- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Café Lalo
Categories: Restaurants Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
201 W 83rd St(between Amsterdam Ave & Broadway)
New York, NY 10024
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
(212) 496-6031
- Nearest Transit:
-
86 St (1, 2)
79 St (1, 2)
81 St - Museum Of Natural History (A, B, C)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 8 am - 2 am
Fri 8 am - 4 am
Sat 9 am - 4 am
Sun 9 am - 2 am
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dessert
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
498 reviews for Café Lalo
Review Highlights
-
"I love cheesy romantic movies such as You've Got Mail." In 119 reviews -
"The desserts are amazing and my drink was strong." In 161 reviews -
"I have Morrocan style steamed eggs." In 23 reviews
Loading...
497 reviews in English
-
Review from Stephanie C.
Los Angeles, CA
5/23/2012
Ok, who's gone to Cafe Lalo because the movie "You've Got Mail" was filmed there? That was my reason and I'm glad I went! Not only is the cafe beautiful, but it has a ton of goodies like cakes and pastries, to salads and sandwiches to nibble on. My fiance and I went in for a little coffee/dessert break, ordering one Napoleon and one chocolate mousse cake. The Napoleon was light, flaky and creamy, while the chocolate mousse cake was rich a little dense and decadent. Both were delicious and made the experience even more incredibly memorable. The only drawback was the cramped sitting space, but other than that it was great fun!
- Brownie Out! -
Review from Caroline B.
Manhattan, NY
5/21/2012
I came to Cafe Lalo with my sister, her best friend Brittany and Brittany's sister last night. I wasn't sure what to expect but I hadn't been to the UWS in a while and figured it would be a nice adventure. Cafe Lalo definitely felt like a Parisian bakery/cafe, however it was a bit cramped and noisy. The food was definitely good, but there was a bit of confusion as the menu was vegetarian with some fish. I'm assuming that the place is Kosher but not strict Kosher--some of the desserts are marked specifically Kosher, so if you have that type of dietary restriction you should definitely pop by. There are also a number of gluten-free foods on the menu, including desserts.
I had the cauliflower grilled sandwich which was delightful but I couldn't finish more than half of it as it was pretty large. It came with a delicious salad that had pine nuts and fresh herbs. I didn't order dessert although the rest of my table said they were great. I did have an Americano that was very good.
Now that I'm moving to the UES, I may spend more time in this part of town and would consider visiting Cafe Lalo again. -
Review from Vivian H.
5/17/2012
My mother pointed out to me that "You've Got Mail" was filmed here. She even wanted a picture out front to have proof that she was here. Ugh, what a tourist.
We were in the area and I wanted to take my mom to a nice cafe. I looked on Yelp and this place seemed like a good option.
We arrive in the late afternoon and the place is full but not packed. Many people were sitting by the airy windows. It was a just a beautiful, spring day in Manhattan. My mom and I sat at a two-top and ordered two iced coffees.
The iced coffees were really blah. We also had a slice of dairy-free cheesecake, which wasn't bad, but nothing special. It was half cheesecake, half chocolate cake. Meh. I have had better from Whole Foods, the Blossom places and also Atlas Cafe. It was a bit disappointing.
But, I am glad my mom had a good time. She was excited that we went to a place that was in a movie. Some things in life are priceless (seeing your mom grin ear to ear). -
Review from Lili K.
4/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
I don't remember this scene from "You've Got Mail," but....cool!
This place was packed on a Saturday night, but we were able to score a small table that was right up on other people to the left, right, and front of us. Oh, well.
I got the frozen chocolate and my friend got the frozen cappuccino. I liked my drink, it was yummy! I also got the Oreo cheesecake (pretty good, but no crust) while my friend got the original cheesecake (was ok, but I prefer the Cheesecake Factory's).
This place has SO many dessert options, so props to that. Next time, I'd like to try some other dishes. Everything was pretty good, yet this place was more for the options and unique flair. -
Review from M L.
