Tar Pit

Favorite local coffee shop. I always receive impeccable service and the coffee is the right amount of strong!

I giving this place two stars only because the person serving was unfriendly and we almost felt unwelcome.

This place arguably has the best coffee in Brooklyn. Don’t expect to hang out here for hours because the place is small. Some of the drinks are on the expensive side but well worth it. I am not going to steer you away.
They get a 4 because of the way that I was treated today. Ok, I probably deserved it because I was talking on my headphones as I entered the café. I immediately apologized and paused my conversation and was then told «just tell me what you want» by an angry looking dude.
When I spilled scalding hot coffee on my hand because I tried to add half and half to an overly filled cup, well that was my fault and I probably didn’t deserve any attention for that.
When I asked him to pour some of the hot water out of the cup I had the nerve to ask about the half and half because the container was almost empty and I wasn’t sure if it was off (FYI this is why they used to keep it behind the counter), I am sure I deserved to be rudely told that the half and half was just fine.
The next customer was greeted in the usual friendly manner to which I had come to expect and you should too. I mopped up my spill because it was my mess. I went home and iced my scalded hand and nursed my hurt feelings. Luckily I have a place to vent.
I wouldn’t discourage anyone from trying this place. It is great if you are not me. After two years of living down the street this relationship is over. I will not be back.

This place is exactly the kind of business I love to support. Owned and run by a member of the community, this place is cozy and delivers perfect espresso every time. I love the precision of the baristas, and the Plowshares they brew is always on point. Such a lovely spot, you should definitely try it out.

cute little store with a really good selection of not-​coffee drinks as well as amazing tasting coffee. i usually drink starbucks or dunkin but when i’m around this place is def my go to. love that they love motorcycles too!

Nice neighborhood place. Great place to meet friends. Amazing coffee and friendly staff dedicated to making excellent coffee.

Some of the best coffee I have EVER had in my life. Their baristas are well trained, kind, and know what service means. Good baked goods (but generally the stuff you find throughout North BK coffee shops) and playlists add a little extra something something. They got a new AC so the one flaw, the heat in the summer, has been fixed. Hallelujah.

Pretty good place. Not 5 stars because it’s small. Chill though. Cheapish iced coffee and cool staff.

Great little coffee shop in the Greenpoint ‘hood. Not only is it conveniently located near my apartment, but it is quintessential «small biz-​centric» Brooklyn. The coffee is great — drip available and in sight.
Muddy Waters and banana Nutella bread are on fleek. It’s a small place with not a ton of seating (1 bigger couch and 5 – 6 seats at the bar by the window. They also have a bench outside for when it’s nice out. However, you don’t go to a coffee shop for the number of seats, and if you do, that’s silly.
Other pluses: bowl of water outside for puppies which is 100% necessary for a high quality place, free & fast WiFi, friendly staff, bathroom for customers.
Good work, Tar Pit.

I really want to love this place because the coffee is great and it’s right around the corner. But I have two problems with Tar Pit.
1. Price: $ 4 for a 10oz cup of iced coffee is something I can’t wrap my head around. I can get more for $ 2.50 at Variety.
2. Half-​n-​half: Why is the half-​n-​half behind the counter? Whatever the reason, it’s somewhat frustrating to have to ask for it when half-​n-​half is something so common to coffee shops. And it seems like your hiding it, which makes the place feel cheap.
For those reasons I’ll probably not be back. Great coffee though.

I love this spot. The coffee is sooooo good. These people clearly actually care about the quality of their beverages. The menu is interesting without being complicated. My favorite thing that I have tried so far is the «Muddy Waters» which is cold brew mixed with chai tea and almond milk. Sounds weird, tastes great! I also had a vegan muffin from here once which was delicious. Super friendly and sweet baristas.
The only reason I don’t come here every day is it’s super expensive ($ 4 for a 10 oz cold brew), and they don’t always have vegan edible options (usually only one item per day).

You should know before going here that there are all of 4 seats here. All of them stools and all of them behind the window. There was also no music so you could hear a pin drop. Maybe the coffee is great. Maybe not. But since there are no seats I left. This seems like a great place to pick up a coffee on the way to work but don’t plan on chillin here with your laptop.

