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Café Grumpy
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
224 W 20th St(between 7th Ave & 8th Ave)
New York, NY 10011
Neighborhood: Chelsea
(212) 255-5511
- Nearest Transit:
-
18 St (1, 2)
23 St (1, 2)
23 St (A, C, E)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 8 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
356 reviews for Café Grumpy
Review Highlights
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"Their unique Clover process makes all the difference." In 44 reviews -
"perfect for you espresso aficionados." In 66 reviews -
"Grumpy's is by far the best coffee spot in Chelsea." In 36 reviews
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354 reviews in English
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Review from Vivian H.
3/3/2012
I get the hype. This place lives up to the hype. I have been trying to come here for many months, but things never work out. Damn, I already had like 500+ cups of coffee today. Damn, it is 8:01pm, they closed. Damn, I went to Cafe Sneezy...
Finally, finally, I made it here today. It was a beautiful warm day and this place was perfect for an afternoon cup of joe. It was pretty warm out, so I got a cup of iced coffee and also a scallion biscuit.
The tables are small here, but the place is cozy. So be prepared to get comfy with your neighbors. I was able to get a high table accompanied by a yellow high stool. The table was pretty small, and there wasn't any room to hang my coat. But I can make do with what I have, so I just neatly stuffed my book bag, gym bag and coat under the table.
The iced coffee was amazing. I usually take my coffee with some cream and sugar, but there was no need for that today. It didn't taste bitter at all. Just a very nice fresh coffee aroma. The scallion biscuit was wonderful. Every morsel tasted better and better. A great little snack to nibble on!
I was able to do some reading and also write some letters while enjoying my iced coffee. The view is also extremely nice in here. You won't find any tourist here. They would be way too intimidated lol... -
Review from Walter C.
San Jose, CA
5/23/2012
Espresso check.
Kenya coffee check.
A very happy customer in a new city check. -
Review from Evan M.
5/12/2012
How can you not like a place called Cafe Grumpy?
Their coffee is expensive, $3-5 per cup, and each cup is individually brewed for you. The selection is from different countries, and each coffee has a description of the flavors/notes (similar to wine tasting). After trying a Brazil cup and a Columbian, I have to be honest that both were a tad tangy? and I wasn't overly excited.
The prices of the coffee are justified, however, because it's a great space. They have benches in front, two interior rooms with tables/chairs/barstools, and courtyard with 5 tables in the back. The staff was hipster/nice. The cafe is clean and welcoming. Definitely worth a visit to sample the coffees and desserts. LOVE the sign that says no laptops please!! Imagine, a coffee shop where people actually converse. -
Review from Bill S.
5/10/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Fresh brewed by the cup coffee!
I'm a forever fan -
Review from Melanie L.
New York, NY
Erykah Badu playing on a rainy day in NYC with a cup of tea in a cozy little spot , ill take it :) I would just say my wallet took away one star from this place otherwise its all good and the tea was very flavorful and staff was very very cute and sweet!
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Review from Girish M.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2012
OK people, this whole Third Wave Coffee is seriously getting out of control - $5 for a cup of drip?!? I love coffee and came recently came to terms with paying $3/cup for individual drip coffee (which really is excellent by the way - thank you Blue Bottle Coffee!), but once a cup of coffee costs more than an entire extra value meal at fill-in-the-blank-fast-food-place, something is seriously wrong. Anyways, ranting aside, Cafe Grumpy does have some decent drip coffee, makes good espresso drinks, and has a hipsterrific space - I don't see myself going back again but it's worth checking out once to see what all the buzz is about. Three stars for the coffee and space but minus one star for each dollar of over-priced-ness!
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Review from Mike C.
4/9/2012
So I shot the moon this past Sunday, visiting the last Cafe Grumpy. Caffeinated tears fell from Juan Valdez's eyes and an angel got its wings and then lost them later when I almost knocked over a toddler. Anyway, this is the worst Cafe Grumpy, but you can tell by that constellation of beautiful stars up there that it's still better than most other coffee places in the city.
