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B Cup Café
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches [Edit]
212 Ave BNew York, NY 10009
Neighborhoods: East Village, Alphabet City
(212) 228-4808
- Nearest Transit:
-
1 Av (L)
3 Av (L)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 10 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 10 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
161 reviews for B Cup Café
Review Highlights
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"Free wi-fi, lots of seating and delicious studying food." In 12 reviews -
"The giant oreo cookie is yummy, too." In 6 reviews -
"Comfy couches with low coffee tables (with fresh flowers." In 7 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
161 reviews in English
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Review from Jess S.
5/14/2012
I actually really love working here.
PROS:
- vibe, seats, lighting, music,
- food options, sweets options, hot drink options
- free wifi & good energy = mad uninterrupted-hours-of-work-age
CONS:
- outlets seem to be concentrated at the front and back corners with the least comfortable seating. Wisely played, b cup, wisely played.
- $15 for a wrap&salad with tea seems a little steep :\
- Ave B is like a whole other borough, god it's so far -
Review from Priyanka M.
New York, NY
5/1/2012
This place rocks! The reviews are true. It IS totally chill, cute, unpretentious, and CLEAN, which I love! I went there to study one day and was pleasantly surprised. The ambience is set by Red Hot Chili Peppers on the radio and friendly east-siders popping in to read/hang out. All the drinks I had were delicious: red eye with skim, soy chai latte, and a cappuccino (sadly, each drink was $4-6, which is insane, but forgivable, considering the many pluses). Didn't try the food but it smelt good.. might have to get something next time.
I was tempted to not leave a review so that my cute coffee spot wouldn't get overrun by manhattan-ers desperate to find an awesome coffee shop but I couldn't help myself. They truly deserve your business!
PS- CASH ONLY! -
Review from Jin C.
New York, NY
4/20/2012
B Cup Cafe has been on my to-go list for a while now. I came here because I was jonesing for some dessert but my friend, who doesn't have my dessert-for-every-meal tendencies, wanted some real food. Off to B Cup Cafe we went! I got myself a turkey sandwich AND a giant Oreo - because the sandwich menu looked too appealing to pass up on. There are at least ten different sandwiches you can choose from, and three kinds of bread: Italian, rosemary and whole grain. I enjoyed my turkey sandwich, and I believe my friend enjoyed his prosciutto sandwich too. The giant Oreo was a little bit disappointing; it could've been sweeter, although I could see why an oversized Oreo should be less sweet so people don't fall into a diabetic coma eating it. The sandwich was about $9 and the Oreo about $3.
Lots of quaint, mismatched sofas and chairs around here. It's a really cozy vibe and there's lots of line streaming in from the large glass windows. -
Review from Michael N.
New York, NY
5/15/2012
I do not venture to this area too often, but I do enjoy this cafe.
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Review from Carey G.
Santa Barbara, CA
4/29/2012
Go here. Eat the avocado sandwich and send me your thank you's! Good music, free wifi, friendly service, and amazing food. It doesn't get better. Oh wait it does - organic greens! I can't speak highly enough of this lovely cafe.
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Review from Sophie C.
Manhattan, NY
3/21/2012
As an overworked college student I try to get off campus every weekend and find new cafes to work in with free Wifi and good coffee. I've been to B Cup a few times, but will surely not be returning.
The coffee is decent, the sandwiches are quite tasty (although a bit overpriced), and the Wifi is indeed free. However, on the last two occasions that I went, I was treated by the staff with a very bad attitude, constantly pressured to purchase food and drink. When I told one staff member that I would buy coffee in just a bit, not more than 5 minutes later they sent another guy over to ask me again whether I would order, basically forcing me to go to the counter right away.
After I hastily ordered my coffee, I sat back down, ready to work in peace. Not 5 minutes later, the same guy came over again and told me that I was not allowed to sit there, stating that I had outside food. I had a granola bar with me. Overkill much? -
Review from Mischa A.
Updated - 2/1/2012 6 Check-ins Here
Ok, it is about update time as I spend way to much time here not to write an update on this place.
