Agi’s Counter is the cozy Eastern European-inspired café that has transformed a modest storefront on Franklin Avenue into one of Crown Heights’ most cherished culinary destinations. This charming spot feels like it was plucked straight from a European village and dropped into Brooklyn, complete with the warm hospitality to match.

What makes Agi’s truly special is how it honors chef Jeremy Salamon’s Hungarian heritage through food that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Their kaiserschmarrn (a fluffy shredded pancake) has developed an almost cult-like following, while heartier dishes like the goulash showcase the perfect balance of comfort and refinement. The pastry case is a daily temptation – flaky pogácsa biscuits and perfectly laminated kifli that would make any Hungarian grandmother proud.

The space itself is modest but thoughtfully designed, with vintage touches and an openness that lets you watch the kitchen work their magic. There’s something deeply personal about the place that chains try desperately to fabricate but never quite achieve. Morning light streams through the windows, making it an ideal spot to linger over exceptional coffee and that last bite of pastry.

What keeps neighbors coming back to Agi’s Counter is how it manages to feel like both a special occasion and an everyday spot simultaneously. Whether you’re treating yourself to a solo breakfast or catching up with friends, there’s an undeniable sense that you’ve discovered something precious on this stretch of Franklin Avenue – a little piece of Eastern European culinary heritage interpreted through a distinctly Brooklyn lens.