The barista was pretty gruff and I wasn't super into his whole situation. Bro, I haven't had coffee yet. You're lucky I put my feet through separate pant legs this morning. I also found out later that he only punched one drink on my card, even though I bought one for myself and my girlfriend. If I lose this card one drink away from my freebie, it's on you. I just hope you can sleep at night.
The atmo' is more serene than your average Grumpy, bumping Mozart instead of whatever hip band is combining an animal name with an unrelated noun that week (Horse Problems? Panda Repair?). As far as seating, it's more spacious and comfortable than the Slope and LES branches, and I had no trouble grabbing some real estate even at primetime on Sunday.
The prices are 25-50 cents higher per item than other Grumpy's, or at least the Brooklyn ones. It makes sense, but it's worth noting. And the Guatemalan pour over was lacking something. It wasn't quite the sexual/spiritual experience I've had at Grumpy in the past. I can't say I'll be returning to this one, but I don't find myself in Chelsea often. It's still better than any other coffee place for blocks around.Listed in: Caffeine Delivery Systems
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Review from J L.
Manhattan, NY
5/19/2012
The coffee here is phenomenal! I heard stories about this place from a friend so I decided to check it out -- it was worth it. Their cappuccino tasted extremely nice. My friend had the macchiato and said it was one of the best. The service is also good and it seems they actually love what they do (which is a must for any great coffee shop). If you are in the area, definitely stop by (look for the "grumpy" face sign).
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Review from Jennifer L.
Bergen County, NJ
3/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Was desperate for a good coffee and yelp didn't let me down, yet again! Totally understand the hype. Really cute place, love the grumpy logo, and the smell is mesmerizing (but yes...any coffee smell is mesmerizing to me...lol).
Wish we could have found a spot to sit and relax but the place was packed. Even the benches outside were all taken even though it was the arctic tundra outside. If we could have sat and enjoyed, this would most likely be a 5 star review.
Staff was friendly and quick. Can't remember the coffee I had but it was from Brazil and delicious. Machiatto from the bf also got a thumbs up.
Would love to come on a quieter time and sit and relax. Or a warmer day to sit outside. -
Review from Cindy B.
5/10/2012
After much online searching I decided upon the Chelsea Grumpy as my local cafe during a month-long stay in New York. Coming from Melbourne I had heard many horror stories regarding American coffee, and chose Grumpy mostly because it has an Australian owner.
My first visit was to purchase beans and have them ground for my stovetop espresso maker. Very successful. While there I asked for a latte with an extra shot to take with me. Not exactly a fantastic coffee, but very drinkable. The second visit was not so successful. A different barista didn't want to make me a latte with an extra shot. On hearing my accent, he told me that one of the owners was Australian (I told him that was the reason I had chosen to go there), and that I would therefore be accustomed to the 'flat white'. He made me one and it was undrinkable. Think of a large coffee flavored milkshake that you have put in a microwave. I returned it and was made a replacement flat white with an extra shot. Still not good.
I visited Cafe Grumpy a couple more times during my holiday to purchase beans. The Heartbreaker Espresso is the reason I have given a 3 star rating. I cannot, however, recommend their coffees. This cafe and its product may be an improvement of what has traditionally been available, but at least one of the staff needs a little more experience. Maybe the owners could organize an exchange program with one of our Melbourne cafes. Just a suggestion. -
Review from Wendy L.
New York, NY
3/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
You know, I hate giving one star reviews...but I'm pretty sure the man who inspired the "grumpy" logo face on their cups was the person who was serving us at the register. Now, my boyfriend and I, are by no means coffee snobs, however we do enjoy great coffee at home which we grind and brew ourselves with beans from our various favorite coffee shops. My boyfriend, happens to like chai with a shot of espresso (commonly known as a dirty chai). Whilst at Grumpys, he innocently asked if they made Dirty Chais.
"No, we don't do THAT here" was the curt reply dripping with disapproval and judgment. Okay, well what if we ordered a chai latte and a shot of espresso? "Well, you can do that, but you'll have to put the shot in the latte yourself." As if he couldn't be held responsible for something so blasphemous. The guy may as well have asked us to step out of the shop to do it as if not to offend the Grumpy Coffee Gods in their sacred dwellings.
