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Categories: Coffee & Tea, Restaurants [Edit]
Neighborhood: West Village9th Street (PATH)
Christopher St (1)
14th St-7th Aves (1, 2, 3, F, V, L)
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Being able to pop into a cozy, not overly crowded, book strewn cafe at 11pm on a Monday night for a rich hot cocoa and yummy (and slightly soft!) biscotti is awesome.
A regular who stood behind me in line made some very odd, but non-threatening small talk with me while I waited for my cocoa. It would've been better had he not smelled of B.O. when talking to me, but I could handle it.
The vibe was low-key, and the selection of food and drink was just right. I was very pleased with this place.
I like doma for the open-air, laid back atmosphere here.... a nice neighborhood joint with bustling activity of people coming in and out, studying, getting on the wireless, loitering outside the entrance area either waiting for a table or just hanging out.
We had the ham and cheese crepe which we enjoyed with a hot choc. We also ordered a brownie but that didn't live up to expectations (although we had a famished friend come join us and he quickly wolfed it down). Regardless, the feel you get at Doma is just so contagious that it's so worth the 4 stars.
Doma is a great place to study or read but unfortunately it's always so crowded you can never get a decent table.
This is definitely one of those cafes where people pretend they're doing important work but spend a great deal of time checking other people out. it kind of cracks me up. I have made a couple of friends here though, so it's nice that there's a semi friendly crowd frequenting Doma.
The coffee is good. The sandwiches are pretty good too. Pastries are decent. Cash only.
No wifi. Boo.
Sometimes when it's really hot outside, I avoid coming. They don't have AC and the ventilation can be questionable when the front door isn't open.
I went here this morning and absolutely loved it. A bit pricier than I had expected it to be (nearly $14 for a ham, egg & cheese sandwich and cappuccino) but maybe I'm just adjusting to New York prices in general...
Also, the 2 hour limit on tables had me watching the clock regardless of how long I planned on staying. I had the impending fear that a bouncer was going to come over and toss me and my book out on the street if I breeched the 2 hour mark. Its funny how their sign says "Live Slowly" but they only give you two hours to enjoy your time at their establishment. I dont know if its an actual contradiction or if I tend to camp out too long at places like this.
Either way, the sandwich and cappuccino were decent (not amazing) but the ambiance and interesting crowd makes it worth while. If I could find some sort of loophole on the time limit rule, I'd work from here all day...but maybe thats why they have the rule.
The lady at the counter wasn't all smiles but I respect that, she was to the point and efficient; necessary for the one woman show she was running. They lay down strict rules, and they follow through with most of them, as I witnessed the lady going up to the man next to me and stating the no outside food rule, not even an apple. But otherwise they leave customers alone. There is no wifi which can be an inconvenience or a gift to those who are easily distracted *ahem*. This would be my go-to spot for studying (and people-watching), but sadly the location is a bit inconvenient for me.
DOMA is my solitary breakfast/lunch spot on the weekends. The place can get pretty crowded but if you're flying solo, finding a place to sit isn't a problem. The food is really good and has something for everyone. Sweets, healthy salads and hearty sandwiches. My faves are the granola with fresh fruit, oatmeal (order early - it runs out) and the Warm Goat Cheese Salad - my favorite in the city.
To be clear, I like boys, but I do have a bit of a girl crush on the ladies behind the counter.
Cute place, great coffee, a lot of attitude, and way too overpriced. Maybe I'd like it better after I've become a regular...?
I drop by Doma from time to time for a good lunch, and it never disappoints. Yesterday, I had the artichoke sandwich for the first time. It was made with perfectly crisp bread that doesn't scratch up the roof of your mouth. Then it had a delicious lemon-artichoke spread. Then layered with fresh mozzarella, and topped with chunked artichoke and cherry tomatoes. Lastly, it was drizzled with the tiniest bit of olive oil. It was definitely one of the best sandwiches I've had in a while. $9, but soo good, and so worth the money! I've also had the tomato, mozzarella and pesto sandwich, which is equally delicious.
I really like the Doma atmosphere; it's usually fairly quiet, they have an interesting display of artwork for sale that changes every so often, and they always play good background music (and it's not so loud that it gets in the way of concentration or conversation). There's a nice choice of seating -- small two-person tables, a communal table, a counter with stools, and window seats. The staff is very friendly, and you never have to wait too long for your food. Do it!
Doma now I get you and I like you.
I started with 4 stars but then decided on a full five for being perfectly imperfect.
