Dan Goldman banned from NYC coffee café Poetica after “we don’t serve genocide enablers” message goes viral

A political controversy erupted in Brooklyn after Poetica Coffee, a popular Williamsburg café, publicly called out Democratic Congressman Dan Goldman for purchasing coffee at its shop. Poetica later refunded his order, citing opposition to his views on Israel and the war in Gaza, reports The New York Post. Now, the coffee shop is facing a Department of Justice investigation after banning the pro-Israel congressman.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon posted to X on Monday: “Federal law prohibits public accommodations such as coffee shops from discriminating against patrons based on their race, religion, or national origin.

“These actions are not only reprehensible, they’re potentially illegal. The Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation, and will bring an enforcement action if warranted.”


The dispute quickly gained attention online, placing both Dan Goldman and Poetica Coffee at the center of a heated debate about politics, free expression, and customer treatment.

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Poetica Coffee Issues Refund and Publicly Criticizes Dan Goldman

The controversy began when Poetica Coffee shared a Facebook post featuring a photo of Goldman inside its Williamsburg location. The café revealed that it had refunded the congressman’s coffee purchase and used the post to criticize his political positions.



“Hey Congressman Dan Goldman, we see that you stopped by our shop today for a coffee. Do you see how it doesn’t taste like genocide juice? Or are you still having a hard time telling the difference?”

The café’s post appeared to reference Goldman’s support for Israel amid ongoing debates surrounding the conflict in Gaza.

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Poetica continued with stronger criticism, writing:

“See, here at Poetica, we don’t serve racists, fascists, homophobes, genocide enablers, or anyone in between. Too bad we didn’t recognize you right away, or we would have turned you away. We issued you a refund—we don’t need your money (it’s probably coming from AIPAC anyways). Enjoy your loss on Tuesday. Don’t ever come to Poetica.”

Political Context Surrounding Dan Goldman

The incident comes as Dan Goldman faces a competitive Democratic primary race against former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. Goldman, who represents parts of New York City in Congress, has been a vocal supporter of Israel. His stance has drawn criticism from some activists and groups opposed to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

The timing of Poetica’s post, just ahead of the primary contest, added another layer of political significance to the dispute.

Dan Goldman addresses Brooklyn coffee shop ban

Dan Goldman called it “sad” that a Brooklyn coffee shop apparently banned him. “I had such a nice interaction with the barista in the coffee shop,” Goldman said. “She was wearing a hijab, I didn’t know her, but she couldn’t have been nicer and allowed my daughter to go use the bathroom, and I honestly was so grateful for her kindness that I felt like I should buy a coffee, and so I did, and I gave her a large tip.”

“It’s a reflection, I think, of a sad state of affairs that without knowing me, we could have had such a nice interaction,” Goldman continued.

Critics Point to Poetica’s Own Mission Statement

Following the Facebook post, critics highlighted language on Poetica Coffee’s website that emphasizes hospitality and inclusiveness. According to the café’s published philosophy, “The guest is sacred because the act of welcoming is how a community keeps itself intact.”

The business also states that “whoever walks through the door is treated with unconditional dignity.” “Not as a customer. Not as a transaction. As someone who arrived and deserves to be welcomed,” the website further explains.

Several observers argued that the public criticism of Goldman appeared inconsistent with those stated values.

Jewish Community Leaders Condemn the Post

Among those criticizing Poetica’s actions was civil rights attorney and former Queens councilman Rory Lancman, who objected to the café’s reference to AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

“There’s nothing poetic in Poetica’s flippant use of ‘AIPAC’ as a slur against a Jewish public official, which like ‘Zionist’ or its more noxious shorthand, ‘Zio,’ is nothing more than a coded dog-whistle for ‘Jew,’” he said.

Lancman also challenged the coffee shop’s public messaging about openness and inclusivity.

“Poetica may claim to be a place ‘where the guest is sacred, the books are unbanned, and the door is open to everyone,’ but clearly its guests are merely prey for public abuse, its thirst for banning those with opposing opinions is unslakable, and its doors are closed to Jews who think that the Jewish state shouldn’t just lay down and die.”

Dan Goldman Responds

Goldman later addressed the controversy, saying he had purchased the coffee as a gesture of appreciation after a staff member allowed his young daughter to use the restroom.

“I am sorry to see this post,” he said in a statement. “The barista could not have been nicer to my 7-year-old daughter and me — allowing her to use the bathroom even though we had not purchased anything.

“I made sure to buy a coffee in return for her kindness. I hope you at least make sure she gets the tip that she deserved.”

His response shifted attention toward the employee who had assisted his family, with Goldman emphasizing gratitude rather than engaging directly with the political criticism.

When approached for additional comment, staff members at Poetica Coffee declined to elaborate further on the controversy.

“No comment. We stand against genocide,” a staffer said.