Another Look at Fifth Ave.'s Closing Donuts Coffee Shop

[Photos courtesy of Nate Kensinger]

The much loved Donuts Coffee Shop on Fifth Avenue at Union in Park Slope is in its final days. Its space will soon be consumed by the Associated Supermarket next door, along with the storefront that had been occupied by the shuttered Beso. Photographer Nate Kensinger sent us these photos, along with his take on the sad closure:

The Donuts Coffee Shop is one of those classic diners that feels like its been around forever - just a counter and a row of stools, serving simple food that everyone can afford. A timeless little joint that somehow held on as 5th Avenue has changed.

The owner, Chris, is also the cook, and makes everything behind the counter at a little station in the back. He told me he's been there for 10 years, 7 days a week, starting at 4:30 in the morning. Besides being the cook, he also helps wait on customers, clears the plates, and knows almost everyone who comes in by name. If he doesn't know you, he calls you buddy, as in "hey buddy, you want coffee with that?"

He had some choice words about the direction this area is headed... especially about the stadium and all the new developments changing Brooklyn into a new Manhattan. But mainly, he just seemed sad about closing, because, like he said, "You'll never see another place like this."

Sad to see it go. I've been in there so many times, taken everyone I know there, shared it with friends and family. One of the last old, good things about 5th avenue. Now theres hardly anything at that intersection but new stores, brooklyn industries, red white and bubbly... expensive boutiques.

It's due to close by the end of December. (Needless to say, that's Chris in the photo below.)