coffee
Hello. I am a caffeine addict, it's kind of just something that I have to live with at this point. Since coffee is basically my brand I feel like I'm pretty equipped to give newbies a guide to the best coffee shops in New York City. So, welcome to my little coffee corner.
MUD SPOT
MUD SPOT
307 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003
MUD has been my favorite brunch spot for a while now, so it only seemed fitting to head there for my first review. Before packing up my pen and paper and setting out for a depressing brunch for one I made some ground rules that I will be applying to each of the cafes that I review.
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No speciality beverage cannot exceed five dollars (because if it costs more than a crisp Abraham Lincoln odds are you’re drinking liquid gold)
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Drip coffee cannot exceed three dollars
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Atmosphere must make me not want to leave immediately
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Customer service must be up to par (it isn’t hard to be nice so this should be simple)
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Bonus points to cafes with flavors, not everyone wants to be a skinny legend.
My walk to MUD from my dorm is rather short so I decided to wake up bright and early and get a head start on my day, meaning I got there at 10 because nothing happens before then anyways. Once I took my seat at my tiny table for one I was automatically greeted by a waitress and asked for my drink order. The drink of choice was a latte which was exactly five dollars, I laughed to myself and the lady thought I was on something no doubt. With vanilla it would’ve been 50 cents extra but I wanted to keep the first review positive so I settled for sugar in the raw. I was given a cute orange mug for my latte and the art on the top was a sweet bonus for insta. For food I got a delicious grilled cheese because it was almost lunch time and anytime is the right time for a grilled cheese right?
As a conclusion my experience along with my debit card’s experience was incredible. Yes, the bill was $13 for a latte and a homemade sandwich but I’m not mad because I could’ve paid $11 for their oatmeal (which is insane but I made a good choice). The large drip coffee at MUD is $3 and does not disappoint. If you want, they sell their coffee beans by the bag so I’m in luck! As for MUD SPOT, I can’t complain, you really know what you’re doing and you’re doing it right.
BLUE STRIPES
BLUE STRIPES
28 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003
With the significant weather changes in the air I am officially declaring it not weird to drink iced coffee. I know it isn’t my place to declare something of the sort but I have to admit, seeing someone drink iced coffee while wearing an ungodly amount of layers seemed to be completely contradictory in my point of view. But nevertheless the seasons are changing and iced coffee is undoubtedly the supreme beverage of choice. With this in mind it’s highly important (to me) that you’re getting your morning fix from a local coffee house that not only makes a bomb ass latte but also serves it with a smile and makes you feel like getting out of your soft bed this morning was the right decision. Blue Stripes is an extension of Max Brenner’s, created by Max himself when he wanted to do something a bit different. Brenner changed professional paces by opening a coffee/ pastry shop that is known for their delectable mochas and chocolate filled croissants. Yesterday I popped in to start my day off the right way and got an iced mocha to test the hype, and it undoubtedly lived up to every bit of it. The iced mocha was just enough chocolate balanced with an even amount of espresso. Not to mention they give a 10% off student discount to New School students! For a great iced coffee head over to Blue Stripes on 13th and University. They won’t disappoint.
C&B
C&B
178 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
As an ode to the Sunday scaries I found it quite fitting to make this post about my Sunday morning cure, C&B. My best friend and I have been going to C&B since the beginning of the second semester and has become a routine of ours to get lattes and egg sandwiches from C&B every Sunday morning (if you could call 1 pm morning). I find the cozy little restaurant to be the best place to relax after an eventful night since it’s never too loud and the food is delicious. I was reminded of why I love it so much today when I popped in, as I am every week. As I drew in my first sip of my almond milk latte a surge of warmth ran through my body and brought my brain back to life. The fact that they never get my order wrong it quite impressive to me and is actually one of the primary reasons I keep returning. Even the atmosphere is relaxing with vinyls spinning in the background and self-seating which is always a bonus to me because I’m impatient when it comes to waiting. Is the seating area too small? Yes, but I’ve decided that this is New York and I have to deal with it. As a thanks to the Sunday scaries I am attaching a list of the best hangover items on their menu that will make you Monday ready in no time.
PRODIGY COFFEE
PRODIGY COFFEE
33 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
This coffee was five dollars and near Washington Square Park so I don't want to hear one complaint. The service was great, a little slow, but great. They had pictures of peoples pets on the wall so you knew that they weren't evil. Literally what else could one ask for? Nothing. Great spot for NYU and New School students. Highly recommend their iced lattes, I mean what else would I get?
Welcome to brooklyn
SWALLOW CAFE
SWALLOW CAFE
3 locations in Brooklyn
In a hurry to get to the train I stumbled across this gem of a cafe in Williamsburg. The cafe was pretty empty when I came across it (then again it was 3 p.m.) yet the ambiance was lovely. The latte was prepared in under 3 minutes with lots of flavor and served with a smile. I found that the prices were not as outrageous as cafes in the city. There was enough seating to fit a morning rush/ mid-day crash, therefore it seemed to be a successful find.