Perfect spot for a new cafe - you'd think there'd be one on every block in this area but there really isn't. Nice place to meet a friend for a cup of coffee, grab a sandwich, do some work on your laptop. Baristas are friendly, the owner is awesome and loves to connect with and get to know the clientele. And last but not least, the weekly events, open mics, poetry readings, screeenings, creative gatherings that happen here are so awesome - creating community and fun things worth stopping by and checking out. read more

I'll make this quick, and summarize. Let me start off by saying that I have absolutely no sense of humor, nor do I like being around people drinking alcohol. That's why I only go to bars when I want to work on my laptop in peace. Also I hate writing bad reviews of places I live near and frequent. Which is why I've only written 49 one-star reviews this year. With that said, I've been a regular here for a loooong time. The old staff was great. They never had a good time and viewed it as work. This is, after all, a job for them. And as a patron, I appreciated being treated as such. That why I cannot believe the way I was treated by the newer, awesome bartenders with the bleached hair, and the really sweet girl (going forward, she'll be referred to as "The Girl") behind the bar. They were laughing and smiling the entire time! At one point, one of them was dancing to the upbeat music that everyone but me seemed to be enjoying. The other guy seemed to even join in at one point. It was if they thought I was here to have fun! I was horrified. STRIKE ONE! Bear with me, it gets worse. I figured, since I'm such a picky eater and have never been satisfied in any food establishment, I'll get something to eat while I'm here. Well, to further resonate the previous review of "Born Yelper" Pamela B., these guys don't know anything about the food they're serving! I asked a simple question. Did they know if the steak they served in the steak sandwich was from a cow raised in a Republican or Democratic state? And what was it's name? All I got in return was a harmless, joking response, at my expense. "We don't have a steak sandwich.", she has the audacity to say to me. I don't know, lots of places have off the menu items. Was it so unheard of for me to presume they just carried everything I'm in the mood for, all the time? "The girl's" response was completely uncalled for. STRIKE TWO! Since I was now stuck eating some of the "On the menu" fare, I decided to use my laptop to see if any of my Yelp! friends had written any new scathing, angry reviews of hard working business'. None of them had yet, so I started this one. I wasn't even two strikes in, when BAM!, the free Wifi goes crashing down. And not just for the usual 15-20 seconds that happens to almost all routers. We're talking 1-2min. The old staff would always let me go into the boss's office and reconfigure the network, even though it contains all the cash and personal business records scattered around, and despite the fact that I don't know $h!t about computers. But NOOOOOOOOO... Not "The Girl". Sweet as she was, her reaction told the tale. "You crazy!?! You want me to let a complete stranger into the employees only office?". OF COURSE I DO! I'VE BEEN A REGULAR AT THIS ESTABLISHMENT FOR 4 MONTHS! PROBABLY BEFORE YOU WERE OLD ENOUGH TO BE BUSTING YOUR @$S AT A BAR FOR UNREASONABLY LITTLE APPRECIATION!!! Also, I don't speak jive, sweetheart. STRIKE THREE! I wanted to take a picture of my sandwich next to a quarter, so I can show everybody that I'm familiar with measurements and relativity, but I broke my camera when I smashed my phone on the street during a temper tantrum I had outside a sushi place (See my review of Benihana). But you can imagine what I'm talking about as far as the size of their quarters is concerned. Needless to say, I don't recommend getting any change here. Go to J@ckb@r for that. I'll definitely come back. Mostly because I'm 86'd from most other places in the neighborhood for "going public" with my opinions on a website that millions of people rely on for accurate reviews of small businesses. That's another one I'll never fully understand. read more

killer staff, great service, good playlists, lots of beverage option including my favorites: rotating brooklyn kombucha on tap. love this place. baristas taylor, roxy and rachel are the tits. read more

this place is so awesome. The girls who work there are hysterically funny, upbeat and welcoming and make damn good espresso drinks. Great atmosphere, fun music, one of my favorite places in the neighborhood. read more

Awful! The new bartender/barista is absolutely horrible. Normally the service and the food is great but the new guy with blonde/dark blonde hair treats customer like crap and doesn't know how to make any of the food or drinks. I used to come here a lot because the people where great, but now I avoid it like the plague whenever he is working. It's really unfortunate. read more

Some really nasty service here. Ordering a large coffee is a political minefield. Just terrible attitudes here.

