Brasil Coffee House on Vernon Blvd has closed for business.
Brasil Coffee House, Vernon Blvd, LIC
Yes it’s true. It’s been hard not to notice, with such a prominent retail location, but the dark windows and closed doors for a couple weeks now means that there is no more Brasil Coffee House. There are a bunch of rumors flying around about why, but all unsubstantiated, so we’ll leave the speculation alone.
It should be noted that the Brasil Coffee House on 23rd St in Court Sq is still open, just the Vernon Blvd location is closing. There’s still coffee options in the hood! Sweetleaf just around the corner, Cafe Henri up the block, Communitea & Rustica way down the street, and then all the delis sell coffee as well. So goodbye Brasil Coffee House. Wonder what will be in that spot next. It used to be a funeral parlor. Hmmm.
Hey I hope they open an Italian restaurant in that spot . . .
2, Or an Italian restaurant funeral home. The brick oven could be used for both pizza and as a crematorium
Or Starbucks, McDonald, Pizzahut etc…which LIC residents would love to see..
What happened? We go there all the time either to and from work or after the playground. Where will our playground snack/bathroom place be?
Sweetleaf gets my vote. One more block and you get some delicious Stumptown coffee made by a well trained friendly staff.
I hope they put a sushi place or wine store there.
Brasil will be very much missed. Not only were they pioneers on the scene in the gentrification of Vernon Blvd – it was a friendly place where you could sit and chat or just spend time alone with your coffee , snacks and morning paper. The most prevelant rumor (andas liq city pointed out, the rumors are still just rumors), is that it was time to renew their lease and the landlord was going to double their rent. If true, I’m sure he has something in mind already for the space and wanted them out.
Sweetleaf holds the current crown of best cup of coffee in LIC. Cafe Henri is a close second with the best Cafe Au Lait.
Sweetleaf has great coffee, but it’s for “get your coffee to go” – yes the cafe au lait at Cafe Henri is great and you can enjoy it at a table…..but …actually, this thread was opened to discuss the demise of Brasil which also had great coffee and the room to sit awhile. I already miss the Brazilian cheese balls! I hope we’re not going to get into “a who has the greatest coffee” debate. I feel that the closing of Brasil is due to a similar fate that brought an end to McReillys – an “out of town” landlord who comes to LIC with $$$signs in his eyes and no regard for this community.
Yes #10 you are right, Sweetleaf used to have only a few seats and they were too high making it a bit uncomfortable to hang out there. But they changed to low seating a couple of weeks ago and now can sit about a dozen people there. It’s much more comfortable and they also put in Wi-fi which is cool.
always thought brasil coffee house on vernon, was a little lacking in the friendly department. Their coffee was a bit burnt over-bitter too.
I have always thought Brasil was behind Sweetleaf, Communitea, Cafe Henri, and Rustica for a nice cup of coffee and a snack. In fact, I never ate the food here after I went with a friend and she got a moldy muffin! Also, one of the main reasons why this place was often empty is that they not only didn’t offer free wireless (ridiculous for a large coffee place like this nowadays), they didn’t have any outlets for people to plug their laptops into. Pretty stupid business (and community) decision.
sweetleaf is fantastic and the owners love their trade. what more can you say when you have people that love what they do.
They were in the coffee business, not the provide free stuff for smelly hispters business.
Go to Billyburg for that unwashed one!
Enough already with the Sweetleaf owners/staff posting about how great they are. Pretty lousy way of promoting oneself on the back of the demise of a pioneer business in this renewed Hunters Point area. Vultures.
Dear # 16,
I understand that it could appear that we promote our own place on this blog but that just is not accurate (except for the advertising of course). I am humbled and touched by the kind words of others. We try hard to please our customers and prepare coffee with the love we have for it. I am in the coffee business because I am a coffee geek, believe me it’s not for the money or the very long hours.
AS far as being called vultures, I would like to point out that my partner and I have been in this wonderful neighborhood for 25 years. I remember being very excited when the new Italian restaurant (Manetta’s) was opening across the street.
I have nothing bad to say about Brasil or any other business for that matter.
Thanks to everyone who has supported our business and appreciates what we do, we couldn’t do it without you.
I’ve got your back, Rich. I love Sweetleaf’s coffee, sweets, soups & the staff there. My bf and I try to visit every weekend. I’m not surprised at all that there’s a lot of love for you in the LIQ comments.
