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Golden Shovel
Master Critic Review
Golden Shovel
8.0
Hybrid café and dumpling shop blending Chinese comfort food with coffee culture near the Park Slope library. Fresh-made dumplings, beef noodle soup, and boba tea make it a versatile stop for breakfast through dinner, with a relaxed atmosphere that welcomes laptop workers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings, Beef Noodle Soup, Steamed Veggie Dumplings
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Made-to-order dumplings in a cozy café setting with boba and espresso
Who should go: Remote workers and dumpling lovers near the library
When to visit: Morning for breakfast sandwich + coffee combo
What to order: Pan-fried pork dumplings made fresh, beef noodle soup, any boba
Insider tip: Their boba bubbles are unusually small—creates a fun 'bubble party' texture
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 9th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues; typical Park Slope neighborhood parking
Dress code: Ultra-casual café vibes - come in workout clothes, work attire, or anything in between
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - laptop-worker friendly with a relaxed café hum; great for conversation or solo focus time
Weekend wait: Minimal to no wait - café-style ordering at counter
Weekday lunch: No wait - order at counter, find a seat
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - steamed veggie dumplings, vegetable buns, and plant-based options throughout the menu
Vegan options: Yes - veggie dumplings and vegetable buns available; Yelp tags the spot as 'Vegan' friendly
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice-based dishes may work; ask staff about specific preparations
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure date than a romantic evening. The cheerful café atmosphere with boba and dumplings creates an easy, fun vibe - perfect for getting-to-know-you conversation. Grab pan-fried dumplings, share some bubble tea, and see where things go. No pressure, no pretense.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter service café-style. Walk in, order at the counter, and grab a seat. Free Wi-Fi means you can camp out for a while.
Is it kid-friendly? Very family-friendly - run by local Park Slope parents and recommended on Park Slope Parents community boards. Kids love watching dumplings get made, the buns come in sweet flavors (cherry, chocolate), and smoothies keep everyone happy. Casual enough for sticky fingers and stroller parking.
Best For
Better for: The rare café that serves both solid espresso drinks AND fresh-made dumplings - perfect for when you want boba and beef noodle soup in the same visit. Free Wi-Fi and relaxed vibe make it ideal for remote workers who want more than just coffee
Skip if: You want a traditional sit-down Chinese restaurant experience or upscale dumpling house. This is café-first, dumplings-second - great for casual bites, not a full-service dining destination