The Center for Fiction Café & Bar

- 15 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

The Center for Fiction Café & Bar is more than just a place to grab a drink; it's a truly unique literary hub and a cherished community space in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn. As part of a larger non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the creation and enjoyment of fiction, the café and bar serve as a welcoming ground-floor space that is open to the public. It provides a sunlit, book-lined environment where readers, writers, and the wider community can gather, work, and connect over a shared love of storytelling. The atmosphere is one of calm creativity, where you can often see writers typing away at their novels or readers lost in their favorite books. This dual identity as both a public cafe and a cultural institution sets it apart from typical coffee shops. It's a place where you can sip a cappuccino while browsing a well-curated bookstore, or enjoy a glass of wine after a writing workshop. The design and purpose of the space are deeply intertwined with the Center’s mission, making every visit a part of a larger literary experience. It provides a peaceful and inspiring setting that feels like a second home for those who find solace in the written word, perfectly embodying the spirit of Brooklyn's vibrant literary scene. The Center for Fiction’s move from Manhattan to this new, larger space in Brooklyn was a deliberate choice to be a part of the borough’s flourishing cultural landscape, and the café & bar are a core part of that vision, providing an inviting entry point for all to experience the magic of the institution.

In a city filled with cafes, The Center for Fiction stands out because of its commitment to fostering a genuine community. It's a space that encourages conversation, creativity, and a quiet moment of reflection, all within a beautiful and thoughtfully designed setting. This is a place that understands the needs of its patrons, offering a diverse range of beverages and light bites while surrounded by the very books and ideas that inspire them. The public-facing café and bar serve as a front door to the entire Center, allowing anyone to get a taste of the literary haven without needing a membership. This inclusive approach makes it an accessible and attractive spot for a wide range of people, from those just passing by to dedicated members of the literary community. The sense of purpose and the inviting ambiance make it a special and highly-regarded spot in Brooklyn, a true gem for anyone who appreciates the art of fiction and the comfort of a great café.

The Center for Fiction Café & Bar is ideally situated at 15 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA. This location places it right in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn's cultural district, adjacent to some of the borough's most renowned artistic institutions. It is located across the street from the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) and is also near the Mark Morris Dance Center and Theatre for a New Audience. This positioning makes it a perfect pre- or post-show destination for anyone attending an event in the area. The cafe is extremely accessible via public transportation, which is a major convenience for New Yorkers. It is just a short walk from several major subway lines. The 2, 3, 4, 5, B, Q, R, and G trains are all within easy reach, with the Atlantic Ave–Barclays Center station serving as a major hub for multiple lines. This ensures that whether you are coming from Manhattan, Queens, or another part of Brooklyn, getting to the café is a straightforward and efficient process. The area is also well-served by bus routes and is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, making it a simple walk from many local offices and residences. The building itself is wheelchair accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that all visitors can comfortably enjoy the space. This commitment to accessibility is a crucial feature that makes the Center for Fiction a welcoming place for everyone. The strategic location, combined with the ease of public transit access, ensures that the café is a central and convenient spot for a wide range of people, from theater-goers and writers to students and locals.

The accessibility of The Center for Fiction is a core part of its mission to be a welcoming and open space. The thoughtful design of the building, including its wheelchair accessibility, demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity. This is not just a place for a select few; it is a space for the entire community. The vibrant neighborhood, rich with cultural and artistic activity, provides a perfect backdrop for the café and bar. Its location not only makes it easy to get to, but it also places it at the center of a thriving community, making every visit a part of a larger cultural experience in Brooklyn. This prime location is a key highlight that sets the Center for Fiction apart and makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the borough's cultural heart.

The Center for Fiction Café & Bar offers a well-rounded and appealing selection of services and products that go beyond a typical coffee shop. The menu is a highlight, serving a "rotating menu of coffee, tea, espresso, beer, wine, cocktails, and light bites." This diverse offering means you can find the perfect beverage for any time of day, whether it's a morning cappuccino, an afternoon tea, or an evening glass of wine. The presence of a full bar with beer, wine, cocktails, and hard liquor makes it a versatile spot that can easily transition from a daytime work-friendly cafe to an evening gathering place. Patrons can also enjoy delicious treats and pastries, which are a perfect companion to a coffee or a book. The food offerings are also well-regarded, with one customer noting that the food is "great too!" The dining options include ample seating in a "sunlit, book-lined space," which is perfect for dining in. For those on the go, the cafe also offers takeout service, allowing for a quick and convenient option. All of these services are available to the public, which means you do not need a membership to enjoy the cafe and bookstore. The café is a place for dining, reading, and conversation, with a bar on-site. The establishment also provides gender-neutral restrooms and other facilities, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive experience for all. This thoughtful range of services and amenities caters to a wide audience, making it a reliable and pleasant destination for a variety of occasions. The on-site bookstore is another key service, where you can browse and purchase a variety of books, with proceeds supporting the Center's non-profit mission to promote literacy and support writers.