Waldwick, NJ
5/21/2012
Great drinks, desserts and cheesecakes. I love their Amarillo Hot Coco on a cold winter's night, a Kahlua Cheesecake when I'm feeling gluttonous, and Yellowfin Tuna Salad when I'm trying to be heart healthy. It's one of the few establishments that stay open late night, post 9/11. It's got the NYC feel of nostalgia with the evening tree lights, and open window atmosphere. Let's not forget that it was featured in the movie, "You've Got Mail," for those interested in film romantics.
Yes it's noisy and crowded during tourist season, but it all feeds into what makes this place the destination spot it's become. -
Review from Jana S.
4/13/2012
Had me at creme brulee..... so magical and memorable, I've yet to meet one who can even begin to rival this little treat.... Love the dark feel inside... a cozy haven for memorable times. can't even recall the other desserts tried, because this little french dainty got me...good.
European feel, small, crowded, yummy! -
Review from Alexis G.
New York, NY
4/28/2012
If you like shopping in malls because its "easier", then this is the perfect cafe experience for you. Why? You ask? Because Cafe Lalo was probably, at it's inception, the perfect little cafe. Fresh desserts, good coffee, jazz music, French posters. I can see it, makes sense. Now? It's basically a pasteurized version of what it once was. It's like a theme park version of a New York cafe. It looks like it but it no longer feels like it.
The menu suggests "come to see and be seen. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere with writers, artists, locals and celebrities." not only are there no writers or artists frequenting this establishment, there certainly aren't locals either. When I say locals, I mean actual fucking New Yorkers. Not the bridge and tunnel crowd or those who moved locally because the neighborhood is safe, nice, and god forbid you live more than 60 feet away from a franchise restaurant. This is the type of place you'd go to if you wanted to go back to your terrible office the next day and tell the ladies in HR that you went to a "nice little cafe in the city" even though you have no clue where in the city your were.
They're getting 2 stars only because they actually do sell dessert and coffees. They aren't terrible although you won't enjoy the experience of eating them. Of course if you think Applebees is a viable dining option, you will thoroughly enjoy the Cafe Lalo experience. Especially considering you probably tolerate waitresses who have not a clue what is on the menu but offer suggestions close to what you're looking for in an effort to hurry you along.
Needless to say if this place shut down I wouldn't be upset. I would however be upset when it was quickly replaced by another national chain. How about another restaurant group Hummus restaurant? We don't have enough of those up here... Not at all. -
Review from Ana C.
Manhattan, NY
5/18/2012
The place is very French - that includes the slow, unfriendly service, tiny tiny tables, cash only and loud chatter.
As someone mentioned, the spot is "basically a pasteurized version of what it once was", but they do have great coffee, cheese sandwiches and cheesecake. Their pies can be old, so keep it mind.
I used to go there a lot, but I always get annoyed at their waitresses who look like they couldn't care less about the service. -
Review from Zhen Y.
Arlington, VA
5/14/2012
I like the scenes of 'You've Got Mail' in this coffee shop.
-
Review from Louis L.
New York, NY
Updated - 5/15/2012
So cute, but SO crowded (and loud). A little pricey too. I go there for dessert on special occasions only. I don't think I could stand an entire meal there.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
9/11/2010
wrapped up a date here. BINGO...gold medal for me. :o)
totally cute place to get dessert and talk.… Read more »
-
-
Review from Nova A.
Manhattan, NY
3/22/2012
** I am NOT a "You've Got Mail" fan **
I can't begin to tell you how much I adore this place. I am so happy I live two blocks away.
So, I am nostalgic of my years spent in Paris and whenever I go to Lalo, I feel like I am in Europe again. It is very authentic, very beautiful and the food is great. Not everything on the menu is overpriced.
The fruit coolers are amazing, so is the scone with Devon creme, and it's cheap. The sandwiches are extremely good and, what a surprise, the french fries are super duper delicious and the portions are huge.
Yes, it can get crowded, but that's part of its old world charm. Not for stuck up Americans. -
Review from Rachel P.
Manhattan, NY
Such a cute restaurant! I came here with a few of my girlfriends just for fun and for a random snack. We came in a group of 5 girls at around 8PM and was seated right away but by the door. Luckily we got there before the rush of people came in...
We all ordered different things and different amounts but everything was delicious. The food was good but not really a must-have here. The desserts were definitely the highlight. It was nice to come here and I would probably return if I wanted to be in the café atmosphere or wanted some nice dessert.
At the end of the night, I was excited to get a cute matchbox and then go home and watch "You've Got Mail". -
Review from Chirag P.
5/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Tom Hanks was here for a movie i hear. I guess that's the main hype behind it, it's not bad by any means but I don't think it's anything special. I ordered the Italian sodas, which they make with sparkling water and flavored syrup, they were good, but they put so much ice in the glass I'm done in about 4 sips. I had the chocolate raspberry delight, which was pretty good, but $9 for a small slice seemed a bit steep. I'll come back here and probably have an actual meal, this time it was just to grab a little something after taking the kiddos across the street to the Children's museum. The Frozen hot chocolate is next on my list to try there... next time New York
-
Review from Liz G.
Bronx, NY
3/18/2012
I love this place!! the decor and ambiance will make you feel as if you were in a coffee shop in France. Our waitress was great and very helpful!
I only came here for hot chocolate and desert, so I can't comment on the food.
What I didn't like about this place is the set up!
They jammed the place with as many chairs and tables possible.
You will practically feel as if your sitting with random strangers.
Definitely a great place for a date!!! -
Review from Celia S.
3/18/2012
This place is sort of a tough one...
The place is adorable. Theoretically a good date place, HOWEVER, it is incredibly crowded at peak hours. They are open till 2am during the week and until 4am on the weekends, so if you are into finding a late night dessert/coffee/drinks place, this would be the place.
The food... The food here is not really made on the premises. The "steamed eggs" are made in the milk steamer because they don't really have a real kitchen. The Lalo salad is very good and their grilled sandwiches are great, but don't even try to substitute anything. The kitchen is not will to do anything to accommodate guests... even the most seemingly simple request.
Dessert... the cakes are so incredibly overpriced... 7-8 bucks for a small slice... NOT made on premises. I would say that the tiramisu is worth the extravagant price if you want the atmosphere.
Coffee drinks are great! Keep in mind that the fun alcohol ones are around 9 dollars. But they give you a nice big cup o' joe if you are looking for regular coffee.
So.... go here for a nice romantic dessert after 11pm if you don't want to be part of a crazy mash of people sitting on top of each other. -
Review from Sally C.
3/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
4 stars for ambiance - it's a cute cafe and place to eat and there is the You've Got Mail appeal to it.
1 star for the setup of the room. I was basically smashed up right against another person and their table ended up getting angry at the waitress for the seating situation - awkward.
2 stars for the food. It's not great but not bad. Standard fare. We noticed there was no meat other than fish so pretty healthy.
3 stars for the dessert. Lots of selection! -
Review from joe w.
Washington, DC
5/20/2012
Day lighting from natural sunlight was excellent. Tried the steamed eggs, mushrooms, herbs, chocolate cake, and grape fruit juice. Place was nearly packed. Service could be a little faster on refills of water. Need to spend at least $25 to use a credit card,
-
Review from Kimberly C.
Manhattan, NY
3/12/2012
So excited to come across this place on the UWS! I knew right away it was from the movie You've Got Mail. The inside was great! So cute, the music was great. Live music.
Waitress didn't really know what she was doing. We spilled our glass of water, and she just never remembered to bring us napkins.
It was very crowded but it makes it all part of the experience.
I had tartufo (italian ice cream in a hard chocolate shell) and my boyfriend had a canoli. The waitress forgot to bring our chocolate covered strawberries.
We also got specialty coffees which were FAB!
Loved the place and will definitely be back! -
Review from Hannah J.
New York, NY
5/7/2012
This used to be my favorite cafe in the UWS. It's nothing like it used to be. Everything is subpar but more so, it feels like a diner and nothing like the coffee shop I frequented for years.
You've Got Mail?
It would say: dear cafe lalo, i miss you. the real you. the old you
love, hannah -
Review from Janice C.
Philadelphia, PA
5/1/2012
Although the decor was beautiful inside, I was not thrilled by my steamed eggs meal. They give you enough food and I left feeling full, but i was not satisfied. Between the people in line for the bathroom, the people in line to get seated, and people waiting to pay up front at the register, the front around the door is a bit too crowded. If there is a next time, it will be for dessert only.
-
Review from Rachel T.
2/25/2012
This place obviously gets a lot of attention because of You've Got Mail but I live in the neighborhood and the few times I have come here I haven't been overwhelmed. The lunch menu is ridiculously overpriced and when I asked for a side of avocado with a sandwich they said it would cost 6 dollars...
The deserts are good but by no means nothing exceptional. Walk up the block to Momofuku milk bar and your sweet tooth will be way more satisfied. The one major plus for cafe lalo is the giant sized cups of coffee that are full of flavor and delicious. Otherwise- avoid the long lines and head somewhere else. -
Review from Stella T.
Yes I give cafe Lalo 5 starts & no I am not a tourist.
I am absolutely in love with "You're got Mail". It was one of the best movies of all time. When I come to cafe Lalo I get a wonderful cozy feeling. A feeling of hopefulness & possibility of wonderful things happening by chance. Yes of course I associate this to the movie! The cafe it's self is tiny & always cramped, but in the midst of all this chaos the service is prompt & friendly. On a nice spring day the windows are all open & you can bask in the rays of sunshine while sipping your wonderful cappuccino. The food here is a Mediterranean fare as well as a full bakery. There are so many pies, cakes, quiches, salads, omelettes & coffees you simply can't decide!!!
You must stop by & check out this adorable, Delicious cafe.
PS Espressos & Cappuccinos come with a side of a mini Toblerone chocolate bar. How cute is that!? -
Review from JoAnna D.
2/20/2012
My boyfriend & I were wandering around the city one evening, done with dinner & drinks but not quite ready to end the night. I spotted a couple of trees wrapped in lights, & I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame.
Unfortunately, my experience at Café Lalo left me feeling like that poor moth.
I didn't really enjoy the time I spent here. I don't see this as a good place to take your date, unless he or she is really into touristy spots. It was hard to share that intimate, romantic moment with my boyfriend over dessert & drinks ... when a half-dozen other couples were within arm's reach. It was loud, about 10 tables too crowded, and, yes, expensive. I believe we ordered a lemonade, a cold coffee drink, and a sherbet, and it was close to $20. And with their $25 credit card minimum, we felt pretty inconvenienced.
I feel like the fact that Café Lalo was featured in a movie is its only endearing quality. And I'm not the type to actually remember that; I believe there was a sign near the door which mentioned "As seen in You've Got Mail!" And it's also open late, which is always a plus.
Don't get me wrong - it's not a terrible café. But with all of the coffee & dessert options on the Upper West Side ... choose wisely. Don't get burned! -
Review from Alessa M.
1/6/2012
Paula and I needed a place to unwind and relax after searching for a copy place for her business card. We decided on Cafe Lalo and I've never looked back. We were dying for hot chocolate and ordered that plus pieces of cheesecake.
The selection looked amazing (we sat right night to the food and by the way it's a bit overcrowded in there you should think about taking some seats out). We didn't wait too long for everything to come I'd say about 10 mins.
When the hot chocolate came it was topped with two marshmallows AMAZING! a bit sweet but worth it. The cheesecake was really rich as well. It was very soft and the crust was nice.
I will keep coming because I was to try the ENTIRE menu including the tea selection.Listed in: Best Eats...., Welcome to New York
-
Review from Evan M.
I paid $8.50 for a box. Yes. A box. If there was a slice of cake in there, it was very hard to see. First off, $8.50 for a slice of cake is pretty astronomical. That's getting into 5 star restaurant prices territory. This place is not a 5 star restaurant. I was thinking that there was going to be some ginormous slice of cake that was going to burst out of the box. I was thinking this cake would have it's own zip code for $8.50 or that it was so amazing that it would cause arousal upon eating it.
Yeah the packaging was nice and all but I knew right away from the weight of the box that I would be pulling out a microscope to eat this thing. It was so tiny that I was compelled to take pictures of it just to chronicle the absurdity.
It's tough because I have ordered whole cakes from this place and I have dined here before. I was ready to give it a good review but this "little" incident was inexcusable. I know this is a french place and they have that "take it or leave it attitude" but this was hardly a "petite" problem. -
Review from Shelley R.
Manhattan, NY
2/28/2012
I found this place when I was wondering around the Upper West Side with my boyfriend one Saturday morning looking for a nice breakfast spot. I didn't realize it was the cafe from "You've Got Mail" until I went home and looked up the menu online.
Basically it's adorable. It's a touristy spot that doesn't feel touristy. Large french windows make up the facade of the cafe on 83rd street. Sunstreams in throw the windows and the old-fashioned pastry/cake cases and exposed brick walls give the place a nice atmosphere.
They have everything! Delicious brunch items served daily, fresh fruit, lunch, morning cocktails, great coffee, and an endless array of cakes, pies, tarts and deliciousness. I've gotten something different every time I go there. It's fantastic!
I will say it's a bit pricey for what it is (milkshake or mimosa = $9 for a small glass), but it's something fun and the food prices are very reasonable (brunch plate between $9 and $15).
Definitely give it a shot! If not for brunch, then to split a delicious piece of cake :) -
Review from Rick S.
Glendale, CA
12/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Some of the best desserts and coffee in New York City. If your in this part of town it'll be well worth your visit. The cappuccino I had there was one of the best I've had. Not overly strong in flavor and very rich tasting. Their deserts are wonderful too.
This place is SMALL PLACE (should have written that in small font!). So seating is limited and it can feel crowded. Regardless, it's still very inviting. Great place to hang with friends for awhile.
Small Jazz groups play occasionally. The Sunday night we were there it was a trio (sax, bass, drums) that was very good. Not too loud so we could still talk and enjoy the music. -
Review from Yon L.
New York, NY
2/28/2012
I had high hopes but was left wanting after this experience. Our waiter took more than 15 minutes to come back to our table to place our order. My sandwich had the wrong ingredients but I ate it anyway, b/c she never came back after dropping our dishes off. Even after our 45 minute dinner, not once did she check on us or refill our empty water glasses OR ask if we wanted more drinks. We all wanted both. Admittedly our food was very decent (even with the mistake).
Customer service is key in my books. Will not be returning. -A New York resident -
Review from Mansij H.
Manhattan, NY
1/22/2012
Whoever gives this place 1 star reviews is a moron. No, really.
Is it crowded? Yes. Is $7.50 a high price for a slice of cake? Yes.
But if you can get past those high prices (which as a New Yorker, you better get over or move the heck out), this is the only place you want to take a date out for dessert/coffee on the Upper West Side. If you are an middle class to upper middle class person dating in Manhattan, this is where you go. You don't feel guilty spending 2 hours at this place ordering only a $7.50 slice of cake and a $3.75 cappuccino per person. There is a fresh (VERY FRESH) rose on every little table. ON EVERY TABLE. If this doesn't sound great to you, go somewhere else, and buy your date $10 martinis in a bar where you can't get a seat and you need to stand awkwardly as strangers try to get past you.
So, if you feel like enjoying your date and spending $25, having a table, and some great cake and cappuccino in a place that you can talk, go here. If you want to complain about the price, go get a thawed slice cheesecake at TGI-Fridays for $5 and deal with the crying 2 year olds, and don't review this place. It's not for you. -
Review from Tony G.
Financial District, NY
2/26/2012
Always packed at any time of night. Luckily patrons do not want to sit around and wallow in their post-dessert-guilt for very long. This place has absolutely every kind of dessert and hot chocolate of which you can think. Came here with a group of 6 this was a stretch so do not try coming with a bigger group than that---the ideal is 4 here). I had a solid shot of espresso which they served with a piece of candied lemon peel. The girlfriend got a hot chocolate with Grand Marnier (delicious and strong) and I had the amaretto cheesecake. Amazing.
Great place to cap a nice night of over indulgence. -
Review from Min K.
Manhattan, NY
Updated - 4/6/2012
ok. i gave this place another shot.
i think you have to be really careful with what you order.
this time i ordered the caramel pecan cheesecake. i didn't really like the caramel pecan but the cheesecake itself was good.
my friend got the oreo and she enjoyed it as well.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/17/2012
Did I order the wrong thing? I've been here twice and have been disappointed both times. UGH.
Their… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jey P.
Manhattan, NY
12/12/2011
I came here with my wife yesterday. Both of us ordered Red Velvet Cake (my wife's dream from this restaurant). The food was excellent but the service was a little questionable.
My wife sat down at a table for four people with our shopping bag underneath the table only to be told by the Indian waitress to sit at a cramped table in the corner of the restaurant for 2 people.
I'm extremely skinny and I could barely get to my seat without twisting left and right and having the patrons of this restaurant lifting their tables and making space for us on either side of our table. This took about five minutes as the other people were taking great care not to knock other people over.
It was an incredibly uncomfortable experience.
2 minutes later, an Asian couple were seated at the four person table and allowed to have their purse on the third chair and their jacket on the fourth chair. We at least would have allowed another couple to sit with us instead of monopolizing all four chairs but I guess this is America for you.
To the Indian waitress who moved us. Please don't do this again. You ruined the experience for us and everyone who had to move to accommodate us.
If we didn't go through that uncomfortable experience, I would have given this cafe a 5 star for the excellent food. Unfortunate, as I did not want to write such a poor review of this place. -
Review from Suki B.
Oakland, CA
12/29/2011
An acquaintance that lives in NY told me that this place is a celeb hot-spot! So during my latest trip to NY, my friends and I (being the celeb-stalkers that we are) strolled on over in hopes we'd spot one.
Bad News - No celeb sighting
Good News - This place was so freaking cute and the food was delish and the best part...it stays open late! -
Review from Chris M.
1/10/2012
Going to start by saying that I took a date here - and make her wait inside with a red rose and a book, while I waltz'd in and sat down with her ala You've Got Mail.
I have been dying to go here since I saw the movie but never got a chance to.
The food is okay - nothing too special. We split a sandwich and had the basket of fries. The mini bottles of ketchup was awesome - I love feeling like a giant.
But the kicker for this place that would make me go back if I was ever in the neighborhood was the fact that they combined two of my favorite things - coffee and liquor. Well played, Frenchie.
Don't opt for the coffee with Baileys because, honestly, you can get that anywhere. Hell, that's my drink of choice at the casinos - where they offer it for free as long as your at a table or slot gambling. Ask the waitress for recommendations. You can get the drink ala Katy Perry jam - Hot or Cold.
Happy eating, suckers. -
Review from Anna V.
My mom recognized the outside from "You've Got Mail." So if anything the trip was worth seeing her excitement, since its one of her favorite movies.
The dessert is a must. A haven for chocolate lovers.
It is a quick walk from the Museum of Natural History or the Rose Space Center. Coupled with its fame from the movie and you've got yourself a nice collection of tourists, mingled in with the locals. Although local is an overstatement, because by local I meant folks from the tri-state area. I have a feeling that there are even more local locals there from the upper west side that come in for the sweetness and a coffee break or two.
The food is unpredictable. Some dishes are delightful, like the goat cheese and mint sandwich I had with a Bellini for brunch. (They serve brunch all week, by the way). Others, like the New Yorker Brunch special, which is basically a bagel with cream cheese and lox...is wayyy average if not less than. So to be on the safe side, just come here for the dessert you won't regret it. -
Review from Andrew S.
1/7/2012
It was a busy busy Christmas eve, and we came to Cafe Lalo for an after dinner coffee. The restaurant from the outside is very nice -- like a perfect Manhattan spot that everyone envisions a cafe in New York to be. Inside is an eclectic mix of pastries, interesting decor and throwbacks to mid-century fun. The pastries in the glass case were so tasty looking, couldnt take my eyes off of them. But we had just eaten a gigantorical meal, so couldn't pull myself together enough to enjoy one of those amazing desserts.
The place was way too busy, and their seating is pulled together in a way to maximize the amount of people that can fit inside rather than allowing more space for patrons to enjoy their experience. This also severely damaged the service, as I had to literally fight to get our order in and had to remind multiple wait staff to bring our order as the table next to us (which was hidden in a corner behind a column, which sucked for them) came in 15 minutes after us but got their order 5 minutes before us.
