line because their coffee and pastries are delicious! It's a local hotspot. Get the strawberry croissant. read more

Balancero - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Astoria, New York

Food (5/5) - Didn't get to try their coffee since I already had some earlier in the day but I did try their prosciutto sandwich which was yummy and well-portioned for roughly $9! - Also got a free croissant which was nice and flakey Service (5/5) - Really great service. I told them it was my first time and they threw in a free croissant Ambiance - They don't really have any seating inside. They had a few seats outside. - Could possible stop by here to grab coffee with a friend and sit on one of the chairs or walk around, especially on a nice day read more

Balancero - Croissant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Astoria, New York

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Didn't know what the hype was about since this place has a 5 star rating but I think my experience was pretty average. The croissants were probably the best part! The turkey croissant was about to be sold out and it had some arugula, cheese and pesto which was pretty big for a croissant sandwich! The service was average and the place was packed on the weekend in Astoria however I felt like the coffee was quite average as the espresso was slightly more on the acidic side and the flat white didn't have the flat white foam... it had a quite thick foam for a flat white which isn't really what a flat white is. The drip was typical. There were a few chairs outside but seems like there's no room to stand inside because of how busy it was and just in general the vibe was nothing special. I wish there were some seating inside or at least some tables outside to sit down but it's mainly for take out here. read more

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Great little coffee shop with good coffee drinks and pastry. I got the plain croissant with a regular drip coffee. Croissant is nice and crisp on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. I love a fresh baked croissant with my coffee and didn't know they baked on premise here so this was a pleasant surprise. Cute local neighborhood vibe. Busy. Service is good. Happy to support this local business. read more

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Great coffee (double shot americano and cortado), really friendly neighborly service, and fun pastries to boot! read more

Balancero - Nutella strawberry croissant, apricot croissant, leek and cheese burke - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Astoria, New York

New favorite coffee shop in Astoria! I went today for a drink; I ended up getting an Iced Chai Latte at their to-go service window. The woman helping me (I wish I got her name) walked me through all the questions for my drink order (size, type of milk, if I'd like it dirty) with warmth, patience and a bright smile on her face! I also wanted to try one of their mini donuts; they had Nutella and Vanilla flavors. I decided to go with the Nutella and the woman helping me gave me a Vanilla Donut for free for me to try as well! It was so sweet of her and made my day! Incredible service and a delicious drink and donuts! I would highly recommend checking this place out if you haven't already! And I can't wait to go back! read more

Balancero - Iced chai latte. Mini vanilla donut. Mini Nutella donut. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Astoria, New York

Love this spot! Great coffee, nice staff and the owner is incredibly kind. Definitely my go to spot when I'm around the area. If you are around the area this place is a must! read more

Had a delightful time visiting this place. It was recommended by a friend. Though it's tucked in the neighborhood, it was easy to find because there was always a group of people gathered right outside the coffee shop. I love the simplicity of it and even though it's only about 200 ft.² they utilize the space very well. Espresso was well-balanced. Not too bitter, well rounded, but still cut through my cortado. Got to meet Zoki, who was very friendly and welcoming. He explained the philosophy of this place and told me that they're opened 7-4, 365 of the year because people will need coffee every day and they want to be there for their customers. read more

Balancero - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Astoria, New York

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Really liked this cute little coffee shop. Although there are no seatings available inside, you can get inside and drink your coffee standing up. I got the oat milk Matcha latte and their tiny doughnuts with hazelnut chocolate, which tasted like super delicious Nutella doughnuts. The service was promot and kind. Definitely recommend this place read more

Balancero - matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Astoria, New York

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A tiny spot but can be spotted from afar from the people waiting in lines for their delicious croissants and other fine baked goods. If you go first thing in the morning, you can still taste the warmth of the butter croissant melt in your mouth. Coffee is also a plus! read more

Chill and nice people, pulled the espresso shots well, love a good hole-in-the-wall shop.

