The Hill’s Cafe — Restaurant in New York

Don't go here.

I come to the neighborhood every Sunday, and this time I thought, you know what, I should support the independent local business instead of going to the Dunkin donuts or Starbucks up the block.

The first issue was finding a coffee shop. Google maps tell me it was one place, then when I started the directions to either walk or drive there, it showed the coffee shop being somewhere else. I called the shop to confirm the location and when I gave them the cross streets they said yes, so I walked. It wasn't the correct location, it was a block away. Upon telling the staff member, she stared at me with a bothered look as if I was troubling her, and said ok, how many I help you. I wanted to just help them and other customers.

I ordered a large cold brew, a muffin, and a $3 cookie.

The cookie rang up $4.50. when I asked about it, she said we don't have anymore of the smaller cookies, just the larger ones. I looked again, at the cookies. There was only a signage for $3, nothing for $4.50. I asked to remove it. if it was just this, I wouldn't have given any review, but since I'm here already ... How many of us have purchased something, thought it was one price, and then look at the receipt later at home and see it's a higher price.

See photo of the cold brew. It was nice and cold outside, I didn't realize I needed so much ice for that the drink would get warm quickly. This was essentially a small coffee in a large container full of ice. It took me about four pulls on the straw to finish it. I went to Dunkin after to get more. I would have said something and I went back and asked for less ice and if they could fill it back with more coffee, but when it was given to me was very little milk, I asked if I could get a little more, and essentially she poured out almost half the coffee and made it a latte. She seemed bothered that I even requested more milk.

The muffin I bought was terrible. I took one bite of the top and thought, wow this is bad. Typing this now, I'm thinking, maybe it was old. I tried to take a second bite, thinking it's the top of the muffin which is the best part, I spit it out and I threw out in time of it. I couldn't even digest a second bite.

It's terrible, we should all try to support local businesses. And places like this will think why are they doing so bad and why is no one coming and it's the reason of the dunkin' donuts and a Starbucks down the...

As many have said, there was a painfully long wait for this place to open. The neighborhood watched as construction and decoration completed, yet the final lights on and doors open seemed to take forever. Why the anticipation? Because the Metropolitan edge of one of the top Queen's neighborhoods did not have a real barista centered café. That said, expectations, and the possibilities for disappointment, were quite high. I can now say that Hill's cafe not only fills the void with excellence, but it sets a new standard for a neighborhood cafe. The decor is efficient, comfortable, and pleasing to look at. The staff, given some small forgiveness that all new places are allowed, are very friendly, very skilled, and provide great service. All the drinks we have tried were excellent. John made a fantastic matcha today, sweetened it perfectly, and actually provided table service! There was a young woman a few days ago who made a perfect chai latte. Their assortment of bakery goods, all sourced from their supplier, seems to vary each time, with a few constants, but is presented quite appetizingly, and all that I have sampled (banana bread, a big round croissant, a coconut custard cream donut) were delicious. As I had hoped, Hill's cafe will be a regular stop during my walks through the neighborhood and after my runs in...

I was pleasantly surprised to discover this new coffee shop tucked into the neighborhood—I didn’t even know it existed until I searched for nearby coffee spots. It’s not directly on Metropolitan Avenue, so it’s easy to miss, but absolutely worth stepping off the main road to visit. In fact, we nearly walked right by it if not for the standing sign outside inviting people in. But maybe that’s part of its charm—it doesn’t impose on the neighborhood, it blends into it beautifully and quietly enhances it.

Inside, the barista and cashier were warm and welcoming, and the coffee was excellent. I had a regular milk latte, and my wife ordered an iced oat milk latte—both were smooth, well-balanced, and clearly made by someone who knows their craft. We also shared an apple turnover that was fresh and delicious.

The shop itself is calm and airy, with a cozy, modern vibe. There’s a mix of midcentury chairs that are surprisingly comfortable, a nature-themed mural that adds warmth, and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook a quiet, charming corner of Forest Hills.

I really hope this coffee shop sticks around for a long time. Once more locals discover it, I think they’ll feel...