Water bowl for pups? Check!
Skilled baristas? Check!
Killer slow drip? Check!
Tasty pastries? Check!
Ambiance? Check!
Nice folks? Check!
TARPIT does not mess around. I have tried every coffee shop within a mile or two radius of my house and they win by a landslide. Not only is this conveniently along my walk to the train, but it’s also a positive way to start my day. Good chit chat with good people and good music.
Molly’s musical selections often set the tone for my day and I am missing that! However, the newer morning staff doesn’t disappoint with throwback Belle & Sebastian!

By far, best coffee spot in Williamsburg. Try the muddy waters, and the Nutella banana bread if they have it. They typically have a copy of the NYT on hand, so bonus points for that. I love the staff here, really friendly bunch. Try to stop in an a Saturday afternoon to hang with barista Pete, he has the best playlists!

I never waste my time writing reviews; however, I am so shocked and insulted by what happened at Tar Pit. It’s my neighborhood coffee shop and I’ve been there several times. I don’t mind the coffee, but my boyfriend isn’t a big fan… says the coffee really does taste like tar. But it’s so convenient to us and the pastries are always good.
I stopped in today and an auburn headed, bearded guy with glasses was behind the counter. He took my order, wasn’t particularly nice, but not necessarily rude either. Just seemed like he wasn’t having the best day. After he made my order, took my money and gave me my change, I noticed a large hole in one of my bills. I asked for another and he shoved the new bill in my face, holding it an inch from my eyes!!! Shocked by what just happened I looked at him stunned and asked if he meant to do that. He glared at me silently… as if I had just kicked his dog. I asked «why would you shove money in someone’s face?» He glared and I asked again? He finally responded demanding how dare I ask for another bill, I replied «because it had a hole in it.» I then told him that this is not a way to treat another person… much less a customer! He then raised his voice telling me how dare I not tip him. I replied «how do you know I wasn’t going to tip you… You never gave me a chance to even touch my change!!» I said but «there is no way I would tip you now, How dare you treat someone like that!» I took my coffee, change and left as he shouted unrecognizably after me as I left.
I still can not believe this happened. What in the world was he thinking and why would someone treat another person (complete stranger) so badly. Needless to say I WILL NEVER be back to this place. Wouldn’t be too much of a loss as the coffee leaves a lot to be desired. But I am disappointed as I liked their pastries. I just hope the owner of this establishment has a conversation with this man and his conduct. As he has lost 2 customers today and I will definitely be quick to tell other neighbors about the terrible staff. I’m leaving 1 star only because of the pastries.

I’ve been here a few times and it’s always a pleasant experience. The staff are all friendly and quick. The coffee is good and cheap compared to other similar shops in the area. However, I normally only go here when it’s more convenient than anywhere else (it’s raining outside, I’m in a hurry, etc.) because the shop itself is so small. Still, all things considered, it’s a great neighborhood place and definitely worth checking out!

Great alternative to Variety around the corner! Much less busy too.
Cute place a bit out of the way. Nice décor and seats with nice views from the window. Great to have a local roaster like Plowshares from NY state. Beats seeing Stumptown everywhere. And they have eggnog lattes for the holidays! Love the cups and spoons and saucers too. Staff is very friendly. Plus they take cards and have bathrooms.

Very cool/​quaint coffee spot. They take their brew very seriously and care enough to throw down a few events for the neighborhood every year

I went here because of the good reviews which I didn’t have time to read so I don’t know what other reviews say but The place seems cool the person was friendly at the counter but in the end I paid four dollars for a tiny little piece of shit scone. To the owner/​management is it really necessary to charge that kind of in exorbitant price for something so simple especially when you don’t even list the prices anywhere. I definitely would not have bought a damn thing there if I wasn’t in a rush.

Small and cozy — good coffee and affordable $ 2! Again, very small so might be difficult to get a seat. But if you do its quiet and chill to get some work done. There is a decent amount of traffic but most people take their drinks to go. They do have several outlets and wifi is solid.
I’ve been on a wifi coffee house rampage in the past few days so will likely keep exploring new places in the area. But this place is worth checking out as the space is nice and the barista is cool. I will likely come back but would advise coming early to ensure a seat.