Simple Cafe – American
Bathed in natural light and the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, this neighborhood gem offers a sanctuary of unpretentious charm and honest American flavors. From the sizzle of a perfectly seared burger to the nostalgic sweetness of house-baked pies, every dish celebrates the heart of domestic comfort in a space where time seems to slow down.
346 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211 +1-347-277-5179 https://www.simplecafenyc.com/Rating: 4.4/5 (465 reviews)
Cuisine: American
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, soy-free
Diet fit at Simple Cafe
Dairy-Free at Simple Cafe
Simple Cafe in Brooklyn has 13 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Halal Lamb Sausage, Algerian Plate and Babaganoush. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Simple Cafe
Simple Cafe in Brooklyn has 7 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Halal Lamb Sausage, Babaganoush and Tagine Zitoune. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Simple Cafe
Simple Cafe in Brooklyn has 24 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Ricotta + Preserved Lemon Pancakes, Kale Salad (Lunch) and Algerian Plate. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Simple Cafe
Simple Cafe in Brooklyn has 1 keto-tagged dish on its current menu, including Kronenbourg 1664. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Simple Cafe
Simple Cafe in Brooklyn has 3 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Cumin Fries, Tinto de Verano and Kronenbourg 1664. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Simple Cafe
Simple Cafe in Brooklyn has 16 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Algerian Plate, Harira Vegetarian Soup and Cumin Fries. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Simple Cafe
Simple Cafe in Brooklyn has 29 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Ricotta + Preserved Lemon Pancakes, Kale Salad (Lunch) and Algerian Plate. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Heart-Healthy at Simple Cafe
Simple Cafe in Brooklyn has 10 heart-healthy-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Algerian Plate, Harira Vegetarian Soup and Smoked Eggplant Caviar Tartine. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Simple Cafe
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Warm Beet Salad | 73.4 g | 50.7 g |
| Chorba Frik or Vermicelli | 113 g | 47.6 g |
| Simple Poached | 12.3 g | 39.3 g |
| Roasted Carrot Dip | 0 g | 34.3 g |
| Chicken Couscous | 67.5 g | 27.8 g |
| Steak Frites | 49.3 g | 24.1 g |
| Cheese Plate | 41.9 g | 22.6 g |
| Couscous Merguez or Lamb Chops | 21.1 g | 22.2 g |
| Burger (Lunch) | 8.3 g | 22.1 g |
| Sautéed Cauliflower | 59.5 g | 21.4 g |
| Quinoa & Roasted Vegetable Salad | 100.5 g | 20.6 g |
| Waris-Hubert ‘Lilyale’ Grand Cru – Champagne, France | 47.9 g | 18.7 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its fresh, healthy fare and inviting atmosphere, this Williamsburg spot is a favorite for both Sunday brunch and intimate dinners. Diners rave about the "made with love" quality of the food, highlighting standout dishes like the steak frites, mussels, chicken tagine, and sauced beets with labneh. While service can occasionally be slow, guests frequently praise the friendly staff and the cozy, stylish vibe that makes it perfect for conversation. Whether sipping wine outside in the summer or enjoying a delicious sandwich, reviewers consistently leave feeling full and happy.