I come here when I run out of coffee at home, that is the only reason. That, and well, it's close to my apartment. I have had good service here- the two ladies that work here are just lovely. But, some of the men that work here are terrible with their service. They have a walk-up window out front. I get my coffee from the outside window, I rarely go in. Once, I was standing at the window (for over 5 minutes without acknowledgement) which is too long in the service industry. When I was finally greeted (by the worker who was two feet away from me the entire time)... he said, "You're going to be waiting a while- I have a bunch of people ahead of you inside. I kindly said, "I just want a small coffee, not espresso" he then said, "You're still waiting". REALLY? That's how you greet me? Not a "Hello, how are you?" We're really busy inside so it will be just a minute" No, he was cold and rude. I was patient and polite the entire time. Also, Why do you have this "window" for people if they have to wait like they're inside? It makes no sense. I waited anyway and received my coffee which was just above room temperature and stale tasting. The second time I used their "window" was today. I waited patently again. When I was finally greeted, I ordered a small coffee which ALWAYS leak because their cup lids don't fit right. Anyway, it poured all over my hand when he handed it to me. I asked the guy (two feet away from me again, but a different person this time) "Excuse me- can I please get a napkin. I was polite and courteous the entire time. HE IGNORED ME. I asked again, he didn't even look at me. Here I am standing at this "window" with coffee all over my hand and wrist because their cups always leak and the guy TWO FEET away from me inside is completely acting like I don't exist. He heard me, he just deliberately ignored me. He seemed very irritated with something. Regardless, that's not my fault. Finally, he turned and said rudely, "Napkins are inside". Yuck, their service is terrible. Thank god I make my coffee at home. read more

this place would be way more awesome if they didnt have annoying live acts - blasted at an extraordinarily loud volume. they need to learn what they are good at, which is being a coffee shop where you can work and sometimes hang out til late. not a place to see bad live music. its so great to have a spot to work with wifi thats open late. honestly this would be my favorite place if they didnt insist on having so many events which interrupt any normal person's ability to get things done. please just turn it down a little if there needs to be live music. read more

I went there on a Friday night and it was great. Nice atmosphere( chill and relaxing vibe) and the bartender was fantastic. I mean the drinks were really, really, good.lol. The music was good. I recommend this place.. I will definitely go back. read more

Nothing to write home about. The service is ok, coffee is ok, space is ok. Way overpriced for what you get.

I love this place! I'm super picky about my coffee and they surpass my expectations! Not only does the coffee rock but the pastries (from Balthazar), sandwiches (from Roberta's) are great. Friendly staff, terrific owner. +++ read more

$8 for a finger sized burrito is a bit much. It tasted great but is not good value. Please sell fresh(er) oj too.

Great coffee and a really nice ambience! We love this place. It's a nice alternative to the new Starbucks that's just around the corner. The internet is great and so is the coffee. The pastries have been a little bit stale for my tastes. read more

I come here 3 or more times a week and sometimes everyday just because of the venue. Awesome place to sit outside in the summer. Unfortunately, the batistas are just not friendly here. They do not try to make you feel welcome or familiar. That's a real bother for me coming from "The World Atlas cafe" where the staff is very warm. The food is not special here at The West either. This place will survive based on the great location and venue, but the product they deliver as a staff and coffee shop- mediocre. read more

I was here last night with a couple of friends after looking around for a bar that suited our vibe for the night. We took a chance on The West and I'm glad we did. It was a bit crowded (then again, it was a Saturday night), but we still managed to find seating in the back. The place has dim lighting, but not to the point where you can't see people's faces. The ambience was lovely. The music was a bit loud, but not too distracting. The bartender was awesome, I wish I had gotten her name. She was very attentive and efficient, despite having a crowd of people at the bar. She gave us several suggestions based on price point and flavor. My friends and I settled on a cider to start, and then the Aprihop, which is on the strong side for a draft. It had a nice fruity flavor and a couple of them had us sufficiently tipsy. The service and atmosphere exceeded our expectations, and we had a wonderful night out. I would come back in a heartbeat. read more

Great bar to relax and chat/catch-up with friends. Staff are super friendly. Best part is they offer good coffee and good beer selection. If you're looking for great coffee, this is not the place, but if you're looking for a spot where folks can get both alcoholic and soft drinks, this is it. read more

Best Nitro in the city and they serve alcohol AND they encourage you to mix the two AND they're open late AND they have a walk-up window. Service is friendly too. read more

I really liked this place until a young woman from behind the bar told me she "didn't allow" laptops after 9 pm, so I should be forewarned and not bring one next time. It rubbed me the wrong way since the place was nearly empty on a Friday night except for the small entourage of this girl's friends who were drinking with her. No reason for me to go back since I wanted a place where I could drinking coffee and get some work done late. read more

I am not a coffee person but the coffee here is amazing! One of my favorite things about this place is that they have a to-go window. It's perfect for when I'm walking my dog and just want to stop quickly. I'm so happy you guys opened in this part of the neighborhood. I am a major fan! read more

