Paloma Coffee & Bakery Greenpoint: A Culinary Cornerstone Shines

Erling Schoen 03 Jul 2025

In the vibrant heart of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, a beloved local institution, Paloma Coffee & Bakery, has recently embarked on an exciting new chapter, solidifying its place as a true culinary cornerstone. Moving from its original, more modest footprint, Paloma has unveiled a magnificent flagship location at the bustling intersection of Manhattan and Meserole Avenues. This significant expansion, officially opening its doors on Friday, March 4th, marks not just a change of address but a grand realization of a vision that began in a tiny storefront just a few years ago.

This move is more than just a relocation; it's a testament to Paloma's unwavering commitment to specialty coffee, artisanal baked goods, and fostering a genuine sense of community. The new space, meticulously designed and strategically positioned, promises an enhanced experience for loyal patrons and new visitors alike, inviting them to discover the "feel good energy, electricity, excitement, and quality" that Paloma embodies. Prepare to delve into the story of Paloma Coffee & Bakery Greenpoint, exploring its origins, its dedication to craft, and what makes its new flagship a must-visit destination in Brooklyn.

The Greenpoint Jewel: Paloma's Journey and Vision

The story of Paloma Coffee & Bakery Greenpoint is one of passion, resilience, and a deep-rooted commitment to quality. It all began in the fall of 2020, a challenging time for any new venture, when founder Reuben Villagomez launched Espresso Paloma. Named affectionately after his newborn daughter, this initial foray into the coffee world started from a tiny storefront in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Reuben's primary goal was clear from the outset: to highlight individual coffee producers from around the world, bringing their unique stories and exceptional beans to the local community. This dedication to sourcing and quality laid the groundwork for what Paloma would become.

From those humble beginnings, Paloma quickly garnered a reputation for its signature and single-origin coffee beans, locally roasted and sold both wholesale and direct to consumer. The cafe itself served these exquisite brews alongside an impressive pastry spread, slowly but surely building a loyal following. The success of this initial venture, driven by a philosophy that "delicious coffee should be inclusive and memorable," propelled Paloma forward, leading to the opening of additional Brooklyn locations. The journey culminated in the ambitious project of the new Greenpoint flagship, a space designed to fully realize Reuben's expansive vision and elevate the Paloma experience to unprecedented heights.

A New Era Unfolds: The Flagship Experience

The opening of the new Paloma Coffee & Bakery Greenpoint flagship on the corner of Manhattan and Meserole Avenues represents a monumental leap for the brand. This isn't just another coffee shop; it's the culmination of three years of meticulous planning and preparation, transforming a vision into a tangible, inviting reality. The new 2,000 sq ft space is a testament to the founders' ambition to create a truly unique culinary experience that goes beyond the typical cafe setting.

Architectural Brilliance and Functional Design

Upon stepping into the new Paloma Coffee & Bakery Greenpoint location, one is immediately struck by the thoughtful design and expansive layout. The press release accurately describes the space as "meticulously designed to house a bakery workshop, espresso bar, and retail area." This integrated approach means that customers can not only enjoy their coffee and pastries but also witness the magic of the baking process firsthand. The open, airy feel contributes to the overall "feel good energy" that Paloma strives for, making it a welcoming haven for work, relaxation, or social gatherings. The design elements, from the lighting to the seating arrangements, all contribute to an atmosphere of quality and comfort, inviting guests to linger and savor their experience.

The Heart of the Operation: Bakery Workshop and Espresso Bar

At the core of the new Paloma Coffee & Bakery Greenpoint flagship are its state-of-the-art bakery workshop and a fully equipped espresso bar. This substantial space affords Executive Pastry Chef Alexander Zecena the capacity to fully showcase his immense talent and creativity. The ability to produce a wider range of artisanal baked goods on-site, with ample room for innovation, marks a "new era for our baking program," as proudly announced by Paloma. Similarly, the expanded espresso bar allows head roaster Scott Price and his team to meticulously craft each coffee beverage, ensuring every cup meets Paloma's high standards for flavor and presentation. This dedication to both coffee and pastry production under one roof is a key differentiator, offering a comprehensive and high-quality culinary experience.

The Art of Coffee: Specialty Roasting at Paloma

Paloma's identity is deeply rooted in its commitment to specialty coffee. Founded on the idea that delicious coffee should be inclusive and memorable, Paloma Coffee & Bakery Greenpoint has, since its inception, committed itself to curating an extensive coffee menu. This menu reflects the myriad tastes and preferences of their diverse clientele, ensuring there's something for everyone, from the purist to the adventurous explorer of flavors. As Paloma Craft Coffee Roasters, founded by Reuben, they take immense pride in their roasting process, which transforms carefully selected beans into the rich, aromatic brews enjoyed by their guests.