What I love the most is, in all the time that I have been coming here it is the same...
What still stands out as one of the greatest points is this place is laid back attitude of the guys that run it... Also I can not forget to mention the local feel... it is like a cheers bar with out the alcohol or Norm... well there is a postal guy that eats there a lot, yet the postal part is as close to norm as he gets...
The menu is still good, my new favorite is the Hummus plate. get it as a sandwich...Listed in: Lunch under the bright blue…, Type to your hearts content
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/16/2010
I should be giving this place a bad review so people dont go there, but I cant.
great neighborhood… Read more »
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Review from Jordan J.
Why should you come to B Cup Cafe when you're looking for a place to study?
Is it because of the free Wifi that you can use all day (just ask at the counter for the password)? ...no, that's not it.
Is it because they play a solid rotation of indie/classic rock that's loud enough to muffle the weird conversation about tarot cards coming from the table next to you, but not so loud that it actually distracts you?* ...nah, that's not it either.
Maybe it's because they make a pretty damn good Americano, and because you get to drink your iced coffee out of a huge carafe? Or because B Cup has a pretty chill atmosphere that seems perfect for just hanging out, grabbing a coffee and doing some reading? ...nope and nope (though I do love me a carafe o' coffee).
Could it be the quality sandwiches that are served with a side salad and an atrociously delicious balsamic vinaigrette, which are light enough to keep you from falling into a post-lunch coma, ensuring maximum productivity? ...nuh-uh.
No, the reason to come here to study is that there's a chalkboard in the bathroom. So after you finish your two carafes of iced coffee and suddenly feel the urge to splurge, you can KEEP STUDYING WHILE YOU'RE PEEING/POOPING. Exhibit A - the attached photo of a rudimentary nephron (which I didn't get to finish because some impatient, unappreciative bastard was knocking. Learn to hold it in, punk. You can't rush ARTISTIC GENIUS).
B Cup Cafe - for when you can't afford even 5 minutes of bathroom respite.
P.S. I wasn't actually studying in the bathroom, I swear! I just drew that to make a point. You believe me, right? ......guys?
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*So the first few times I came here to work,
A) the music volume was perfect and
B) they were super laid back and didn't pressure me to keep buying stuff too much.
The last couple of times, though,
A) the music has been blaring to the point that I needed to throw in headphones and block it out with my own music, and
B) we were getting pressured by someone (presumably the owner?) to order like every hour, which got pretty old after a while considering that we were spending more than enough on food/drink even without being asked. So depending on when you come and who's working at the time, it might be more or less full-day-of-studying-friendly.
It's also worth mentioning that the prices here are a bit too high, especially for the pastries which are decent at best (blueberry scone was completely meh, giant oreo was OK but nothing I'd go out of my way for).
Overall, this is a good place to stop in for a coffee or a sandwich. I initially thought it was going to be my go-to for studying, but considering the price point and the recent pushiness to keep buying things, I'm not so sure anymore. Still, B Cup has got plenty of redeeming qualities and is at least worth checking out. -
Review from Katie W.
3/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Simply as good as it gets! Kind of reminds me of "Central Perk" with their inviting couches, yet not quite as spacious. They have free wi-fi, great people watching, and an awesome pandora station playing. All of the food I've tried here has been fresh and delicious (favorite so far being the goatcheese sandwich and salad.) And I love how green they are too with their reusable glasses, mugs and silverwear - if you simply want a glass of water and don't want to buy a bottle they'll give you a glass! Rock on B Cup!
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Review from Diana Y.
Great cafe to get work done. The food is good, the coffee and tea is good. The pastries, on the other hand, could use some work...
But for free wifi and good drinks and a chill environment, this is great! Wish there were more cafes like this in Manhattan.... -
Review from Anna S.
Manhattan, NY
1/5/2012
This is such a gem of a coffee shop!! I agree with a lot of the other yelpers - great environment to get work done in. The ambiance is the right balance of calm and stimulating. I like the fact that there are both couches and tables....depending on your mood, you can come there just to lounge, or get some work done.
