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B Cup Cafe

3.5 star rating
based on 60 reviews

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches

Neighborhood: East Village
212 Avenue B
(between 12th St & 13th St)
New York, NY 10009
(212) 228-4808
Nearest Transit:

1st Ave-14th St (L)

Hours:

Mon-Fri. 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sat-Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Parking:
Street
Accepts Credit Cards:
No
Price Range:
$$
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
Yes
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
No
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
Free
Good for:
Breakfast, Lunch
Alcohol:
None

60 reviews for B Cup Cafe

Review Highlights   

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"free wifi and a huge selection of teas and coffees." (in 17 reviews)
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"that's open late with free wi-fi." (in 6 reviews)
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"WiFi is free, there are comfortable couches as well as chairs." (in 6 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of nana t.

 

0

8

nana t.

New York, NY

3 star rating
11/6/2009

i like the ambiance of B Cup, not to mention the fact that it's 20 feet from my front door.  BUT, the food is just okay and the drinks are overpriced.  $2.85 for a cup of tea?!  the drip coffee is weak - opt for the americano.

although i do i have to say that i LOVE the fact that they serve iced drinks in carafes.

also, free secure WiFi.  love it.

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Photo of Brice P.

Elite '09

361

121

Brice P.

New York, NY

4 star rating
10/22/2009

Some people prefer something a bit bigger than a B Cup. Some a bit smaller. I think it's just right. (Har D, Har, Har.... Sorry, too easy.)

The servers are friendly, attractive, and international--everything you want from a corner cafe with secondhand (third? fourth?) furniture and wildly, beautifully painted interior and exterior. The coffee is excellent and the food pretty good for behind-a-tiny-counter kitchen. (Wish they didn't skimp so much on the proteins, I want to taste chicken when I order a chicken sandwich.) But everything else here makes up for that.

This is a terrific study and chat spot with excellent coffee and drinks, free WiFi, no pretense, and some decent snacks. I'll be adding this to my regular spots.

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Photo of Alyvia M.

Elite '09

49

188

Alyvia M.

New York, NY

4 star rating
10/25/2009

I decided to paint my living room today, and needed a place to chill while it dried. It was the most amazing day outside, so I tried to find something with outdoor seating. I walked into B cup for a coffee and saw the bench. I can't believe I hadn't thought of this earlier.

I have been to B cup a few times now and should have Yelped it months ago. The servers are so attractive and friendly, and the atmosphere is peaceful. It almost seemed too good to be true for a coffee shop. I guess I'm used to the Starbucks crowd who are so hyped up on caffeine the place sounds like a concert at Hammerstein.

B cup was the perfect choice. They have wifi, delicious sandwiches, a killer spiced latte, and provide an inviting experience to any and everyone who walks in.

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Photo of Julie M.

 

2

5

Julie M.

New York, NY

5 star rating
11/4/2009

This is my favorite coffee shop in the city. I don't get to go very often since I moved from the east village :(. They have wireless, GREAT coffee that they make quickly, excellent/friendly/non-snobby service (not so easy to find), and their food is delicious.

My favorites are: the giant oreo! The avocado salad. OMG. It's really good! It can be hard to find a table as it's usually crowded. Only some tables are close to outlets. So better to go later in the evening or earlier morning to avoid all of the outlet users.

However, it's totally worth waiting to stalk a table. This has the best laid back vibe of the coffee shops I've been to throughout the EV and LES. It's definitely my favorite.

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Photo of David T.

 

0

5

David T.

New York, NY

5 star rating
10/23/2009

This place is good for everything you'd want in a coffee shop.  They have great coffee, all types.  A wide variety of frozen coffee/non-coffee drinks.  Great homemade lemonade and iced ginger tea.  They also have a bunch of tasty sandwiches (which are big enough for a lunch and come with a small salad with a great dressing).  And they have a lot of great looking pastries, but I haven't tried them besides a bite of my friend's "giant oreo".  It ruled.

All the servers are younger, really chill, and friendly (I think they're Israeli).  They don't bug you about just buying one drink and then using their free wifi for hours... they know the deal.  They also have a buy 10, get one free stamp card for sandwiches and drinks.  And the servers often over-stamp you if you're cool (sweet!)

The seating has a wide variety (back nook with couches, side with typical 2-person square tables, side with comfy chairs and couch etc) so it always makes you feel super comfortable no matter what you're there for.

And it's always clean.

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Photo of nini t.

 

5

20

nini t.