Really? REALLY? It's not like I walked in and asked you to grind my Starbucks beans with your burr grinder and make me a frapp with hersheys syrup on top! It's two things you already have on the menu for crying out loud!! -
Review from Thao L.
Manhattan, NY
2/20/2012
Ah, coffee gods.
Okay, it is expensive. But you get quality coffee for the price. The coffee here is nothing short of happiness, puppies, and crack.
No wifi here, so this is a great place to share good conversation with a friend over a mean cup of joe. Hell, we even planned our fake marriage ceremony. (chall-o-ween wedding)
Also, I know we were planning our 'chall-o-wedding' but lord have mercy the men that crept into the door of Grumpy's were like greek gods. I will definitely be back for coffee, and next time i'm sure i'll be even more creepy and full of drool.
schwiiiiiinggggggggggg.Listed in: Coffee=NEVER ENDING LOURVE.
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Review from Jessica M.
Astoria, Queens, NY
2/26/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I don't know what all the other reviews mean about the "high prices"-it's still cheaper than a latte at Starbucks (and about a billion times better), and it's around the same price for a similar quality latte anywhere else, like at Joe.
My soy latte was under $5, and they didn't charge me more just because I wanted soy. I love places that are sympathetic to us lactards (or maybe they just have it worked into their pricing structure-either way, I'm happy). The espresso here is sooo smooth and was just as delicious as my go-to Joe.
It's slightly out of the way for me, but if I'm ever in this neighborhood and craving a latte this is where I will be getting it! The barista was also really nice, though the other staff members were a bit holier-than-thou. There are tons of seats, though none were available when I went, which didn't matter since I was getting it to-go.
I don't actually think there's a sign outside indicating that this is Cafe Grumpy, but I knew the address and that's how I found it. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the neighborhood! -
Review from Kim O.
Manhattan, NY
3/4/2012
What an adorable place! No paper cups, which makes you feel very welcomed and invited to sit down, stay and ENJOY your cup of coffee they way it should be consumed.
While yes, I am guilty to running through Starbucks every now and again to get my cup-o-joe to go. However it is ALWAYS nice to sit down, relax, and not "go, go, go".
Another plus about Cafe Grumpy is that they have a "no laptop" policy and don't have wifi, I love this rule. It is nice to be in coffee shop, in NYC nonetheless, and not fall victim to our microwave society and feeling compelled to work at all times. This element adds to the charm of Grumpy's and kinda gives you permission to unwind and let go of the outside influences. Additionally, their prices are excellent. -
Review from Raphael D.
Brooklyn, NY
1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Back in 1994 you'd go in to a coffeeshop and see people reading books, having conversations, listening to their Discman (or MiniDisc if you were baller) and there wasn't a laptop in sight because they weighed fifteen pounds and you'd need a phone line to send one of your AOL friends an email about the Soundgarden tickets you were gonna line up for tomorrow. Everyone styled themselves after characters from a show about a wacky group of unlikely and mathematically impossible buddies called "Friends" too but lets try to forget about that part.
Grumpy is a close approximation of that experience because they have no wifi and it's not a place to bring your laptop/netbook/tablet/slate/cat picture collecting device. When you walk in you know you're in a business who's sole purpose is to serve you coffee and what epic coffee it is. I couldn't tell if I was drinking coffee or a type of silk.
I'm also pretty sure milk and sugar were introduced into the mix generations ago to mask shitty coffee so I highly recommend you don't add either of them until you know what Grumpy's brews taste like without them. It's akin to putting ketchup on wagyu.
Some (not all) of the cups are up to $8 but considering the grade of the beans and the care put in to the brewing it's worth trying every once in a while. I recommend getting a small serving because you'll appreciate the flavor and intensity more and carrying around an obscene, tall bucket of half-cold coffee is not baller. -
Review from Lisa K.