The only drawback is that it is a bit pricey for what you'd expect. However, what makes up for it is the free WiFi. That is rare indeed. Sometimes the internet has been a bit spotty, but usually I don't run into too many problems.
The food is better than I thought it would be. They use delicious, hearty breads, and fresh/good quality vegetables on their sandwiches and veggies.
Favorite picks from the menu: the avocado sandwich on the whole wheat bread....It comes with a nice little side salad with really good balsamic....and the mint-lemonade. It's so flavorful! -
Review from Leese H.
3/10/2012
B Cup is my favorite neighborhood nook. I've enjoyed the drinks and divine sandwiches. (Note: Get the Chai, it's so great compared to the other cafes in the area.) Great location for studying, catching up with friends, or surfing on the Internet. The back of the coffee house is like a lion's den- so cozy, yet dangerous. I can fall asleep for hours and realize that I haven't done any work at all... Eep!
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Review from Kassy M.
AMAZING zucchini bread. I will definitely be back for more of those.
Also, my chai latte was the best I've had in a while. Perfectly sweet, and not too hot.
My only complaint is that, a small cup of chai latte, zucchini bread, and a bottle of water for $10 and change seems a little expensive. -
Review from Simone B.
New York, NY
1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ever since I moved to the east side I've been on a quest to discover hidden gems in LES, Alphabet City, and the East Village. B Cup Cafe is definitely one of them. Its brightly colored exterior caught my eye while walking down Avenue B.
B Cup Cafe offers all the coffee shop essential. Excellent selection of food & beverage, delicious coffee, FREE Wifi, comfy seating, plenty of outlets, and a laid-back atmosphere. Forgot your laptop? B Cup has a few computer that you can use for a small fee. This cafe is perfect for a coffee date, studying, or simply to chill. -
Review from Heather S.
Manhattan, NY
4/4/2012
My neighborhood coffee stop.The first time I came here I did not know it was cash only and the man behind the counter (I presume the owner) cut my tired looking self a break, gave me my iced coffee and asked me to pay next time I was in. I was shocked. That kind of thing does not happen in NYC of chain coffee shops (but I guess they let me charge $2.50). I came by a few days later and ponied up for my previous drink and another round and have been visiting ever since. The turkey sandwich is phenomenal and I loved that it is served with a side salad. I've yet to feel the pressure to buy, buy buy! but that's because I usually get my items to go. 4 stars because it is a bit pricey.
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Review from Laura T.
3/13/2012
Excellent place to get some work done in a quaint comfy atmosphere. It gets even better, the have good coffee and yummy sandwiches.
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Review from Himanshu G.
Flushing, NY
12/17/2011
3.8
Pros: Nice ambiance. Nice staff. Clean bathroom. Quiet cafe. Decent prices. Got couches. Nice Menu.
- I hear food is great but I didn't get a chance to try it out. Just had a house coffee for $2.50 in a big coffee cup.
Cons: Slightly small compared to what I expected but no big deal.
Overall - Recommended. I would def come here again. -
Review from Erica V.
Manhattan, NY
12/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
B Cup is one of my favorite coffee shops. It's a bit pricy and cash only, but the house coffees are huge and come in a big cup with a saucer. The atmosphere is really welcoming and comfortable with a range of seating options - tables, bar, couches, and comfy chairs. The soup here is also quite good and comes with delicious bread.
This is a great place to come and get some work done. They have free wi-fi and you can get the password at the counter.
Also, it might be a bit of a personal preference, but I kinda like the music here most of the time. -
Review from Rebecca J.
New York, NY
11/9/2011
Oh, B Cup, my haven away from home. Somehow I always manage to find a seat on one of the velvet couches. Despite its small size, it's never overcrowded and the service is great.
Whoever controls the music is a godsend. Study-able, won't put you to sleep, and just loud enough to enjoy.
Come for the coffee and get food, too! The chili is awesome. Stay for the atmosphere and the wifi, even though for some reason I've never been able to connect to it.
