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Why this Brooklyn café has become more than just a local favorite
If you walk into Choice Market in Clinton Hill, you’ll feel it right away, this is the kind of place locals love. Fresh food, a cozy vibe, and a soundtrack that feels like Brooklyn itself make it stand out from the usual. It’s no surprise, then, that independent hip‑hop artist Kota the Friend chose this spot for a mini‑documentary celebrating his latest project.
Global independent artist Kota the Friend, born and raised in Clinton Hill. Kota dropped his PROTEA album and clothing line through his company FLTBYS (Flight Boys). As part of that launch, a short documentary was filmed at Choice Market, and Kota didn’t pick the restaurant by accident.
“Choice Market is one of my favorite spots to eat when I’m back in Clinton Hill,” Kota said in the film. “When Dinner Service asked if there was a restaurant that I would like to include in the documentary, I immediately thought of Choice Market. The owners and staff are all cool people, and everything on their menu is on point.”
That’s high praise, especially coming from an artist whose music often reflects daily life in Brooklyn. It also shows how places like Choice Market are more than just restaurants; they’re part of the local culture that shapes artists like Kota.
Kota went back to Choice Market for his next alkbum, NO RAP ON SUNDAY, using photos taken at Choice for his album cover.
Choice Market has been serving the Clinton Hill community since 2005, bringing fresh, locally sourced food and home‑baked pastries to the neighborhood. It was opened to give locals a welcoming place to gather and enjoy good food without breaking the bank.
Locals and critics alike have praised the café for its quality and consistency. It’s known for fresh bread, gourmet sandwiches, salads, and delicious baked goods, the kind of food that keeps people coming back morning, noon, and night.
Even beyond the food, Choice Market’s friendly vibe and community feel make it a favorite hangout, perfect for someone like Kota, who’s all about authenticity. That’s probably why you’ll hear his tracks playing on the restaurant’s playlist, including songs that shout out Clinton Hill and Brooklyn life.
Choice Market isn’t a fancy Michelin‑rated restaurant and it doesn’t need to be. What it is is a place where neighbors grab breakfast before work, friends meet for lunch, and artists like Kota find comfort and inspiration. It’s food that fills you up, music that lifts your mood, and a vibe that feels like home in the heart of Brooklyn.
Whether you’re passing through Clinton Hill or a lifelong local, this spot is worth a stop. Order a fresh pastry, grab a coffee, and soak in the sounds, you might just understand why it’s one of Kota the Friend’s go‑to places when he’s back in the neighborhood.