Konditori — Restaurant in New York

Regrettably, on March 12th, 2025, I visited Konditori Swedish Espresso Bar at 187 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217. The clientele that day primarily consisted of individuals of European descent, all of whom seemed to have effortless access to the restroom facilities. However, my experience differed markedly after I made a purchase. As I attempted to use the restroom, a young Spanish lady wearing a black cap informed me she needed to verify permission with the person in charge before I could proceed. Thankfully, after a moment's consideration, the authority figure permitted me to use the facilities.

It is disheartening, especially in an era where immigration issues have heightened tensions and sensitivities around ethnicity and race. Given that the staff that day were all Latinos, one might expect a greater empathy and less likelihood of discriminating against other minorities. I am inclined to believe that the discriminatory behavior I encountered may stem from the policies of the owner or upper management rather than the staff members themselves.

This incident deeply upset me given my personal connection to the neighborhood. For over two decades, I taught at a prestigious public school nearby and lived in this community since 1990—a community that historically resisted racism and championed inclusivity. This recent experience starkly contrasts with the values I have known and cherished in this area. Although I refrained from causing a scene, I felt compelled to share this review to voice my...

The 12oz drip coffee is $2! And it's really, really good. The best value in New York. The flavor has a bit of "brightness" to it, which I enjoy. And it's consistent across every cup.

Equally remarkable on price, the cafe au lait is $2.50 and if you ask for a decaf drip, it’s also $2.50, and it's a pour over!

And after 4:00 p.m., most of the pastries are $1, including the vegan muffins and delicious almond croissants.

The bagels are excellent and the bags of day-old bagels near the register are an inexpensive way to contribute to a potluck gathering.

Their bacon, egg and cheese wraps are a giant step above the bodega BEC and include an optional butter/ garlic sauce.

Despite the corner location, massive floor-to-ceiling plate glass windows, soaring ceilings, exposed brick walls and generous use of wood, the space is strangely uninviting for lingering. A table blocks off the back third of the cafe, which is visible and used for storage. The sidewalk facing windows are occupied by a refrigerator for grab-and-go juices and an unused foosball table.

With a little (no-cost) furniture rearranging, the atmosphere of this place would be great. With additional seating, it would be fantastic. Come on Konditori, bring this space up to its...

So let’s start with the coffee, I started with a MAPLE LATTE WITH ALMOND MILK, it was great loved it, not too bitter not too sweet it was well balanced. My partner in crime had a CARAMEL LATTE WITH OATMILK, this thing was good but what set it apart was that it tasted like a Guinness with milk if you’ve ever had it… the thing was good. Now on to the Yum-Yums. I had a MIXED-BERRY SCONE and THE GAMEOVER SANDWICH. The scone was excellent 5/5, not too dry because of the berries juices creeping into the dough and had a flavor that just screamed spring is here and balanced well with the coffee. THE GAMEOVER SANDWICH is a bacon,egg n cheese with tomato, jalapeño and house sauce on a bagel of choice, has a nice little kick to it. 5/5. My partner in crime had a chocolate espresso coconut ball. (This thing was a YESSS keep them coming)

Only qualms with my experience was the WiFi wasn’t working well, not really a their fault kind of situation, the bathroom was employees only and there space in the back that can be used for...