It’s official (and has been for several months now), Old Brooklyn is finally properly caffeinated. Not one, but two coffee shops have arrived to help perk up the neighborhood. Having lived in Old Brooklyn for more than 20 years, I can attest these additions were long overdue.
So, where is Old Brooklyn? I get that question a lot, so I’ll help you out if you aren’t familiar. The Old Brooklyn neighborhood is located 10 minutes south of downtown Cleveland. If you look on the map, it’s just north of Parma and east of the city of Brooklyn, making up only six square miles. Now with renewed interest in this community of 35,000 residents, more and more businesses seem to be moving to the area (stores/restaurants include Lilly Handmade Chocolates, El Rinconcito Chapin, Old Brooklyn Cheese Shop and many more ). For more information on the changes happening in Old Brooklyn, click here.
Coffee Coffee Coffee
First on the list is Coffee Coffee Coffee. Run by the same owner of Passengers Cafe in Ohio City, Coffee Coffee Coffee is a perfect addition to “downtown” Old Brooklyn. It’s nondescript storefront blends in with the neighborhood and the interior is bright and airy. Old church pews serve as chairs at many of the tables or you have the option to choose one of the high tops. Head to the back of the store and you’ll find a bicycle repair shop, which somehow seems to fit right in.
The coffee was great, and not at all surprising to me, as they serve Phoenix (which is one of my favorites). I spent nearly four hours working at Coffee Coffee Coffee and sampled both a cappuccino and regular cup of coffee. They also serve sandwiches from Herb & Twine, including a vegetarian option (super tasty and filling).
Metropolitan Coffee
Located on Broadview Road, just north of Brookpark (and only a few streets away from my childhood home) is Metropolitan Coffee. Even if I didn’t like the coffee (and I do), I would probably go to Metropolitan just because the interior is amazing. It’s spacious and filled with lots of natural light from the floor to ceiling windows facing the street. Industrial light fixtures and retro furniture complete the look. I am also slightly obsessed with their logo, which includes one of the Guardians of Transportation holding a cup of joe.
You’ll have your selection of Rising Star brews, as well as the option to shop local Cleveland merchandise. Plan on blocking off your afternoon, as you could easily spend hours in this trendy coffee shop.
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