Neighborhood Spotlight: September Cafe in Bed-Stuy

I’ve lived in Bed-Stuy since 2008, and like so many in my community — and especially the natives who were born and raised here — it’s been bittersweet to watch the area change. The bitter: a barrage of newcomers who misunderstand the vibe, who excessively call in noise complaints to the police, who clutter the sidewalks with dog leavings, and, of course, the life-threatening rent hikes that plague long-time residents. The sweet: widespread rejuvenation that sparks new opportunities and calls idealistic entrepreneurs to open shops and eateries. Over the years, Bed-Stuy has become deliciously walkable with streets peppered by hidden gems.

One such gem is September, a quaint Black-owned cafe at the corner of Saratoga Avenue and MacDonough Street. The owner, Sára Lopes, opened the cafe in 2021 in the wake of the pandemic. “Like a lot of us during Covid, I lost my job, and an opportunity came up to take over an existing cafe space in my neighborhood,” says Lopes. She was compelled to preserve the space as a cafe to serve the often-overlooked stretch of blocks near the Bed-Stuy/Bushwick border. “Before September, there wasn’t really a place like this where people could come together over coffee, work, or just relax,” Lopes explains. “Our neighborhood has a growing creative community, and I wanted to create a space that reflects that energy — a place where artists, entrepreneurs and everyday people can meet and feel inspired.”