Brought to you by Abbotsford Road Coffee Specialists
For our next instalment in the Café of the Week series, we went on an adventure to visit another one of our incredible partners—this time, in the heart of Bushwick.
We do this series because we love the uncovering. The moments, the people, the choices that make each café not just a place to grab a coffee, but a story worth sharing. Our mission at Abbotsford Road is to help our partners thrive—and one of the best ways we can do that is by celebrating the spaces they’ve built and the communities they serve.
When I walked into Concrete Jungle, it was immediate. The change in air. The sound of the playlist. The light pouring through leaves. I’m met by David Bueno, standing in a sea of green with a calm, intelligent smile that says, yep—this is all very intentional. You don’t just enter a café—you’re transported.
From Structural Engineering to Houseplants and Coffee
Concrete Jungle’s founder David Bueno didn’t come from coffee. He’s a structural engineer by trade, born and raised in Queens. But a few years ago, he noticed something was missing. The grind of the city wore thin, and his home didn’t feel like a haven.
“I started buying houseplants,” he says. “And it changed how I felt in my space.”
That discovery turned into a quiet obsession. Eventually, it sparked a bigger idea: could he create a space that gave other New Yorkers that same feeling?
But he knew plants alone wouldn’t make it. “This city runs on coffee,” David says. “So I thought—why not both?”
The result is a café that’s become one of the neighborhood’s most memorable destinations: part espresso bar, part plant shop, and fully designed to help people breathe a little deeper.
A Space That Feels Like a Pause Button
Concrete Jungle sits on Jefferson Street, right on the Bushwick–Bed-Stuy border, just steps from the Broadway Myrtle train stop. You’ll find it at 13 Jefferson St, Brooklyn—tucked between concrete and commotion, but easy to spot once you know what you’re looking for.
“Our regulars say it all the time,” David says. “You walk in and everything slows down.”
The space is full of lush greenery—plants hanging from the ceiling, lining shelves, crowding corners. They’re all for sale, but they’re also part of the environment. Add in soft music, thoughtful lighting, and relaxed baristas, and it becomes something rare in New York: a space that feels like a pause button.
Many guests are locals, including plenty of newcomers to the city. Artists, filmmakers, designers, and remote workers come not just for caffeine—but to stay, to work, to land.
Coffee That Anchors the Experience
David knew from the beginning that if Concrete Jungle was going to work, the coffee had to be great.
“New Yorkers know the difference,” he says. “You can’t fake it.”
Concrete Jungle now runs Abbotsford Road’s Dolce and Crema blends, private-labelled under their own brand. The coffee is strong, smooth, and versatile—exactly what David wanted.
The drinks menu is a mix of comfort and creativity. The Cinnamon Maple Latte is a fan favorite in cooler months, while cold brew takes over in the summer. And for something unexpected, the Matcha Limonada—a bright, citrusy twist—brings a fresh energy to the lineup.
David’s own drink of choice? “I’m a matcha guy,” he admits. “Matcha with almond milk. That’s my go-to.”
A Partnership That Shows Up
Concrete Jungle found a partner in Abbotsford Road that goes far beyond supplying beans. From the start, the focus has been on support—both practical and personal.
“I didn’t have a strong coffee background,” David says. “So having someone I could call—someone who could train my team and help me problem-solve—that’s been everything.”
Every new hire is trained by Jerico, Abbotsford Road’s Head of Coffee Training. And the support has expanded beyond espresso:
“We’ve been working together on launching a smoothie program,” David shares. “Jerico helped with taste testing and development. That kind of help means a lot.”
Still Growing
Three years in, Concrete Jungle is evolving. The team is reworking the interior—adding new shelving, wallpaper, and seating. A refreshed drinks menu is in the works. The plant selection continues to grow.
But the essence of the place? That’s not changing.
“Oasis,” David says, when asked to describe the café in a word. “That’s what we hear from our customers. And that’s what I feel when I walk in.”
Concrete Jungle doesn’t try to escape New York. It embraces it—and then offers a softer landing.
