Balkan Grind — Restaurant in New York

Balkan Grind is a MUST stop coffee spot if you find yourself near McCarren in Brooklyn.

I stopped in for a drink on a warm day. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was floored with how well decorated and inviting this place was.

I got two traditional Turkish coffees, one with the chocolate flavor and the other with coconut. Both were incredible. The guy who made them was incredibly friendly and kind, and REALLY good at making the Turkish coffees. He sat them in the sand for the perfect amount of time so the liquid bubbled up just to the surface before spilling over. An expert at work. He guided us through the flavor options, told us his favorite, and explained every step of the process. For some reason, I felt a strange connection to him.

Maybe somewhere, in a world between this universe and ours, we were brothers.

I got the chocolate baklava and a Turkish delight to add onto the coffees, and I am not lying when I say the chocolate baklava was incredibly delicious. That’s a must try.

Not long after I sat and drank my coffee, the owner came in. He’s an incredibly friendly guy and gives the whole experience a personal touch that you miss with a lot of places these days.

As I left, I took one last look at the place. The guy who made my Turkish Coffees (Ryan) spoke to me and said “Till next time, see you soon!” I chuckled to myself and said “I think our next time was every time. And it always will be. And it always was. Carry on, brother.” He looked at me and nodded knowingly.

Not a whole lot of street parking out front but who’s driving in New York anyways. Check...

I don’t think I could speak more highly about a coffee shop than Balkan Grind. First off it’s an experience not just a coffee shop, give yourself the proper time to enjoy it. The gentleman who runs the shop is very friendly and is happy to walk you through the different flavors and styles of Turkish coffee. I have tried a few flavors at this point and I don’t think one has missed, but cherry and cardamom are the current winners. Then on the pastries / sweet treats there are plenty. I have tried a few of boureks and between the combination of flavors and the tangy pepper sauce it always hits as a savory breakfast. Each time we have went we try to try a variety and the staff always throws an extra of their favorite which is really appreciated. Generally I actually don’t like Turkish delights at all, but have found a few here that are great and make a sweet ending for a breakfast or lunch. I’d highly recommend this coffee shop to anyone looking for something different from your basic cup of joe and definitely try as many of the flavors as you can on...

Valentino and his family have made this space into a magical, gorgeous, warm respite from the Brooklyn winters! We stumbled into their new cafe on their opening day by chance, and we were floored by the talent + love in every detail of their coffees, self-built interior 😱✨, and hand-chosen wares. 🦋🫖✨The Turkish coffees are brewed with a rare technique (you have to see it to believe it!). There are some wild flavors. All the baklavas, pastries, and sweets are divine. Typically, other Baklavas are too sweet / syrupy. But THESE were well balanced and absolute perfection.

Everything in Balkan Grind sparkles and shines with the warmth of care + the family’s obsession with quality.❤️👑🐐 We are so thrilled with this addition to our neighborhood, truly can’t wait to come back!

PS - Our fave was the chocolate baklava. Truly not too sweet and just so perfect. The cherry coffee was a divine pairing. Thank you Valentino, for your hospitality!!

PPS - Please start serving food / late night coffees too, we can’t wait to be here all day...