Boogie Down Grind — Restaurant in New York

I went here for the first time and ended up having a whole inspiring conversation with the owner. In addition to having an amazing ambiance aided by local art, this space was transformed and continues to be owned and staffed by a LOCAL BLACK WOMAN who grew up in Hunts Point and decided to make a coffee shop after taking a survey of why young people with the talent and means to leave don't come back when they leave for college and work, and what other communities had that they wanted. Her effort to create spaces for young people to sit down and hang out was also reflected in her push to help clean up and construct a park on the waterfront that used to be toxic and is now also cute and created by locals for locals. She believes strongly in the need for black people to see the sentimental and economic value in their communities, reclaim, and own their own spaces so that they can control how and for whom their neighborhoods redevelop. I loved seeing people being greeted as they walk in the door, and the employees are also locals Even though I'm not a big coffee- tea person and initially just came in with friends, I really liked the little design...

It is sad to say this place was a real disappointment. I love finding local coffee shops to support and was looking forward to my visit, but this was a terrible experience. To start off when I walked in nobody greeted me. I stood in front of the cash register for about 5 minutes and the two people behind the counter continued to talk. Another customer walks in and gets served immediately. The employee sees me waiting and does not acknowledge me at all, and continues serving the other customer. Once she’s done with the customer she does not apologize and takes my order. I ordered iced coffee which I received totally watered down with barely any ice. I also ordered an egg sandwich that they apparently forgot to make. I waited about 15 minutes and still wasn’t served. When I finally asked about it, she looked annoyed and did not apologize at all for the wait or forgetting my order. Waited another 10 mins to get my sandwich. Overall, this experience was terrible. It seems like they attend regular customers much better than new ones. I hope they do better than this. I will not be...

From the first time I walked inside I felt like home. To this day the grind as Ive nick named it amongst my friends is my home away from home. The coffee holds its weight and their selection of baked goods are always a win! That croissant tho 😋 is everything with an espresso! Their punini is my go to along with one of their Local Bronx Brewery on tap! #happyhour for the win! The music and interior decor keeps the culture alive with every sip and the staff is interchanged with an amazing cast of individuals with great service! Let me not even get started with the owners! Absolutely the best! You just have to come by and witness it for yourself! I’m glad I don’t have to hitch on the iron horse to get what is rightfully placed in the Bronx! The Boogie Down Grind...