The variety of offerings at The Center for Fiction Café & Bar is a testament to its commitment to being a versatile and accommodating space. Whether you are looking for a casual work spot, a place to meet a friend, or a relaxing spot to read, the menu and services are designed to meet your needs. This seamless integration of a cafe, bar, and bookstore provides a unique value proposition that is hard to find elsewhere in the city.

• A rotating menu of coffee, tea, and espresso.
• A full bar offering beer, wine, cocktails, and hard liquor.
• A selection of delicious treats and light bites, including pastries.
• Dine-in and takeout options for convenience.
• Ample seating in a sunlit, book-lined space.

The Center for Fiction Café & Bar stands out due to several key features and highlights that make it a truly special place in New York City. The most significant feature is its dual identity as both a cafe and a literary hub. It's a place where you can find a quiet, library-like atmosphere perfect for reading and writing, while also having access to a full bar. This combination of a tranquil, intellectually stimulating environment with the amenities of a modern cafe is a rare find. The beautiful and modern design of the space, with its high ceilings and sunlit rooms, is another major highlight. The interior is designed to be welcoming and inspiring, making it a joy to spend time in. The fact that the cafe is open to the public is a major feature, as it allows anyone to experience a part of the Center for Fiction without needing a membership. This makes it an accessible and inclusive space for the entire community. The establishment is also family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a transgender safe space, which speaks to its commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. This dedication to creating a safe and comfortable space for a diverse crowd is a feature that sets it apart. Additionally, the cafe is located within a larger facility that includes a bookstore, a membership library, a writers' studio, and a 160-seat auditorium for events. This means that a visit to the cafe can be part of a larger literary adventure, whether it's browsing the bookshop, attending a reading group, or participating in a writing workshop. The cafe itself is fully accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, a critical feature that ensures it can be enjoyed by all. The availability of onsite services, including a bar and restrooms, adds to the convenience and comfort of the space. All of these features combine to create an environment that is not just a place to get a coffee, but a destination for cultural engagement and community building.

• Located within a premier literary non-profit organization.
• A quiet, book-lined atmosphere perfect for reading or working.
• An inclusive and welcoming environment for all, including the LGBTQ+ community.
• Full accessibility with wheelchair-friendly features.
• A full bar on-site offering a variety of alcoholic beverages.

For those looking to visit or get in touch with The Center for Fiction Café & Bar, here is the essential contact information. The cafe is located at 15 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA. This physical address is central to the Fort Greene/Downtown Brooklyn area and is the best way to find the cafe. The phone number for the organization is (212) 755-6710. This is the main line for The Center for Fiction, and it can be used for general inquiries about the café, bookstore, or other services. A mobile phone number, +1 212-755-6710, is also provided for convenience. The Center for Fiction's website also serves as a valuable resource for contact information, hours of operation, and details about upcoming events and membership. The café and bar are open daily, with hours that align with the bookstore, making it easy to plan a visit. The clear and public nature of this information reflects the organization's commitment to being accessible to everyone. Having a central phone number and a prominent address ensures that anyone interested can easily connect with the staff and learn more about what the café and the larger organization have to offer. This transparency in contact details further solidifies the café's reputation as a professional and customer-oriented establishment.

Choosing The Center for Fiction Café & Bar is a decision that offers far more than a simple cafe visit; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique and inspiring environment. What makes it truly worth choosing is its seamless blend of a functional cafe with a rich cultural mission. Unlike a generic coffee shop, this is a place where every coffee or cocktail contributes to a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a love for fiction. The atmosphere is a major selling point. The sunlit, book-lined space provides a calm and welcoming environment that is perfect for reading, writing, or quiet contemplation. It's a refuge from the hustle and bustle of New York City, and this sense of tranquility is a rare and valuable commodity. The wide variety of offerings, from coffee and pastries to beer and cocktails, means it can cater to your needs at any time of day, making it a versatile and reliable destination. Furthermore, the commitment to inclusivity, evident in its family-friendly and LGBTQ+ friendly policies, ensures that everyone feels welcome and safe. The fact that the café is open to the public, without a membership requirement, is a huge draw, allowing anyone to experience the unique atmosphere and high-quality offerings. By choosing The Center for Fiction Café & Bar, you are not only enjoying a delicious beverage in a beautiful setting but also supporting a worthy cause that promotes literacy and helps writers. This combination of purpose, quality, and a genuinely welcoming environment makes it an exceptional choice and a true gem in the Brooklyn community. It's a place where a simple cup of coffee can feel like a part of something much larger and more meaningful.

The Center for Fiction Café & Bar

15 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA