"I came here right after my road test in Brooklyn, and this place was the perfect way to celebrate. We tried several types of Balkan börek — beef, spinach, and cheese — all fresh, warm, and absolutely delicious. The Turkish tea and Turkish coffee were spot on, and they even treated us with lokum and baklava, which was such a nice touch. Valentino was incredibly kind and attentive, and the whole atmosphere felt warm and welcoming. Highly recommended! I’d definitely come back."

"A Hidden Gem in Williamsburg — The Balkan Grind What an absolute treasure! The Balkan Grind is one of those rare finds that transported me to another place and time. I stopped in for Turkish coffee (a personal favorite—I’ve been to Turkey three times in the past year and a half!) and ended up chatting with the owner, who turned out to be a chef! The coffee was exceptional, available in original and flavored varieties, rich, aromatic, and perfectly brewed in true Turkish fashion. The pastries and sweets were just as impressive. What sets The Balkan Grind apart is its atmosphere. Every detail—the cups, plates, decor—feels curated to recreate the feeling of being back in the “old country,” where you can sit outside with friends, savor your coffee, read the grinds, and enjoy a bit of people-watching. It’s cozy, soulful, and authentic—a perfect place to slow down and enjoy the simple magic of good coffee and conversation. If you’re anywhere near Williamsburg, stop in!"

"Such a unique spot! I adore Turkish coffee, so I was overjoyed to stumble across this lovely cafe. Every detail in the décor and presentation is lovingly considered, the coffee is divine, and the owner is exceptionally warm and welcoming. Definitely a must-visit!"

"Turkish coffee! Yes, the grinds are in the brewed coffee. Balkan Grind is a cozy, curated experience. You don’t find this coffee experience everyday in the US. First, they boil hot water in a Cezva by placing it in heated sand. They, they add your ground coffee with a variety of flavors for those who may find the base, Yemeni dark roast a bit harsh. They then serve the drinks in beautiful antique, coffeeware. The seating is upscale cafe style with flower wallpaper draped on the walls right from your grandparents house. It’s a great one-off experience going here, but may not be the spot for your everyday brew. Stop by with a friend or partner, and split a Cezva! Coffee score: 4.25/5. Everything else score: 4.5/5. Overall score: 4.3/5."

"I don’t think I could speak more highly about a coffee shop than Balkan Grind. First off it’s an experience not just a coffee shop, give yourself the proper time to enjoy it. The gentleman who runs the shop is very friendly and is happy to walk you through the different flavors and styles of Turkish coffee. I have tried a few flavors at this point and I don’t think one has missed, but cherry and cardamom are the current winners. Then on the pastries / sweet treats there are plenty. I have tried a few of boureks and between the combination of flavors and the tangy pepper sauce it always hits as a savory breakfast. Each time we have went we try to try a variety and the staff always throws an extra of their favorite which is really appreciated. Generally I actually don’t like Turkish delights at all, but have found a few here that are great and make a sweet ending for a breakfast or lunch. I’d highly recommend this coffee shop to anyone looking for something different from your basic cup of joe and definitely try as many of the flavors as you can on the pastries!"