Gosh they made it hard but sometimes a relationship is worth pursuing. You'll get nothing out if you put nothing in and Doma expects you to put in some effort. But what are its demands, what is expected of its customers. You have to look and learn. Doma silently makes its demands via written notes and well trained regulars. You learn the ways of Doma by reading these notes and watching those regulars. Bags on chairs to secure the best tables by old timers as they force the door open. But then there is the silent approach to taking your order. At first it seems confusing but like so many things in life, practice makes perfect. It may owe it's heritage to the way to cool for my own good approach to pissing customers off but somehow they don't piss you off they silently charm you. And the reality of its staff are they are quietly lovely. Once you get the ways of Doma you are in and then you can relax, like the regulars, and watch the world of Doma go by. Writers, artists and city suits all rub shoulders, literally, in this recreated jewel of old school Greenwich Village. A strangely seductive mixture of service and disfunction. We became welcomed breakfast regulars and we were seduced.
Found the food good and the coffee very good.
Open from 8 till Midnight.
i love quaint little cafes like doma in the west village!
it can get crowded in the morning hours with people reading/doing work. atmosphere is homey with local art work hung on the walls. if you're able to get a seat.....just stay there...have a cup of coffee, read, people watch....relax. its one of those places you can just stay there for hours....a feeling idont get in starbucks.
i think i saw a sign that read - if you bring books/magazines in, they give you free coffee...something do that effect.
the other day i ran in there to grab a quick bite to eat before watching wicked. i got the grilled cheese (guyere cheese) and to my surprise it came with a side of mixed greens in a citrisy vinegarette! perfect complement to my cheesy sandwich!
i think i also saw a sign that said- no cell phones please.
they have a lot of random handwritten signs. kind of like a grumpy 90 yr old man w/ signs all over his porch or something.
love this place even though they don't have wifi.
that really doesn't stop people from tapping away on their laptops or going old school and jabbering in various languages.
I try to come here at least once every time I am in NY.
Pretty good Turkey/Avocado sammy too, although I expected from the grill marks that it would be a warm.
alas, it wasn't.
The search continues for the perfect cafe.
Let me know if you have tips.
Here are the requirements:
free wifi, laid back atmosphere, good food that isn't too expensive and teh ability to LINGER.
So far, Housing Works in Soho might be my place (haven't tried the food yet).
I think the other reviews here are pretty dead on. I just have one thing to add. Ben C. mentioned the notes. Yes. And one of the notes reads something like: "Donate 3 magazines on Friday and get a free coffee." I do this. And I love it.
I suppose DOMA doesn't need more 4 star reviews since it's solidly in the 4 star land, but here goes...
When I meet a cafe for the first time, I usually have a soy chai...call it my benchmark of sorts, even if the main sell really is coffee. It's 10pm and still hovering in the 70s, so of course, the chai was requested iced. I liked that I got to control the sugar levels (which they had a light syrup, honey, and other crystal sugars as choices)...but the chai was just ok in the end. At $4.44, I was expecting something that had a bit more character, I suppose. I didn't order any food or pastries or coffee...so, why still the 4 stars then? It felt like a proper cafe to me. i loved the mismatched tables and chairs...that you could sit in the window...that people were respectfully quiet as they worked, chatted, read, wrote...that the artwork on the wall was cheerful and framed terribly...that barista was in a good mood...this may or may not eventually become my go to cafe (I'm new to the 'hood), but confirmed that my choice to move to lower chelsea was spot on.
Not sure what to make of the sign by the cashier...I loved it at first, then I finished reading it...I was reminded that I was in New York, not my beloved San Francisco. "Live Slow...Two hours welcome, then it's time to depart" Apparently, living slow has a 2 hour cap =) I'll take the irony as wit?
This cafe is definitely cramped, but it's full of cool, young artist types sketching in their notebooks and reading their worn out novels.
The food is surprisingly good. I sampled the chocolate cookies with raisins as well as the Turkish chickpea soup (which was quite hearty for a soup).
The walls are adorned with art - this time it was a series of graphic art - telling some sort of story, though I was too far away to discern it.
Will come back soon, I hope.
A lot of people I know love Doma so I go with them even though I've never been a fan but I think today officially has to be the last time I go there.
I don't mind that it's cramped and tiny (I like cute places like this) but I DO care that the wait staff is unhelpful and RUDE and I do care that it has to be the most expensive place for the least quality food around. Today the counter person interrupted me at least five times while I was ordering and then she'd look at me expectantly when I already told her what I wanted. Everything costs extra here and a simple egg and sausage sandwich on bread is $8 which I think is nuts. It was served lukewarm and the bread wasn't toasted or crispy.
Too expensive, too snooty, no thanks. Go to Grounded, a much lovelier and better priced coffee shop right nearby.
Great atmosphere. I enjoyed studying here when I lived in the west village. Could be easily distracted with all the conversations going around. Good place to bring friends to catch up..if you can get a seat...
This is an interesting place... Usually frequented by silent people with laptops, NYU faculty, and area playrights and other people who have flexible schedules and work outside the office a lot. I've spotted Sam Shepard there more than once. There are people with children, but they are regulars, and the kids are well-behaved. Their food is pretty good cafe food, and the coffee and tea are good. The only thing that irks me about the place is its annoying hand-written signs about all the things you are not supposed to do there. No to go cups inside, no plugged in laptops on weekends, no this, no that... With pretentious French injected here and there, "absolument." It's just embarrassing and unpleasant. Otherwise, great place.
I went to Doma this morning for coffee and a blueberry muffin. The coffee was OK, the muffin was just OK. The atmosphere was good but you have to get there early to get a table. I have a feeling people camp out there. It was a little crowded. But cute, nonetheless. Probably won't go back unless it's an evening and not so packed.
I guess I have been going here for five years or so. The coffee is kind fo good. I like the layout of the place. It is usually crowded. It is not just young people in there, but it is not to rcaially diverse a crowd I guess. It is half a block or so from the famous Village Vanguard. I have gotten their banana bread and other sweets but not meals.
My job is around the corner, and I often enjoy bringing friends who meet me in West Village after work. Grabbing a hot cup of coffee to take on our nighttime Village stroll is pretty much the best example of why living in New York rocks.
The grilled cheese and tomato sandwich is tasty too, and I've seen a few B-list celebs hanging out. Hey, everyone needs a quiet spot to read in the city.
I really want to sit with the cool kids at lunch. And all the cool West Village artsy kids (not kids but adults) sit at Doma. They sit, read, type, sip, eat, and chat alone or together at Doma. This is the coffee shop of a NYC Meg Ryan movie: clean, cute, Bohemian/West Villagey, with beautiful art on the walls and dog friendly.
I really wish I lived on Perry Street, then I would hang at Doma and feel like I earned the right to one of the highly coveted seats...it's kind of always packed.
Have I mentioned yet that Perry Street is beautiful and one of my favorite streets in Manhattan? Well...it is.
This cafe has a lot of things going for it-- the location smack in the middle of West Village, the fact that it stays open late (or a least later than nearby coffee shops Grounded and Jack's Stir Brew), and the charming space. Perhaps this is why it is perpetually an ordeal to get a seat here.
The tight quarters also make for an interesting experience. I've rarely managed to reach a seat without sloshing someone else's coffee or having to ask someone to pull up their chair to squeeze by. The close proximity of other tables also makes it impossible not to notice or overhear your neighbors, should they be engaged in conversation. Now, I've been vaguely amused by every conversation I've overheard at Doma, but it can be terribly annoying if you're trying to focus on reading or writing.
In my experience, Doma is not the best place to go when you seek solitude or need to get serious work done. Go there when you want to people watch, and make sure you've planned enough time to compete/wait for a seat.
Doma is a nice coffee shop, kind of crowded. Seating is at a premium. A good mix of people of all ages- lots of activity. Not the quietest place to do some reading or work- but a good atmosphere. The coffee is pretty good too. Cash only. oh, and no one who works behind the counter knows what "vegan" means. It's okay that they don't have any vegan pastries, but it's not often I walk into a coffee shop- ask this question- and get a blank confused stare and inquiry as to "what's that?" anyway. they don't have any, but that's cool. I'd go back anyway.
I really want to like this place - i mean i want to love it! Problem is - every time i go, i am unable to find a seat. It's like this place is perpetually occupied. And I'm bloody frustrated, I'm not going to lie.
My hot chocolate was great though, which i drank walking home...
I've always wanted a coffee shop that feels, or at least claims to feel like home. A coffee shop with rows of books in it and an eye for design. Other than the pricey sandwiches, ya zdes sebya chuvstvuyu kak doma.*
*I feel at home here. (stupid translit.ru wouldn't let me insert some fancy Cyrillic)
Sometimes hard to find a table, but a great spot to have a coffee, eat an omelette and read or laptop it. Quality Village coffee joint.
I live over Doma, so I'm in there all the time, and yes, it is crowded all the time. Their hours are great, but their coffee is ok. The staff who work the registers seem to not be too excited about helping you, although they're never rude. The sandwiches are a little dull, though the tomato florentine soup (if it's on the menu) will hit the spot. The egg dishes all seem to use that weird egg stuff that comes in a big bucket (you can find it in the supermarket as "egg beaters") rather than actual cracked eggs. A nice perk is that they have magazines and newspapers available so if you're looking to kill some time (perhaps because you locked yourself out of your apartment), I can't think of a better option.
I was probably the only one in the entire cafe doing some sort of studying, but I enjoyed looking around and being surrounded by people going about their vacations, daily lives, etc. My earl gray tea was served in a metal sieve type contraption and my muffin was delicious. Cash only, cramped tables, some Europeans here and there. Seemed like the kind of place I would have enjoyed in an alternate life.
I really liked this little place. It's a little bit more popular than I normally like for a cafe, but I'm always able to find a seat. The food is great. I usually get a breakfast sandwich or a bagel with cream cheese in the morning, but they have a bunch of regular breakfast items like french toast and yogurt, etc.
This is a great place to come and read the paper by yourself and drink some coffee. They aren't too keen on you using your laptop forever while people are waiting for a table, which I understand, but it would be a great place to do that if it wasn't so darn popular.
Best part about this place? The friendly staff. I know, I know they look snobby, but they are really nice. Just try asking them for mayonnaise on the side or and extra plate. They are totally helpful. And good for them, sometimes that's hard to find in NYC.
Dropped in here while walking around the area. Got some wine and a cheese plate. Was a nice place to relax. Good selection of cheeses (blue, double cream, mild cheddar, and a goat spread with honey)
Table politics are a bit funny. We sat at one of the big tables and started noshing away and talking. It seemed to offend the gentleman there on his macbook, as he quickly moved to another table as soon as it was available.
I don't know if I'd go out of my way for this place, but fun to stop in and rest awhile all the same.
Definitely a place to settle in with a laptop or a good book, sip some pretty decent, but not life-changing coffee, and overhear entertaining conversations. Set on the corner of Perry and 7th Ave in the West Village, the warm environment is very inviting, with both private and group tables and a counter with stools to accommodate the crowds that inevitably gather here.
It's filled with natural light from it's corner setting with large windows, and you people-watchers will enjoy both the numerous small window-adjacent tables and, in better weather, the outside seating.
Reading their menu, I saw what sounded like delicious organic granola and was zeroing in on that. I asked the girl behind the counter if it had any nuts in it (which I love, not due to any allergy) and she said "I don't think so, let me check". 2 seconds later, after a quick jog to the kitchen door and back, she said "it actually has mixed nuts and seeds of various types, sesame, almonds...". OK, so not the most knowledgeable about the menu.
Just as I was about to order that, I saw that they had a French Toast special, with "eggs any style". It had been a while since I'd had French Toast, and it was a cold morning, so what the heck, why not?
Her: "What kind of eggs do you want with that?"
Me: "Poached"
Her: "No. You can't have poached."
Me: "But is says 'Any Style'..."
Her: "Any style but that."
Okey Dokey. So I ordered them scrambled "wet" (i.e. not overcooked) and indeed, when they came out, they were cooked very light and not overcooked at all. They also weren't seasoned at all, so you'll be responsible for your own salt and peppering. The French Toast was also unbelievably light - which ended up making the meal feel much less heavy than it could have. The French Toast was also lacking some flavor, but I'll give them some compensating airiness (if that's a word) points.
Net net, the food is just OK, but the setting is great and the vibe (aside from the attitudinous staff) is very neighborhoodie.
I would love to give them 4 stars, but that will have to wait for a little more impressive food and/or a little bit more friendly staff on a future visit...still, I'd try it again.
Me: May I join you? I asked the troika with an apparent literary bent sitting near the middle of the cafe.
They: Why, are we coming apart? (laughter). (hmmm...twisted literary bent, for it is an old Groucho Marx joke)
Me: Well, there's an empty chair here - and space at the table?
They: Do you have any special skills?
Me: Sorry?
They: You need to be artistically gifted to get a seat here. What's your claim to fame?
Me: Huh? er... okay: I can customize every joke at Byron, Shelley and Keats from Le Adder Noir at you three.
They: Huh?
Me: The Black Adder, you ignoramuses. I can quote better comedy than you.
They: Oh!
Me: I also contribute at Yelp.
They: Cool! Now, why didn't you say that earlier?!
Getting a seat here is hard. Getting any respect is harder. And I am not just talking about the laidback staff!
Doma is everything that the previous reviewers have written: a quiet escape from the city's hustle bustle, artsy/literary and good looking crowd, good coffee, average munchies... but, inclusive - it is not!
Which I can overlook, for I can spend my time peacefully reading a book or pondering the mysteries of human behavior over my cup of coffee.
But I can't bring a small group of friends over to talk --- there isn't enough space available. Ever. Unless you are prepared to endure a verrry long wait.
What really annoys me is the "what are you doing in my seat?" vibe that SOME regulars have. These people would place a "Rights of admission reserved" sign at the door, if it were up to them. To the extent that when I was using the rest room, someone kept knocking incessantly (despite my response!) and tried to tear apart the duct tape on the key hole with his fingers, till I jabbed him hard with my keys... ouch! My frosty stare at opening the door was responded to with a supercilious smirk.
On another occasion, my cup of cappuccino had been moved, the reading material re-arranged, and the seat occupied by someone else. "Oh, I thought there was no one sitting here". Feeble and Sorry.
I may love tranquil solitude, but also such society as is quiet, wise, and good (apologies, Percy Bysshe Shelley).
So, I say fellow Yelpers: don't let Doma become the citadel of exclusivity. Frequent it often, till courtesy prevails. After all, it is a great coffee shop in a great neighborhood.
I had one of the best sandwiches of my life at Doma and I am picky with the 'wiches. The zucchini, avocado, mozzarella panino is to die for! And if the food isn't enticing enough for you, Doma is a great spot to read, people watch, check out the art on the walls and hang out in general while sipping on a cup o' joe and chewing on a panino.
I fell in love with the neighborhood , and if I lived in NY, I'd hang at Doma.
After getting laser hair removal, I felt like I needed another jolt -- in the form of caffeine. While their cappuccino was quite delicious and properly frothy, it was just way too crowded for a Monday afternoon. I also ordered the florentine tomato soup -- not bad, but not great either.
For these semi-high coffee prices, you'd expect to see some Splenda. But there isn't any. Boo.
Can't I have my own neighborhood Doma?
I want a place with reliable coffee, a laid back atmosphere and an amazing (but not 5 pages long) menu. Simple, casual, well-thought of. Why don't I have that?
Maybe it's not me; maybe it's the Upper East Side.
A friendly mix of local literary types, artists, docs from nearby St. Vincent hospital, and the occasional photo-taking French tourist all make up the demographic of a pleasant little West Village cafe called Doma. Espressos, wines, and some belgian beers can be had at this establishment; apple ciders come steaming hot and with a stick of cinnamon. Unfortunately, no Splenda is available here, so if you're a Splenda fiend like myself then you'll have to bring your own packets from home (Yes, neurotic).
The waitstaff (one on the weekdays, two on the weekends, plus two cooks in the back) is consistently friendly, efficient, and therefore tip-worthy.
However this place tends to get crowded, and to make matters worse there are too many tables and chairs given the tight space. So on a busy night you'll practically have to climb over those patrons sitting around you to make your way in or out of your seat.
But despite the overcrowding and lack of Splenda, Doma is an unpretentious and lovely little West Village cafe to discover, so be sure not to miss it!
I tried this one out after reading the reviews, and it is everything they say it is. The guy next to me had a stack of liner sheets and was penciling in (his own?) music composition. I like their variety of food and beverages, the bathroom is decent, the place has lots of windows, but only 4 stars because no couches!
I like to STRETCH OUT.
A refreshing retreat of a coffee shop. There is a nice hushed tone and an adorable staff. Pretty ballerinas float in for a quick coffee and intellectuals immerse themselves in their books while others eat a little lunch and work on their laptops. I love the vibe here. The salads are very nice and the coffee is great.
A very nice place to linger an afternoon away.
This is a very cute place hidden in what looks like a little nook on the street. Upon entering, there are a dozen or so laptops dotting the tiny tables, and a counter in the back laden with desserts and a cash register; no one tells you, however, that this is the place to first order the food.
My friend and I both had soup and a sandwich for eight dollars, choosing the soup of the day *creamless broccoli, which was really good, warm, and filling* and half of the avocado/zucchini/mozzarella and Doma panino, respectively. These were both delicious, and I loved the tanginess of their namesake sandwich.
A few quirks include loose pieces of wood, water served in beer mugs, and "booths" which are essentially just large pieces of wood covered in pillows right against the window; be sure the shorter one of the two sits here, as it's higher than the chairs.
Overall, cute and tasty and quite inexpensive, but the reason for the four was the discomfort my friend and I felt while there. Everyone seemed to know each other, know what was going on...something...and we felt outside of the box; perhaps this makes it a true neighborhood establishment.
I like the space, and I have no problem with the coffee, but good luck finding a place to sit or getting the attention of a member of the staff.
Would also be nice if they had wireless Internet -- but then the crowds would be even worse, I'm sure.
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