I think perhaps #16 has never been to S, because if he/she had, they would realize that they sound kind of crazy.
# 16 Couldn’t agree more.
I think it will be best if Brasil’s space becomes Venetian cuisine. We have a great need in this neighborhood.
I am sorry if Brasil was forced out by an exorbitant rent increase if there is truth to that. It’s totally believable. Brasil wasn’t a place I used often but, but I did like their $3 coconut muffin. I think it was an inviting place for parent’s and children and that is who they appealed to. I did feel they could have done better with the layout. The fenced in area with the display was not the most inviting our best use of space.
I hardly call them pioneers however. Just one business on the third wave of business that I have seen come and go over 20 years in hunters point waiting for the “development”. But it sounds like they are downsizing and doing fine over by Beauty Block so I wish them the best.
I think with the closing of Brazil Coffee this is the downside of progress. They were probably paying reasonable rent for the past 7 years and now the landlord wants to cash in. But in this neighborhood, as anywhere now a days, $7000 + a month is a big nut to crack. But the bright side is no way can a bar or restaurant open. They are right across the street from the Church and school.
It is sad to see Brasil coffee house go. But I also find it sad someone would assume the owners of Sweetleaf would anonymously post about themselves. If you’ve ever been to Sweetleaf, you’ll know that they don’t have to stoop to that kind of promotion. Their product speaks for themselves.
#21, how is “no way can a bar or restaurant open” on the bright side? Would you rather see empty storefronts in LIC?
I think we all lose when a business closes on Vernon, especially in this economy. While I wasn’t the biggest fan of Brasil (although they had awesome chocolate croissants), I am happy to see a long-time LIC-committed business thriving, especially in such a prominent location.
I hope that whomever takes over the space brings something special to the center of the town.
I will dearly miss the brazilian cheese bread….
HAHA Another hipster overpriced place bit the dust
The Bubble is OVER, frugal is in, Corner Delis and $1 coffee Bars with $2 drafts will survive….
Acting Upscale is a laughable joke in the next decade. And I cant wait.
25, Brazil Coffee House wasn’t an “upscale” “hipster” place. I don’t know what you are talking about. It was just a neighborhood business run by decent people trying to provide for themselves. And envious dopes like you find delight in that? Go slither back under that rock you came from.
#21 – As I understand it, the rent at Brasil was $7000. and the landlord was going to double that amount on the lease renewal. That’s why I have bad premonitions about what he might be planning to bring to Vernon Blvd. How fast do you want your food????
#22 I am not happy another store is closing on Vernon, I am very sorry to hear about the coffee house closing. Considering all the bantering going back and forth about restaurants and bars and liquor licenses on Vernon, that space cannot have a liquor license because of the school and church. There is never a bright side to empty storefronts. This is something that the landlord should consider unless he has intentions to rent out to starbucks or dunkin donuts. posted by #21
Hipster….Upscale…YUP who in their right mind would pay that kind of STUPID rent?
Fake wannabees, they probably bough a luxury kondo too….
If you have that kind of cash laying around take a tip from Warren Buffett…sometimes the best choice is to do NOTHING
And wait till the idiot landlord is so broke you can rent if $2000 and make a nice living.
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As I understand it, the rent at Brasil was $7000.
Yes, Bubble Burster – That’s what I said —$7000. and about to be doubled on the new lease! Now, I challenge you to find a $1.00 coffee guy or a $2.00 draft guy who can afford to pay $14000.00 a month and survive. I don’t know why I’m even responding to you, because you make no sense!
Yes I make a lot of sense, if the Idjits at Brasil didn’t sign the contract… well it still might be empty and the LL would have lowered the rent.
They were really DUMB to pay that kind of rent. Now the LL is all hyped up and thinks he has gold mine in that building
Think the movie WAR GAMES……Thermo Nuclear war, strange game the only winning move is not to play.
But they played and lost.
Yeah…freaking “Idjits”. You still make no sense.
You are not making any sense Bubble Burster. Brasil signed the lease 7 years ago and now at the end the landlord is looking to double the rent. There is no business that can pay that kind of rent down here except for Dunkin Donuts maybe that have backing. Brasil is another good example of landlord greed. The landlord is the dumb one.
I think that bubble burster may have been posting under the influence of too many $2.00 drafts. There is no other explanation for his senseless babble!
