A Little Piece of Vegan Heaven: Clementine Bakery

I moved to Brooklyn just over 3 years ago, and I'm not exaggerating when I say that I go to Clementine maybe three times a week—every week. This tiny bakery near my apartment in Clinton Hill has become my neighborhood staple. I never expected to find "my neighborhood spot" so soon after moving to the area, but it truly was love at first bite (you'll have to try their wraps—or anything really, to understand what I mean!)

A little about Clementine 🍊

If I had to describe Clementine in one sentence I would say:

A cafe where matcha lattes and carrot cakes can make all your worries go away—truly.

Michelle Barton opened this gem back when all she had was a few bucks and a bunch of vegan recipes. I personally don't know Michelle, but if I could say one thing to her, it would be thank you! Being vegan, it's almost everyday that you hear someone comment on how plain or sad a vegan meal must taste. Not only are they extremely wrong, but it's places like Clementine that make a case for vegan food being arguably better than the rest! Clementine has given our little Brooklyn community a taste at some of the most delicious meals—all using 100% vegan ingredients, seasonally sourced, and healthy!

Michelle started this off as a cafe, baking treats that taste like a literal dream. I'm guessing people must've loved it so much that it quickly grew into a cafe at the corner of Greene and Classon. Fast forward a bit, and Clementine has turned into a staple in our area. It makes me so happy to walk into the cafe and be greeted by staff that genuinely seem to love where they are and who they're working for. People come to do some work, to meet up with friends, to read for a bit, or just o grab a cupcake and chill. Whatever you're doing, the overall cozy vibe of the cafe makes it feel like you're at home.

Clementine now also has a sister spot, Izzy Rose, so if like me, you can't get enough of them, definitely check it out.

More foodie inspo right this way:

Let's stay home while we also support local businesses.

Like many of our favorite small restaurants and shops, Clementine could use some extra love. Most of them, Clementine included, have actually started delivering. In this case not only some of my personal favorites, like the B.L.A.T, but also cocktails and other drinks (and let's face it, we could all use an extra glass of wine or two!)

I know we're all going through different things in these uncertain times, trying to figure out how to adjust to a new normal that is mostly scary because of how indefinite it feels. But if we're some of the lucky ones that can study or work from home, let's take some time to not forget about those that can't do the same. So many restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, art studios, and the list could really go on and on, need other ways to continue to operate. Let's not forget how happy these places make us and use this as an opportunity to pay it forward and say thanks.

Purchase a couple of gift cards, for yourself or for friends and family! If there's anything this time is teaching me, is that we all need to be there for each other.

Clementine Bakery is a personal favorite so I hope this helps you get inspired to support your own personal favorite! I was already a huge fan of Clementine's treats and overall vibe, but after learning a bit more about how they got started I'm even more of a fan than ever before. Show them some love if you're in the area—whether you're vegan or not, trust me you'll be just as obsessed (I can say this because my sister, who isn't vegan, will come all the way from the LES to Clinton Hill just for a slice of their carrot cake.)