It's one of those places you can spend hours at and not feel like you've completely wasted your day away. -
Review from Hannah S.
Nassau, NY
5/4/2012
a cockroach fell from the ceiling onto my stuff and i still had to pay 11 bucks for a small overpriced salad. enough said.
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Review from Catherine B.
Brooklyn, NY
7/11/2011
First of all, I was annoyed that this place didn't turn on the AC even though it was a day full of scorching humidity and heat. Nobody wants to enjoy a hot coffee in a hot room. That being so, I ordered an iced vanilla latte and my friend ordered a regular iced latte. Both of us hated our drinks. They were too strong for lattes (not enough milk), I didn't taste any vanilla in my vanilla latte, and both of our drinks were super watery. I expected much better given the reviews on here.
However, the blueberry muffins were wonderful and crumbly. Therefore I give you 2 stars. You're welcome. -
Review from Jane K.
3/22/2011 5 Check-ins Here
It was love at first look that one day I discovered B Cup. Located only steps from my abode and advertising banana smoothies on the chalkboard signs outside, this yellow painted café is an oasis in the 'hood.
Plenty of seating with free WiFi will always attract crowds but if you get in here at the right time you can enjoy relaxed cappuccino bliss. Don't have your own laptop? Use theirs for a nominal fee. Hungry? Grab a perfectly proportioned pressed panini. Feeling sluggish? Spring for a reasonably priced latté or espresso.
The service is always friendly and accommodating, as are the patrons. B Cup is my home away from home, office away from office and straight up place I want to spend some time at.
Cue ballad.Listed in: East Village: Live Like A…, Coffee and Tea NYC!, Cafécito Mijito
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Review from Yoshi M.
New York, NY
8/26/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Love their teas and coffee.....!
Free wifi ( ask the workers for the code), sometimes it's very busy depending on time and day..... Comfy chairs ( against the wall on the left)... Never tried their food yet but definitely will!!! Better than Starbucks... Any day!!! -
Review from Ginn C.
New York, NY
2/27/2011
Rain or shine, I find myself here a lot. And by a lot I mean, I know the guys the work the place - including the owner, I know all the sandwiches and drinks on the menu, and I know how to jimmy the toilet handle to get it to flush when it gets stuck... Just kidding it never gets stuck. But you know what I mean. I know this place like the back of my hand.
To be truthful I wasn't particularly amazed by this place the first time I came here, but after the second and third I really fell in love. It became comfort coffees and teas to my soul, with the wonderful sandwiches and salads to make my lunch a deal of the day.
It has cozy hand-painted decor to it, which always appeals to my 5th grade art project heart. -
Review from Jenny S.
9/29/2011 1 photo
my GO-TO neighborhood cafe!!! w/ FREE WIFI, plenty of outlets, & a stamp card so you get rewarded after you buy 10 drinks!
i love setting up shop at B cup cafe, the staff is great & its such a relaxed environment!! they have a few tables and bench sofas both in the front & back of the cafe
when I sit in, iced coffee is served in a carafe instead of cup, which is perfect to last me a few hours on my laptop!!
they've also got ice blended drinks & food that i've yet to try but i'm sure i'll get to it eventually!! -
Review from Lisa D.
10/6/2011 1 photo
B Cup Cafe makes me wish I were still in school or worked freelance. With a great corner location that is both close enough to the L and 6 trains yet also far away enough from the chaos of St. Marks/Astor Place, this cafe offers ample space, a great music selection to read or study by, soup bowl-sized coffee cups, and a nice selection of bakery items as well as more savory menu items such as egg dishes, sandwiches, and salads. I passed a very pleasant few hours in here reading my book over a giant decaf cappuccino with perfectly steamed, foamed, and heart-shaped vanilla soy milk and a "giant oreo," while mellow music flowed.
Listed in: Daily Grind for the Daily…
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Review from Christine G.
Brooklyn, NY
4/12/2011 1 photo
Free wi-fi, lots of seating and delicious studying food. I'm a big fan.
