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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