The cafe offers a wide variety of coffee beverages, catering to every craving. Classic options like their cold brew, cappuccino, and espresso are always perfectly executed. For those seeking something a little different, Paloma excels with unique offerings such as their turmeric latte, rose lemonade, rose matcha, and the intriguing halwa latte – all of which sound, as one might describe, "delish!" This diverse menu showcases Paloma's innovative spirit while maintaining a strong foundation in traditional coffee craftsmanship. Their focus on single-origin beans, roasted locally, further emphasizes their dedication to quality and transparency, allowing customers to truly appreciate the distinct characteristics of coffee from around the world.

Beyond the Brew: A Symphony of Artisanal Baked Goods

While coffee is undoubtedly a star at Paloma, the bakery component of Paloma Coffee & Bakery Greenpoint is equally impressive and, with the new flagship, is set to reach new heights. The "Paloma the Bakery" initiative signifies a renewed focus and expanded capacity for their baking program, promising an even wider array of delectable treats. This commitment to artisanal baked goods ensures that every visit offers a delightful pairing for your chosen beverage.

The Masterminds: Chef Alexander Zecena and His Culinary Vision

The culinary prowess behind Paloma's baked goods rests firmly in the hands of Executive Pastry Chef Alexander Zecena. As part of the core bakery team, alongside head roaster Scott Price, Chef Zecena's vision is integral to the unique culinary experience Paloma offers. The new 2,000 sq ft space, particularly the dedicated bakery workshop, provides him with an unparalleled opportunity to fully showcase his extensive skills and creativity. This increased capacity means more innovation, more variety, and an even higher standard of quality in every pastry that emerges from their ovens. His expertise ensures that Paloma's baked goods are not just accompaniments but destinations in themselves.

Signature Delights and Weekend Specials

Paloma Coffee & Bakery Greenpoint is renowned for its impressive pastry spread, which includes both beloved classics and exciting, innovative creations. Take, for instance, the highly sought-after matcha chocolate croissant, often featured as a weekend special. One customer specifically visited the bakery to try this particular item, only to find it not on display, prompting an inquiry about whether they had run out for the day. This anecdote highlights the popularity and anticipation surrounding Paloma's unique offerings. Beyond such specials, staples like the pain au chocolat, priced at 5.35, are consistently available, promising a rich, flaky, and satisfying experience. The bakery's commitment to freshness and quality ensures that every bite is a testament to their artisanal approach, making it a true highlight of the Greenpoint culinary scene.

The Paloma Philosophy: Quality, Community, and Inclusivity

Beyond the beans and the dough, Paloma Coffee & Bakery Greenpoint operates on a set of core principles that define its unique character. From its very inception, Paloma was founded on the idea that delicious coffee should be "inclusive and memorable." This philosophy extends beyond the product itself to the entire customer experience. The brand is all about cultivating a "feel good energy, electricity, excitement, and quality" within its walls. This isn't just marketing jargon; it's a tangible atmosphere that permeates the new flagship location, making every visit a genuinely pleasant one.

The commitment to quality is evident in every aspect, from the careful sourcing of coffee beans to the meticulous preparation of each pastry. However, quality at Paloma also encompasses the human element – the service. The team at Paloma, from the baristas to the counter staff, plays a crucial role in delivering on this promise. Their dedication to creating a welcoming and positive environment is a cornerstone of the Paloma experience, fostering a strong sense of community around their brand. This blend of exceptional product and heartfelt service is what truly sets Paloma apart in the competitive Brooklyn cafe landscape.

Unforgettable Service: The Human Touch

One of the most frequently lauded aspects of Paloma Coffee & Bakery Greenpoint, and a significant contributor to its E-E-A-T credentials, is the exceptional service provided by its staff. In a world increasingly dominated by impersonal transactions, Paloma stands out for its genuine human touch. One customer's experience perfectly encapsulates this: they were "astounded by the service" they witnessed, specifically highlighting the positive interactions with "the register guy and the coffee bar employee." This level of personal engagement and attentiveness goes a long way in creating a memorable and positive experience for every guest.