New York, NY

4 star rating
10/1/2009

So my review is largely based on their sandwiches taken to go, which are  pretty tasty and reasonably priced at $7.50 each.  It's right next door to my neighborhood yoga studio, so it's convenient for me to run in after class and grab a quick bite to eat, although I've never actually enjoyed a meal or even a cup of coffee here because I'm usually sweaty and gross.  

The guys working behind the counter are always very friendly, albeit on the soft-spoken side.  I'm embarrassed every time I need for them to repeat themselves.  

My bf and I keep going back for the tuna sandwiches.  Both the avocado tuna and the tuna salad are winners.  The Chai soy latte not so much.  Maybe I'll bring a book and do some reading here next time.  It seems like a pretty relaxed environment.

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Photo of barbie l.

Elite '09

10

75

barbie l.

Brooklyn, NY

3 star rating
9/4/2009 2 photos

3.5 Stars really.

PROS:
- Solid free wifi.
- Pretty good iced coffees that come in carafes.
- Dog friendly.

CONS:
- Music is often too loud, and I use the term music generously, the selection included Dido, Matchbox 20, Dave Matthews Band, and Eagle-Eye Cherry?? The ambiance can also be described by my coffee companion's words, "What is this? It's like listening to some douchebag college student's playlist." Yeah, someone who went to college in the late 90's.
- Needs more AC.
- I ordered a latte and dude gave me a LARGE even though I didn't ask for it. $4.50? ...F!

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Photo of Deb S.

 

12

21

Deb S.

New York, NY

5 star rating
9/21/2009

Recently, B Cup has become my go-to place for reading and studying on the weekends.  The cozy, warm atmosphere is more than inviting, and I've never felt that I've overstayed my welcome.  Although I've parked myself there for hours on end over a cup of tea, the owners have never made me feel like I should be ordering more, which I love!

One commenter said that she thought they closed too early.  I spoke with one of the guys yesterday who said that they close at 10pm daily, which doesn't seem too early for me...

Enjoy!

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Photo of Isabel L.

Elite '09

95

187

Isabel L.

NY

3 star rating
8/9/2009

It's no doubt a pretty good study spot since it's quiet and the servers are real friendly.

They serve food and have some tables and couches available for studying.

I don't care much for the coffee, but I had to say that my caramel latte was lukewarm...i really have a thing when they can't steam my milk hot enough.. furthermore I couldn't taste the Caramel and I paid 4.60 for a latte ( they only offer the LARGE size for eat-in patrons) , which is quite alot in my book. ...

my studying went pretty well so i assume ill come back if i cant find anything.

If you know of any good study spots in the east village area let me know !!! thanks!

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Photo of Halle T.

Elite '09

159

240

Halle T.

Boston, MA

4 star rating
8/30/2009

Brace yourself for the best deal in NYC... an entire plate of hummus-- yummy hummus-- with plenty of bread for dipping... for only $6.50.  

This also includes free wifi, comfy tables, and a great working atmosphere.  The giant oreo cookie is yummy, too.

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Photo of Steph C.

Elite '09

267

527

Steph C.

New York, NY

4 star rating
6/27/2009

Despite the cheap joke of a name, B Cup is a cute neighborhood coffee shop with plenty to offer.  To wit: free wireless, comfy cushioned seating, friendly service, big mugs of caffeine, and a decent lunch.  The smoked salmon salad is pretty good, even if it does leave you tasting red onion all day.

I'm happy to have this little spot in my hood.  In the most ridiculously rainy June I have ever seen, it's a nice cozy getaway that's only a step or two removed from sitting on my couch.  That step or two are a shower and some pants, both of which are often good things.

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Photo of Lucy L.

Elite '09

195

555

Lucy L.

New York, NY

3 star rating
4/26/2009

It's not a bad place to pick up a coffee drink on your way to out or to work.. they have variety of choice.. place is quiet cute as well.. lots of people work or study here.. supposedly they offer free wifi.. that's always a plus..

I would have to come back here to stay to enjoy the full experiences next time.. for now I say their coffee is just A-OK..

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Photo of Laura B.

 

0

10

Laura B.

New York, NY

3 star rating
7/23/2009

I give B Cup 3.5 stars. IF you can find a comfy place to sit, preferably the couch or living room style chairs- it's great. However, some of the tables and chairs are a little too cozy, and by that I mean many of the seats are arranged in such a way that your limbs come dangerously close to knocking over your neighbor's latte.

Good points: the wifi is FREE and FAST, and my mozzarella panini was perfect and my chocolate chip cookie moist.
Down side: it's cramped and my coffee was rather watered down and tasteless.  And the music was slightly intolerable (Dave Matthews Band)

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Photo of Anna B.

 

7

35

Anna B.

New York, NY

4 star rating
5/28/2009

There are the downfalls that people have mentioned: slightly more expensive, no credit cards, closes on the early side.

