Hungry Ghost Sterling Place: Cozy Brooklyn Cafe for Stumptown Coffee & Gourmet Paninis

Hungry Ghost Introduce

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, Hungry Ghost at 183 Sterling Place is a quaint and indispensable destination for local coffee and cafe culture. It positions itself as a classic Coffee Shop and Cafe, offering a welcoming retreat from the city's perpetual motion. The atmosphere is best described as Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, making it a favorite haunt for the surrounding Locals and anyone seeking a comfortable place to enjoy a top-tier beverage and a quick, quality meal.

Hungry Ghost is built on the foundation of providing "Great coffee" and a "Great tea selection." The quality is consistently high, thanks in part to their use of daily roasted Stumptown coffee, a strong endorsement of their commitment to excellent sourcing. This focus on premium coffee forms the perfect complement to their modest yet thoughtfully curated food menu.

The menu, though compact, packs a punch, specializing in comfort-driven Cafe Sandwiches and gourmet Panini Sandwiches inspired by Italy. These offerings make Hungry Ghost a popular spot for both Breakfast and Lunch, appealing to those looking for a quick and satisfying bite. Customers frequently rave about the bakery items, describing the croissants as "flaky" and delicious.

While the interior space is intimate—described as having "limited seating" and being a good place for "solo work or a quick break"—the experience is enhanced by the friendly and amazing service noted by many patrons. The shop provides the ideal pick-up point for those heading to nearby Prospect Park or enjoying the window shopping along Vanderbilt Avenue. Despite some minor service issues reported by one customer regarding order mix-ups and an occasional odor concern, the majority of reviews underscore the quality of the coffee, the coziness of the space, and the overall positive experience provided by the staff.

Location and Accessibility

Hungry Ghost is conveniently located at 183 Sterling Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA. This address places it squarely in the vibrant Prospect Heights neighborhood, a beautiful section of Brooklyn known for its brownstones and proximity to major green spaces and cultural institutions. The cafe's location on Sterling Place makes it an easy pre-park stop or a post-stroll reward.

The accessibility and seating options at this location are tailored to its intimate, neighborhood feel:

Outdoor Seating: The cafe offers a bench outside, providing a lovely option for enjoying a drink on a nice day, especially popular for a quick sip or break.

Indoor Seating: The cozy sitting area, though small, is ideal for a comfortable break or a solo dining experience.

Parking: For patrons driving to the area, Paid Street Parking is generally available.

Solo Dining Focus: The intimate space is perfectly suited for Solo Dining, allowing patrons to read the news or simply unwind with their coffee.

Services Offered

Hungry Ghost focuses on providing efficient, high-quality service across its key offerings, catering primarily to the local community's morning and midday needs.

Dine-in: Enjoy the cozy and intimate atmosphere indoors, or take advantage of the outdoor seating bench on pleasant days.

Takeout: A crucial service for the busy New Yorker, allowing for quick pick-ups of coffee and quick bites before work or park visits.

Dining Options: The menu covers Breakfast, Lunch, and Dessert, ensuring options are available throughout the day until closing time.

Offerings: The core offerings include superior Coffee, a Great Tea Selection, and Quick Bites from the cafe and panini sandwich menus.

Payment Flexibility: Accepting modern payment methods, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments, for quick and easy transactions.

Ambiance: The environment is consistently maintained as Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, ensuring a pleasant backdrop for a quick chat or quiet moment.

Features / Highlights

Hungry Ghost at Sterling Place is distinguished by several key features that make it a favorite choice among locals in Prospect Heights and surrounding Brooklyn areas.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters: The commitment to quality is highlighted by the use of strong Stumptown coffee, which is roasted daily, ensuring a fresh and robust flavor profile in every cup.

Gourmet Panini Menu: A specialized menu block featuring "Panini Sandwiches inspired by Italy," made with fresh ingredients and served between hearty bread on a hot grill, with options like Portobello & Mozzarella and Tuscan Chicken.

Exceptional Baked Goods: Patrons frequently praise the high quality and flakiness of the pastries, with the Chocolate Croissant being a specific standout, making it an excellent dessert or breakfast treat.

Cozy and Intimate Setting: The small interior space creates a genuinely cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for Solo Dining or a quiet chat, and the addition of outdoor benches adds to its charm.

Friendly and Amazing Service: Despite the small size, the staff is consistently highlighted in reviews for providing "Amazing service" and ensuring a welcoming experience.

Ideal Proximity to Attractions: The cafe is perfectly positioned as a convenient pick-up point for coffee and treats before heading to Grand Army Plaza or Prospect Park, or for those exploring nearby Vanderbilt Avenue.

Affordable Specialty Coffee: Offering specialty coffee like the Cafe Blend for only $1.75, representing great value for high-quality, daily roasted beans.

Contact Information

For Brooklyn residents and visitors planning a trip to this essential Prospect Heights coffee spot, here are the necessary contact and location details:

Address: 183 Sterling Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA

Phone: (718) 783-7375

Hours of Operation:

The coffee shop maintains simple, reliable operating hours every day of the week, catering to the morning and mid-day rush:

Open Daily: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

These hours ensure locals can grab their daily coffee early and provide a consistent option for lunch and mid-afternoon breaks.

