Butler

- 40 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Welcome to Butler, a true neighborhood gem that has quickly become an essential stop for locals and visitors in the vibrant DUMBO section of Brooklyn. More than just a coffee shop, Butler operates as a full-service bakery and cafe, offering a stellar lineup of expertly brewed coffee, fresh-baked pastries, and a thoughtfully curated menu for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. It is the perfect blend of high-end culinary execution—courtesy of its Michelin-starred pastry chef founder—and a cozy, casual New York atmosphere. Whether you’re a busy professional grabbing a morning bite, a resident settling in to work, or a tourist exploring the Brooklyn waterfront, Butler offers a warm, inviting space with something delicious for every palate.

The cafe is celebrated for delivering an outstanding brunch experience and has garnered a reputation for its attentive, friendly staff and a diverse menu that translates fine dining techniques into approachable, comforting cafe fare. From savory morning delights to specialty lattes, every item is crafted with quality and freshness in mind, often utilizing the finest espresso from Intelligentsia Coffee. When searching for the best coffee in DUMBO paired with truly exceptional food, Butler at 40 Water Street is consistently recognized as a top contender.

Location and Accessibility in DUMBO, Brooklyn

Butler is strategically situated at 40 Water Street in the heart of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), one of Brooklyn’s most scenic and popular neighborhoods. This location places the cafe right near the waterfront, offering customers the added bonus of a cute view of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, especially enjoyable from the outdoor seating area. DUMBO is an area renowned for its cobblestone streets, artistic atmosphere, and stunning panoramas of the Manhattan skyline, making a visit to Butler part of a larger, quintessential New York experience.

For New Yorkers navigating the city, the cafe is conveniently accessible via several public transportation options:

• Subway access is available via the F train at the York Street station, which is a manageable walk from the cafe.
• The A and C trains at the High Street station also serve the area, with the High Street exit from Manhattan typically recommended for the easiest approach.
• For bus riders, the B25 bus stops near the corner of Front Street and Dock Street, which is a short walk to Water Street.
• A highly scenic and popular route is the NYC Ferry, which stops at the DUMBO/Fulton Ferry Terminal, offering South Brooklyn (SB) and East River (ER) routes for a pleasant water-based commute.

The location’s position makes it a perfect first stop for those exploring the area or a pleasant break for those working nearby. The premises also feature a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all community members can easily enjoy Butler’s offerings. While street parking (both free and paid) may be available, like much of DUMBO, public transit or ride-share services are often the most straightforward options.

Services Offered

Butler prides itself on providing comprehensive service options to meet the needs of the dynamic DUMBO community, whether you are seeking a quick transaction or a leisurely dining experience.

• Dine-in Seating: Enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere with comfortable seating arrangements.
• Outdoor Seating: Perfect for enjoying a meal or coffee with views of the surrounding neighborhood and the Brooklyn Bridge.
• Takeout and Walk-Up Window: Convenient options for those on the go, including a dedicated walk-up window for ease.
• Delivery: Menu items are available for delivery through major platforms.
• Catering and Bulk Coffee: Options like the 'Box of Joe' ($38.50) and 'Pot of Coffee - Catering' ($42.00) are available for groups and events.
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi and clean restrooms are available for guests.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts all major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Menu Flexibility: Serving an extensive menu covering Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dessert. Lunch items, including the specialty sandwiches and salads, are typically available only after 11:00 am daily.
• Atmosphere: Known for being casual, cozy, and trendy, and a welcoming spot for locals, tourists, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Features / Highlights

Butler stands out in the bustling Brooklyn food scene thanks to several signature features and popular menu highlights that keep customers returning.

• Gourmet Breakfast Sandwich: A local favorite featuring a sunny egg, bacon, cheddar, and truffle aioli, all served on house-made scallion brioche. This is consistently listed as a top-liked item.
• Artisanal and House-Made Pastries: The cafe and bakery is famous for its fresh-baked selection, including the highly praised French Butter Croissant ($4.25), Mini Sausage Roll ($5.75), and unique muffins like the Sticky Date Muffin ($5.75) and Mixed Berry & Yogurt Muffin ($5.25).
• The Breakfast Empanada: A savory standout at ($8.75), stuffed with scrambled eggs, smoked bacon, arugula, cheddar cheese, and topped with Dukkah. A vegetarian option ($8.25) is also available.
• Exceptional Coffee and Espresso: Butler is known for serving great coffee, often featuring high-quality Intelligentsia espresso. Popular drinks include the Iced Latte ($5.90) and Cold Brew ($5.60). They also offer specialty lattes like the Turmeric Ginger Latte ($6.25) and the Iced Blueberry Pancake Latte ($8.00).
• Healthy and Vegan/GF Options: The menu caters to diverse dietary needs with options like the Açaí Bowl (V, GF) ($14.50), Overnight Oats (V, GF) ($13.00), and Granola Parfait (VG, GF) ($13.00).
• Gourmet Lunch Specials: After 11:00 am, the menu expands to include specialty items such as the Slow Roasted Pork Sandwich ($15.25), Rotisserie Chicken Sandwich ($15.50), and the refreshing Stone Fruit Salad ($15.50).
• Inviting Ambiance: Customers consistently praise the classy, warm, and airy decor, which makes it a great spot for both solo dining and groups. The cafe is popular for those seeking a comfortable environment for working on a laptop.

Contact Information

For those planning a visit to this highly-rated DUMBO establishment, here are the core details:

Address: 40 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Phone: Publicly available phone information has not been provided, but you can check with local directories or their official website.

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Butler means selecting a destination that excels in both the quality of its culinary offerings and the overall dining experience. Butler has stolen the hearts of its guests by translating the high-end flavors and techniques of fine dining into accessible, casual cafe food, a unique advantage in a neighborhood bustling with options.

First and foremost, the coffee program is a must-try. The focus on expertly brewed coffee, featuring Intelligentsia espresso, ensures a superior caffeine experience, with the Latte and Cold Brew being top sellers. Beyond the coffee, the cafe's background in baking shines through. You should absolutely try one of the house-made specialties. The Breakfast Empanada is a fan-favorite, lauded by customers as "outstanding" and a perfect savory start to the day. For those with a sweet tooth, the French Butter Croissant or the unique Sticky Date Muffin are exceptional choices that highlight the bakery's skill.

For a more substantial meal, the Breakfast Sandwich on Scallion Brioche is celebrated as one of the best in DUMBO, marrying truffle aioli with a sunny egg and house-cut bacon for an elevated classic. Later in the day, the newer lunch menu options, such as the Rotisserie Chicken Sandwich and the Slow Roasted Pork Sandwich, offer fresh, inventive midday meals available after 11:00 am.

However, Butler’s appeal extends beyond the food. The atmosphere is a significant part of what makes it a local favorite. It offers a clean, well-decorated space with natural light, perfect for a relaxing sit-down or for getting work done, supported by readily available Wi-Fi. The friendly service is frequently praised, contributing to the establishment's status as a welcoming haven in DUMBO. The combination of its premium, house-made menu, excellent coffee, and prime location with a "cute view of the Brooklyn Bridge" makes Butler an unmissable destination for anyone in the Brooklyn area looking for a quality cafe experience.

Butler

40 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA