As you probably know, two new coffee shops on Franklin Ave have recently engaged in a very public dust-up. The local squabble, first covered on Brooklynian and our favorite neighborhood blogs, went national when the mighty Times weighed in last week. Nick at I Love Franklin Park goes straight to the source and breaks it all down in this great post.

Minor Arcana isn’t as much about going full-gimmick as it is about giving the neighborhood a place to get together. Miniature antique furniture makes you feel a little like Alice after a taste of the “Eat Me” cake, while framed freakshow posters and a colorful display of tarot cards under the glass case-topped bar add to the subtle carnival feel. Nothing’s over the top though, and exposed brick and walls painted a serious blue-grey help keep it that way. Fans of Belgian-style beers can enjoy an Ommegang Rare Vos ($7), and the PBR set will expand their horizons with a can of Genesse Cream Ale ($2). Happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m. gives you $1-$2 off drinks and a better chance of chatting up friendly bartenders.

Minor Arcana
706 Washington Ave.,
Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

Minor Arcana was supposed to be called Flying Monkeys.  That was before a tarot card reader in Brighton Beach told the owner that he was destined for failure in his new venture.  Instead of throwing in the towel, he changed the name: “Minor Arcana” apparently refers to a destiny that you can change.  Thanks to this twist of fate, we can welcome to the neighborhood this small but cozy bar on Washington between Prospect and St. Marks.

Read more on Cozy Josie’s Brooklyn Beat