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Bright Side
- 184 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Cafe ★4.0 (56)·$20–30

184 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

4.0
I had a cortado and the bright bowl and sat outside - it was all lovely! Staff was great too, will be coming back to brave the vegemite on the menu for the true Aussie experience. - Lauren Roper
Bright Side Overview Intro Food & drink Detail Photos Location Reviews
$20–30 per person Reported by 56 people$1–10$10–20$20–30$30–50

Bright Side Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers in search of a bright, contemporary, and distinctly high-quality cafe experience, Bright Side in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, stands out as an essential destination. Operating with a clear nod to the celebrated cafe culture of Australia—a country known globally for its dedication to superior coffee and fresh, modern brunch fare—Bright Side offers a unique flavor profile and ambiance to the neighborhood.

The cafe is situated at a prime waterfront location on Kent Avenue, establishing itself as a trendy, yet casual and cozy spot suitable for a wide array of needs. It serves as a true all-day hub, offering full service for Breakfast, Brunch, and Lunch, with some late-night food and beverage offerings into the evening. While the main kitchen menu is generally available until mid-afternoon, the full bar service and selection of small plates mean that the space evolves throughout the day, providing an excellent setting for dinner and drinks as well.

Bright Side’s menu is a delightful blend of globally-inspired and cafe staples. From the iconic and famously polarizing Vegemite Toast (a must-try for the "true Aussie experience," as one reviewer noted) to highly lauded options like the Avocado Toast with feta on the side and the nutrient-dense Bright Bowl, the food offerings are fresh, flavorful, and cater to both comfort seekers and those looking for healthy options. Coupled with a reputation for "Hands down best coffee," Bright Side fulfills all the requirements of a modern, go-to urban cafe.

Location and Accessibility

Bright Side is strategically located at 184 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA, placing it directly in the vibrant heart of Williamsburg’s highly desirable waterfront district. Sharing a building with another renowned establishment, its address ensures high visibility and easy access for both local residents and visitors exploring the area.

Accessibility is a key feature of the venue, making it welcoming to everyone. The cafe is equipped with a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and designated wheelchair accessible seating. This commitment to inclusivity is a significant advantage in the New York dining scene.

For local New Yorkers, the cafe is highly accessible via public transportation, being a reasonable walk from the L train. Its prominent location makes it an easy stop for those enjoying the waterfront parks or commuting through the neighborhood. Furthermore, the provision of Outdoor seating allows patrons to enjoy their coffee and food alfresco, adding a highly valued amenity, especially on pleasant days, where even dogs are allowed outside.

Services Offered

Bright Side offers a comprehensive suite of services that elevate it beyond a simple coffee shop, functioning as a full-fledged neighborhood dining and social venue.

  • Full Dining Service: The cafe offers Breakfast, Brunch, and Lunch, complete with Seating and Table service. Patrons can enjoy their meals in the cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere.
  • Diverse Service Formats: Services include full Dine-in, Takeout for quick grabs, and Delivery to the local area, ensuring convenience regardless of a patron's schedule.
  • All-Day Refreshments: Known for its Great coffee, the menu offers a full range of Espresso drinks (including the Flat White and Piccolo/Cortado), Cold Brew, and Drip Coffee. They also boast a Great tea selection and a variety of freshly made Smoothies and Juices (e.g., Green Smoothie, Fresh Orange Juice).
  • Beyond Coffee: Uniquely, the cafe holds a liquor license, offering Alcohol, Beer, Hard liquor, Cocktails, and Wine, with Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food often available to transition the space from day to evening.
  • Dietary Accommodation: The menu is inclusive, providing Healthy options, Vegetarian options, and a variety of Prepared foods and Small plates. Many items are clearly labeled or adaptable for various dietary needs (e.g., Gluten Free Toast).
  • Work and Leisure Amenities: Free Wi-Fi and the cafe's atmosphere make it particularly popular for Solo dining and for those Good for working on a laptop. A Bar onsite and a clean Restroom add to the overall comfort and utility of the space.
  • Family-Friendly: The cafe is Good for kids and offers High chairs, welcoming family-friendly crowds.

Features / Highlights

Bright Side distinguishes itself in the competitive Williamsburg scene through a combination of superior quality, service efficiency, and unique Australian-inspired offerings.

  • Authentic Australian Cafe Experience: A major highlight is the authentic Aussie feel, noted by customers, most notably featuring Vegemite Toast on the menu—a cultural touchstone that is a rare find in NYC.
  • Exceptional Coffee Quality: The cafe is lauded for having "Hands down best coffee," featuring a full espresso program including the Flat White, an Australian/New Zealand specialty, suggesting a high standard for their coffee bean sourcing and preparation.
  • Quick and Professional Service: The staff provides Fast service, which is essential for New Yorkers, ensuring quick bites and coffee runs are efficient, even during peak hours.
  • Work-Friendly Vibe: The availability of Wi-Fi and a casual, yet trendy atmosphere makes it a highly desirable spot for remote workers, specifically noted as Good for working on laptop.
  • Inventive and Healthy Menu: The food menu goes beyond basic cafe fare, featuring items like the nutrient-packed Bright Bowl, Brekkie Burrito, and specialty toasts (Avocado Toast, Mushroom Toast), alongside indulgent options like French Toast and Waffles.
  • Full Beverage Program: The presence of a Bar onsite and offerings of Cocktails and Happy hour drinks allows the cafe to easily transition into an evening spot, providing flexibility for local users.