Amityville, NY
2/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
A little pricey, but the coffee is always on point. I've always wondered why people even go to Starbucks when you have this little gem around. Perfectly roasted and not bitter at all. I prefer my drink unadulterated - no sugar, milk, or cream - and the coffee is good enough that it doesn't require any.
As for the service, I've only received friendly smiles and a helpful attitude. Only four stars because it's damn good, but not THE BEST -
Review from Alice K.
Queens, NY
4/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was here on a beautiful day in Spring. Inside the coffee shop was hot and stuffy. I would go back here to order coffee for take out but not a good place to hang out, especially if you are like me and tend to get hot easily!
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Review from Jess D.
2/18/2012
Coming from a country where you can get an amazing espresso-based coffee on almost every corner - I thought I would never have my coffee fix satiated when I moved to New York in 2009. So I guess I must have been owed some good karma when I moved within a block of Grumpy. A fellow Australian who I worked with reassured me of just how lucky I was to live so close to this gem when he handed me a survival guide to good coffee in New York with Grumpy featuring very high on the list. Nice one, I thought to myself.
So the four stars are for:
- Delicious lattes
- The benches out the front which make for the best people watching
- 'Hot Date' Fridays which I shared every Friday at Grumpy with some very dear friends before work
- The number of free coffees I notched up over two years (okay, so I had to buy 10 coffees before I got one free - but a free coffee's a free coffee)
Grumpy could have been a five star candidate, but for the fact that they stopped selling the world's most extraordinary choc banana bread. While I tried to love the Grumpy-made baked goods - I longed for chocolatey banana goodness. I still do. -
Review from priscilla k.
Fort Lee, NJ
4/13/2012
the tree in front of the shop had blossomed, the sun was shining, and my cuppa cappuccino was derrricious the last time i went.
small space but who cares, their orange mugs are pretty awesome if you're staying in, and their to-go cups stamped with the face of mr. grumpy wumpy pants are even, dare i say, awesomer?
you can be all fancy and process your order on the ipad they have docked by the register. -
Review from Dayna S.
2/22/2012
Cafe Grumpy does not make me grumpy.
The espresso is pulled with care (most of the time).
It is well-designed to be clutter free.
No laptops to suck up the human interaction.
The limited seating is always very full.
The energy is always lively. -
Review from Xian Shane H.
Royal Oak, MI
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is just weird to me. ok, so there's a no laptop policy. but the cashier counter has a ipad??? so would an ipad be ok??
the workers/baristas there remind me of the two that works at the feminist bookstore in portlandia. they're so into themselves that the customers are rarely taken care of. to me, it's not just about a legit cup of coffee. if i'm buying here i would want to do what makes sense, which would be working on my laptop.
their weird rules just pushes me to the starbucks half a block away on 8th.Listed in: OVERHYPED, OVERRATED,…
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Review from Nik K.
Manhattan, NY
3/26/2012
It was hot day outside and i was looking for cute coffee shop to chill,drink some iced tea relax,i went to starbuks ,but it was to busy,then i saw this place with fewer people in there ,got myself some tea ,sit down for few minutes to kill some time on my lap top ,my meeting with client was 30 min away...the atmosphere was ok,service was ok,tea wasn't that good and it was more expensive then starbux,after me being there for 7 minutes,they ask me to leave because i was using my lap top and they have no computer policy ,witch i did not know because there is no sign of any kind that says that...i never experienced service like that in anywhere in US or Europe,don`t waste your money,there is a lot of places around that would be happy to have return costumers,i`m not coming back there...
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Review from Vonetta Y.
Washington, DC
12/30/2011
Adding to the raves, Cafe Grumpy is one of the most adorable coffee shops I've ever been to. I mean, the little tables and chairs with the little hipster barista in his little round glasses, skinny jeans, and beanie. So cute, in one of the few no-laptops coffee places in New York.
I had an Earl Grey tea and an apple cider muffin turnover thing -- both of which were outstanding. The barista instructed me to wait 4 minutes for the tea to steep, after which 'twas perfection. R's herbal tea was to steep for only a minute. Such detail. Magical.
