[Photos courtesy of Nate Kensinger]
The much loved Donuts Coffee Shop on Fifth Avenue at Union in Park Slope is in its final days. Its space will soon be consumed by the Associated Supermarket next door, along with the storefront that had been occupied by the shuttered Beso. Photographer Nate Kensinger sent us these photos, along with his take on the sad closure:
The Donuts Coffee Shop is one of those classic diners that feels like its been around forever – just a counter and a row of stools, serving simple food that everyone can afford. A timeless little joint that somehow held on as 5th Avenue has changed.
The owner, Chris, is also the cook, and makes everything behind the counter at a little station in the back. He told me he’s been there for 10 years, 7 days a week, starting at 4:30 in the morning. Besides being the cook, he also helps wait on customers, clears the plates, and knows almost everyone who comes in by name. If he doesn’t know you, he calls you buddy, as in “hey buddy, you want coffee with that?”
He had some choice words about the direction this area is headed… especially about the stadium and all the new developments changing Brooklyn into a new Manhattan. But mainly, he just seemed sad about closing, because, like he said, “You’ll never see another place like this.“
Sad to see it go. I’ve been in there so many times, taken everyone I know there, shared it with friends and family. One of the last old, good things about 5th avenue. Now theres hardly anything at that intersection but new stores, brooklyn industries, red white and bubbly… expensive boutiques.
It’s due to close by the end of December. (Needless to say, that’s Chris in the photo below.)
14 responses so far ↓
1 Anonymous // Dec 19, 2007 at 6:53 am
I hate everyone. This story has tugged at my heartstrings for weeks. Park Slope should be sent packing to West 81st street where it belongs…
Is nothing sacred?
2 Jeremiah Moss // Dec 19, 2007 at 8:31 am
this is heartbreaking news. when will the devastation end?
3 Anonymous // Dec 19, 2007 at 10:08 am
As long as the donut on 7th ave and 9th stays open, I’m happy.
4 Peter Ripley // Dec 19, 2007 at 12:15 pm
What, no picture of Chris’s wife? She’s usually there too. I read elsewhere that they were thinking of going in on a dunkin donuts franchise with a relative.
5 Anonymous // Dec 19, 2007 at 6:01 pm
“What, no picture of Chris’s wife? She’s usually there too.”
No… that’s his sister, Effie.
6 Bryan // Dec 20, 2007 at 9:37 am
This is really too bad, it’s a great place… I used to live right across the street and get coffee and a sandwich there when I worked from home.
7 ms. flipz // Dec 20, 2007 at 9:47 am
They are the nicest people on the street! This is so depressing. It was a refuge – so great when I was too broke to afford brunch in the Slope, but needed to nurse my hangover with some greasy potatoes and sugary coffee. Effie would call me “mami” and make my day.
8 Anonymous // Dec 20, 2007 at 9:49 am
not to be the devils advocate but…
this place was only open in the mornings and I had honestly thought it had closed over a year ago. Stop acting like the residents of Park Slope willed this place to close.
9 AJB // Dec 20, 2007 at 11:23 am
That really sucks. Such a great place and a real neighborhood staple.
10 Anonymous // Dec 21, 2007 at 11:14 am
When is the LAST DAY?
11 Anonymous // Dec 22, 2007 at 12:17 pm
the last day is on a need to know basis, Chris said he will shoot any yuppies he sees come in during the last 8 hours.
12 Frank Jump // Dec 22, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Great storefront shot. Miss all the delis too.
13 Kit // Jan 15, 2008 at 3:59 pm
So long Chris, you will be missed. This is just one of the many great classic diners and delis closing taking the cherished feeling of community that is Brooklyn. I have been photographing the disappearing Brooklyn for a while. Please see my Gone But Not Forgotten Gallery at http://kitkaplan.smugmug.com/gallery/2265542#39950975
14 Anonymous // Jan 17, 2008 at 4:07 pm
We had a “Breakfast Club” there a lot the last 5 years and hadn’t been there for almost a month and came back to the BEST breakfast place in town being closed down!!! We love Chris and Effie. Sorry we didn’t get to say good bye
Jackie and Worm