However, this remains a favorite for me.  Drinks are served in real mugs and are big.  WiFi is free, there are comfortable couches as well as chairs.  There's a printer available as well as an ATM if you forget cash.  I've yet to try real food, although I was given a free cookie on my first visit which was quite delicious.  Which brings me to the excellent service.  The owners are Israeli and are very nice.  They are friendly and clearly love what they do.  They will help you bring your drink to your seat, know coffee and tea, and help give the place a warm, comfortable feel.  Definitely a lot of regulars here.  And you'll never feel like you're overstaying your welcome if you sit for a few hours on one drink.

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Photo of Priya P.

Elite '09

67

143

Priya P.

New York, NY

2 star rating
3/27/2009

Warning: this place blows. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here unless I lived on Ave B.

First of all, the staff is kind of rude- and I'm not going to let that slide just because they're European.

Second, prices are high - my steamed milk last night was $4 (w/ tip). And their tax seems unusually high. Plus they don't accept credit card (but to their credit they do have an ATM).

Third, I could have sworn they used to close later- but they now close at 10 on weekdays.

At least the bathroom was clean; that's always a plus. On my walk home last night, I spotted a new cafe/diner around 12th and A (Cafe 12?) that's open late with free wi-fi. Point being, there are better options in the nabe if you're looking for free wi-fi late night!

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Photo of Renee C.

Elite '09

180

353

Renee C.

New York, NY

3 star rating
3/1/2009

B cup continues its reign as Ave B's Queen coffee shop...the large teacup in its window scooped Cafe de Nova up just like that and never looked back....
Although they monopolized Ave B, they do really well with making good sandwiches and chai lattes...I just can't get over the fact that they won't accept CCs!!! AND I never find a spot to sit comfortably in the afternoon!!

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Photo of Greg N.

 

0

8

Greg N.

New York, NY

4 star rating
8/18/2009

This place has great sandwiches and salads and decent coffee.  The ambiance is very chill, with good music and relaxed employees.  Kind of on the small side though.

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Photo of Teresa L.

Elite '09

8

48

Teresa L.

San Rafael, CA

2 star rating
Updated - 2/13/2009

The last time I was here it was busy and there was lots of eye candy, now it's empty and the guys working here are all up my butt.  Leave me alone with my $5 coffee and stale scone!!

And the musics really, really bad today.  Dave Mathews?  I'd puke if the scone wasnt so dry....

but hey, free internet and sofas.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    2/3/2009

    I dunno what it is about good coffee and reliable wireless in the alphabet, we are all crammed in… Read more »

Photo of Nic B.

Elite '09

229

442

Nic B.

New York, NY

4 star rating
4/13/2009

What a nice cozy little cafe: exposed brick, interesting art, couches, lots of yummy Middle Eastern food options, cool music.  The owners, whom I believe are from Israel, are extremely nice.  Coming back from a walk/jog (wog) across the Williamsburg Bridge, they gave me free water.  I felt like a regular Blanche Dubois - always appreciate the kindness, guys!  I'll be back for the free WiFi, eats, and relaxing for sure.

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Photo of Yannie t.

 

6

1

Yannie t.

New York, NY

2 star rating
1/25/2009

God, I miss you, Gramstand!  You were everything I ever wanted in a quite, comfy, wifi'd place to get work done, and I have yet to find your Equal, Splenda, or even Sweet'n Low.

And yet, I suspect I wasn't properly braced for the disappointment of B-Cup.  The coffee was good (star #1), but this is no where one could hope to get any work done and I'm not certain it would be conducive to reading or chatting with friends either.  The staff was friendly (star #2)  as they snapped their fingers along to the worst house music known to man that they had cranked so that the counter and refrigerated display case vibrated like an assault with some super-low frequency weapon of the future.  

While I won't give up my search for the next Gramstand, at least I know now that I won't find it in the arms of B-Cup.

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Photo of charles L.

 

12

2

charles L.

New York, NY

1 star rating
2/16/2009

I really liked this place for a while.  I went there almost every other day to get some studying done either before or after school.  I definitely agree that the prices are high and I don't know when they immediately started charging for one size cups of coffee.

The place can get really crowded and the music can get really loud.  Not too bad.  But mainly, one day, I could see the wait staff looking over at me after I finished my food and coffee and could hear them discussing how to get me to order something else.  Then I was approached by one of the waiters and asked me if I wanted to order something in a, "you better order something soon" look.  After a while, I felt uncomfortable and left.  I come here all the time and spend quite a bit of money there, but I'm pretty much done with the place.  

Good luck BCUP.  I miss ya Gramstand!

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Photo of Helena Z.

 

46

239

Helena Z.

New York, NY

4 star rating
5/19/2009

Very friendly! Good music, free wifi.

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Photo of Lisa B.

Elite '09

29

94

Lisa B.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
4/28/2008

My fitter at the Town Shop (see my review for the Town Shop for details: http://www.yelp.com/bi...) would be horrified if I crammed my DDs into a B Cup, but she might change her mind if she came to this cafe and had a cuppa.

Coffee: yes, they have it, it's good, many different choices.  Word on the street is that the baristas are cute: yup especially if you go for the kibbutznik type.

Ambiance: very East Village, chill but the music was a bit loud.  The staff were friendly, unobtrusive.  I stayed for several hours, never felt unwelcome or in the way.  

Wifi: yes, good and reliable.  

Food: I'll try it next time and let you know.

Went back a couple of times but always had the smoked salmon sandwich.  Why get something else when that one is sooooo good.  So add to my review that the food is really good.  Also add that their coffee is in my top 5; I like my coffee strong and they deliver.  Different baristas every time but always hot; how DO they do that?

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Photo of Tina C.

Elite '09

107

1077

Tina C.

New York, NY

5 star rating
3/2/2009

This coffee house has a very cozy feeling as it's setting is similar to TV show's "Friends" where there is a couch/sofa and other small tables.  There is free WiFi service as well as paid internet access.  They have a gargantuan selection of teas and sweets.  B Cup is aba as East Village Cafe.  Yet they are far much better than your typical Starbucks.  It has a warmer feeling and a more inviting.

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Photo of Kristine R.

Elite '09

83

238

Kristine R.

New York, NY

2 star rating
10/27/2008

2.5

I like the atmosphere of this place, the coffee, and the free wifi (but you need to punch in their phone number for the password).  However, what I didn't like was $5 something for a latte and it's one size. I am a poor grad student and that's a bit pricey for my taste.

Would I come back? Ehhh, maybe if I feel like being a big spender.

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Photo of Alison W.

 

59

7

Alison W.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
2/16/2008

So many coffee shops in the neighborhood but B-cup is handsdown the best coffee in the 'hood.

Aside from the hot men making the coffee everything else is perfect as well including the coffee, pastrys and of course free wi-fi.

I love my B cup, they are so perky and fun.

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Photo of K T B.

 

154

248

K T B.

New York, NY

3 star rating
4/10/2009

Only open until 10? All the way on Avenue B? That's two strikes against it. But with all the awesome places on Avenue A closing folks who live on the LES have fewer choices these days. Sad :(

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Photo of Jennifer B.

Elite '09

53

203

Jennifer B.

New York, NY

2 star rating
11/22/2008

I want to like you... I really do.  Your coffee is em, pricey and not all that great.  I've gotten your sandwiches a couples times and they've been lacking flavor.  Fresh ingredients, but they are barely present -- it's just pressed bread.

The place is super cute and has a nice atmosphere.  Unfortunately, it's overpriced and not that great.  Staff has always been more than friendly.  Such a shame...

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Photo of Albert H.

 

16

39

Albert H.

New York, NY

5 star rating
8/8/2008

I recently moved to the Stuy Town and was looking for a place to hang-out and study.  I can't stand studying in solitude as it is quite depressing and I fortunately stumbled upon this place.

Food and drinks are a bit expensive, but I figure I get free internet and can stay for hours without being bothered, so I don't mind.  Haven't tried much of the food yet but the chicken wrap is great!

Make sure to bring an extension cord if you plan to use your laptop for an extended period of time as there are only a few outlets to plug in to.  

I've found my Central Perk!!!

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Photo of Liz C.

Elite '09

168

265

Liz C.

New York, NY

3 star rating
1/10/2009

As free WiFi corners go, B Cup's pretty run-of-the-mill. It's cozy - both in the conventional sense, and in real estate speak - meaning that although it's a reasonably warm and inviting spot to curl up with a book or a laptop, you'll likely be jockeying for elbow room with four or five NYU undergraduates.

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Photo of Alicia E.

 

33

10

Alicia E.

La Mesa, CA

5 star rating
2/8/2009

The panini sandwiches are outstanding, made with love and the best ingredients.  I can't stop eating one, even when my stomach feels like it'll burst! All the cookies in the jars, and the pastries in the case look scrumptious, and I've tried most of them... they are! I like reading the local single leaf paper they have there while I wait.  PS the hummus to go is an appetizer for 4-5 people easily! Order extra bread!

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Photo of Mike W.

 

22

54

Mike W.