Menu
Specials
Seasonal and chef-curated special dishes
- Roasted Carrot Dip - $12: Cumin, labne, harissa oil
- Warm Beet Salad - $15: Goat cheese, orange, pecan, mint oil Dietary tags: Volumetrics
- Smoked Eggplant Caviar Tartine - $14: Labneh, preserved lemon, coriander Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC
- Freekeh Risotto - $25: Creamy freekeh risotto with roasted winter squash, finished with sesame and tarragon oil, aromatic fennel herbs
- Spiced Winter Mussels - $25: Steamed mussels in a warming Ras el Hanout and white wine broth, lightly spiced and aromatic, served with house fries Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
Lunch + Brunch
Available during lunch and brunch hours
- Ricotta + Preserved Lemon Pancakes - $17: Served with poached pears, lemon zest, vanilla whipped cream, maple syrup Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Brioche French Toast with Champagne Sabayon - $16: Homemade brioche, sabayon, caramelized apples, almonds, cinnamon Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Algerian Crêpe Baghrir - $15: Semolina crepe, orange blossom honey, date butter Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
- Simple Poached - $16: Two poached eggs, avocado, smoked salmon, toast, saffron hollandaise Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
- Goat Cheese Scrambled Sandwich & Bacon - $15: Egg, goat cheese, bacon, sourdough bread, potato gratin
- Algerian Tchoutchouka - $18: Egg, onion, tomato, red pepper, garlic, cumin Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Soy Free
- Kale Salad (Lunch) - $17: Poached eggs, parmesan, avocado, toasted almonds, warm citrus–date vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
- Quinoa & Roasted Vegetable Salad - $17: Quinoa, roasted butternut squash, red onion, pomegranate, herbs, lemon–mint dressing Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Macrobiotic
- Leek Mushroom & Goat Cheese Quiche - $16: Leek, caramelized onion, wild mushrooms, egg, side Boston lettuce with mustard vinaigrette
- Merguez Frites Sandwich - $19: Lamb sausage, pickled carrots, cucumber, cilantro, harissa mayo
- Burger (Lunch) - $21: Halal Grass-fed beef, red onion, tomato, cornichon, yogurt sauce or bearnaise Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, South-Beach
- Chicken Supreme (Lunch) - $24: Halal crusted chicken with harissa mayo & cumin yogurt sauce
- Steak + Eggs - $28: Hanger steak, eggs any style, potato gratin, red wine reduction or bearnaise
- Lamb Sausage Merguez - $27: Two halal sausages, eggs any style, potato gratin, harissa
Dinner
Evening menu selections
- Kale Salad (Dinner) - $16: Toasted almond, dried apricot, roasted squash, orange blossom vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Macrobiotic, Soy Free
- Algerian Plate - $14: Hummus, babaganoush, smoked felfla (roasted red pepper with smoked tomato & paprika). Served with housemade warm Algerian khobz bread Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC
- Harira Vegetarian Soup - $14: Oran-Style Green Wheat & Chickpea Soup, housemade bread Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC
- Chorba Frik or Vermicelli - $13: Traditional Berber vegetarian soup with smoked tomato, ras el hanout, chickpea, coriander, cilantro, and crushed green wheat or vermicelli, served with Algerian bread Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics
- Sautéed Cauliflower - $15: Pan-roasted cauliflower, tzatziki, pistachio, mint Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
- Bourek Briouat - $15: Crispy pastry filled with choice of: Spinach, feta & cumin with harissa OR Lamb, coriander & mint with harissa
- Cheese Plate - $18: Seasonal cheese selection — French brie, Danish blue, grilled halloumi served with roasted nuts, local honey, apple compote, and dried figs Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
- Berbère Tagine - $23: Slow-cooked autumn vegetables (butternut squash, pea, potato, carrot), apricots, almonds. Served with couscous or saffron rice
- Kefta Tagine or Lamb Chops - $29: Algerian style spiced beef meatballs simmered in cinnamon-ginger sauce with prunes, golden raisins, and toasted almonds
- Tagine Zitoune - $26: Chicken with green olives, preserved lemon, potato, herbs Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Soy Free
- Couscous (V) - $23: Chickpeas, carrots, butternut squash, turnip, zucchini, tomato broth Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC
- Couscous Merguez or Lamb Chops - $29: Halal Lamb sausage, carrots, squash, zucchini, turnip, tomato broth Dietary tags: High-Fiber
- Chicken Couscous - $27: Free-range halal chicken, roasted winter vegetables, chickpeas, and tomato broth Dietary tags: High-Fiber
- Steak Frites - $28: Hanger steak with red wine reduction or bearnaise, served with house-made fries Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Renal
- Australian Grass-Fed Lamb Chops - $26: With herb remoulade, roasted almonds, bearnaise Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Soy Free
Sides + Add-ons
Small plates and additions