This would be the most outstanding cafe to work at in terms of good and inexpensive food, wifi, space, and a really friendly staff. But I rarely go because the music often sucks and is played so loudly I can't block it out with my headphones. If the barristas would turn down the music, or save minor threat/sex pistols/bouncing souls for their private time so as to not take their older patrons back to their preteen years, I'd highly recommend it. I'll repost if this changes because I want to support West Cafe. read more

Love it! The best soy lattes I've had anywhere. Relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, beer wine and coffee. And a walk-up window on Union Ave so you can stop by with Fido for a coffee and zucchini muffin on your way to the dog run. read more

It's got coffee for when you need coffee, booze for when you need booze, outlets and wifi, and a good non-intrusive playlist. Definitely a chill place to get work done... especially when it's snowing outside and your heat sucks, you can definitely cozy up here for a few hours. I just wish there were more snack selections-- they seem to run out pretty quick. read more

Shortly after writing the comment below a cute girl dropped a card with her number on it and walked away saying I distracted her with my handsomeness. Never called her because I don't date desperate people. read more

Loved this place since it opened, I used to live a couple blocks away and have always had a good experience. Super friendly staff, nice patio, drinks and food. read more

This place is the epitome of gentrifying yuppie bs. The prices are only affordable to rich tech industry Williamsburg people. I'd rather go to Starbucks and not spend like 6 dollars on a latte. The employees have this haunting fake nice tone. Straight up out of Portlandia. read more

This place is the funks. Definitely recommend you stop by. Breakfast burrito is fire and so are the bagels. Beer is reasonably priced. Mellow vibe to it. Staff is friendly read more

I love this place! It's very cozy, good food, good music, great coffee, free wifi! The staff is friendly too and I also love the fact that it's open late. 5 stars from this Girl! (: read more

I was incredibly impressed by both the cocktails and the hospitality at The West. My friend celebrated his birthday in BK this weekend, and we left as very satisfied customers. Definitely will return. Highly recommended. read more

I came here to do some work and its a great place to do that. Drinks are cheap. The internet is fast and reliable. The place itself has the neighborhood bar feel. Music can be a little loud so just keep that mind if you are one that needs quiet to work. So if you want a place where you can study or work and have a beer, this is definitely it. read more

I recently moved around the corner from here, and I thought it could be a nice, convenient place to grab a coffee while walking my dogs or on the way to the train. They even have a walk-up window to order to-go from outside. Whenever I use this window, though, the staff acts like it is a huge inconvenience for them. I finally asked if they prefer I order inside, and the barista responded that I would get served faster inside simply because there are more people inside to help me. It seemed like a standardized answer to disguise what really should have been said, which is "yes, we hate when people order at the window." I am okay with an extra moment of waiting if it means I have the convenience of being outside with my dogs. It isn't nice to have a barista make eye contact with you from inside, though, and then finally open the window with a loud sigh two or three minutes later. I don't want to be the person who disrupts the flow, but whoever designed the space created the to-go window, so it would be nice to not feel like a nuisance for wanting to take advantage of this offering. read more

I really want to like the West Cafe, I feel that it was run better and more mindful it could be more successful. It has a great location going for it, and the coffee is good. My main issue is that the employees are all slow and non responsive, they generally do not respond to hello, how are you, good morning, thank you, they have to ask several times if your order is for here or to go and often times they need to ask again what the order is. The place is a bit dumpy, the chairs and tables are all rickety and the outdoor patio is gross. It is a bit dark inside as well which only augments the dingy decor. It's also a bit dirty, the music is too loud and the wifi is spotty. It bothers me as I would like the place to succeed and the problems are all easily corrected. It needs a better manager or for the owner to become more involved. The employees need to be more engaging with customers, be faster and be able to multi-task. I see a lot of people wait around too and then leave because they realize that waiting for two people ahead of them will take too long. You have lines 10 people deep at Second Stop and Gimme and you dont see people walking out the door. A lot of businesses in this area are like this, they have some things going for them but are ultimately poorly run. It would be one thing if the West Cafe was in Bushwick or another area underserved by coffee shops. but there is a lot of competition nearby, second stop similar aesthetic - friendly customer service, Gimme Coffee - good coffee, better employees - much cooler experience. read more

this place has reworked the way i think of sandwiches. they have apples in a couple of their sandwiches but the one i usually have is the ruby which is amazing. and now i have started putting apples in my own sandwiches. apples are made for sandwiches!! i come here A LOT. to do work. this is where me and a friend go to be super productive. sometimes.. we fail but well.. there is always the sandwiches to look forward to. read more