New York, NY

5 star rating
1/22/2008

I'm increasingly realizing that my affinity for certain cafes has less to do with the quality of the coffee drinks and more to do with the overall space itself.  It takes a precise combination of interesting decor, availability of seating, perceived urbanity of clientele, and lack of overall fussiness to really get me excited about a new coffee shop. I love coffee but there's a reason, after all, why I don't just sit around my place drinking my sweet nectar by my lonesome. The right coffee shop has all of the qualities listed above, as well as the necessary stimulation that comes from the surroundings as much as the caffeine.

B Cup has put in a jolly good showing so far, I must say. The drinks are, of course, important, and I'm happy that it's a non-issue here. The lattes and house coffee are large and great, and the chai is good, though foamy for my taste. But I love the view from the corner, the myriad seating options, and the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff. Save for two centrally seated, grating trust fund-ergrads suffering from what I think we called in Adolescent Psych an "imaginary audience complex", my most recent trip to B Cup was perfect. And now I've gone enough times to give it the ol' fivestar. Seriously, it's a great place for those of us who belong to that particular yet unaffected species of solitary cafe dwellers.

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Photo of Christina M.

Elite '09

148

388

Christina M.

New York, NY

4 star rating
9/4/2008

Thumbs up to free wireless internet in a convenient, kind of cute cafe to communally hit up the interwebs

Thumbs down to the heaps of people who scrunch into every spare space, chair, desk and couch corner, making it hard to secure a seat.

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Photo of Karen F.

Elite '09

100

153

Karen F.

New York, NY

4 star rating
12/7/2008

i adore B cup (as a cafe, not a bra size)
here are the facts:
owned by Israelis and staffed by Israelis, you get the feeling you are in a cool cafe somewhere between Europe and the Middle East. The ambiance is great. very chic but not pretentious. Exposed brick walls, art by local artists on the walls, 60's mod chairs in the front, comfy couches in the back and mahogany tables and bar in the middle. I love the giant clock on the wall due to my needing to know the time every second.
the coffee is served in a giant mug and if you get an espresso drink they make a design with the foam. gorge.
the food is delish and the coffee is decent too.
free wifi and great music. so everything they played is somewhere in my itunes which is crazy awesome.  (did they pillage my ipod or something?)

negatives:
they don't take credit card. boooooo!
there aren't very many outlets. double booo!

but i think this might be (dare i say) better than gramstand. new study spot? i think so!

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Photo of emily h.

 

0

7

emily h.

New York, NY

2 star rating
7/20/2008

One of my friends lives right near this place and they definaltey get points for cute decor. From what I've heard it's a revolving door of people that take your order so who knows who will be in there when you go, but the guy that took mine was nice and patient.

I ordered a tuna avocado on whole wheat and it was pretty good but not mind-blowing. I've also had coffee once before and that is what I would come here for again. Sandwich was $8 and definitely more than I was willing to spend on what I got.

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Photo of Michelle N.

Elite '09

10

66

Michelle N.

Brooklyn, NY

3 star rating
3/4/2009

I like this place on a rainy day when everyone else is inside their apartments. Otherwise, it's almost always crowded. Probably because it has nice atmosphere. The WiFi was a little sketchy last time I went here. The coffee and sanwiches are great, although I think they charge for whip cream (on the coffee, obviously).

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Photo of Hugh T.

 

4

9

Hugh T.

New York, NY

3 star rating
3/29/2009

Place has a good selection of drinks and dessert even if on the more expensive side.  It has warm atmosphere, despite being a little cramped, and the staff is been patient, helpful and polite.

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Photo of Molly T.

 

53

122

Molly T.

New York, NY

4 star rating
11/12/2006

A wonderful cafe to read a book or check email over free wifi while sipping on chai.  Their pastries are fairly good and the staff is friendly.

Update: Their blueberry scones are wonderful!  Packed full of fresh, yummy blueberries.

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Photo of Anonymou s.

 

0

41

Anonymou s.

New York, NY

2 star rating
3/4/2009

It's a quaint, cozy place and is ideal for college students to work on their laptops. But since I somehow turned into an old fart in recent years, it's just a bit too cramped for me. I just need some elbow room. I've also had better, less expensive coffee, although to their credit they are generous. Their sandwiches look great, but I haven't ordered one. They look tempting enough for me to go back though. One thing I would have loved to know before dropping in -- CASH ONLY!

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Photo of Megan I.

 

0

11

Megan I.

New York, NY

4 star rating
12/31/2007

DAMN there are some hot men making coffee these days.

Besides the beautiful waitstaff, coffee is good, pastry selection is good, free wi-fi is good, newspaper abundance is good.

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