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Frequently mentioned in reviews: coffee (61) shop (22) great (14) friendly (11) service (11) latte (11) owner (10) neighborhood (9) chocolate (8) perfect (8)
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  • 5/5 Jackie L. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a cute little coffee shop with great coffee, lots of plants and really great conversations with the employees. What more could you ask for? Also the chocolate croissant was possibly the best I’ve ever had…
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julia H. 3 months ago on Google • 851 reviews New
    This is such a lovely small spot for good coffees by Italian friends in the neighborhood. They were so friendly and visitors seemed chill and relax here. Cappuccino was good, the foam was not that perfectly creamy but the taste was great. I had a sip of drip coffee, I think they picked great beans since it was blond, balanced, and rich while not too bitter or blended. And ✨✨mini donuts were sooo doughy with creamy filling!! Personally preferred the vanilla one. Definitely recommend to ya! And would like to visit again!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashley 6 months ago on Google • 8 reviews
    Okay! 100% get the perfect 5 star rating of this place. So cute and adorable. Terrific coffee and 6 stars for the service. The perfect “locals” coffee shop. There is no indoor seating, but some cute outdoor bench seating where we chilled with friends while neighbors walked by and sat with their dogs - it was the most lovely fall vibe kinda a day. Loved the tiny hazelnut donuts, the perfect treat. Wish I was a Queens local so I could swing by every day!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 cleidy h. 10 months ago on Google
    Cute little coffee shop, no indoor seating and very limited space out front. Ordered the matcha lemonade which taste exactly as it sounds, the iced coffee that was perfect, a chocolate croissant with strawberries, and to finish it off a mini vanilla doughnut that was extremely soft and fluffy. Would definitely revisit this place!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jihoon L. 10 months ago on Google
    As a coffee shop that is very serious about making a cup of coffee, I think it is a must-visit coffee shop for Astoria residents. The interior space is narrow, but there is a large glass attached behind the bar table, so the sense of space that you can actually feel is much wider. Cute chairs are arranged on the sidewalk in front of the store, which is also good for enjoying relaxation with coffee outdoors on a fine day.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steph W. 4 months ago on Google • 459 reviews
    Great coffee. You can order from their outside window. Inside is tight but homey. Bathroom available. Free mini chocolate filled donut for first time customers. Punch card for return customers!

  • 5/5 Jessica L. 1 year ago on Google
    Cute coffee shop with maximum service! Really love how the owner served us. He is very kind and let us try their handmade granola during the cold weather few days ago. Definitely will go back to this place again and again :) Oh, I ordered hot matcha latte and iced latte that time, just FYI.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Artem R. 2 years ago on Google
    Definitely the best coffee shop in Astoria. Quality of the coffee and food is always great, however, it's not the only reason to go there. If you’re looking to have great service provided by the owners/baristas and have a nice conversation with the regular customers, that is a place to go. Wish to put 6 stars for this place, however, google is only allowing me to do 5.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jodi B. 1 year ago on Google
    this place is amazing!!! be aware that you will wish you ordered a second coffee when you’re finished with the first 😂 customer service is amazing - they always make you feel so welcome. this is always my go-to when in new york. 11/10 also the hazelnut donuts melt in your mouth! ❤️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katarina M. 2 years ago on Google
    Very good Cappuccino but the the overnight oats were the best I've ever had. It's convenient to have the walk up window. I really liked the modern design of the shop and the elephant design on the merchandise. Will definitely be coming back for more.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Theo G. 1 year ago on Google
    Best coffee shop in New York City! Stylish, small and friendly with amazing coffee. The owners are amazing, essential members of the Astoria community. ☕️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 serdar b. 6 months ago on Google • 133 reviews
    The best 3rd generation Americano I've had in New York! After buying the coffee, I lost it :) The owner of the place immediately offered me a new one. In 3rd generation coffee houses, this type of coffee can be heavy in the base and you cannot drink it immediately when the temperature is high, but here the balance, roasting rate of the coffee and temperature were perfect.

