The Brooklyn Cafe
With a focus on items like crispy falafel and authentic New York-baked bagels, The Brooklyn Cafe (2299 Woodbury Ave., Newington, 319-8453, brooklyncafenh.com) is more than just a place to grab a bite — it’s a community-driven vision brought to life. Founded by Rabbi Berel Slavaticki and operated under the Seacoast Jewish Community Center, the cafe was born out of a desire to create a welcoming, inclusive gathering space for people of all backgrounds to connect over great food. After moving to the Seacoast and establishing the Jewish center — first in Durham, then expanding to Newington — Slavaticki and his team saw an opportunity to address a unique need: New Hampshire had no certified kosher dining options. “There might be some products in certain places around New Hampshire that happen to be kosher, but there’s no other kosher-certified place in the state where someone checked every single detail,” Slavaticki said. Inspired by the bustling food culture of Brooklyn, the cafe offers New York bagels, falafel, hummus plates, knishes, pastries, challah and even Israeli frozen coffee slushies. The space itself is housed in the historic Beane Farm building, across from Walmart in Newington, and features both indoor and patio seating. Entirely nonprofit, all proceeds from the cafe go toward supporting programs for families in need, including those with special needs or facing financial hardship. The Scene caught up with Slavaticki to talk about the cafe’s mission, its early success, and what he believes you ought to try when you visit.
How long has The Brooklyn Cafe been around?
We had a soft opening June 30 [2024] and a grand opening July 7.
What makes The Brooklyn Cafe unique?
The nonprofit mindset is definitely unique, as well as the fact that we actually get our bagels from New York. … The most popular ones are plain and everything, but then we also have sesame, poppy and whole wheat.
What is your favorite thing on your own menu?
I personally love the falafel with a pita.
What is something that everyone should try?
I would say, if you’re a big bagel person, then you have to try our bagels. … With the falafel, there are some people who don’t know what falafel is, and so tell them to try that, because I think it’s really good. … A lot of people like to come in and get a knish as well, because that isn’t something you typically find around here, as far as I know.
Name a celebrity you would like to see eating at The Brooklyn Cafe.
Maybe Adam Sandler, because he’s Jewish and he’s from New Hampshire.
What’s one essential skill needed to successfully run a cafe?
I don’t come from this field … but what I’ve noticed very fast is that if you put your heart and soul into it, then that’s how you’re going to succeed. … It all boils down to creating community, and that’s what we’re trying to do. That’s the goal, ultimately.
What is your favorite thing about being on the Seacoast?
I love the people, and I love the community. Being a rabbi here, and seeing so much love and support from the wider community, it’s very meaningful to see.
— Matt Ingersoll
Featured Photo: Courtesy Photo.