I was actually there for people interested in my school to meet with me, and I wasn't expecting any one to come. When 6 people showed up and we had to steal chairs from the other tables, oh yeah, baristas definitely got Grumpy. Eh well. I brought them business, as a good capitalist would.
So, if you're looking for a cozy spot to have a quiet conversation, Cafe Grumpy is so freaking cute and appropriate. Don't go, however, if you need to get your laptop work on, to avoid glares and possible ejection. -
Review from Jason W.
Hartford, CT
4/9/2012
They serve solid espresso and cappuccino here. The espresso was too acidic for my tastes, I prefer a more mellow shot. Also, it was very, very short. I'm a newbie at the world of coffee, but I think they pull something like a ristretto.. so.. if you are looking for more of a standard strength, buyer beware.
Also, stay away from the ridiculous $6 chocolates. They are tasteless.
I appreciated the very nice baristas. I felt very much at home here. -
Review from Gina D.
Glen Cove, NY
4/10/2012
I never heard of this place, I came upon it while just walking around. The coffee costs more than my fav, Starbucks and wasn't half as good. The barisa was very snobby. No thanks.
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Review from Alex H.
1/9/2012
I can't believe I've managed to find coffee in New York as expensive as in Copenhagen.
That being said, I've tried most of the brewed coffees, and they're excellent. They don't skimp on the size, either. Yet to try espresso or pastries, but I'm sure that'll happen soon. -
Review from M P.
1/19/2012
Twas a nice cup of café au lait to start off our journey in NYC!!
Smooth and no after-taste, ah..... -
Review from Joe P.
New York, NY
2/28/2012
Wow... now THAT is a good cup of coffee. I also like the no wifi/no laptop policy, so its all about enjoying the coffee and having good conversation... or surfing via your cell phone connection.
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Review from Sean M.
11/5/2011 21 Check-ins Here
Probably the best cup of brewed coffee I've ever had. The Clover machine lives up to the hype.
I will be making many more trips back to the Chelsea and LES locations!Listed in: Caffeinate me NYC!
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Review from Allison S.
Manhattan, NY
12/17/2011 12 Check-ins Here
Hands down, my favorite coffee shop in New York City.
After a summer of spoiling in San Francisco, hardly anything on the East Coast meets my new standards for coffee, but Grumpy's does. They brew with the clover machine, which is great, but a machine can only do so much: the baristas and the beans are what really set this place apart. Every cappuccino is perfectly warm, perfectly balanced, and always tastes bright and fresh. They also do a strong cup of brewed coffee.
Atmosphere is great; they cultivate a no-computer rule and it really helps to keep the place low-key and chatty, but never too loud.
Bonus points for accepting credit cards via Square and Card Case. I love not having to bring my wallet with me to get a coffee fix. Which is important, given the $3.75 price tag on the cappi.
Double fives, up way, way high. -
Review from H S.
New York, NY
2/11/2012
Coffee is ok. The bathroom was one of the filthiest I have ever seen in a place that serves food/drink
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Review from Lisa Jane C.
Brooklyn, NY
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yet another fun alternative to the Starbucks/ Dunkin Donuts rut.
Love how the coffee is served in cups and desserts are on plates - not only classy, but eco-friendly. Had the Aragon coffee, which was great. The banana nut bread and lemon muffin has just the right spices to set them apart from normal fare without being overbearing.
Had no problems with the staff, but agree that this is a hipster joint - think I saw two customers with the new Murakami novel. Thought I was in Park Slope for a minute.
The Cafe Grumpy mug was so cute that I bought one as a souvenir. At twelve dollars plus tax, it was fairly priced. May even work my way up to a set. Then again, I do plan a return visit. -
Review from Chris O.
8/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
They must call this place Cafe Grumpy because their "no laptop" policy might make certain individuals grumpy. But not me. That's the best damn policy a coffee shop can have.
Let's cut the crap. Here's why this place is awesome:
Best latte I have ever had.
Best iced coffee.
OH YEAH AND A "NO LAPTOP" POLICY
The staff is also very friendly and unpretentious. They always smile at me and say good morning. Yeah, this is pretty much the perfect coffee shop. -
Review from Kelly A.