This is a cute little coffee shop right off 31st Avenue and 37th Street. Yesterday, was the first time I was actually able to pick up something (as there is always a line whenever I pass by)! So grateful I was able to grab an iced espresso with oatmilk as well as overnight oats to have for breakfast today. Thank you Balancero! Both the espresso and overnight oats hit the spot. This will definitely become my go to coffee shop on the weekends. read more

Straight up great coffee and great service. It's got a friendly neighborhood vibe and is just hidden enough that it's still a best kept secret. They also offer a punch card to earn free drinks. And again...great coffee. read more

Such a homie sweet coffee shop, they take customer service and service to another level. I was in the area and googled coffee near me and found this place with 5 star review and I was like let me check it out. The owner was so sweet he greeted me so nicely told me about his coffee specials and when he learned it was my first time, he gave me some of his bakery items for free since they have a tradition for new customers where they give them bakery items. Overall I appreciate this place its a hole in the wall coffee shop You should definitely check it out 10/10 recommend,coffee is not bitter. I ordered two cappuccino's decaf read more

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Tried this place for the first time this week and it was great! The guy at the window was really nice & offered a free mini doughnut being that it was my first visit. I had a caffe mocha and it was good! read more

I always try to buy my beans from local cafes to support local businesses, and this place gives you a free coffee with a purchase of a bag of beans! I usually get a sandwich too and have tried the caprese croissant and the Nutella one. They were both good. Service is really nice. Really cute shop. They also have a punch card. read more

I totally get all the 5 star reviews. This place deserves it. What a neighborhood gem! I got an iced cortado thanks to someone's recommendation on here. It was delicious. Not bitter and didn't give me the jitters The owner I believe? introduced himself gave me a free custard filled donut and a punch card. He was so lovey and friendly. Honestly just reasonable prices in a time when all iced coffees are over $5 these days - $4.25 for an iced cortado Pic isn't great cuz I drank some and gobbled up the donut before I remembered to take a pic read more

Balancero - Iced cortado - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Astoria, New York

The service here is top notch!! I asked for a recommendation and he asked a bunch of questions instead of blindly suggesting something, and gave me an extra mini donut to try. First time here and will be returning. read more

Phenomenally delicious croissant sandwiches and mini donuts. The chocolate croissant is perfection. Highly recommend their cappuccinos and drip coffee. First cafe I've been to in a long time that has a tasty drip coffee. Love the vibe at this spot. The owner is very friendly and knows how to feed and caffeinate a community. read more

Easily the best matcha and coffee in all of Astoria! I've been coming here since 2019 and can hands down say there is no better environment or coffee than at Balancero. Service is always friendly and speedy and the communal aspect of the space itself is so special. This is the first coffee spot I always bring friends and family in town to try! read more

Good coffee crunchy soft croissant!! Will definitely come again!! The service was fast and friendly.. read more

Balancero - Front of coffee shop!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Astoria, New York

Saw this shop and decided to try it out. Amazing customer service and staff, some of the best I've seen in nyc. The food/ drinks were amazing would definitely recommend. read more

Oh hello! My new favorite cafe! I ordered a delicious iced americano (they have oat milk ) and I tried a plain croissant and a mini cream doughnut. The croissant is AMAZING. I have tried so many places within Astoria and was disappointed. I've done the leg work-- get your croissants from here! The little doughnut is delicious, filled with a rich cream and I like how it's a small little 2-biter. Will be back soon read more

Balancero - Croissant, doughnut, iced americano - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Astoria, New York

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It's not every day you come across a establishment with 5 stars and they really deserve it. Coffee is delicious, the space looks so beautiful and comfy, but the service is the best thing cause the crew is super friendly and welcoming. Glad I found this spot. Go pay them a visit. read more

Balancero - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Astoria, New York

Cute, small, well-loved neighborhood spot. Small selection that seems to be done well. Pastries were great. Would love more selection of iced teas during summer. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the neighborhood. read more

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Small but impressive -I am very impressed with this coffee shop/stand. I ordered a basic coffee and croissant, and they immediately hit the spot. There was quite a crowd inside and outside. I had to find somewhere to sit, so eventually, I walked home. I plan to be back in the near future! read more

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Tried this place while visiting the area, and had a good experience! The food... oh my gosh. Delicious is an understatement. I tried the strawberry Nutella croissant and the little donuts (both vanilla and Nutella). I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a pastry that much, both were so good! The coffee was a little strong for my taste, but I have a feeling the locals demand that level of caffeine. On top of that, the staff were incredibly welcoming. I can see why it's a popular place. Definitely worth a try if you're in the area! read more