The Witches Brew

This is one the best things in West Hempstead (and probably Long Island). It’s everyone’s favorite place to chill and eat, especially on the weekend. Expect very long lines and a 1 to 2 hour wait if you come Friday and Saturday nights. They are closed on Monday, which is annoying because that always happens to be the day I wanna go. All other times, there usually is no wait.
The menu is made up of pages of cut-​and-​pasted words. It is sort of hard to read, but maybe that’s cool and makes it part of the appeal? It’s a very extensive menu with endless coffee and tea flavors. They have your basic desserts like cakes, pies, ice cream, scones, etc. I really only ever get the brownie a la mode because it never gets old. The drinks are all good from what I’ve tried. The décor of this place is very eccentric and is fitting for the name of the place. There are a bunch of mismatched, antique couches and chairs and tables. There are string lights hung all over and there are old creaky floor boards. It’s very dim and cozy — which is why everyone and their mother goes on dates here. I personally am sick of this place because of how crowded it gets, and because the food isn’t mind blowing. But I’ll always end up coming back because it’s the only café in town. They are CASH ONLY which also drives me crazy. I clearly have a love/​hate relationship with Witches Brew.

I enjoyed my time here. It’s a cute little vintage spot for a quick bite to eat and mingle with friends. I was impressed by the intricate décor!
I knocked off a star because the seating isn’t the best. When I sat on the couch, I felt like my table was too high and far to reach my food+drink. (Mind you, I’m here w/​my bf) When I chose to sit on a chair, it was just awkward b/​c he was on a low ass couch lol his knees were greeting Jesus.
Service wise, you’ll get your order at a moderate time. The night we came here happened to be busy. I felt rushed because it looked as though they were trying to accommodate everyone by rushing guests who were already there OR done with their food. No. Seriously. We were asked if we were ready to order twice within 5 minutes. (This threw me off a lil). Like, chill guy! Give us a minute to settle in.
I won’t let a bust night ruin my experience here. I’ll be back to try other things :) btw the nachos are BOMB af!

Awesome cozy setting. Delicious food. The best smoothies. Great service. Sometimes a bit of a line to get in but once you’re in you’re not rushed or anything. Very relaxed atmosphere

I’ve heard about the witches brew for years and finally decide to check it out on my birthday. My boyfriend and I went mid day for some coffee and lunch. It’s a pretty far drive from where we are — ronkonkoma. Coffee was good and much less sweet than places like Crazy Beans and Milk and Sugar. I got the nachos and my boyfriend got the bbq pork sliders. My only disappointment would be that it was clearly stated anywhere (unless we missed it) that all meals had vegan meat substitutes. My boyfriend hated his sliders because he thought theyd be real pork because there was no disclaimer in the title or description of the dish.
Atmosphere was cool. It’s probably much cooler during the night time, even though it seems from other reviews that the way is horrendous. I’d go back but for coffee and dessert only and probably once a year because it’s so far from me. Milk and Sugar in bay shore is similar with the couches/​coffee/​dessert theme going on so I’ll probably just stick to local places. Worth the try though.

Mannnnnn I’ve been dying to come here honestly and I’m glad I was finally able to make a trip over there. Well shit what else can I say other then I was more then satisfied with the experience? My date and I were seated almost immediately after we walked in. The service was fast, the tea and nachos were great. One thing I didn’t like however was that my server was a little annoying, it kinda felt like he was rushing us out, but I won’t let thay take away from the rating. There was some serious traffic coming in when we were there. Nonetheless I think it’s a great place to meet up with friends and catch up real quick. The place is extremely homey and vintage you’ll love it !

The Witches Brew is a quaint, little spot that I’ve been to a couple of times. I love that there are tables or couches so you can choose what you prefer. I usually opt for the couches because I can hang out with my friends and be comfortable and relax at the same time.
They have a little bit of everything here. Apps, entrees, desserts, teas, coffees, hot chocolates, etc. I’ve personally tried the Gnocchi, Mac and cheese and potato leek soup. They were all very delicious and inexpensive. I love that all the options are vegan but you can add chicken if you want.
I also come for the array of tea options! Moulin Rouge, Once Upon a Time and Vanilla Coconut are so good, but I’m hoping to try many more. They come in individual pots (each pot brews about 4 – 5 cups of tea).
The service is wonderful. Everyone is very sweet and they never make you feel unwanted. Both times I’ve stayed for hours and I never once felt like I was being rushed out the door. The server even told us that there’s no rush and we could hang for as long as we wanted (because we kept apologizing for staying forever lol).
Overall, this is a great place to just relax and hang out. Great for desserts, food and tea/​coffee! I’ll definitely be returning multiple times.
Two tips: They don’t seat parties of more than 6 and don’t take credit/​debit. Cash only!

