Cuppa Cuppa: DUB Pies
There are few things more satisfying than having a morning cuppa cuppa. Of course, that cuppa cuppa can be coffee, tea, or whatever beverage you prefer to get your day started. In this series, a cuppa cuppa doesn’t only refer to the beverage. It’s the conversation, the place you’re at, and the atmosphere. Cuppa cuppas are never rushed. We’re not limited to cafes. So follow us as we enjoy the neighborhood, our neighbors, background chatter, and a cuppa cuppa.
A steady flow of customer traffic came through the door early Monday morning when I sat down for a cuppa cuppa.
The “DUB” in DUB Pies (211 Prospect Park West, corner of 16th Street) is short for Down Under Bakery, which specializes in the well-known (around these parts) handmade Australian/New Zealand-style meat pies. And there are plenty of non-meat options as well.
The company has a very successful delivery and catering business, and the Pie Truck is a common sighting in the area. But we’re here to enjoy the storefront. It’s located steps away from Bartel-Pritchard Square as well as the F/G 15th Street-Prospect Park station.
The seating area comfortably fits about 10 people, but the morning flow was more about the commuters and take-away orders. With that in mind, weekday mornings at DUB allow you to have a seat without feeling rushed at all. There are also three benches outside on the 16th Street side of the shop which you can relax on should the weather cooperate.
There is no Wifi available, which is a conscious choice. The tables at DUB were filled with a few small groups enjoying conversation. Phones on the table were strangely (and delightfully) absent.
For those of you who like savories to start the day, well, this is your kind of place. The choices range from mince-based pies, to Thai chicken, chicken and vegetable (something very close to a “pot pie”), as well as sausage selections. The veggie options are spinach and feta, curry vegetarian, and egg & cheese. Prices vary depending on your pies. The egg & cheese ($4.50) is the most inexpensive, while meat-based pies will run you $6.50.
Just to be thorough, I sampled the lemon poppy scone, as I hadn’t tried a sweet pastry from DUB Pies before. The scone sits in the “just flaky enough, just hearty enough” category. I happen not to be a fan of icing as it makes the pastry overly sweet, but that just happens to be my preference.
Christine was behind the counter the morning I was in, and she handles the rush with calm and extreme friendless. Christine is simply good energy — one of those folks that you want to spend time with on a Monday morning.
The cafe serves as a short respite to enjoy a pie and some peace and quiet. It’s not a place where you’re going to set up camp with your laptop for the morning. It’s good hearty food for the upcoming season. And if you stop in for a quiet morning, you’ll probably do the same thing I did — take a few home for the family for dinner.
Ok, full disclosure – I couldn’t wait and ate mine in the afternoon.
Do you have a recommendation to have a cuppa cuppa? Email us at editor@bklyner.com.
The Rundown: DUB Pies
Where: 211 Prospect Park West, corner of 16th Street.
Phone: 718-788-2448
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:00am-8:00pm; Friday, 7:00am-10:00pm; Saturday, 8:00am-10:00pm; Sunday, 8:00am-8:00pm
Kid Friendly? It’s a small place, so more than one or two strollers could make it tricky. But older kids can sit with you at one of the tables.
Remote Workers: No Wifi at the cafe.
Bites Available: Coffees, a variety of pastries, and of course the pies, which range from $4.50-$6.50.