Am I missing any hidden charms here? Everytime I see these places they look empty....
Java - an Indonesian restaurant on 7th Ave. at 16th Street
Computer Cafe - 7th Ave near 15th Street
I'm sure there are others, but I just passed these 2 a few minutes ago.
kensingtonmom Guest
Tue Oct 03, 06 1:48 pm EST
What about that Indian place that finally just closed on 7th between 7th and 8th Streets? My friend went in there and they were overtly hostile and didn't want to wait on her. I never saw anyone in there in over 10 years. Did anyone ever eat there?
Rose Ninja
Joined: 10 Nov 2005 Posts: 911 Location: South Slope
Tue Oct 03, 06 2:05 pm EST
I ate at that Indian place a couple of times long ago when it was the only Indian restaurant in Park Slope -- it was horrible! I can't believe they stayed in business for even a month after they had some competition.
I always wonder about Java too -- I actually ate there once years ago and it was good; I don't know why we never went back. Maybe they do a decent delivery business.
quijibo Crooklyn Ninja
Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 2028 Location: taintalicious!
Tue Oct 03, 06 3:33 pm EST
java does great with the deliveries
i love their food. and typically order it for my birthday parties
i'm not crazy about going in to eat there in person
cause the woman owner is cloyingly sweet
"eat your rice. you still have food. you must finish the food"
but otherwise their food is amazing.
8thandPrez Stroller Person
Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 1130 Location: No longer at 8th and Prez
Tue Oct 03, 06 3:39 pm EST
I've always been mystified by the Microchip Cafe. Their original space on 7th (now occupied by Sweet Melissa) was as bleak as could be. I was shocked to discover they merely relocated across the street!
Guest
Tue Oct 03, 06 4:08 pm EST
what about the drama cafe on 5th ave?
steve Cylon
Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 1263
Tue Oct 03, 06 5:41 pm EST
Java is yummy, I go there once in while.
Yavel Regular
Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 168 Location: The Boneyard
Tue Oct 03, 06 7:59 pm EST
I totally agree about the rude staff at the indian place. I went there once and never went back.
What about that place on 7th ave around 15th St. that sells handcrafted stuff? It's looks a little bare, but not in a minimalist way. It looks more like the stuff that was left over from the yard sale.
java is lovely. true, it doesn't get a lot of bodies eating in, but they do a decent amount of takeout business. and i think the computer cafe gets most of its business from people waiting for the god-awful will-it-ever-come B67. they run in, grab a cuppa and a bite, and go back to their wait in front of the place. _________________ Get your paws off my canned chicken
raw "Way Too Incestial"
Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Posts: 2036
Tue Oct 03, 06 9:10 pm EST
Flexichick wrote:
Am I missing any hidden charms here? Everytime I see these places they look empty....
Java - an Indonesian restaurant on 7th Ave. at 16th Street
Computer Cafe - 7th Ave near 15th Street
Good question. I walk by 7th Avenue and 16th street daily and can barely picture these two businesses.
sarajean8 Regular
Joined: 25 Sep 2006 Posts: 128 Location: 7th ave/15th st
Mon Oct 09, 06 11:38 am EST
I went to Java once with my friend and we tried the Rijsttafel-- $32 for two people (there were about 6 tasting courses). It was a great deal, delicious and the owner was very sweet and friendly.
I think the lighting could be a little more subdued, maybe most people are turned off from the brightly lit room and the simplicity of the decor.
Greenjeans is the name of the crafty store on 7th between 15/16th.
I live nearby and always wonder how they manage to stay in business. The way they display their products looks very hodge-podge and definitely more like a "garage-sale" than a store. The items might have more appeal if they were displayed nicer, maybe they should get some ideas from Rare Device.
