The Estaminet Brooklyn

My absolutely adore this place. The crepes are phenomenal, the croissants are amazing. Staff is super friendly. My only issue hence the 4 stars instead of 5, is the fact that they don't seem to stick to a specific set of hours. My lunch break is at the same time every day and I have gone on a Monday, sometimes it's closed sometimes it's open. I have gone on a Wednesday, sometimes it's closed sometimes it's open, etc. Kind of disappointing.

The cutest place serving crepes, croissants, gelato and few specials like the delicious butternut squash soup. Gluten free and vegan options. Espresso based coffee and nice orange juice. 3 tables and 2 bar seats indoors. I heard there's additional seating outside in summer. Stuff is super friendly, we were like "where is your tip jar?" This place hits all the points!!

Absolutely horrendous service. Time and time again we have returned only because the food is great, but only a handful of times have we had good service. The new cashier lady is incompetent. An example among many, today I waited 25 minutes for my crepe (there was no line), only to discover they had never placed the order. Not only was I late for work, but NO ONE bothered to apologize, only thrust my money at me like I had been the one to make an error. I tried to confront the lady, but she mumbled something under her breath and turned away. I am appalled that a business in this city can survive with such terrible service and ZERO remorse for behaving badly. And how can one confront a business that doesn't care to address its problems? As much as I crave these crepes, I am done walking out of Estaminet every time feeling as if I were ripped off.

I've gone here a few times as a local and won't be going back. For a business in Park Slope, they are incredibly rude to people with kids. They recently put up a sign saying no strollers. However no one was inside, so I hopped in real fast to take coffee to go. Half way through the door, the guy working there shouted, "no no no", and pointed at the sign. I asked if I could come in as no one is there if I'm taking it to go, and he huffed and said I can wait outside. I understand the space is small, but he was incredibly rude and was just sitting there watching TV. I will no longer support an establishment that's so rude when there are plenty of friendly places around the corner.

So, I want to be fair. I am reviewing this based on customer service, not food. The white lady at the counter is in need of customer service classes. I asked her a simple question to start the conversation like, "do you have a menu?". She didn't even respond. Instead pointed above her head like I was some illiterate scumbag. I have high tolerance to certain things, but not disrespectful behavior. I wont say my race or ethnicity because it shouldn't matter. You should treat everybody with respect no matter the race. The whole transaction with down hill from there. The black guy was fine, as he never spoke to me (busy cooking). Also want to add that I came here "ONLY" due to the fact that place I get my crepe was closed today. I figured let me check this new place out. Maybe this place can be my alternative, but thats out of the question at this point. NEVER COMING BACK AND I recommend to anybody, "whos not white", to stay away from this shop. I made the mistake of being a color shopper, SORRY GUYS I SHOULD HAVE READ THE SIGN OUTSIDE THE DOOR! MY BAD DOGS!.....Sometimes is best to keep your attitude to yourself whether you like somebody or not. A CUSTOMER IS A CUSTOMER! Again, nothing to do with the black guy. Sorry for the rant, but I don't take kindly to being disrespected.