The daytime barista is very friendly and has a great selection of music on his Ipod for studying. So even though it gets busy in here, I can go headphone-less.
It gets pretty busy in here but you can stay for awhile and no one bothers you to buy stuff. There are outlets on the back wall near the bar, so when you see a lot of laptops at the tables, most are likely taken.
Lots of delicious treats and sandwiches that others seem to rave about. I generally take a break from studying and grab a pizza slice deals (2.75 for 2 slices and a drink?!) anywhere down the street. -
Review from Max E.
New York, NY
11/21/2011
i am going to keep this short and sweet.
this is one of my favorite places in the neighborhood to get some work done. i love their coffee, their sandwiches and the staff is fantastic. internet is free and they don't make you feel hurried, ever.
could do without the music (not my taste) and there could be a few more outlets for people on laptops. -
Review from Elizabeth M.
Manhattan, NY
11/19/2011
My favorite cafe and coffee shop yet! Cozy, great music, not too loud. DELICIOUS drinks and pastries. Haven't tried the salads or sandwiches yet...the staff is so friendly and kind. The interior decor is artsy and fun. My favorite place to go on the weekends to study and get a cafe au lait. Definitely recommend =]
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Review from Kelley K.
Updated - 11/12/2011 12 Check-ins Here
B Cup attracts an array of Alphabet City-zens--students reading or using laptops, deaf and disabled persons (there is a nearby housing complex for the deaf), and dog walkers to name a few. On one occasion I was sitting directly adjacent to a couple of 30-somethings on an awkward blind date. Needless to say, that was quite distracting yet entertaining.
The café is essentially a 20 foot by 40 foot rectangle with a central coffee bar dividing the front and back seating areas. The walls, painted a vibrant shade of tangerine, are covered with contemporary abstract paintings by local artists. Patches of exposed brick provide a rustic, cozy feel, and there are also brass wall hooks for hanging bags or coats. The front of the café boasts floor to ceiling windows (that let in plenty of natural light) with colorful, psychedelic window art. There are a couple yellow armchairs in the front, mismatched mahogany tables with fresh flowers in vases in the middle, and comfy couches in the back. Most laptop users use the middle tables as they are at an ideal height for sitting and typing. However, laptop users sitting on the couches must place their laptops on their laps as the coffee tables are too low, making prolonged studying uncomfortable. The closeness of individual seating spaces in B Cup, as in most NYC establishments, allow you to hear the conversations of those sitting next to you, making focused studying or reading difficult. There are recessed lighting fixtures in the ceiling but they are not used; instead, an assortment of hanging lamps and wall light fixtures with warm-colored lampshades provide sectionalized light above seating areas and the coffee bar. I have frequented B Cup at all times of day and at night, the interior lighting can be a bit too dim and warm for effective reading. However, as Bell points out in Chapter 6, dim, cavelike settings (like B Cup at night) are best for computer use.
The front door is always open, probably to provide better circulation as the back area can get stuffy even with the two ceiling fans on. I moved from my initial spot on a back couch because it was too warm to a table closer to the front as I wanted to enjoy the natural light. A great selection of music is constantly playing (e.g., Phoenix, The Eagles, Gorillaz); however, the music is not conducive to studying. It's often too loud for effective studying habits (looking around, I see half of the laptop users with ear buds in) and some of the tunes are so catchy that I find myself tapping my feet along to the beat.Listed in: Brooklyn Vegan--the Yelp…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/3/2011
They play the best music here! I swear, they're using my iTunes playlist...
"Lisztomania" then… Read more »
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Review from Fallopia T.
Manhattan, NY
12/3/2010 1 photo
Oddly enough, I've never gone here, even though the café--formerly called "Beansville" and run by an Algerian woman named Ines--has been here a few years. Yesterday I walked in and stood looking at the cookies and the barista behind the counter asked, "Can I help you?"
"Do you have anything vegan?" I asked.
"No," he replied.
That's all I need to know. I can make my salads at home.Listed in: Eek! Methinks not!
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Review from Emily I.