  • 5/5 Hardeep S. 7 months ago on Google • 64 reviews
    The pastries and drinks were amazing. The service was the best I have had in so long. They were so nice, and attentive to us as soon as we got there. Cute was to utilize the space outside of the shop. Loved it. The mini donuts and chocolate croissant was just so so good! I tried the chai latte and Matcha and they were just delicious. Definitely recommend and will be coming back!

  • 5/5 Kevin M. 2 months ago on Google • 31 reviews New
    Just visited today and I understand the 5 star rating now. This is a fantastic neighborhood cafe down a quiet block. The owner is super friendly and engaging with both newcomers and regulars (we saw plenty of both). We got a flat white and iced latte, both of which were flavorful and balanced. The chocolate croissants were delicious and molten-hot when we got them, fresh out of the oven. Highly recommend coming here!

  • 5/5 Нема �. 5 months ago on Google • 12 reviews
    My favorite place for coffee. The best coffee in Astoria and one of the best in NYC! Great atmosphere, great coffee, mini donuts and croissants. You must come here and taste. You’ll always come back to this place.

  • 5/5 Karolina 3 months ago on Google • 9 reviews New
    LOVE coming here for iced coffee and to replenish my bean supply. The people working there are always super nice and cheerful, and a delight to interact with, even if briefly. Plus the pastries are delicious!! Their high rating is not a surprise :)

  • 5/5 Rupert C. 1 month ago on Google • 8 reviews New
    Nestled in the heart of Astoria, Balancero is not your ordinary coffee spot – it’s a delightful coffee shop gem. My go-to order is an almond latte, which is perfect every time, with a creamy texture and a delightful nutty flavor. The service at Balancero is nothing short of exceptional. The orders are prompt, without compromising on quality. It has a charming ambiance and fosters a great sense of community. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, you’re welcomed with a friendly smile! If you’re in search of a spot to indulge in your favorite coffee fix or simply craving a warm beverage to brighten your day, Balancero won’t disappoint. Trust me; it’s a cherished local treasure.

  • 5/5 Tudor B. 5 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    Amazing coffee shop! The location is very nice, and atmosphere amazing. People are hanging out outside drinking their coffee and chilling. The coffee is awesome, we got two flat whites, they were very excellent. They have high quality beans and ingredients! The pastry is delicious, you have to try the chocolate strawberry croissant and the little doughnuts. The two guys that owns the shop are very friendly and sociable, with a lot of stories! This place totally deserves it’s place in top 25 coffee shops in NYC!

  • 5/5 Princessa T. 1 year ago on Google
    Cute, unassuming coffee shop with the friendliest owners/baristas. I ordered a matcha latte & a chocolate croissant and they gave me a complimentary chocolate donut as a new customer! They have a punch card for new customers that and give the 10th coffee for free. I love the sense of community in this coffee shop.

  • 5/5 Kayla L. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely delicious espresso served by even better baristas. Such a family and community vibe when you walk up to the door or even stand outside if you want to take your order to go! They have punch cards for returning customers and on our first trip they gave my husband and I a delicious warm pastry as a welcome! We will definitely be returning! Both the cappuccino and iced latte were perfection.

  • 5/5 Jared P. 9 months ago on Google
    The coffee has a very nice and unique taste. It is much stronger and richer in taste than any coffee in the five boroughs. The guys inside seem nice and chill too.

  • 5/5 Mariyam E. 10 months ago on Google
    Such a homie sweet coffee shop, they take customer service and service to another level. I was in the area and googled coffee near me and found this place with 5 star review and I was like let me check it out. The owner was so sweet he greeted me so nicely told me about his coffee specials and when he learned it was my first time, he gave me some of his bakery items for free since they have a tradition for new customers where they give them bakery items. Overall I appreciate this place its a hole in the wall coffee shop You should definitely check it out 10/10 recommend, coffee is not bitter. I ordered two cappuccino's decaf

  • 5/5 Meherun S. 1 year ago on Google
    My go to coffee spot in the weekend! Small but very friendly staff. Love their Nutella donut holes and overnight oats.

