Filed under: cafes, coffee, top-feature
Savoring the Season – Where to Warm Up in NYC
A cold day in New York won’t stop the determined traveler from hitting the streets – but knowing where to get a delicious cup of coffee will definitely make the day more pleasant. Nothing provides extra energy for a marathon day of shopping or a jolt of enthusiasm for skipping an afternoon nap like a perfect cup of Joe. Whether you love coffee, are a devoted tea enthusiast, or are looking for the perfect hot chocolate – the following recommendations will provide you with a hot mug to wrap your cold fingers around, and a cozy place to sit down and watch New York go by outside the window.
Joe the Art of Coffee
West Village
Located just off bustling 6th Avenue, not far from Washington Square Park, is Joe the Art of Coffee. This tiny West Village coffee shop has less than 10 tables, and there’s usually just one open. After you snag a table and make an order, you will understand why at any time of day, this cafe remains pleasantly full. A cappuccino here wouldn’t be complete without a little artistic flair, and no matter what you order, it will arrive picture perfect. Not only is the coffee here beautiful to look at, but it’s also always at the right temperature, never burned, never bitter. Coffee here attains soothing status.
*Not to miss item: The basic cappuccino. Watch these artists at work. $3
The New French
West Village
On a sunny winter day, one of the best places to be in the West Village is in a seat in the window at The New French. The warm sunshine streaming through the glass and a large French Press coffee (complete with an hourglass that times your perfect brew with disappearing sand) will encourage you to linger over the newspaper for hours. Located right on Hudson Street, this is an ideal place for people watching in the West Village too. You are sure to be tempted to stay to try one of the silky cappuccinos that you saw delivered to another table, but remember that there are also an incredible amount of literary attractions and stores in the neighborhood to fill your day as well. If you’re hungry, try the pumpkin-ricotta pancakes. They are served with a generous variety of fruit and have an incredible, almost gooey, texture.
*Not to miss item: French Press Coffee – wait until the timer is done for the perfect brew. $3 for small, or $9 for large (several cups)
Dean & Deluca
SoHo
For a session of power people-watching, choose Dean & Deluca on the corner of Broadway and Prince in SoHo. This is the original Dean & Deluca, opened in 1977 in this very location where culinary excellence has been the guiding principle for over 30 years. This also extends to their coffee, and although Dean & Deluca is also a grocery store, the front cafe constantly tempts weary shoppers off the streets of SoHo and inside to enjoy a coffee – and who could resist one of their scrumptious looking pastries as well? This isn’t a spot to sit and read the newspaper – in fact most people stand while their fingers thaw – but snagging a spot by the window might just be rewarding as you never know who is going to walk by.
*Not to miss item. Freshly-ground house blend coffee. $3
Friend of a Farmer
Union Square area
Some visitors are overwhelmed by the bustle of Union Square. If you need to calm your frazzled nerves, head east to Irving Place, and enjoy some French Press coffee from Friend of a Farmer. They also have a wide selection of tea at this country-style restaurant and cafe. Anyone familiar with the difference between English Breakfast Tea and Irish Breakfast Tea will be glad to know that Irish Breakfast Tea is served here. Once you’re nice and toasty, walk a few blocks north along picturesque Irving Place to take a look at Gramercy Park, the only private park in the city.
*Not to miss item: Irish Breakfast Tea. $2.50, but don’t miss the freshly baked pastries as well.
MarieBelle’s Cacao Bar and Tea Salon
SoHo
If a day of shopping in SoHo has left you desiring more than standing at a counter with a perfect pastry – a divine cup of hot chocolate might be in order. At MarieBelle’s Cacao Bar the signature Aztec hot chocolate is laced with invigorating flavors including cinnamon, nutmeg, and chipotle. Calorie counters might want to choose from the long list of exotic teas instead, but regardless of what you choose, antique furnishings along with dainty cups and saucers will make you feel like you’re in a charming European cafe – not the center of Manhattan.
*Not to miss item: Aztec hot chocolate. $6
The Basics:
- Joe the Art of Coffee, 141 Waverly Place, New York. (map)
- The New French, 522 Hudson Street, New York. (map)
- Dean & Deluca, 560 Broadway, New York. (map)
- Friend of a Farmer, 77 Irving Place, New York. (map)
- MarieBelle’s Cacao Bar and Tea Salon, 484 Broome Street, New York. (map)
Photo Credit: Cappuccino by dichohecho on Flickr, French Press coffee by slettvet on Flickr, Hot Chocolate by Between A Rock on Flickr.
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