Choice Market

Great food and faster service than going in and negotiating the lines in person. more

I am torn down the middle over this place. I like the food, like the coffee, like the fact that there's group seating that sets the stage to meet neighbors...but I don't like the prices, and don't like the service. Its consistently bad service here, and you've been warned - do not go if you're starving. If you are hungry and think you will get a sandwich easily and quickly, think again. And the crowd has nothing to do with it. The amount of time it takes for an $8.00 panini is absurd. Equally absurd is their attitude. Sometimes nice, but most times snotty and at times bordering on hostile, even if you smile at them. Don't even bother trying to make small talk. This is an example of whats acceptable when a neighborhood is underserved. They get business only because there are no real alternatives in the area. I used to go often, when they first opened everyone was so friendly and tried hard. Now they can care less, AND they've raised their prices (even on the day old pastry) so my visits have basically ended, i pop in sometimes for a cafe au lait or a scone, thats about it. Pros: coffee options, varied menu Cons: slow service, attitude, high priced more

I am from the west coast and spent a lot of time in Europe, so I appreciate this place on many levels. The food is very tasty and the baked goods are very nice. It's a little pricey, but worth it. In terms of atmosphere, it's a great community event. Pratt students, professors, intellectuals, avid magazine and newspaper readers, families--the cutest kids dressed in the brightest colors--dogs, grocery store shoppers and so on. Regardless, everyone who enters automatically has to deal with a patient and relaxed feeling. There is no sense of urgency with the staff there and they could use a course in operations management (although their friendly demeanor outweighs the aforementioned)...but afterall, we're in a low-key, creative neighborhood. The place is smaller than my apartment and there are enough visitors at a time to fill two subway cars. Ultimately, this place takes you right out of New York City and gives you a taste of many other places unlike it. Pros: many pros Cons: Slow, discorganized more

Unfortunately Choice Market is not up to par. It has great food but poor, poor service. Long lines of waiting, hungry people shouting, hostile workers, occasional French glares, and coffee supposedly brewing when you have class in five minutes. It is hard to believe that this market/coffee shop is constantly buzzing with business, when it takes about two hours to get a tomato basil sandwich. On top of the impolite workers, long wait, and brewing coffee, you get your daily pretentious-untrendy-unhip neighborhood 30+ art fools. Next to their chai latte, croissant, and powerbook, you notice their New York magazine, misc philosophy texts, and the ocassional yappy dog. BON APPETIT! Pros: good food Cons: everything else more

The perfect neighborhood bakery! They make everything there in front of you, and it is all wonderful. They also have breakfast options and sandwiches. The decor is a simple country French feel with a long wood table inside and benches outside in the summer. Clinton Hill neighbors are sure to run into people they know as many people have made this place part of their life ritual. more