Flushing Avenue (J, M)

On first glance, you might not guess there are two very hidden, very cool cafes that I love around here.

This busy multicultural stop straddling Bushwick and Williamsburg is dominated by the brown and austere presence of Woodhull Medical Center. This is also a fast-food access point with options like Taco Bell, Little Caesar’s, Popeyes, McDonald’s, and IHOP scattered among local delis, taquerias, Chinese takeout joints and discount stores. Big surprise, Project 472 suggests you walk around and try something new! Like Horseradish Market, beloved by a local, Sage.

The bustling vibe outside the station, under the tracks.

This area does not give off gentrification vibes, and my two cafe recommendations are literally underground.

The first is Secret Coffee. It’s hidden in one of those building-wide through-malls. The Beverage Director, Jenn Ramirez, personally sources all the coffee beans and tea leaves with a careful eye for quality and equity. I had a cardamon pu-erh latte, one of Jenn’s creative inventions, and I’m excited to go back to try a classic Argentinian maté. It’s small, with seating for just a few people, but it’s got good wifi if you need it.

This is the entrance to Secret Coffee.

Jenn, beverage director and part-owner at Secret Coffee.

The second is Peace Cafe, and if you’re not looking for it, you’ll likely miss it. Its small entrance passageway beneath the Brooklyn Peace Center leads to a spacious sitting room with indigenous art, books you’re welcome to browse through, and vintage clothing for sale. It feels like a secret work or study spot.

The large seating area in Peace Cafe.

Woodhull Medical Center, facing Peace Cafe.