New to the Neighborhood: Konditori, 167 Bedford Avenue

As of yesterday, the new Swedish cafe and pastry shop, Konditori, is officially open on North 7th between Bedford Avenue and Berry Street. This is the coffee shops fourth location to pop up within the last two years, the first two being in Park Slope, and the third on the Lower East Side. Konditori translates to both a pastry shop and meeting place, while the cafe boasts some of the best coffee around. Owner Per Johan (said 'Pear') informed me that the Sweds and the Fins are the biggest coffee drinkers in the world, so it's only right that he would boast some of the best in the neighborhood. 

Blending three different Arabic light-to-medium beans native to South and Central America, combined with their French-Press-Only brewing style, it is true that Konditori's flavor is delightfully robust, while soothingly light. "Good coffee and good pastries with great customer service" is what Per strives for with Konditori. He furthered that his baristas are extremely well trained and never scoff an attitude with the customers. 

Coupled with great coffee and espresso are delicious pastries, some even made in-house. Per's partner Ronnie Kajohan is the onsite baker. He makes bagels and muffins fresh every day, but also busts out the traditional Swedish confections like Kanelbullar - the Swedish version of a cinnamon bun, which is a light coffee bread with almonds with cinnamon and pearl sugar on top. He also makes Coco Balls, which are rolled oats, coffee, chocolate, and sugar, a little butter to make it stick and finally, it's rolled in coconut. Though, you have to get into Konditori early as they move off the shelves fast!

Konditori also works in conjunction with a local baker, Julie, who creates delicious vegan and gluten-free pastries and cookies for your enjoyment.

In addition to the rustic, bare bricked walls and exposed ceiling of the inside, Konditori has the largest backyard for any cafe in Williamsburg. With a 1,200 square foot deck area, there's room for everyone who wants to be there. Per has even tossed around the idea of having events in the area, but we'll have to wait for spring to find out. Another cool aspect of Konditori is the chalkboard bathroom walls and the "Community Chalkboard" inside. People can come in and write if they're looking for an apartment, have a bike for sale, really anything, and the beauty is no one has to spend hours scrubbing the bathroom walls to remove grafitti. 

Fun fact: every Konditori has an old-school refrigerator from the 50's or 60's. The one here is from 1962 and looks like where grandpa used to store his Schlitz in the garage. 

Konditori, 167 North 7th Street, Brooklyn NY 11211. Phone: 347-529-4802