Precious Williams Local
Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Posts: 206 Location: North Slope
Mon Oct 09, 06 1:48 pm EST
Does Java have a website? Do they deliver to north Slope? _________________ www.preciouswilliams.com
GuestMark Guest
Mon Oct 09, 06 2:44 pm EST
Another vote here for Java. There's very few Indonesian / Malaysian places in The Greatest City In The World, let alone in Brooklyn.
brooklynpotter ceramme ceramma danna
Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 3996 Location: near the square that's a circle
Mon Oct 09, 06 8:50 pm EST
sarajean8 wrote:
I went to Java once with my friend and we tried the Rijsttafel-- $32 for two people (there were about 6 tasting courses). It was a great deal, delicious and the owner was very sweet and friendly.
I think the lighting could be a little more subdued, maybe most people are turned off from the brightly lit room and the simplicity of the decor.
Greenjeans is the name of the crafty store on 7th between 15/16th.
I live nearby and always wonder how they manage to stay in business. The way they display their products looks very hodge-podge and definitely more like a "garage-sale" than a store. The items might have more appeal if they were displayed nicer, maybe they should get some ideas from Rare Device.
green-jeans is kind of freaky; i prefer rare device, then again, they carry my work.
but, what is the story with green-jeans? it's like one of those places in jersey where the elderly make the crafts--and nothing against the elderly, but when my grandmother knit a sweater it rocked. _________________ what would you tell me, if i could hear you speaking?--t.r.
Maybe Java has changed since I was last there. I thought the food sucked too be honest. Way too much sugar in all of their peanut sauce.
young snitch Regular
Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 179 Location: FA
Mon Oct 09, 06 11:59 pm EST
how do any indian places stay open? they're always a sea of empty square tables with white paper tableclothes and a sad fat hindu balefully looking out the window at passerbys.
brooklynpotter ceramme ceramma danna
Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 3996 Location: near the square that's a circle
Tue Oct 10, 06 8:31 am EST
young snitch wrote:
how do any indian places stay open? they're always a sea of empty square tables with white paper tableclothes and a sad fat hindu balefully looking out the window at passerbys.
i love, love, love indian food, but every time i eat it in a restaurant i get food poisoning. luckily, i have a friend who makes the best indian food ever, so i can eat it at her house and enjoy it without regret. _________________ what would you tell me, if i could hear you speaking?--t.r.
Kid_Baco Newbie
Joined: 24 Mar 2006 Posts: 25 Location: Park Slope
Tue Oct 10, 06 12:29 pm EST
One place that always looks dead is Tonio's Italian restaurant on 7th ave, between 7th and 8th st.
I've never been, so I don't have an opinion, but I have no idea how they stay open. It seem so uninviting.
As for that old indian restaurant, I have to think it was a front for something. It's the only explaination. I ate their once. Horrible food, crappy service, bad decor and expensive prices. Needless to say it was dead. And they were there for years and years. I can't think of any other way they made enough to even pay the waiter.
Has anyone tried NoNo yet?
sarajean8 Regular
Joined: 25 Sep 2006 Posts: 128 Location: 7th ave/15th st
Tue Oct 10, 06 1:24 pm EST
I always wonder about the large Cyber cafe on 7th ave b/t 14th and 15th. I pass by all the time and each time there is only one or two people inside (sometimes that includes the sorry looking girl behind the counter.)
I went in once in attempt to support the place, but when I asked for a muffin, I was presented with just a few items in saran wrap that look about a week old. I haven't been back since.
I have no idea how they stay in business.
Rose Ninja
Joined: 10 Nov 2005 Posts: 911 Location: South Slope
Tue Oct 10, 06 1:34 pm EST
Kid_Baco wrote:
As for that old indian restaurant, I have to think it was a front for something. It's the only explaination.
I used to think that too. It was so unbelievably bad.
OnEasternParkway Regular
Joined: 20 Dec 2005 Posts: 156
Tue Oct 10, 06 1:36 pm EST
young snitch wrote:
how do any indian places stay open? they're always a sea of empty square tables with white paper tableclothes and a sad fat hindu balefully looking out the window at passerbys.
I always think that when I pass the place on Vanderbilt. The only answer that makes sense is that their delivery business keeps them alive.
jgregorie Local
Joined: 01 Nov 2005 Posts: 210 Location: prospect place & underhill
Tue Oct 10, 06 4:53 pm EST
some of those places could be fronts for organized crime
they could use the store to launder drug money.
restaurants and coffee shops are perfect for this because its a mostly cash business.
i have no idea whats up with green geens
my girl friend lives near that place and ive never seen anybody in there.
sarajean8 wrote:
I always wonder about the large Cyber cafe on 7th ave b/t 14th and 15th. I pass by all the time and each time there is only one or two people inside (sometimes that includes the sorry looking girl behind the counter.)
I went in once in attempt to support the place, but when I asked for a muffin, I was presented with just a few items in saran wrap that look about a week old. I haven't been back since.
I have no idea how they stay in business.
laura Resident Alien
Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 896
Thu Oct 12, 06 5:07 pm EST
I made the mistake of going to that Indian place once when I first moved to PS in 1992, it was vile!
I have never seen even one person in the Drama Cafe, ever.
As for the Computer Caffe [sic], I went there this summer when my computer died ... the pastries are horrible, but the empanadas are decent and the women who work there are nice.
kwk Guest
Mon Oct 23, 06 9:50 pm EST
Kid_Baco wrote:
One place that always looks dead is Tonio's Italian restaurant on 7th ave, between 7th and 8th st.
I've never been, so I don't have an opinion, but I have no idea how they stay open. It sfresheem so uninviting.
I'm chock-full of their take-out right now. I've never been in, but my husband and I get delivery from 'em fairly often. It's fast, fresh, and flavorful. If something on the menu isn't at its prime that night (i.e. a vegetable), they'll let you know.
Betcha delivery makes up a solid percentage of their business.
Flexichick Windsor Terrorist
Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 9623
Mon Oct 23, 06 10:50 pm EST
kwk wrote:
Kid_Baco wrote:
One place that always looks dead is Tonio's Italian restaurant on 7th ave, between 7th and 8th st.
I've never been, so I don't have an opinion, but I have no idea how they stay open. It sfresheem so uninviting.
I'm chock-full of their take-out right now. I've never been in, but my husband and I get delivery from 'em fairly often. It's fast, fresh, and flavorful. If something on the menu isn't at its prime that night (i.e. a vegetable), they'll let you know.
Betcha delivery makes up a solid percentage of their business.
I've always wondered about Tonio's as well. Seems so outdated compared to the other local places, and I don't think I know a single person who has eaten there before
pieinthesky Newbie
Joined: 07 Jul 2006 Posts: 17 Location: south slope
Mon Oct 23, 06 11:05 pm EST
Jack's on 5th (and what... 13th?)?? At the most I've only ever seen two tables filled there at a time, even at peak times - always thought that's gotta be a front. BRUNCH, for crying out loud: empty.
steve Cylon
Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 1263
Mon Oct 23, 06 11:07 pm EST
Tonio's is probably one of the better old school Italian places in Brooklyn. The owner is an incredibly nice guy who I know on more than one occasion has comped his Clams Oregenato (I think that's the dish) to new customers. He wants everyone to try it.
I know many people assume the place is mobbed up or something because there is no one eating in the front dining room, but they never stop to look in and find out that there is indeed a larger, nicer back room.
TIf you like the style of food at Aunt Suzie's and can afford a bit more (and better), go there, you won't be disappointed.
Drano Meow Wars Veteran
Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1559
Tue Oct 24, 06 9:37 am EST
I've been to Tonio's a few times and I agree with everything that Steve said. It's not as precious as a lot of newer restaurants in the Slope seem to be, but don't let the old school decor put you off. It's worth eating there.
8thandPrez Stroller Person
Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 1130 Location: No longer at 8th and Prez
Tue Oct 24, 06 10:57 am EST
Took a walk down 5th last night. A two block stretch of 5th has developed into the Land of Mystifying Cafes
Drama Cafe: completely empty. suffers from being on the diciest block of 5th Ave, across from the school. totally incoherent concept and the most unfortunate name ever.
ComfortZone: crazy name. have no idea what this place is. again, totally empty.
Ugly Neon Burger Joint: so forgettable I can't even remember its name. overly lighted, neon overload, shiny metal.
jennitrixie Regular
Joined: 09 Oct 2006 Posts: 102 Location: S. Slope-ish
Tue Oct 24, 06 11:05 am EST
I used to order in from Jack's a lot. They must survive by the takeout.
Comfort Zone is the worst name ever. It reminds me of Jerri Blank's stretch pants.
8thandPrez Stroller Person
Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 1130 Location: No longer at 8th and Prez
Tue Oct 24, 06 11:12 am EST
jennitrixie wrote:
I used to order in from Jack's a lot. They must survive by the takeout.
Comfort Zone is the worst name ever. It reminds me of Jerri Blank's stretch pants.
Oh man - if Jerri/Amy Sedaris had anything to do with that place, I'd be there every night!
JoanJettofArc Empress of the R Train
Joined: 20 Mar 2006 Posts: 139 Location: Park Slump
Tue Oct 24, 06 11:22 am EST
"Jerri, where did you get your pants?" "The Comfort Zone."
I think it's Turkish food.
They sound equally appealing.
Rose Ninja
Joined: 10 Nov 2005 Posts: 911 Location: South Slope
Tue Oct 24, 06 11:33 am EST
A while ago, people on the Park Slope Parents list were complaining about being ordered to leave the Comfort Zone if they had been sitting for "too long" with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine -- even if the place was otherwise empty. It seemed that the management didn't want it to turn into a hanging-out kind of place and it sounds like they have succeeded all too well.
Good information about Tonio's -- my kids love that kind of food; they think Aunt Suzie's is the best restaurant ever.
Carnivore Brooklyn Snark
Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 13566 Location: St Johns Pl and Underhill
Tue Oct 24, 06 11:39 am EST
Rose wrote:
A while ago, people on the Park Slope Parents list were complaining about being ordered to leave the Comfort Zone if they had been sitting for "too long" with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine -- even if the place was otherwise empty. It seemed that the management didn't want it to turn into a hanging-out kind of place and it sounds like they have succeeded all too well.
Good information about Tonio's -- my kids love that kind of food; they think Aunt Suzie's is the best restaurant ever.
Hilarious. If they didn't want it to turn into a "hanging out kind of place," why would they possibly call it "Comfort Zone?"
Guest
Tue Oct 24, 06 2:20 pm EST
8thandPrez wrote:
I've always been mystified by the Microchip Cafe. Their original space on 7th (now occupied by Sweet Melissa) was as bleak as could be. I was shocked to discover they merely relocated across the street!
Actually, Szechuan Delight used to be in that space about 20 years ago. Since they moved, it's been one after another of really poor businesses that haven't really lasted more than a year or two.
miriam Regular
Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 50
Tue Oct 24, 06 5:15 pm EST
I used to live on 7th Ave betw 15th and 16th Streets.
The Computer Cafe was always puzzling, but what about the space across the street a little further down. It was a cigar store, I think. Then a nice Italian restaurant, then that closed too and it was just closed forever in between and since.
Does anyone know what that is about?
I have not been up there in a while, so I don't know if something opened.
What about those tarot card/palm reading places?? How can they survive with no costumers and $5 per reading????
Rose Ninja
Joined: 10 Nov 2005 Posts: 911 Location: South Slope
Tue Oct 24, 06 6:10 pm EST
miriam wrote:
what about the space across the street a little further down. It was a cigar store, I think. Then a nice Italian restaurant, then that closed too and it was just closed forever in between and since.
Does anyone know what that is about?
I have not been up there in a while, so I don't know if something opened.
What about those tarot card/palm reading places?? How can they survive with no costumers and $5 per reading????
I live around the corner from there but I can't think what space you mean . . . . There was Max & Moritz several years ago -- really nice restaurant that pre-dated the whole 5th Avenue restaurant scene. Then there was a health-foody kind of restaurant in that space that lasted about a month and now it's Anthony's. I don't remember a cigar store ever being on that block. There used to be a very nice locksmith in the space where Baby Bird is now. Maybe we are talking about different blocks though.
There's a fortune teller in the building next to Steinhof. She's dropped her prices quite a bit since she went into business there, but I can't imagine that she gets many customers. Maybe the occasional drunk coming out of Steinhof or Bar 4, but otherwise it doesn't seem like the best location.
I used to live on 7th Ave betw 15th and 16th Streets.
The Computer Cafe was always puzzling, but what about the space across the street a little further down. It was a cigar store, I think. Then a nice Italian restaurant, then that closed too and it was just closed forever in between and since.
Does anyone know what that is about?
I have not been up there in a while, so I don't know if something opened.
nope, believe it or not that space is still closed up, and i haven't seen any movement there in forever. it's unfortunate, cuz it's a nice sized place and could be something great. _________________ Get your paws off my canned chicken
Rose Ninja
Joined: 10 Nov 2005 Posts: 911 Location: South Slope
Tue Oct 24, 06 6:22 pm EST
Oh! I just figured out what space you mean. Yeah, it was a bar at one point, the kind of bar with big couches. It had a really cheesy name that I can't think of. That didn't last long. Then part of it became a really dreadful pizza place that lasted about a month. And it's been vacant since then, must be at least five years.
steve Cylon
Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 1263
Tue Oct 24, 06 6:31 pm EST
I think it's infested with pigeons too...
laura Resident Alien
Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 896
Tue Oct 24, 06 8:27 pm EST
miriam wrote:
What about those tarot card/palm reading places?? How can they survive with no costumers and $5 per reading????
I believe all those folks operate out of the same place they live. Plus, they get suckers to shell out $$$ to get their bad luck fixed after the initial $5 reading.
Flexichick Windsor Terrorist
Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 9623
Tue Oct 24, 06 8:33 pm EST
laura wrote:
miriam wrote:
What about those tarot card/palm reading places?? How can they survive with no costumers and $5 per reading????
I believe all those folks operate out of the same place they live. Plus, they get suckers to shell out $$$ to get their bad luck fixed after the initial $5 reading.
I've been a wiseass a few times (a la Steven Wright) when they've said "would you like a psychic reading for $5?" and I say "You're psychic, what do YOU think I'm going to say to that?".
What about those tarot card/palm reading places?? How can they survive with no costumers and $5 per reading????
The tarot card/palm reading places throughout NYC are run by a few Gypsy/Rumanian mobs. I used to pick up the head guy of one of those familias when I drove for a local car service. They're fronts. They'd make an occasional score with a mark who'd pay a few thousand for a reading but mostly they're fronts for whatever income isn't being earned legally or tht's not ebing reported.
Guest
Wed Oct 25, 06 11:36 am EST
I think you're all wrong about Comfort Zone. Okay, the name is bad and its not often packed, but its a great place to get lunch. Their Turkish Sandwich is the best sandwich in the neighborhood. Plus they have lots of little treats to go with the coffee. The owner is very nice and I can't blame her if she doesn't want lots of people hanging out on their computers not buying anything. (Free wireless for customers)
I have read people complaining about Tea Lounge and Ozzies being too packed with people who sit on their computers all day taking up all the tables and not buying anything. Well for all of you, here is a perfect alternative. It is not full of strollers or computers.
Slow service, don't go there if you are in a hurry. But otherwise, my personal favorite place to eat lunch and have coffee in Park Slope.
Please give her another chance, I'd be heart brooken if she didn't stay in business. I'd mourn the loss of our only Turkish coffee house.
erikka Bruce Ratner's Love Child
Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 754
Wed Oct 25, 06 11:44 am EST
I spoke to one of the waitresses at the Atlantic Av. branch of Brawta and asked if the 7th Av. branch is closed. She said they were currently renovating and it would reopen soon. But you gotta wonder how they're paying rent on what must be a very expensive storefront--it's been MONTHS now.
HURRY UP, I WANT SOME FREAKING ROTI and I don't want to go all the way to Church or Atlantic to get it!
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Maybe we are talking about different blocks though.
