Seemor
Café Au LeeB+Worth Trying
193 Lee Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
· Kosher restaurant, Catering food and drink supplier, Delivery Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (362 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Reliable kosher dairy spot for quick, fresh salads, blintzes, and breakfast, but pricing and a past 10% surcharge spark value complaints.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Café Au Lee delivers solid neighborhood cafe quality with fresh, reliable dairy staples and notably fast, friendly service that keeps regulars returning. However, cramped seating during peak hours and pricing that feels steep for counter service limit its appeal beyond the local kosher community, preventing it from reaching higher-grade territory. It's a dependable spot for quick, quality meals rather than a destination.
Restaurant Summary
On Lee Avenue’s busy strip, Café Au Lee buzzes with quick, friendly service and a steady stream of locals grabbing salads, blintzes, and coffee. A diner summed it up: "They move fast and pack everything neatly." Lunchtime can be tight on seats, but the vibe stays efficient and welcoming. The cooking leans classic kosher dairy with fresh, reliable staples rather than chef-y experiments. Think blintzes, customizable salads, breakfast omelets and bagels, and lox rolls. The approach is familiar and comforting, which suits quick lunches, casual breakfasts, and takeout. Flavor feedback is strong overall, though several guests note that prices feel on the higher side for a counter-service cafe. Families do fine here: the menu skews simple and kid-approachable with omelets, bagels, and pastries. Space can be cramped at rush hours, so off-peak visits make it easier with strollers. No kids menu is mentioned, but portionable breakfast and dairy items help keep young eaters happy.
At a Glance
- Fresh salads, blintzes, and dairy items earn consistent praise
- Fast, efficient counter service with reliable packaging for takeout
- Pricing feels high for a casual cafe; past 10 percent surcharge in 2022
- Limited seating during peak lunch hours
- Kid-friendly options like omelets, bagels, and pastries
What Sets It Apart
- kosher_dairy_specialist
- speedy_counter_service
- community_location_on_lee_ave
What People Love
- Fresh, crisp salads built to order
- Tasty blintzes called out as must-have
- Speedy service even with lines
- Friendly staff who keep things moving
Points of Concern
- Prices run higher than nearby cafes per multiple reviews
- Seating can be scarce at busy lunch hours; expect to wait or take out
- One-off misses like bland cauliflower or skimpy tuna reported
- Review patterns show signs of polarized pricing reactions; earlier 2022 surcharge complaints no longer repeated but linger in perception
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$22-$36 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Based on reviews, expect breakfast combos around $17 and coffee with pastry near $10-$12; consider salads or blintzes for best satisfaction-to-price ratio
Perfect For
- Quick kosher dairy lunch on Lee Ave
- Casual breakfast with simple, fresh options
- Takeout when you need reliable packaging
- Families seeking kid-approachable dairy staples
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Orthodox Jewish shopping corridor with fast-casual eateries and kosher grocers; heavy daytime foot traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, high pedestrian presence, active retail; standard urban vigilance at night.
Nearby: Surrounded by shops and services on Lee Ave; near synagogues and community centers; limited street parking.
WilliamsburgWilliamsburg is a trendy and bustling neighborhood with a strong arts and music culture, featuring a wide range of dining options from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. The area attracts a hip, youthful crowd and is known for its lively nightlife, artisanal food markets, and innovative culinary scenes.
East WilliamsburgEast Williamsburg retains some of its industrial roots with converted warehouses and lofts, offering a mix of casual dining spots and emerging food venues. It is less touristy than central Williamsburg but still vibrant and accessible, appealing to those who appreciate a blend of creativity and authenticity.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday06:30–19:00
Tuesday06:30–19:00
Wednesday06:30–19:00
Thursday06:30–19:00
Friday06:30–14:30
Saturday
Sunday08:00–19:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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