10/8/2011
On our list trip into the city, we hit up many a coffee shop. This was the hands-down favorite.
First of all, their logo is rad, as is their name. I'm a grump myself, and I was looking to commiserate with some other grumps. Too bad no one there was grumpy. To the contrary, everyone there was extremely pleasant, and both patrons and baristas were clearly excited to be there. Probably because everyone was all hopped up on caffeine from delicious beverages. Regardless, they all put me in a good mood.
The mister got the coffee flight, which enabled him to taste some ridiculously fancy variety without plunking down $8 for a cup of it. All of the coffees he had in the flight were great. I had some earl grey iced tea which was also freaking good.
If I lived in this hood, I'd be there every day, always searching for some grumps, and always happy to see that there were none. -
Review from R G.
New York, NY
2/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
What a Grumpy Attitude!!!
Just moved to the neighborhood to be near work. And on this raining day, I was trying to find a good coffee shop like Roasting Plant around me when I came across a bad customer experience.
Coffee selection are small but they are well selected.
If you want to add an extra shoot to your late, you can't. Or you get a double or a quadruple shoot in which was fine for me but it came the time to choose the size, Grumpy Place only serves one.
So read very careful: make sure you want a small size coffee or the Grumpy Poor Attitude Counter Server will tell you to go to another coffee shop, "it has many around us" her own words.
"The small size latte is the standard of Cafe Grumpy", once again her own words to discribe the business's product. Even though, willing to pay for a bigger one they won't serve you. The only thing they will give you is a big attitude for not accepting their standard and they will tell you to buy coffee somewhere else, "it has many around us".
Well my first time here, and I really liked the coffee, even though I paid $9 for the size I didn't want. I would return but I won't because the way I was treated. Even after explainning what I wanted I still didn't get any response from the "server" in regards of changing my order... Once again I got the "if you are not happy you can go somewhere else" attitude; as I was leaving...
So disappointing!!!
Ps.:February 29th, around 6PM. If you would like to address the issue with your team member. -
Review from kahee y.
New York, NY
1/8/2012 3 Check-ins Here
ive done the gorilla, blue bottle, stumptown, intelligentsia, joes, gimme!, 9th st, and though theyre all REALLY great, grumpy is hands down my favorite.
it's smooth, easy on the stomach but with a ton of depth. i wont get into the ridiculous descriptions of coffee notes, but it's worth a try. very delicious coffee -
Review from Mason J.
Brooklyn, NY
2/29/2012
While their beans are good, the baristas are wildly inconsistent. Here's a free tip: never pull through cold pipes, and clean the basket between pulls. Seriously, anything less is just laziness and tastes blarghgful.
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Review from Yoav P.
Manhattan, NY
2/24/2012
Really love the coffee here. Highly skilled baristas. Grumpy's own Heartbreaker roast is delicious; really one of the top roasts you can get in NYC. (So much so, I actually buy it for use at home with a commercialmy grinder and espresso machine which I own). I would have given it 5 stars but there is always an issue here of getting a seat and some (not all) of the baked goods could use an upgrade and fall below the fantastic level of the coffee. In any event, knowing the limitations of this place, I am still a regular here. I would have come here more often if I would have had the confidence that I could get a seat and find a selection of quality baked goods, so I hope they update the selection. For a great cup of coffee in Chelsea however, this is THE place. The staff is always nice too, by the way.
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Review from Angela L.
New York, NY
11/4/2011
Oh yum, it's Grumpy! Haven't been in a while but I used to go regularly. REALLY great staff - They'll actually answer questions about what kind of coffee you'd like. And then they'll make something you LOVE.
Love the no laptops rule. Keepin' it real (and sometimes I've actually gotten a seat in there!) -
Review from Sammy B.
1/27/2012
HEART THE MOCHA! It was so whipped that I didn't know where the foam ended and the actual mocha began! Mmmmm, tasty deliciousness in my mouth. This mocha was definitely the most chocolatienest I've come across, but the dark chocolate kind. Can't wait to go back!
Read more reviews for this business:
French (1),
German (1)
