Miss Barb's — Restaurant in New York

As a lifelong resident of the neighborhood, I've seen this coffee shop turn hands at least 3 times. Despite being right on Nostrand Ave, previous establishments had difficulty bridging the gap between natives of the neighborhood and the rapid influx of transplants. It starts with the décor and trickles down into menu offerings and customer service.

Miss Barb's is doing something different. Upon entry, the décor is bright yet incredibly inviting. Instead of the usual folk and indie songs, there's Soul and Jazz. Incense instead of candles. Pictures of Black artists/musicians. The air conditioning is excellent and there's Wifi. For the first time it feels like there's a coffee shop in the neighborhood that was created with the Black community in mind.

I had a dirty chai and an oatmeal raisin cookie. The pastry offerings are slim but what's avaible truly looks delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed my HUGE cookie. The dirty chai was flavorful and a lil spicy.

My only critic was no greeting upon entry! To greet someone is to welcome them into your establishment. Walking into stares is uncomfortable. This is my BIGGEST hang up with a lot of coffee shops in the neighborhood. It makes you feel like an other or that you...

I came to this storefront when it had previously been another cafe and it was nice, but I am blown away by what Miss Barb's has done. Phenomenal atmosphere and exquisite music.

At the moment they are only serving coffee (opening as a wine bar later in the summer). Their coffee is well balanced and pulled with standard prices and sizes. Highly recommend their Cheddar Chive biscuit (warmed up).

The owners Brandon and Shay are incredibly kind and inviting and have created a phenomenal place for the neighborhood. They have often been working behind the counter and love to talk to people that come in.

It's gorgeous, welcoming and relaxing, well air conditioned, and is fast on its way to being a neighborhood hotspot.

Wishing Miss Barb's many years of excellence...

This coffee shop has become so much more than just a spot for caffeine it’s a cornerstone of the community. Brandon and Shay, the owners, have cultivated a warm, inclusive environment that offers far more than just space, WiFi, and wine. It’s a place where I’ve learned to play spades, shared collaborative ideas, and enjoyed memorable wine tastings.

From the delicious mochas to the perfectly baked cheddar biscuits, every visit feels like a treat. But it’s the atmosphere the intentional community and genuine kindness that keeps me coming back. This business is my favorite example of what it means to “have it all” right in the heart of the neighborhood.

Thank you, Brandon and Shay, for creating more than a coffee shop. You’ve built a third space that...