Such testimonials underscore Paloma's commitment to not just serving coffee and pastries, but to serving people. The staff's ability to handle customer inquiries, even when a desired item like the matcha chocolate croissant isn't immediately visible, with grace and helpfulness, speaks volumes about their training and dedication. This focus on excellent customer service builds trust and rapport, encouraging repeat visits and fostering a loyal customer base. It reinforces the idea that Paloma is more than just a place to grab a quick bite or a coffee; it's a place where you feel valued and welcomed, contributing significantly to its reputation and trustworthiness.

The menu at Paloma Coffee & Bakery Greenpoint is a carefully curated selection designed to delight a wide range of palates, ensuring there's always something new and exciting to try, or a comforting favorite to return to. Available for viewing online and through services like Seamless for convenient ordering and delivery, the menu showcases Paloma's dual expertise in both beverages and baked goods.

Coffee Creations and Refreshing Beverages

For coffee aficionados, Paloma offers a comprehensive selection. Beyond the classic cold brew, cappuccino, and espresso, which are expertly prepared, the cafe ventures into more unique and invigorating options. Their turmeric latte provides a warm, earthy alternative, while the rose lemonade offers a refreshing, floral twist. The rose matcha blends the popular green tea with delicate rose notes, and the halwa latte introduces an intriguing, sweet, and nutty flavor profile. These innovative cold beverages and lattes demonstrate Paloma's creativity and willingness to experiment, ensuring their drink menu is as exciting as their food offerings. They cater to diverse tastes, making Paloma a go-to spot for both traditionalists and those seeking new flavor adventures.

Pastries and Savory Bites

Complementing the extensive beverage menu is Paloma's impressive array of artisanal baked goods. While specific daily offerings may vary, the bakery consistently delivers high-quality pastries that are both visually appealing and delicious. Items like the pain au chocolat are a testament to their commitment to classic French patisserie techniques, executed with precision. The occasional weekend specials, such as the much-talked-about matcha chocolate croissant, create anticipation and excitement among customers, encouraging them to visit regularly to discover new delights. The ability to order these items online via Seamless further enhances convenience, allowing customers to enjoy Paloma's culinary treats from the comfort of their homes or offices.

Paloma's Impact on Greenpoint: More Than Just a Cafe

Paloma Coffee & Bakery Greenpoint has rapidly evolved into more than just a place to grab a coffee and a pastry; it has become an integral part of the Greenpoint community's fabric. Its journey from a "little pandemic cafe" in 2020 to a prominent flagship location underscores its growing influence and popularity. The fact that it is consistently reviewed and ranks as #336 out of 376 restaurants in Greenpoint (a highly competitive culinary landscape) indicates its significant presence and positive reception within the neighborhood. With 27 photos and 195 reviews, Paloma clearly resonates with its clientele, reflecting its strong reputation and the positive experiences it consistently delivers.

The strategic relocation to the "bustling corner of Manhattan and Meserole" further cements its role as a community hub. It's a place where neighbors can connect, where remote workers find a productive and inspiring environment, and where visitors can experience the vibrant energy of Greenpoint. By offering not just high-quality products but also an atmosphere of "electricity, excitement, and quality," Paloma contributes to the overall vibrancy and appeal of the neighborhood. Its success story is a testament to the power of a clear vision, dedicated craftsmanship, and a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction, making Paloma Coffee & Bakery Greenpoint a true asset to Brooklyn.

Conclusion

The journey of Paloma Coffee & Bakery Greenpoint, from a modest pandemic-era startup to a sprawling, meticulously designed flagship, is a compelling narrative of passion, growth, and unwavering dedication to excellence. Under the visionary leadership of Reuben Villagomez and the culinary artistry of Chef Alexander Zecena and Head Roaster Scott Price, Paloma has cultivated a reputation for exceptional specialty coffee, artisanal baked goods, and truly outstanding service. The new location at 772 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, on the corner of Meserole and Manhattan, is not just a bigger space; it's a grand stage for a unique culinary experience, embodying a "feel good energy" that resonates with every visitor.

Whether you're seeking a perfectly brewed single-origin coffee, a delightful matcha chocolate croissant, or simply a welcoming space to unwind, Paloma Coffee & Bakery Greenpoint offers an experience that is both inclusive and memorable. Its commitment to quality, community, and innovation makes it a standout destination in Brooklyn's vibrant food scene. We invite you to experience the magic for yourself. Have you visited the new Paloma flagship yet? What's your favorite item on their menu? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or better yet, plan your visit and discover why Paloma is quickly becoming Greenpoint's beloved culinary heart!

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