Principles GI Coffee House

1st review...what was that, 09/22?

I went looking for coffee and found an absolute haven! Principles is a coffeehouse that lives and breathes integrity to its name, from the specialty coffee selection and service (I got
- an espresso
- a shrub I concocted from two of the bottled offerings, the tools and bonus ingredients for which were happily accomodated
- a pourover coffee of the day
- a decaf Americano
- a 12oz bag of beans, ground for use at home
...all exquisite and made exquisitely),

to business model and practices,
- tip included in the price
- baristas make a true living wage
- pay-what-you-can tier for basic items
- pay-it-forward coins for that tier available for purchase

to its contributions to the fabric of its community
- free classes for bike maintenance
- tools for cyclists to use onsite
- a table full of free covid tests, informative 'zines, and lots of printed materials for local resources
- lots of seating and, yes, free wifi
- a performance space is going up in the back

Everyone who comes in is friendly, punk/ska flowed freely but not too loudly from the speakers, the menu has a sense of humor...all the vibes are on point. I stayed for hours and brought a friend.

Best of all, getting coffee at Principles means supporting a woman- and veteran-owned business (bonus: ask Katie about the activist history behind GI coffeehouses!), a sober events space, and a fiercely-supportive LGBTQIA+ space. AND there's even more in store planned...I can't wait!
-------
Back to update 11/22: everything is still superbly great and getting better all the time! Katie works to give platform to the marginalized, to art, and a selection of beans that never fails to surprise. Went on an art show binge and ended up purchasing 22 postcards on display in the café!

Incredible coffee shop and community space. The coffee is absolutely top-tier, they really know their stuff. Lots of good pastries (all vegan). Lots of space inside, good for working or hanging out with friends. And they are great supporters of the local bike community including organizing events. The kind of place we need more of in Brooklyn!

An open loft space with truly unique character, it is full of wonderfully weird found and made objects, artisanal merch, local art. has a vibe of a Brooklyn backyard and a last-minute co-working hangout. All are welcome. I would bring a curious tourist here. A geeky date. A depressed friend. Sip and stay for a while.

After hearing about this place for a while, I finally stopped by while biking in the area to grab a coffee.

The owner was the only one working at the time and unfortunately didn’t seem welcoming. The owner appeared rushed and uninterested in offering even basic service. When I asked where the trash can was, i was vaguely pointed to the back — not exactly the vibe you’d expect on a relaxed Sunday.

In a city like NYC, specially in Brooklyn, with so many great coffee shops that value atmosphere and customer experience, this one really fell short.

It’s surprising this place has lasted as long as it has, especially considering how the owner responds to feedback. From what I’ve seen (and now experienced), there seems to be little interest in improving or engaging with customers in a meaningful way.

If you’re looking for a good vibe and quality service, I’d recommend looking elsewhere.

Love Principles! The drinks are incredible, Katie & her team are all so very knowledgeable and clearly passionate about coffee (& tea). Also cool that the shop is vegan!

But what really sets this spot apart from most other cafes/coffee shops is how community oriented it is! They host so many thoughtful events, and it’s a great space for gathering, working, chatting.

Go try for yourself!!

I come here as often as I can! It’s got such a great queer / community / underground vibe to it. I’m not a cyclist, but love that you don’t have to be to enjoy the space. I like to come with my laptop and stay for awhile (great wifi and easy outlet options). I’ve come back specifically for scrabble night and open mic nights - both great and feel like you’ve stumbled on a hidden gem within the city.

a real coffee house in Brooklyn, there is no place like it! a brilliant community space that is welcoming and provides top notch coffee from roasters from around the world. vegan, and all inclusive pricing (tips tax and fees) makes for easy and delightful exchanges. genuine transparency, what a concept! the space is massive so highly recommend for meeting up with friends and working on your laptop! all around badass business, other small businesses take notes!

I stopped by to get a cup of coffee while driving. Paid $4 as they are a no tip business (I like that), and service was nice for such a brief transaction. I like it black, strong, no sugar. After a couple of sips, I realized that I was drinking the worst cup of coffee I’ve had in a very long time. Bitter, no flavor. I was working and had no time to go back. I guess it must have been a fluke as the reviews are great, but damn it was disappointing to have to throw the coffee away. I don’t know how coffee shops work, but it would be nice if they can test those big pots of coffee once in a while.

Amazing community and space! Pay what you want options, free wifi, bike repair station, bathrooms, and water - how every coffee shop should be. Awesome staff.

A bike cafe that's vegan and sober and LGBT friendly! Awesome coffee and I love trying all the vegan pastries. The space is great for working during the day or go hang out at the huge variety of events throughout the month

one of my favourite spots for coffee in gowanus/south slope.

very accessible off of 4th and 9th, and katie (the owner) is super involved with the community and has cultivated a safe, inclusive, cool neighborhood spot- if I lived closer i’d definitely be a regular.

there’s always plenty of cozy seating, fast wifi + outlets for coworking, and space for games + bike repairs in the back.

the chai is hands down one of my favorite- and everytime i go in, i’m always eyeing the pastries(:

I love principles, the food and drinks are curated with care, and the ambiance is perfect for when I want to bring my laptop to do some work somewhere. and no awkward tipping dance because the price is all inclusive!!

Great Coffee! Kind Staff! wifi wires lots of seating. Really great community space.

Perfect place to grab a coffee, recharge, work on your bike (or on your laptop), see cool art, make cool art, meet nice people, and a whole bunch of other positive fun stuff!

Best coffee in Brooklyn, great place to hang around or work on your laptop.

work on your bike 🚲, while working on your laptop 💻 , while sipping good coffee ☕.