Got there around 8pm on a Saturday night with a girlfriend. Waited about ½ hour for a table. We came to eat dinner so we chose a table vs the couch set up. We shared the nachos to start, I got a falafel with House salad and then we had the waffle and ice cream dessert. My friend had the white hot chocolate and it was really good. I got the chai latte which probably would have been better with regular milk.
Pros: Whimsical atmosphere, Delicious vegetarian meals (the meat is a veggie substitute) and friendly wait staff. Great for dessert and coffee. Huge variety of coffee, tea and hot chocolate. And they’re Open late.
Cons: long wait time…45 minutes for a party of two and you can’t wait there. You need to give your number and wait for a text. I don’t know if I want to wait that long for dessert and coffee but this seems to be a trend to wait at these dessert places.
I’d go back. But just for dessert and coffee.

We didn’t believe them when they said there was a two hour wait on the Saturday night around 9 o’clock but it really was. A two hour wait! They have a cool system of texting you once your table is ready so that was convenient and that we didn’t have to wait outside in the blistering cold. They have a huge menu of desserts, cheesecake, cookies and various types of coffee drinks cold and hot all served with fresh homemade whip cream. Everything we got was really good but I don’t know about waiting two hours next time for a NY slice of cheesecake, brownie a la mode, and their warm Cinnabon creation with ice cream. They have a pretty unique environment inside, hipster divey with couches n lounge chairs strewn about… maybe that’s why its a two hour wait Bc the seats are comfortable and portions are huge!

I’ve been here numerous times and for some reason there was this woman named Natalie in the front of The Witches Brew with a nasty attitude. I have never provided my name for a take out order. I always walk directly in for my take-​out order of one slice of red velvet cake. As we walked in, this woman states, «Well she has an attitude!» I completely ignored her statement because she clearly has no idea of what being a professional entails. As we walked to the counter, you wouldn’t believe this woman followed us inside. I said «Maam, I have never provided by name for a take out order.» She is trying to debate with me on my previous experiences at The Witches Brew and basically causing a scene. First rule, never argue with a customer. The customers were looking at her as she was literally crazy and shook their heads wondering why she wouldn’t relax. I asked her how long she has been working at The Witches Brew, and she claimed 20 + years. If she has worked there for 20 + years that’s great, however, she failed to acknowledge that this taking your name policy on an ipad and waiting on a line in which people are waiting to be seated has not been in effect for 20 years. I like their red velvet cake, but this woman was clearly off her rocker and she failed to realize that Unilocalers DON’T accept bad experiences at restaurants. Also, to stalk your customer inside the establishment to argue about taking their name is crazy lol. I told her I would be writing this review due to my disgust in her behavior!

DISCLAIMER– This place has great food and drinks.
So, I got to witches brew and they say there will be a 45 minute wait and I said eh ok. Then I got there 50 minutes later and they said it would be another half hour. Then after that I got inside, only to wait on line for another 20 minutes. Bad customer service

This place has been a favorite since I was a high school student. It’s always nice to go back and literally never gets old.
Tonight however I was a bit disappointed. Since I’ve been there they have adapted a new seating system using iPads where you give a name, the size of your party and a contact number to be notified when a table is ready. Pretty cool, eh?
Here’s my issue. The host then tells my friend and I that we can’t wait inside, we have to wait outside or in our car (and if you’ve been there, you know parking is terrible. I have once parked 2 blocks away and walked over). It was cold and raining outside and I was sent out to wait for my table for 15 – 20 min? I was very put off by that and almost wanted to cancel my reservation and leave. However my friend and I found an awning to stand under and we waited.
Once we were notified that our table is ready, we waited a few minutes and was seated. An adorable waitress came to take our order a few minutes later.
We then waited 30 minutes for a hot chocolate and an espresso drink to come. I have never waited that long before at The Witches Brew. But they were close to closing time so I cut them some slack. And the waitress did come around with water and apologized for the wait. Coupled with having to wait outside I was a little upset.
However the drinks were delicious as always and the staff was very pleasant. All in all, the new electronic system seems to need some work and getting used to. But the most important part, the coffee (!) still remains delicious.

Love the environment, most wait staff is very attentive. Some staff are flat out rude but the desserts are good and I can totally recommend the green tea (s), pretzel, and brownie. Their coffee seems very weak so ask for an extra shot of you need caffeine!
Expect a wait for seats (very eclectic seating; couches, odd chairs etc), and NO parties over 6! Cash only, too. ¹⁰⁄₁₀ it’s a go to for my group of friends!