I had an Irish coffee and it was nice and strong. Good for a night cap. But this place, for a coffee, isn't to cheap. I believe the specialty coffees with alcohol are $9-10 each, and a regular coffee is like $4-5. My friends mom had some amaretto cheesecake which was super disappointing because it didn't taste anything like amaretto.
I liked the ambiance, but wish the service and what was served was a bit better. -
Review from Joyce H.
2/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Adorable little cafe...also very good for a date spot. We were walking by on our way to a different dinner spot but then decided to pop in because it looked so cute and my friend recommended it. I got the Lalo's Favorite Salad, which came with an appetizing and colorful mix of sauteed Portabello mushrooms, avocado, grilled eggplant, and cauliflower. I loved the eggplant, mushrooms, avocado, and the greens...not a huge fan of cauliflower personally though. I loved the decor of the place and the waitresses had the CUTEST little pouch tie-thingies around their waists that they kept their notepads and pens in. I wanted one, but I don't know what I would do with it. Had a fruit tart for dessert which was just okay, probably worth 2 stars. However, the ambiance (crowded but manageable) and food made up for it. I would love to come back and try more of their decadent looking desserts!
-
Review from A. A. M.
Marina del Rey, CA
12/19/2011
Literally eye candy. The sights and smells were delightful..
Got there at about 12.30am for late desert. It was crowded and we had to wait almost 30minutes.. The place is small and was cramped full with tables. Even the wait staff struggled to get through to clear tables. You have to readjust every time someone needs to get by.
The desert was good, but almost $40 for 2 deserts and a glass of wine... way overpriced. -
Review from Ed S.
New York, NY
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm a fan cuz I've been coming here on and off since 1994. Back then we'd just sit around reading the Sunday Times for hours and order as needed. We even talked to each other since our cell phones couldn't do anything more than make phone calls and we didn't want to waste the 30 minutes of talk time our plan had.
The desserts are tasty although sometimes you can taste some freezer burn which means they've sat around a little too long. That's what you get for going late at night in the middle of the week when it's cold as ass out. But they are visually stimulating and fresher tasting on the weekends when it's busier. Coffee and teas are fine. -
Review from Brian Jin M.
Manhattan, NY
11/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I never watched the movie "You've got Mail" nor did I know this cafe got famous because of the movie. I was just curious to check this place out cuz my friend always have her brunch here on weekends. I arrived here today around 2:30pm, ordered the Vienese Coffee and one of their Grilled sandwiches (I got the Gouda and Spinach on Multigrain Bread) The sandwiches come with two small sides you choose from the three that they have available: Roasted Potatoes, Tuscan Salad, Mediterranean Salad. I chose the vegetables since I rarely eat veggies when I'm working during the week.
Ambiance: For some odd reason, I didn't feel like I was in New York or even USA since there were many people who were speaking French next to me and the overall decor is very European-esque, even the servers look kinda exotic or European-looking (??).
Service: My server was quite attentive. She took my order, gave me my coffee in less than 5 minutes and my food was out in about 10 minutes. I also liked the fact that she didn't pressure me to head out since I was done (like most restaurants in NYC) and waited until I gave her the sign to bring me the bill as I was finishing up my cup of coffee.
Food: Pretty good, but quite expensive. $11 for a Multi-grain Gouda Cheese and Spinach Sandwich with two sides. The Multi-grain bread was delicious but nothing special, the Gouda cheese was really good which I liked and the salads were also very pleasing and light.
**One thing that was weird is that they bring you the check and tell you to pay over at the counter. When I paid in cash, I was simply given a receipt and told "Have a nice day". I was wondering where I should leave the tip for the server cuz they weren't demanding it or what not. Plus it would be awkward for me to go back to the server and hand her a few dollars. Next time, I guess I'll leave it on the table. I feel bad cuz the server did a good job and I wasn't expecting to take my bill on my own and pay at the counter.
**There is a $25 Minimum Charge on Debit Cards so bring your cash if you're gonna eat something or just drink coffee and have dessert.
Overall, it's a pretty chill, laid-back place. Would come again if I have time again...
Read more reviews for this business:
Norwegian Bokmål (1)