Mamaroneck, NY
3/2/2011
I love coming to B Cup Cafe on weekend mornings to get a latte (served in a small water pitcher) and read the paper or my latest book. The wifi is FREE and there are couches and a nice atmosphere so it's also great for doing work.
The food is pretty decent. I like the yogurt with granola, fruit and honey. The pressed sandwiches are good also. The only downside is that they don't serve eggs so if you're looking for a good brunch go somewhere else. Some complain about the music, however, I enjoy a 90's hit mixed in with my classic rock every now and then. -
Review from rebecca d.
New York, NY
2/12/2012
charming spot with ample seating, free wifi, friendly service and solid lattes.
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Review from Jonathan M.
New York, NY
6/16/2011
B Cup, exactly what it says it is. B quality; top to bottom.
I'm all for atmosphere, but SUBstance? Everyone is reviewing what a cozy place this is to sit down. And I don't understand the few who are commenting on the food. No, it's none of those great things you are talking about. (Grade Pending btw) I didn't even enjoy the coffee -
Review from Andrzrej K.
Brooklyn, NY
1/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Seems to be a Jewish/Italian coffee shop. It has orange walls like a mid priced Italian restaurant does but has Star of Davids all over- but that combo is actually a plus-
The rest of the place is actually not too great. Im not one to bitch about high prices in the city, so I wont, it just a little more than other places around.
With the amount of Pizza places I Have NOT been to on the wan, my next venture is coffee- and B Cup is kinda more like a B- cup. -
Review from Krista L.
Spokane, WA
3/21/2011
Had lunch here with a friend today and we had excellent pressed sandwhiches (we both had the mozellera with pesto and roasted red pepper). I liked the environment, our food was very good, and a large iced tea really MEANS a LARGE iced tea.
Service was good and the restaurant was nice. The only (slight) downside is that the dressing on the salad was a little heavy on the oil for my taste, though I loved the amount of pepper. -
Review from Gina H.
New York, NY
Great little coffee shop. I wish I lived a little closer. The coffee was delicious and even though I didn't order any food it smelled great.
I really enjoyed the music they played. It was mellow like Norah Jones, Eagles, Jason Mraz, Death Cab for Cutie, Semisonic, etc. I also liked how easy it was to find a plug for my computer and the Wi-Fi was reliable. The tables are pretty close together, but it didn't bother me that much. My friend and I stayed there for 3.5 hours and ordered 2 drinks each. I don't think the staff minded, but we didn't want to stay tooo long and left after we finished our second drink.
Don't forget to bring CASH, but if you do they have an ATM inside. -
Review from Mario W.
11/15/2011
Super location. The music is just perfect takes the stress away from a busy day in NYC's streets. It is like an extension to your own living room away from home. Coffee and food was fantastic.
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Review from Cristina F.
San Juan, PR
5/29/2011
The best neighborhood café! The best place to go wind down after a long day of work at the Family Guidance Center and all the bs associate with!!! I was there since the concept started growing and the community became part of even choosing the name for it...B Cup Café.
B Cup means to me: great coffee, yumminess between two slices of bread (referring to the multigrain prosciutto/mozzarella/arugula panini), and delicious baklavas. Also they offer great service. It's a very cozy place to enjoy with friends and locals from LES.
Love the Bcup though I've a little more than the B size LOL -
Review from Vanessa V.
Portsmouth, NH
12/26/2010
Hung out here for a couple hours during the snowstorm this afternoon. Very inviting place... nice couches. Most people were working on their laptops but that's to be expected when there is free wi-fi involved. It wasn't unfriendly faceless laptop users, though-- they were all willing to share a couch and not in a smiling through their teeth sort of way.
My skim white chocolate mocha was perfect, down to the latte art leaf on top. Hubby's regular mocha was a bit strong for him, but he isn't a coffee drinker so I give them the benefit of the doubt.
Wouldn't hesitate to come back!
PS. to the reviewer below who said there is nothing vegan, they did have vegan choco chip cookies today. Didn't get to try one but they looked okay.
