A visit to Octavia, a lovely coffee shop in the Cobble Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn will instantly remind you what it means to have a local favorite spot. I had seen Octavia on social media with their pink and white striped umbrellas that are out even in snowy weather, and I had to check it out.
A sunny spring day for coffee outside at Octavia
Octavia Coffee in Cobble Hill at Wycoff & Court Street
We went on one of the first warm days of spring and our timing was impeccable to take advantage of the outdoor space and sit under the cheerful striped umbrellas. The shop indoors is equally as charming with its exposed brick walls, and bright sunny front window.
I wanted to know more about this lovely shop, so I sent a DM to @Octaviacoffee. The owner responded right away and gave me a little back story! Owners Jillian Schiavi and Michael de Zayas left the city for Vermont at the beginning of the pandemic. When they returned to Brooklyn six months later, Jillian said they realized what their neighborhood was missing was a “cute, delicious community-oriented coffee shop.” So right after Thanksgiving in 2020, they opened Octavia. The name came from Michael’s young daughter.
A customer Loyalty Punch Card!
The idea for the time clock started at their first coffee shop, Little Zelda, (named after Michaels’s older daughter). The time clock worked beautifully with the design of the shop by Jillian so they added it to Octavia too! It creates that sense of community. Regular customers can decorate their card with markers provided and each time they make a purchase, they can punch the clock. So a loyalty punch card in the truest sense!
The Time Card Wall at Octavia
The punch cards have worked so well at Little Zelda and Octavia that they also used the same system at their newest little coffee shop in Manhattan, Sorella! We can’t wait to visit! It’s located 145 East 27th Street, just off Third Avenue in the Rose Hill neighborhood.
Neighborhood coffee shops where community is everything. Make sure to stop by any of these shops when you’re in the neighborhood. And they have a yoga studio too!
Octavia Coffee
198 Court Street, Cobble Hill
Little Zelda Coffee
728 Franklin Avenue, Crown Heights
Sorella Coffee
145 East 27th Street, Rose Hill
Arise Yoga Brooklyn
730 Franklin Avenue
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Roberta Dubonet says
Back in my days of college at Baruch on 23rd and lexinton ave.
The. Only coffe shop was Chock full of Nuts
Now gone for many years.
I was a Business Teacher and we t i to the Antique furniture travel to Paris now li ing in Boca Raton Florida
Wish ylur coffee was down her
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Zatar Cafe & Bistro says
A visit to Octavia in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, offers a delightful experience that resonates with anyone who appreciates the charm and warmth of neighborhood gems. This post not only captures the essence of Octavia’s inviting atmosphere but also highlights its unique offerings that make it a standout in the bustling Brooklyn scene. Whether it’s the exquisite menu, the cozy ambiance, or the friendly staff, this piece provides readers with a vivid snapshot of what makes Octavia a must-visit spot in Cobble Hill, encouraging locals and visitors alike to discover its enchanting allure for themselves.
Zatar Cafe & Bistro says
Annie Diamond’s article about Octavia in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, truly captures the heartwarming essence of a local favorite coffee spot. Her vivid descriptions of Octavia’s charming outdoor space, cozy interior, and community-oriented approach paint a beautiful picture of what makes this coffee shop special. Learning about the owners’ journey and the thoughtful details like the loyalty punch cards adds depth to the story and makes Octavia feel like more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee—it’s a place where people come together, connect, and feel at home. Diamond’s article not only informs but also evokes a sense of curiosity and excitement, making me eager to visit Octavia and experience its enchanting atmosphere firsthand. Great job capturing the magic of Octavia, Annie!