Walter Ponce
Service: **★★│**Food: **★★★★│**Location: **★★│**Price: **★★│**Portions: ★★
Chef Ryan Butler, a renowned pastry chef with a Michelin star to his name, is celebrated for his role in the thriving Williamsburg Butler Cafe. In a recent move, Chef Butler expanded his culinary haven to the vibrant DUMBO area, conveniently situated beside the Timeout Market.
While Butler Cafe presents the unassuming façade of a** typical coffee shop** where one might casually snag an almond latte en route to work, the reality surpasses expectations with an array of delectable offerings meant to be relished in a leisurely manner.
The establishment exudes a pristine aesthetic that seamlessly harmonizes with the neighborhood’s ambiance (a feature I personally adore). The emphasis on top-tier ingredients is palpable, manifesting unequivocally in the tantalizing menu choices.
Having committed to a sumptuous breakfast experience, I opted for the sandwich boasting a perfectly cooked, runny egg, complemented by smoked bacon, cheese, and truffle aioli, all nestled within a brioche embrace. The experience was nothing short of exquisite. However, departing without indulging in the assortment of pastries seemed inconceivable.
The bustling environment, though crowded, aligns with the café’s allure as a popular tourist destination, buoyed by the undeniable allure of its culinary offerings.
Butler Cafe has garnered noteworthy attention, earning accolades in various magazines and online platforms, cementing its ascent to widespread recognition.
Though a brief 10-minute wait was in order, I secured a cozy table for myself and a companion. Beyond the impressive pastry selection, the panoramic views from the café are nothing short of breathtaking.
The experience beneath the** Manhattan Bridge**, partaking in an exceptional breakfast, was nothing short of delightful. An absolute must for anyone exploring DUMBO, seeking not only a recharge via mouthwatering dishes but also an ambiance that delights the senses.
Butler Cafe Website: https://www.butler-nyc.com/
Butler Cafe Instagram: http://instagram.com/butlerbakeshop
Butler Cafe Address: 40 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
What to expect at a bakery café like Butler
Butler sits somewhere between a neighbourhood coffee shop and a proper brunch spot. The menu is built around pastries and breakfast dishes, so it suits a slow morning more than a quick lunch.
Typical things you will find on menus like this:
- Laminated pastries such as croissants, pain au chocolat and seasonal Danish
- Breakfast sandwiches on brioche or similar soft bread
- Specialty coffee, including espresso drinks with plant-based milks
- Cookies, cakes and sweet bakes to take away
Menus change with the seasons, so check the current offer on the website or Instagram before you go.
Tips for visiting
- Go early. Popular DUMBO cafés get busy from mid-morning, especially at weekends. A weekday morning is usually calmer.
- Expect a short wait. At peak times there may be a queue for tables. Ordering pastries to take away is often faster.
- Combine it with a walk. Grab breakfast, then head into Brooklyn Bridge Park right next door.
- Check hours before you go. Opening times can change, and some cafés close earlier in the afternoon than you might expect.
- Bring a card. Many New York cafés are card-friendly, and some are fully cashless.
About DUMBO
DUMBO stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass”. It is a former industrial waterfront area in Brooklyn, full of converted warehouses, cobblestone streets and some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline.
Over the years it has become a neighbourhood of tech offices, galleries, design shops and restaurants, while keeping much of its old brick-and-steel character. It is compact and very walkable, which makes it an easy half-day trip from Manhattan.
Things to do nearby
DUMBO is packed with sights within a few minutes’ walk of Water Street:
- Washington Street viewpoint: the famous photo spot where the Manhattan Bridge is framed between brick buildings, with the Empire State Building visible underneath
- Brooklyn Bridge Park: a long waterfront park with lawns, piers and sports fields
- Jane’s Carousel: a restored historic carousel inside a glass pavilion by the water
- Pebble Beach: a small waterfront spot with views of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges
- Empire Stores: a restored warehouse building with shops, offices and the Time Out Market food hall
- Brooklyn Heights Promenade: a short walk uphill, with classic skyline views and beautiful brownstone streets
- Walking the Brooklyn Bridge: one of the most iconic walks in New York
How to get there
DUMBO is easy to reach from Manhattan:
- Subway: the F train stops at York Street, and the A and C trains stop at High Street, both a short walk from the waterfront
- Ferry: NYC Ferry has a stop at DUMBO, which is a scenic way to arrive from Lower Manhattan or other waterfront neighbourhoods
- On foot: walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or the Manhattan Bridge and you arrive almost directly in the neighbourhood
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan and finishing with breakfast in DUMBO is a popular plan. Go early in the morning if you want to avoid the biggest crowds on the bridge.
Best time to visit DUMBO
- Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking around and sitting by the water.
- Summer is lively but can be hot and crowded, especially in the parks.
- Winter is cold and windy on the waterfront, but cafés are a good place to warm up and the crowds are smaller.
- Sunset is the most popular time for skyline photos, so expect more people at the viewpoints then.
Similar places to try
If you like bakery cafés with good pastries and coffee, New York has plenty of options. Brooklyn neighbourhoods such as Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Park Slope all have strong bakery scenes, and in Manhattan the West Village and SoHo are full of small cafés worth exploring.
FAQ
Is Butler Cafe good for brunch? Yes, it is mainly a breakfast and pastry spot, so it works best in the morning and around brunch time.
Do I need a reservation? Cafés like this usually work on a walk-in basis. Expect a short wait at busy times.
Is DUMBO worth visiting? Yes. It combines skyline views, parks, the bridges and plenty of places to eat in a small, walkable area.
What is the nearest subway station? York Street on the F line and High Street on the A and C lines are the closest.
How long should I spend in DUMBO? Half a day is enough to have breakfast, walk the waterfront parks and take the classic photos. Add more time if you want to walk the Brooklyn Bridge.
Is DUMBO family-friendly? Yes. The parks, playgrounds and Jane’s Carousel make it a good stop with children.
