Yardsale cafe

- 620 5th Ave #2, Brooklyn, NY 11215

If you're navigating the dynamic and diverse neighborhoods of New York City, particularly in Brooklyn, and find yourself looking for a truly unique local establishment, a stop at Yardsale Cafe in South Slope is essential. This is not your typical neighborhood coffee shop. Yardsale Cafe masterfully combines the warmth and hospitality of a beloved local cafe and bakery with the fun, nostalgic spirit of a curated vintage and antique shop, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that has quickly become a local favorite.

Located in the vibrant and family-friendly area that bridges Park Slope and South Slope, Yardsale Cafe offers more than just exceptional coffee and homemade baked goods—it offers an experience. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and trendy, inviting patrons to settle in for a quick bite or to linger while browsing the eclectic collection of vintage memorabilia and goods for sale. It’s a place where the love for great food and the passion for history and collecting converge, making every visit a discovery.

The cafe, owned by Brooklynite Shawn Peled, is often described by locals as a "gem" and a "hidden treasure." The commitment to quality is evident in every detail, from the carefully selected vintage items—ranging from baseball cards and classic vinyl to antique lanterns and teacups—to the homemade pastries crafted with generational family recipes.

For New Yorkers seeking that perfect morning ritual, a mid-day escape, or an ideal spot for solo dining or a friendly chat, Yardsale Cafe delivers on multiple fronts. It’s a genuine taste of Brooklyn community spirit mixed with some of the best-baked goods the borough has to offer.

Location and Accessibility

Yardsale Cafe is perfectly situated in a prime Brooklyn spot, making it accessible to both locals and visitors exploring the borough. You can find this distinctive coffee shop at the following address:

620 5th Ave #2, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA

Nestled in the heart of the South Slope area, near the intersection of 17th and 18th Streets on Fifth Avenue, the cafe is conveniently located within a bustling retail corridor that maintains a welcoming, neighborhood feel. While the interior space is generally described as small and intimate, the cafe ensures accessibility and comfort for all patrons. The management has prioritized making the space inclusive, offering key features to accommodate the community:

• Wheelchair-accessible entrance
• Wheelchair-accessible seating
• Wheelchair-accessible restroom

This focus on accessibility, combined with the convenience of its location in a well-trafficked Brooklyn neighborhood, reinforces its reputation as a true local hub. While indoor seating may be limited to a few spots, the venue is popular for its outdoor seating, which includes a charming back patio area, providing a relaxed, perfect environment for enjoying your coffee and pastries during warmer New York days.

Services Offered

Yardsale Cafe operates as a full-service bakery, cafe, and coffee shop, with a strong emphasis on flexibility and catering to the busy lives of New Yorkers. Their service model ensures you can enjoy their offerings whether you're quickly grabbing a morning coffee or relaxing over lunch. Key services include:

• Dine-in (including outdoor seating and a small number of indoor seats)
• Takeout for quick pickups
• Delivery and No-contact delivery options for convenience
• Curbside pickup for easy retrieval of orders
• Catering services for events and gatherings
• Onsite services
• Free Wi-Fi access for those working or browsing

Features / Highlights

What sets Yardsale Cafe apart from other coffee spots in New York are its unique dual features: the exceptional quality of its homemade food and its distinctive retail selection. It's a culinary and cultural destination rolled into one.

• The Bakery Sensation: The cafe is renowned throughout Brooklyn for its top-tier, homemade baked goods, which are made fresh daily. Highlights include the Basque-style burnt cheesecake, often cited as the best in years by reviewers, and the ultra-flaky, densely-packed "ham" and cheese croissant. The variety of specialty cookies, like the "too much chocolate cookie," ruby matcha cookie with lemon glaze, and the buttery pecan cookie, are also highly celebrated.
• The Legendary Babka: The babka here—available in Nutella and dark chocolate or cinnamon—is a destination-worthy treat. The recipe, honed by the owner for almost two decades, is described by customers as having a perfect, moist interior, smooth filling, and a subtly crispy, sugared bottom. Many patrons consider it the best babka they've ever had, even among stiff competition in NYC.
• Cafe Meets Vintage Shop: The entire cafe space doubles as a carefully curated vintage and antique shop. Nearly everything displayed is for sale, offering patrons the chance to browse and purchase unique items like vintage trading cards (including collectible NBA cards), classic vinyl records, old playbills, unique glassware, antique ornaments, and other nostalgic knickknacks and treasures.
• High-Quality Offerings: Beyond the baked goods, the cafe is highly praised for its coffee, tea, and other menu items. Offerings include prepared foods, comfort food options, and a variety of delicious savory items like the Swiss Avocado Sandwich, the unique "Tuna" Salad Sandwich (made with mackerel), and the Anchovy Plate.
• Welcoming Atmosphere: The vibe is overwhelmingly casual, cozy, and family-friendly, with staff noted for their warmth, friendliness, and excellent customer service. The owner’s dedication to a true neighborhood feel makes everyone feel welcome.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers looking to plan a visit, place a large order, or simply inquire about the daily baked specials, here is the necessary contact information:

Address: 620 5th Ave #2, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA

Phone: (929) 477-0167 or +1 929-477-0167

What is Worth Choosing

For a first-time visitor to Yardsale Cafe, the choice should focus on their undisputed specialties. The cafe excels in several key areas that have garnered high praise from the local Brooklyn community:

• The Babka: Whether you opt for the classic Cinnamon Babka or the decadent P Nutella and dark chocolate babka, this is arguably the cafe’s crowning achievement and a must-try. Customers consistently rank it among the very best in all of New York City due to its moistness and perfect texture.
• The Savory Croissant: The "Ham" and cheese croissant is far from ordinary. Patrons describe it as densely packed with aged cheese and ham, making it a substantial and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with a cold brew.
• The Burnt Cheesecake: For a dessert that is smooth, fluffy, and lemony, the Basque-style burnt cheesecake comes highly recommended. It offers a sophisticated alternative to traditional New York cheesecake and is made from an heirloom family recipe.
• The Experience: Beyond any single menu item, what truly makes Yardsale Cafe worth choosing is the integrated experience of shopping and dining. You get to enjoy a truly exceptional, homemade pastry and high-quality coffee while browsing a constantly changing collection of unique, nostalgic vintage goods. This combination transforms a simple coffee break into a delightful treasure hunt and a genuine slice of Brooklyn culture.

In summary, Yardsale Cafe stands out in the competitive New York cafe scene by delivering both superior culinary quality—backed by generations of baking tradition—and a truly engaging retail environment. It is a mandatory stop for anyone in Brooklyn's South Slope looking for great food, excellent service, and a little bit of history all wrapped up in one cozy, casual package.

Yardsale cafe

620 5th Ave #2, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA