Dining Out: East One Coffee Roasters

On our final morning in Brooklyn, NY we woke up to the sound of rain tapping against our windows. It seemed only fair, since the forecast for the entire long weekend had been for rain and we had nothing but sun on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

We had made plans to spend our last meal in this beloved borough with a family friend, who happens to live two blocks from the Airbnb we rented. She suggested East One Coffee Roasters, which had just opened and she hadn't had a chance to check out yet.

We put on our rain boots, zipped up our coats, popped open the umbrella and headed just a few streets away to the corner of Carroll Street and Court Street. 

East One is set up in a very interesting way. In the front, there is the takeout counter where you can order coffee, tea and pastries to carry on your merry way or enjoy at the smattering of tables. There were a mix of families with young children (ripping apart pastries) and Millennials on their laptops, cranking away. 

Beyond the coffee counter is a hostess stand. The gatekeeper at that perch can lead you to a table in the dining room, which is hidden, down a short hallway.  

The back room has whitewashed walls, long wooden tables and iron-black light fixtures. The faux fireplace adds a cozy vibe to an otherwise industrial space. 

We were seated in a corner booth, which was perfect for catching up. We were greeted by a bubbly waitress who had the cutest replies to all of our questions. It reminded me how service can truly make or break a meal (in this case, make!). 

My mom started off with a latte. She squealed with happiness when she saw the beautiful design on top. 

Personally, I was lusting after that teal coffee cup. 

I asked for an ice tea and our waitress said, "Today we had black or mint." I went for the mint and I am so glad I did. I have had the best mint tea in Israel (hot and iced) and this was the closest I have ever come to experiencing tea of that quality in the United States. 

For breakfast, me and our family friend both ordered the avocado toast (basic, I know). This rendition comes topped with arugula, a poached egg (it's hidden under there, I swear) and thinly sliced radishes. 

The sourdough bread was grilled and had a great crunch, the arugula was fresh and peppery, the egg was exactly the right amount of runny and the paper-thin radishes added an extra crisp to every bite. 

There are so many more menu items I want to try (or watch people try) like the malted pancakes with berries and mascarpone, the fried chicken and pickles, the grilled cheese with onion jam and the shrimp and grits. 

If I lived in Carroll Gardens, I would be a regular at East One. I would pop in for takeout or meet friends for any meal (they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner). Hell, I'd even meet clients here. If you live in the neighborhood, definitely stop by.