10/26/09

not the best "choice"...

by a name

Overcharged on delivery and would not change our prices when i called after putting me on hold for five minutes when i tried to call and place an order. In addition, the store is cramped and crowded on weekends, the wait is long, the single table and one-room setup do not accommodate the amount of patrons. You have to compete with more people coming in as you are being pushed out of the tiny space. The food taste great, but overall it isn't worth the effort. Sorry, but this is not longer my "choice" for Clinton-hill eating.‎

• Pros: food
• Cons: service, wait, attitude, resturant size

08/11/08

Perfect in every way

by funny_fringe

I go to Pratt and live a few blocks away from Choice and I love it. It's my go to place when I need something good to eat and don't feel like cooking. It can be crowded during lunchtime/ the weekends (especially during the morning) and everything is made fresh so you will have to wait, but I think the food and what it costs is worth it. The beef burger is my favorite item on the menu, followed by the sandwiches. I've never had a bad experience at Choice- I guess if you aren't a regular and don't know how the place is run, it can be a hassle, but give it another try. Big group dining isn't recommended since there is one communal table, but it's great to eat-in when dining out with a few friends (four or less) or on a casual date. And please please please don't bring your strollers in here! It's way too small and no one will be happy, customers and waitstaff included!

• Pros: Great food, nice location, awesome baked goods
• Cons: Small, crowded during expected busy times

04/03/08

Sometimes not the best choice..

by streetfaerie

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

02/27/07

A natural tranquilizer

by nycandpdx

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

Editorial Review

by Contributor

Clinton Hill cafe with a neighborhood vibe serving coffee, espresso, pastries and muffins, plus freshly prepared sandwiches and sides.

11/01/06

It's your Choice.

by monbons

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

07/04/06

slow if they need to prepare it...but you can see them making it

by designs2003

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.