My brother is a corporate lawyer. He also has three kids under the age of six. As a result, he doesn't get a lot of sleep. Following from that, he's a major caffeine junkie / aficionado. His top... More

My brother is a corporate lawyer. He also has three kids under the age of six. As a result, he doesn't get a lot of sleep. Following from that, he's a major caffeine junkie / aficionado. His top pick for coffee in NYC? Gorilla Coffee in Park Slope. We both grew up in Seattle, which is pretty much mecca for US coffee addicts, so we take our coffee pretty seriously. My personal preference is for Peet's Coffee from Bekeley, CA (even their drip coffee is absolute rocket fuel), but a recent visit to Park Slope offered several opportunities to sample Gorilla's wares, both from their 5th Ave storefront and in various incarnations of homebrew (french press, stovetop caffetera, etc.). After a thorough evaluation, and with considerable initial skepticism on my part, I have to say that Gorilla is giving Peet's an honest run for their money. If you love coffee so much you are like a junkie -- and if you live in Brooklyn or can get there without getting on a plane -- Gorilla Coffee is the serious joint. Do yourself a favor and skip Brand X in favor of this local star (unless you really really need a shot to tide you over -- in that case, I competely understand).
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The best coffee you will ever have in your life. Always strong, fresh, smells like heaven. Goes good with cigarettes. There is no one who can go in and be cooler than the staff, even if you are... More

The best coffee you will ever have in your life. Always strong, fresh, smells like heaven. Goes good with cigarettes. There is no one who can go in and be cooler than the staff, even if you are cooler. This is how Gorilla Gorilla is. Very urban, very clean, very straightforward with a sprinkle of granolaheads and nice guys with beards and knit caps. Free wireless, Fair-trade, Brooklyn Roasted, some cakes and sweets, coveted seating. The staff seems committed to completing the NYT crossword on a regular basis.
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I'm putting in my two cents for a coffee shop that is very popular here in Park Slope. Gorilla Coffee is a serious coffee place, but INHO they over roast their beans and their coffee is just way too... More

I'm putting in my two cents for a coffee shop that is very popular here in Park Slope. Gorilla Coffee is a serious coffee place, but INHO they over roast their beans and their coffee is just way too strong. I like a strong cup of java but this stuff is ridiculous - too thick and just too strong to drink more than maybe a half cup. Too bad, because the vibe inside is nice - definitely conducive to either sitting with your laptop or chatting with a friend.
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Just bought my first pound of Gorilla beans and am quite happy with it. I'm really glad I began supporting this local micro-roastery. I tend not to hangout in-shop, as it is always crowded, noisy... More

Just bought my first pound of Gorilla beans and am quite happy with it. I'm really glad I began supporting this local micro-roastery. I tend not to hangout in-shop, as it is always crowded, noisy and not particuarly comfortable--perhaps the coffee fumes get everyone a little too hyped up (but in a good way). Previously shopped Porto Rico Importing on St. Marks Place or did Jim's Organic from the supermarket, but I have to say Gorilla's is better than Jim's and more convenient for me than Porto Rico. It is also all organic, all free trade, and all roasted locally--which means FRESH and you really can tell. I drink it black, no sugar and this stuff is quite nice. Prices seem very reasonable for the quality and philosophy. Be warned that the prices and roasts available online at http://www.gorillacoffee.com may be different than what is in-store. When you buy beans at the cafe, you also get a free medium coffee--bonus! If you're really committed, get a punch card and your 11th pound of coffee is free.
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Their coffee is GREAT. The folks who work there are generally friendly and the look, smell and ethos of the place (all fair-trade!) is great. I do wish there are more and more kinds of places to... More

Their coffee is GREAT. The folks who work there are generally friendly and the look, smell and ethos of the place (all fair-trade!) is great. I do wish there are more and more kinds of places to sit... but what can you do? They're working with what they have. It's also pretty reasonably priced for Park Slope and for GREAT coffee.
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Gorilla Coffee is on Fifth Ave. in Park Slope. They have decent coffee and a pretty wide selection of other usual coffee shop drinks. The iced chai in particular is great, and I've also heard that... More

Gorilla Coffee is on Fifth Ave. in Park Slope. They have decent coffee and a pretty wide selection of other usual coffee shop drinks. The iced chai in particular is great, and I've also heard that the espresso is excellent. There are a few tables and chairs that are usually filled, but no couches. They have free Wi-Fi access, but electrical outlets are few and far between, so check for one nearby before sitting down and getting comfy. The whole place smells deliciously of coffee, but be warned that you too will smell very strongly of coffee once you leave.
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