A dunkin dountuts at the spot would clean up. Its right on the path to the subway.
Unfortunately for us, that is going to be an empty storefront for a very long time. The owner is asking a ridiculous exorbitant rent… no one will ever pay it. Greedy absentee landlord. So the center of town will have this big void…
#16 you should get a life…Sweetleaf is fantastic and they do have a great staff, and amazing coffee, get off your high horse. I am a very regular customer, and will continue to be. Have you even gone there before? To call those people vultures is just ignorant, they are hard working people who have come up with a great concept. What have you done to better the community? Complain on a blog, way to go!
We need another brick oven pizza place
Aren’t there any moneybags in the towers who can set up their children in a retail business? That’s the Williamsburg model after all.
Believe it or not there are some of us that really liked Brasil and went there often. It was a convenient, comfortable, non-pretentious, reasonably priced coffee house. The coffee and baked items were good as well. I, and I suspect many others will miss it. Why do most people here not lament the loss of a local business?? And a useful one at that. For those here who seem to care, I am not a hipster from the mid-west, just a middle aged Queens native.
Please….let anything but a Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts go in that space!!
Or even better, let’s hope that the landlord and Brazil owner come to terms and it re-opens.
40, I think people DO lament loss of a place they like. But because there’s this blizzard of change in LIC — new businesses coming in, old ones closing, floods of new people in, old people leaving, etc. — there’s a feeling of constant instability and flux. No one has the luxury of forming any attachments to people, businesses, anything. Wake up next week, and they might be gone.
I am really hoping that the landlord and Brasil come to an agreement. What could move into there? If you can’t have a liquor license, there goes a restaurant. We have enough delis. Really, a coffeehouse in the middle of the block is perfect. While Brasil wasn’t my favorite, it was still great to have a coffee place right there.
I would love an old school West Village-type cafe with sidewalk seating and open frontage that serves great coffee, desserts, light snacks. No fancy pants business, just a cool, laidback, friendly place that you can linger.
My bet unfortunately is that a Starbucks will eventually appear there.
Has anyone heard any rumors about the fate of this location??
Since Starbucks is closing stores right now, I am betting it might be Dunkin’Donuts.
Remember there was a very strong buzz that they were going into 1063, an d that the deal fell through when residents vetoed it.
Starbucks, despite the closing of under performing stores, is still opening limited new locations when they come across an exceptional location as per their criteria.
I have to agree that the Dunkin Donuts seems more likely, and as much as I personally dislike Starbucks, I would prefer them over DD.
What a tacky addition DD would be to Vernon.
Still hoping for Brasil to re-open.
But, remember, there is a police precinct a block away….so I guess this would be an ideal spot for a donut shop…lol. (my apologies for stereotyping our fine men in blue)
Yes I second you #43!!!!!!
# 43 sounds great to me as well!!
I want my Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee before the summer’s out.
But to be realistic, the building owner will most likely rent to whatever business is willing to pay the highest rent.
But we can still hope and dream…can’t we??
A steak house get’s my vote! yum
A butcher is what the hood needs!
It can’t be any place that wants a liquor license with the church and school across the street.
Does anyone remember My Lil Cafe? it was between 47th Road & 47th Avenue, a couple of doors up from Cassino. Inez and Ron had great coffee, which were special roasts commissioned (for lack of the proper expression) by Ron. The sandwich wraps were great and along with their pastries and muffins, they were all (or mostly) handmade by Ron. I’m not sure when they opened, but I’ll guess it was about ‘94-’95. They were closed by around 2000, due to family issues. Inez was the nicest lady. It was the nicest place to visit, with what many considered (myself included) to be the best coffee.
Charlie.
Charlie,
Yes Inez’s place was the best and you could get a cup of coffee and fabulous muffin without waiting an infinite amount of time (if ya know what I mean).
I remember when they introduced their daily soups. Now, there was a treat which would have made the “Soup Nazi” jealous. They successfully managed to blend a small town feel, with the newest big city food and drink cravings.
I was never saddened more by a store closing, than with My Lil’ Cafe. I still miss the place along with Inez and Ron.
When Brasil Coffee House first opened, the coffee was great, as was the small assortment of hot and cold munchies. The owners lived (at least for a time) in Citylights. They had a stretch of garbage strewn space alongside a factory bldg. cleaned up, then planted flowers. They were very community minded. The young lady (I wish I could remember her name) was originally from Brasil, and owned coffee plantations there. I believe that the beans used, might have actually been from her plantations.