Where to start?
They have an amazing selection of vegan and non-​vegan desserts, and a huge selection of flavored espresso drinks & teas. The staff is always so amazing and friendly. This place is a huge attraction for high school and college students, thus giving off a very chic/​cool & hispterish vibe. I love the décor, I love the fact that they’re open past 9pm, when everything else around me shuts down, and I love everything I’ve ever eaten/​drank here. I will gladly go broke coming here often.
If I had to find any, the only negatives are the wait time to get a table and some things can get a little pricey, but I usually stick to their pots of tea. (only $ 4/​pot, if I remember correctly…) Also, a few of my friends and I feel that their menu is a lot to handle on your first visit. It takes some getting used to, in my opinion.
*cash only*

I love The Witches Brew! Its such a unique atmosphere. My boyfriend and I were driving around Nassau County on a Friday trying to figure out what to do and I suggested this place. I told him the atmosphere is kind of hard to explain. It’s an old Victorian home decorated to look like halloween and they serve tea, desserts and other yummy bites. We had already eaten our fill of Indian food at New Chili and Curry so we went with tea.
Theres a huge selection of teas and lattes and coffees, it took a while for me to peruse the menu. I decided on a pumpkin Chai tea with a touch of milk. It was spicy and delicious. My boyfriend had a mild chamomile tea that didn’t skimp on flavor.
We just loved the atmosphere. Its warm, inviting and the staff is very accomdating. Its much nicer than sitting in a cold Starbucks store.

There arn’t too many coffee houses on Long Island and this one is kind of out of the way for me but every time I go, I do enjoy it.
The décor is unique but sometimes a little cluttered feeling. The food and beverage choices are fun and excellent. Overall, a great atmosphere for a chill night out.

Awesome place, best crème brûlée, sugar waffles, and frozen drinks!
However the lines get a bit crazy on weekend nights, band it’s cash only…

I always use the Witches Brew as a landmark to explain where I live on the island (*) and invariably the response is «Oh! I know that place! I love that place!». The décor is eclectic with a mish mosh of different chairs, tables, couches, etc. There is a full menu of food that also caters towards vegans and vegetarians and of course, plenty of great desserts, sweet treats, coffees and teas. A great place to come chill.
My only complaint is that although it is very laid back with all this cool stuff going on so they never rush you out so during prime times a line tends to form. Unfortunately I usually don’t like lining up and waiting so I tend to pass on this place because I don’t want to deal. Parking is street only as well, but usually not much of an issue.
Witches Brew is popular with the young (large college crowd) and the young at heart if you fit in those categories head over for a fun experience with tasty treats!
* To clarify the record: I do NOT live AT the Witches Brew.

The last time i went to The Witches Brew, sure as heck Unilocal didn’t exist, hence this would count as my first visit i suppose. This place has not changed from yesteryears when it comes to brewing some amazing and unique concoctions. Only now, food and desserts are options, thus making this a cool and unique meet up spot. From their teas, coffees, and a host of other options, i personally find the menu so enticing i want to keep trying new things, however still I choose to pick the same selection knowing the happiness that awaits…
Bring cash…

What an interesting place… It is Halloween all year round. I have been coming here for years! It is a great spot for a date or to relax and hang out with friends. The ambiance is very interesting, it is a collection of different antique couches and chairs that make up the seating.
The place is lit with candles on each table and strands of lights on the ceiling.
The menu is a little hard to read because if looks like a kidnapper’s note. Once you understand how to read it, you’ll find an amazing assortment of yummy drinks and desserts inside. I personally love their iced vanilla chai tea lattes! Pricing is very reasonable as well.
If you want to try something different and you are bored with your everyday café, this is the place to go. Don’t be turned off by the line outside because it moves quickly. They do not take parties over six, so keep that in mind as well.

The Witches Brew is a cozy, catchy and eccentric coffee shop /​café /​restaurant /​bakery all rolled into one Long Island tasty treat with a hint of Halloween!
Note that not everything here is vegan, but there are quite a few vegan options. I was only interested in dessert (you know how I do, boo!) so I ordered not only the double chocolate v-​brownie topped with v-​marshmallows and toasted, but also the v-​pretzel with v-​cheese and also toasted /​melted. Sweet and savory hit the palate in a way that will knock your socks off! You may think you know what a vegan pretzel tastes like, but until you’ve had this one, friend — you don’t know jack (cheese)!
Forgive my horrible puns. I am just positively elated to have found such an amazing gem on one of my usual L.I. routes (on the rare occasion I work out there)! I’ll be back for some v-​good food and brew!*
* That last «v-​» was supposed to stand for «very».