Beaner Bar: Not Your Average Cup of Joe

We rarely talk about coffee shops on this site. Well except for here and here, because really, if you’re broke and enjoy coffee, you can usually just make it yourself or buy the cheap stuff from your local deli. The modern coffee shop now serves as an impromptu conference room, where deals are made, freelance deadlines are hammered away at, and everyone takes advantage of the free wi-fi. I couldn’t even remember the last time I stepped into a coffee shop that did have the familiar glow of laptop screens until I stepped into Beaner Bar.

At first I thought it was some hole in the wall restaurant, tucked away near the rambling BQE, but upon closer inspection, it was something much more inviting. The space is small, like entering someone’s tiny kitchen where every nook and cranny is crammed full of Day of the Dead knick knacks and towering canisters of coffee. I can’t quite explain why, but there’s a strange alternative nineties throwback vibe to the place. Perhaps it was because they were playing Offspring last time I was there, or the crazy mismash of decor that closely resembles the set of Reality Bites, whatever the case, it’s a pretty sweet place.

And yes of course, the coffee is great. Other coffee joints give you the same size cup and call it small, medium or large. But when you order a large ice coffee at this joint, you get the big gulp equivalent of caffeine. I respect that.  These people have seen a need, and addressed it. You also get a free coffee after you’ve bought 10, which for regular coffee drinkers, is an easy feat. Plus they keep track of how many you’ve bought for you, so you don’t have to feel like an asshole carrying around 20 punch cards in your wallet like this guy:

Catering to the local organic, vegan palette, they’ve got an array of baked goods as well as homemade tamales, for those of you who prefer something with a bit more kick than a croissant. Overall, if you’re looking for a coffee joint that has a friendly staff (a rare treasure in Williamsburg) and awesome coffee, then you know where to go.

Photo Courtesy of: Bitchcakes

Beaner Bar
447 Graham Ave
At Richardson St [Williamsburg]