Like My Lil’ Cafe and McReilly’s, it’s another sad closing.
Charlie.
Her name is Katja and her husband is Jim. katja designed and executed the decor of the place – including gluing down the coffee beans that covered the glass top tables. They had just recently re-opened their small restaurant at the side entrance as a “take-out” place for excellent prepared hot meals. In addition to the small place aross town, they have a shop in the Murray Hill area of Manhattan plus a warehouse from which they wholesale packaged coffee. They are very hard working people and very community minded. Katja was always extremely generous in providing coffee and snacks (always with the wonderful cheese balls) for community events.
The restaurant at the side has re-opened? When? I loved to get chicken, rice, and beans from there, nice price. Or has this closed, too?
Gosh Inez and Ron were the best. And it was in the Purple Pumpkin space! It was run so effectively with the self serve aspect to the coffee. Like 12 choices of coffee! The muffin smells were wonderful! They just drew you in. The service was amazing considering how we would all bustle in there and chat and check in and socialize. It was one of my all time favorite business in LIC. Anybody remember the mozzarella maker in the Nest Seekers space? I just don’t understand why we have to be so posh! Ron and Inez cleaned up! The only closed because Silvercup enticed them to set up shop based on a full studio…and then changed there minds. So they overextend themselves based on a promised # of customers. A good lesson to “get it in writing” . The cash register went ching all day long, Inez never got a break. I just don’t get why we have to be so posh now. They had great product, were great people and it was totally affordable.
Speaking of nice places, I will miss the Art-o-mat shop. Hopefully a solid business will take over its place.
I stand corrected Inez and Ron were in the Full Moon space.
I second about Art-o-Mat. I think the family has a eye and a heart out for the neighborhood. The rent is cheap compared to everything else on Vernon. It is a place where something other than a restaurant could stand a chance because the rent is reasonable.
dammit, i had a free coffee card to redeem too!
#60, those were the days.
We had a “mozarella maker” in the neighborhood???? Wow. That’s cool.
There’s an idea for the ‘hood: A cheese shop with a little casual fondue restaurant in the back.
Loved Inez – I miss their chocolate cheese cake muffin – the best I ever had!
Cheese shop in the old Art-o-Mat space. With specialty beers for sale! Prosciutto and the like…as well! Barrels of pickles, wood shavings on the floor….and muffins in the morning!
Cheese and bread shop
Crazy to hear about all the stuff that was here before. I would love a handmade mozzarella maker. Just the kind of quirky specialty artisan work Vernon needs more of.
Not to be a nostalgia freak, and the newbies might even find this hard to believe, but there were plenty of other specialist retailers on the Vernon strip, even when LIC was a “gritty,” “barren,” “industrial wasteland.”
There is an ad for the old art-o-mat site here — http://www.licproperties.com/index.php/commercial-properties/vernon-blvd-corner-retail-site/
Please someone negotiate with the owners for a hardware store/mozzarella maker place quick before it becomes an Italian sushi place.
How opportunistic.
Very nice people in Brasil Coffe House but the coffee left a lot to be desired. It was last on my list of places in the hood to get a coffee. But agreed, they were very nice and they worked hard to make it a nice place.
Resurrect ten 63!
the only thing ten63 had was high ceilings, period.
It had lots of attitude.
The rent at Brasil Coffee House was 9,000.00 plus 50% of RE taxes. How many cups of coffee to sell to pay 11,000.00 rent???????????
Unfortunately for us, that is going to be an empty storefront for a very long time.
#78 – I heard that the rent was $7000.00 and the landlord was going to raise it to $13000.00. There are many rumors in circulation, but only the owners know the truth.
I am the owner. Please ask me what you want. I also love how everybody assumes that the rent was doubling and what not. Please do the math, the lease was not up yet as they opened about 8 years ago. That means they had 2 more years. What does that mean? Thats right, somebody didn’t pay there rent for 8 months and got evicted. And no it is not going to be a fast food chain. :)
Sorry to hear that. What could we be expecting to come into the neighborhood? I heard they are trying to sell the business but if they didn’t pay there rent can they even do that?
When Donnie said “missile,” he really meant “missile.”
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A goth-themed cafe-funeral home actually sounds like a winning idea.