  • 5/5 Grace L. 1 year ago on Google
    I came across this five-star cafe on Google map and decided to pay a visit when we were nearby as it’s hard to earn five stars nowadays in nyc that I’d definitely like to take a look. And yay I’m so glad I did as the coffee here are amazingly delicious and the owner is pleasant and welcoming from the beginning greeting us at the doorstep. After confirming we were new to the neighborhood he gave us a loyalty card that you can collect points for drink reward (how nice!). While we were pretty satisfied and ready to leave, the even more surprising part was happening that the owner quickly wrapped two mini custard donuts for us as a warm welcoming gift! I can’t think of any idea that you don’t come get a drink. Wonderful place full of greenery plants and elephant decoration, perfectly done coffee, cozy chill vibes, and great people of course!

  • 5/5 Monica M. 1 year ago on Google
    My boyfriend and I were very curious to try BALANCERO, the only coffee shop in Queens with a perfect five star review. How was this even possible in a world with internet trolls? It is. They completely exceeded our expectations! We mentioned to the owner(?) that we must have stopped by his shop once a few months ago. He asked if we got a punch card to which we responded “no.” What does he do? He gives us a fresh card, punches our order (and a few extra slots), and gives us four, free, DELICIOUS donuts. So alas, I am here to confirm this is indeed a five star kind of coffee shop. Great coffee, great food, INCREDIBLE service. Will be back very, very soon!

  • 5/5 Maurizio D. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a true gem, a real neighborhood cafe where everything is top quality: house-roasted coffee (at perfect mid-roasted point), awesome croissants, funny conversations, and all the jazz you want to find in your neighborhood cafe.

  • 5/5 Vladimir Aleman D. 1 year ago on Google
    Best damn ‘coffees’ ever! Ordered decaf americano on first day followed up with regular americano and latte on final day of my trip to NYC. The americanos had such rich flavours and the latte kept the beans’ flavour through the milk. Baristas are super kind and friendly! I would come out of my way to visit here again any time!

  • 5/5 Julliard L. 1 year ago on Google
    Tiny spot with great coffee and very much a neighborhood, community feel. There are stools and benches just outside so you can lounge under some shade. The owner (?) is extremely friendly.

  • 5/5 Cheryl A. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic neighborhood coffee shop! Excellent latte with oat milk! Delicious mini-doughnuts. The owners are very friendly. Highly recommended for all of your coffee needs and wants.

  • 5/5 Sandia A. 1 year ago on Google
    Hands down the best coffee and vibe in Astoria. Owned and operated by two guys from the neighborhood, it doesn’t get more authentic, local, or small business than this. These guys genuinely care about their community and each customer that drops by. It’s the only latte I crave AND they have decaf espresso! (Just in case you want the taste without the caff-xeity) Bonus: this place is a plant-lover’s paradise. Stop by and you’ll see what I mean.

  • 5/5 Kristina N. 1 year ago on Google
    I absolutely love this place. In my opinion, it's the best coffee in the neighborhood - hands down. Amazing vibe with the music outside too. I moved to the area recently and it's my go-to spot. The owner is lovely and makes you feel great each time you order. Highly recommend the iced lates (but everything is great). Also, the little donut holes with nutella and the the croissant sandwiches are excellent. 10/10!

  • 5/5 Kenny P. 2 years ago on Google
    I lived around the corner (literally) from this establishment for almost a year and a half and I've never had a bad experience. Genuinely this is the best coffee I've ever had. Anyone I've brought here has said wonderful things about their drinks and pastries. When my cousin stayed at my place for a week he went several times to Balancero and still raves about it! I hold this establishment and those who work there in the highest regard. Seriously the customer service is absolutely incredible as they truly made me feel like Astoria was my home. Thank you so much!!!

  • 5/5 Andrada R. 5 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    This is definitely my new go-to spot for coffee. Besides the amazing coffee, the service was awesome. The guys were super friendly and the atmosphere at the coffee shop was super nice with a lot of people just hanging around, enjoying their morning. This place is a whole vibe!! Big up for everything!! ❤️☀️ P.S.: Try the pastries! 🥐 Trust me on this one!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matthew B. 2 months ago on Google • 1 review New
    Easily our favorite Astoria coffee stop, with the best iced lattes. Unique, flavorful coffee, great croissants, interesting varied food options. Walk-up window gives off a chill community vibe, super friendly staff and owner.


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Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Quick bite
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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