- Babaganoush - $9 Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Za’atar Hummus - $9 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Felfla - $9 Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Halal Lamb Sausage - $10 Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Cumin Fries - $8 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, South-Beach, Slow-Carb
- Potato Gratin - $8 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Croissant (Saturday & Sunday) - $4 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
Dessert
Sweet treats to finish your meal
- Tarte Aux Poires - $8: Pear purée & whipped cream Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Warm Chocolate Cake - $7: Belgian chocolate, whipped cream Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC
- Algerian Crêpe Baghrir (Dessert) - $13: Traditional semolina crêpes, butter date, dried apricots, honey and fresh mint Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
Wine + Beer
Selection of wines, beers, and cocktails
- Prosecco – Veneto, Italy - $16: Crisp, bright, and endlessly refreshing Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Waris-Hubert ‘Lilyale’ Grand Cru – Champagne, France - $105: Elegant citrus, delicate bubbles, and a creamy finish Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Vignoble Dinocheau – Pineau d’Aunis – Loire Valley, France - $17: Wild berries, herbs, and a peppery twist. A French rosé with character Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal, Lectin-Free
- La Ferme Rouge ‘Le Gris’ – Zaër, Morocco - $17: Floral and mineral, with juicy freshness Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Les Têtes ‘Tête Orange’ - Loire Valley, France - $17: Easy drinking orange wine— stone fruit, citrus, low tannin Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Lagar de Costa - Rías Baixas, Spain - $17: Skin Contact Albariño, white fruit and saline Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Domaine Martin Ocean – Sauvignon Blanc - $17: Crisp, citrusy, and herbaceous Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Alice by Sébastien Gutty – Gamay - $17: Lively, light, and slightly earthy. A chillable red with charm Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Brooklyn Lager - $7
- Kronenbourg 1664 - $8 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Carnivore, Zone, Volumetrics, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Casablanca Beer - $8 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal
- Mimosa - $14
- Tinto de Verano - $14 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Spritz - $14
Frequently Asked Questions about Simple Cafe
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Fifty percent of the menu items, including Babaganoush and Spiced Winter Mussels, are suitable for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets.
- Does this restaurant have a website or online ordering?
- Simple Cafe has a website at https://www.simplecafenyc.com/, but the provided data does not specify if online ordering is available.
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- Simple Cafe, an American restaurant, has an overall average rating of 4.4/5 based on its customer review summary.
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- Babaganoush accommodates keto and gluten-free diets, while Za’atar Hummus and Spiced Winter Mussels are both gluten-free and dairy-free.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- Simple Cafe offers over 35 dietary options including keto, vegan, and gluten-free for dishes like Babaganoush, Za’atar Hummus, and Spiced Winter Mussels.
- What do customers love most about this restaurant according to reviews?
- Customers love the fresh fare, cozy vibe, friendly staff, and "made with love" dishes like steak frites, mussels, and chicken tagine.
- How does this restaurant compare to others in the same cuisine type?
- Rated 4.4/5, this budget-friendly ($) American restaurant compares favorably through its fresh, healthy fare and cozy, stylish atmosphere.
- What should first-time visitors know about this restaurant?
- This budget-friendly ($) Williamsburg spot rated 4.4/5 offers a cozy atmosphere, popular steak frites, and occasional slow service.
- What is the price range at this restaurant?
- Simple Cafe offers a budget-friendly dining experience with a price level indicated by a single dollar sign ($).
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Health-conscious diners seeking budget-friendly American fare in a cozy, conversational setting for Sunday brunch or intimate dinners would enjoy this 4.4/5 rated spot.
- Is Simple Cafe dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Simple Cafe has 13 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Halal Lamb Sausage, Algerian Plate and Babaganoush.
- What can I eat at Simple Cafe on a dairy-free diet?
- Halal Lamb Sausage, Algerian Plate and Babaganoush carry the dairy-free tag, out of 13 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Simple Cafe have vegan options?
- Yes. 16 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Algerian Plate and Harira Vegetarian Soup.
- Is Simple Cafe gluten-free?
- 7 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Simple Cafe?
- Warm Beet Salad, at roughly 50.7g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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