Contact Information

To plan your next coffee run, brunch reservation, or inquire about the unique event space offerings at Bright Side, please use the following contact details:

Address: 184 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

Phone: (929) 276-3577

What is Worth Choosing

For the New Yorker seeking a break from the ordinary or simply craving exceptionally well-made coffee and food, Bright Side is definitively worth choosing. The cafe’s main appeal lies in its reliable quality and specialized Australian influence, which sets it apart from typical Manhattan or Brooklyn coffee shops.

The single most worth-choosing item is the Coffee selection, particularly the Flat White or the Cortado/Piccolo. As reviews confirm the cafe has the "best coffee," choosing any espresso-based drink is a safe bet for a high-quality caffeine fix.

For a meal, the Avocado Toast is highly recommended, especially when customizing it with the requested side of feta—a simple addition that elevates the dish and is clearly a favorite among repeat customers. For a more adventurous and cultural experience, one must "brave the Vegemite Toast," a lighthearted challenge that serves as a fun conversation starter and a true taste of the cafe's Aussie roots.

If looking for a substantial, healthy meal, the Bright Bowl (Quinoa & brown rice mix, grilled halloumi, avocado, poached egg) or the Acai Bowl provide excellent, filling options that align with the cafe’s focus on fresh, clean ingredients. The comprehensive smoothie and juice menu (e.g., the Green Juice or Immunity Shot) is also a strong choice for those prioritizing healthy, quick refreshment.

Finally, Bright Side is worth choosing for its versatile function as a Work-Friendly Hub. Its provision of Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, fast service, and a non-intrusive, cozy atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for working on a laptop for an hour or two. This ability to flawlessly execute both the culinary experience and the practical needs of the modern urbanite confirms Bright Side's place as a top-tier cafe in the competitive Williamsburg landscape.

Bright Side Food & drink

  • Food

  • Muesli $14.00

    Berry compote, greek yogurt, granola, macadamia, coconut flakes. (GF, NUTS)

  • Acai Bowl $16.75

    Coconut yogurt, granola, kiwi, strawberries, cacoa nibs, mint. (VEGAN, GF, NUTS)

  • Avocado Toast $17.00

    Herb oil, pickled chili, toasted seeds, lime, cilantro, on buttered seeded sourdough.

  • Brekkie Burrito $18.75

    Scrambled eggs, avocado crema, cheese, home fried potatoes, pickled chilis, salsa verde, flour tortilla.

  • Eggs On Toast $15.50

    2 poached, fried or scrambled eggs, with arugula & pickled red onion side salad, on buttered sourdough.

  • Breakfast Bun $16.75

    Bacon, scrambled eggs, cheddar, hot honey, pickled jalapeños, harissa aioli, milk bun.

  • Bright Bowl $20.50

    Quinoa & brown rice mix, grilled halloumi, pickled red cabbage, arugula, pickled red onion, sumac avocado, poached egg, turmeric tahini. (GF)

  • Vegemite Toast $8.00

    Australian favorite! Vegemite spread on buttered toasted sourdough.

  • Sides

  • Fried Egg $4.00
  • 2 Fried Eggs $8.00
  • Poached Egg $4.00
  • 2 Poached Eggs $8.00
  • Scrambled Eggs $8.00
  • Egg Whites $9.00

    Two scrambled egg whites

  • Bacon $6.50
  • Avocado $5.00
  • Grilled Halloumi $6.50
  • Feta $4.50
  • Smoked Salmon $9.50
  • Home Fried Potatoes With Aioli $8.00
  • Toasted Sourdough $5.50
  • Gluten Free Toast $6.50
  • Arugula Side Salad $5.00
  • Salsa Verde $3.50
  • Smoothies

  • Green Smoothie $12.50

    Kale, spinach, wheatgrass, dates and banana.

  • Brekkie Smoothie $13.00

    Banana, dates, almond butter, granola and flax seeds.

  • Berry Smoothie $12.50

    Blueberries, raspberries, banana and pitahaya.

  • Espresso

  • Espresso $4.50
  • Long Black / Americano $4.50
  • Piccolo / Cortado $5.00
  • Flat White $5.25
  • Cappuccino $5.50
  • Latte $6.00
  • Mocha $6.25
  • Sparky $6.00

    Tonic, lime and ice.

  • Coffee

  • Drip Coffee $4.25
  • Cold Brew $6.25
  • Drinks

  • Green Juice $11.50

    Celery, spinach, kale, apple, cucumber & hint of lemon

  • Fresh Orange Juice $9.75
  • Immunity Shot $5.50

    Turmeric, Cayenne, Ginger, Honey, Orange, Lemon & Pineapple (2oz shot size).

  • Matcha Latte $6.75
  • Coco Matcha $7.75

    Fresh Matcha poured over Sparkling Coconut Water & Ice.

  • Chai Latte $5.75
  • Golden Latte $5.75

    Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon & cayenne

  • Hot Chocolate $5.00
  • Tea $4.75
  • Sparkling Water $3.75
  • Box Water $3.75
  • Cocnut Water $5.50
  • Sparkling Coconut Water $5.50

Bright Side Details

  • Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great coffee
  • Great tea selection
  • Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Solo dining
  • Good for working on laptop
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Hard liquor
  • Healthy options
  • Late-night food
  • Prepared foods
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
  • Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy
  • Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Pets

  • Dogs allowed outside

Bright Side Photos

Bright Side Picture 1Bright Side Picture 2Bright Side Picture 3Bright Side Picture 4Bright Side Picture 5Bright Side Picture 6Bright Side Picture 7Bright Side Picture 8Bright Side Picture 9Bright Side Picture 10

Bright Side Location

Bright Side

184 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

Bright Side Reviews

An average rating of ★4.1 from 162 user reviews.

pricetoastbowlcuplatteatmospherebanana breadporridgevegemitecajun chicken

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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