What is Worth Choosing at Hungry Ghost

To get the most out of a visit to Hungry Ghost on Sterling Place, focus on the items that represent the best of their specialty coffee and curated food menu.

The Beverage Powerhouse: The number one choice should be any drink featuring their Stumptown Coffee. Opt for a simple Cafe Blend ($1.75)** for a strong, affordable cup of quality coffee, or indulge in a Latte or Hot Chocolate paired with their flaky pastries. The Great Tea Selection is also a strong choice for non-coffee drinkers.

The Lunchtime Star: For a truly satisfying meal, choose one of the "Inspired by Italy" Panini Sandwiches. The Tuscan Chicken ($5.95) or the vegetarian-friendly Portobello & Mozzarella ($5.95) are highly recommended for their fresh ingredients and hot, hearty preparation.

The Perfect Pairing: A visit is incomplete without sampling the bakery selection. Customers consistently praise the Flaky Chocolate Croissant, which pairs perfectly with any of their coffee or hot chocolate options, making it a stellar choice for a treat or a quick breakfast.

The Value Picks: For simple, classic comfort food at great prices, the **Grilled Cheese with Tomato & Bacon Sandwich ($3.00) or a Cup of Soup ($3.00) offers excellent value for a quick bite in a cozy atmosphere.

Hungry Ghost Food & drink

Soups
Cup of Soup $3.00
Cheese from our selections served with a fresh baked sourdough or french roll.

Cafe Sandwiches
Smoked Ham & Cheese Sandwich $4.95
Grilled Cheese with Tomato & Bacon Sandwich $3.00
Tuna Salad Sandwich $4.95

Panini Sandwiches
Inspired by Italy and panini are sandwiches with fresh ingredients held between hearty bread on a hot grill.
Portobello & Mozzarella $5.95
Garlic-roasted Portobello mushrooms marinated in balsamic vinaigrette with fresh mozzarella, caramelized onionsand fresh chopped basil and grilled hot on rosemary and onion focaccia.
Tuscan Chicken $5.95
Smoked chicken, red onion, mozzarella cheese, tomato, fresh chopped basiland chipotle mayonnaise and grilled hot on rosemary and onion focaccia.

Chef'S Salads
Chicken Salad $4.95
Grilled chicken strips tossed with romaine lettuce, red and green peppers and carrotsand sesame vinaigrette.
Classic Cafe Salad $4.95
Romaine lettuce and mixed field greens topped with tomatoes, cucumber and red onionand balsamic vinaigrette.

Specialty Coffee
Cafe Blend Flavored $0.90
Cafe Blend $1.75
Med roast.

Hungry Ghost Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection

Popular for
Breakfast
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite

Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Locals

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Paid street parking

Hungry Ghost Photos

Hungry Ghost Location

Hungry Ghost

New York Kings County Prospect Heights Sterling Place

183 Sterling Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA

Hungry Ghost Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 310 user reviews.

pastrieslattematchabaristaespressosandwichescappuccinobenchesspacecup

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Amazing service. I loved the flaky chocolate croissant with my hot chocolate. The sitting area is cozy, and they have a bench for outside.5 stars I like this place
April 05 · among us Gamer
Nice little cafe near Brooklyn Library. Placed an order of a Latte and Blueberry scone with a cashier and get an over drawn Latte and Blueberry muffin instead. The cashier didn't ask for a take away order or stay in for a nicer coffee mug.The place looks nice and cozy but came with a musty, pungent, and unpleasant odor, not a coffee smell. All seats were occupied by their long term customers.
February 12 · Sujarit Chermsirivatana
Hungry Ghost Coffee is a true gem for coffee lovers. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere—perfect for savoring a meticulously crafted drink or enjoying a peaceful moment.I want to give a special shoutout to Roxanna, who truly elevates the experience. As a barista, she’s exceptional—every cup she prepares is a flawless balance of flavor and presentation. Beyond her skills, her customer service is outstanding. She always greets you with a smile and a positive energy that makes you feel genuinely welcome.Thanks to people like Roxanna, Hungry Ghost is not just a place to grab coffee, but a space where exceptional service and quality come together in every detail. Highly recommended!
January 05 · Leandro Mendoza castro
Was met with rudeness and racism when I entered the cafe. The cafe worker gave me the wildest look and said “can I help you “ in a very rude tone. The subtext gave “you don’t belong here” Was really hurt by this. Also I was looking at the menu and it was turned sideways. The lady then decided to push it towards her. She told me they’re out of those items. Which I had no problem with. She never offered me any other options. Can immediately tell she was very upset I was there, due to my skin color. Really really upsetting.
July 23 · Unique anartist
Great spot for strong Stumptown coffee roasted daily, with all the bakery goods you’d probably want and a few tasty food items on the menu too. Friendly staff. Small interior space but enough to read the news or have a chat, along with outside benches to sip a latte on a nice day. A great pick-up point for hot or cold brew before heading up to Grand Army Plaza or Prospect Park, or some window shopping on Flatbush or even better Vanderbilt, which is right up Sterling. One day maybe they’ll conclude the near continuous and eternal street work on Sterling nearby (which is haphazard and not all that noisy).
September 29 · Justin Rogers-Cooper