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Category: Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Neighborhood: TriBeCaChambers St-W Broadway (1, 2, 3)
Chambers-Park Pl-World Trade Ctr (2, 3, A, C, E)
City Hall-Broadway (R, W)
Wow... lotta THIRD WAVE espresso places opening up in the city now. This place was f-n fabulous...
Cool decor, and I tried the echo reserve espresso. Very nice, very smooth. woweee, tribeca, what a treat you have here.
Now I *heard*, and this is only a rumor, but I *heard* that one could actually buy Geisha here. But when I asked them about it they said they only had it last week. And then they're like "you're going to have a very hard time finding that in nyc..."
Not for long I'm guessing... New Yorkers are like Tokyoites, they get a taste for expensive special things...
I'm not totally in love with this place, but it sounds like that's because I didn't order the right things: coffee or food. I did get their seasonal pumpkin tea, which was original though not very tasting of pumpkin. They do have a decent list of different types of tea, though!
I love the funky atmosphere: brick, paintings and photographs - lofty.
I definitely appreciate the extra seating downstairs - I barely got a table - but the tables are a bit too close together, that I was not able to concentrate on my work. So, it's best to know that if you need more of a quiet place to get things done, this is not the place.
On any other day, I would definitely have appreciated the buzzing of people - and would have ordered a coffee! It's a great place given its location - much cooler than any Starbucks!
I generally come here right before my Intro to Business class*
I usually, no I always have the iced ethiopian**, their coffee always tastes fantastic, not watery which can get to be tricky when making a decent batch of ice coffee. The flavour is so rich and smooth; which is why I drink it black, the last thing I want to do is smother a perfect iced coffee with stuff like soy milk and simple syrup***.
And to add to the awesome?
I've now got a fancy little card which tells me that 9 more cups of coffee before the next one is free!****
_________________
*My prof is old, senile, and will prescribe bourbon if you so much as cough during the lecture; also the coffee isn't so much a tool to stay up in class as it is a reason to pee during it
**I didn't know they had enough ice to freeze people solid in Ethiopia
***My ulcer doesn't thank me for it
****I am a tool
I'm fairly picky about my coffee and my cappuccino, and this place was everything I could have hoped for. Excellent single cup coffee, brewed to order. The menu has helpful descriptions of each kind of coffee. My cappuccino had the perfect ratio of espresso to milk. The space is well-designed and fits in well with the TriBeCa loft vibe. It feels more open and airy then comparable coffee places in Manhattan (Grumpy, etc.). Extra points for not charging for soy milk. And they have wifi. Thank you for coming to TriBeCa!
My favourite coffee shop in the US so far....particularly the single brew option. Talk about a coffee jolt, I could have flown uptown after that coffee! I love that the have frequent buyer cards, and a very chill atmosphere, plus its 2 blocks from my brother's apt so 2 birds with one stone!
I love. I have traveled much too far on the subway to get here. The coffee is great. They MAY make my favorite latte in the city. I'm not ready to commit to putting it on the absolute top yet - but they're definitely in my top three. And they don't groan when you ask for an iced latte the way they sometimes do at comparably high-end coffee spots. I appreciate them having good coffee and not being snobby about it.
Also, there's always a spot to sit. So many of the other decent cafes in the city get so crowded you have to get all hover-y and mafia-tough to find a spot to sit. Kaffe 1668 has room for you. It might not be your favorite chair this time - but there's somewhere.
Mostly, I just dig the vibe. It's got a lovely lovely vibe.
Best latte I've ever had. Trust me. Their coffee is also pretty good. They have a wide variety of beans coming from all over the world. However, the snacks/food are a bit small, which wouldn't be a problem except that the prices are still high. They do have free wifi.
Overall, great place.
In short, would never recommend coming here, very awkward and empty downstairs for studying. I study mostly at Think Coffee, but their Wifi seems to be spotty at times, so I yelped on my iPhone and was recommended this place. The place is clean looking and chairs and desks to study, but outlets are limited, upstairs is already taken so had to go downstairs which had a fly around.
The 1 star are for good cappuccino and clean bathroom. BUT there is no A/C downstairs so your sweating... terrible place to study. I won't be coming back here unless its to sit upstairs to chat with someone and go quickly afterthat.
This is not my kind of study place. Very uncomfortable. Sympathetic nervous system gets down regulated in hot temperatures which for MCAT studying is a no no. I guess Think Coffee is still the best place...
just wish that their wifi was more powerful (lots of people sharing and sometimes crashes).
Then again, you could just chat and have cappuccino at Think Coffee.
Do not recomment ever coming here.
I really value coffee. I can appreciate good coffee. And a lot of times its hard to find good java in this town. Smushed between the smorgasbord of the dreaded starbucks franchise and the less appealing but slightly better Dunkin Donuts, lie few spots that offer COFFEE, capital letters, blinking lights, and not that brown stuff you drink to get you through work.
I'd walked by this swanky coffee shop a hundred times. let's say its more tribeca than it is financial district. imagine stay at home moms, Manny's and the mostly non-working. I'd usually kept my distance.
but I finally had a cup of coffee here today and to my surprise....it was actually GOOD. Starbuckers stay away, you probably haven't tasted the coffee bean in quite some time, this coffee is strong and delicious. With a wide range of countries to choose from (instead of the silly frap-o-crap names at stabucks) each country bean really is different. I had THE honduras (don't know why a definite article is required to simplify countries into nouns) which was actually delicious. You can taste the bean and can tell its a good brew.
If it's true that they had 7 dollar prices before, I'm happy they got religion. Although a little more expensive, I'd treat myself every once in a blue for legit coffee.
Decor and ambience is very simple-cool, reminded me of cups of coffee in some of Portland's coffee establishments.
***3 stars for delicious coffee and conveniency for the area. A bit pricey for my liking and the crowd (tribeca moms) wasn't really my cup (pun intended). Good coffee house for the financial district. Sit down and enjoy your cup of joe.
Try their chocolate chip cookies- so soft, buttery, and chocolatey (with a little salt action). Yum!
I love this place- it's my new go-to study spot. It reminds me of Gramstand in the East Village… Read more »
Kaffe 1668 really cares about their coffee! They take great pride in what they serve and where it comes from. The location is great, they have an awesome floorplan and generally cool interior. And those little sheeps everywhere? Super cute. Great place to kick back at after doing a little shopping at the Tribeca Farmers Market.
Went back this morning - we're expecting bad news at work today so I figured I deserved a good cup of coffee. A few updates:
1) They've adjusted their prices - drip ranged from $2.55 to ~$4. I don't mind paying anything in that range for good coffee - much better than the $7.50 per cup they had pre-recess-is-on.
2) The scone was quite good - beats the muffin I'd had back when they opened.
3) The crowd here couldn't be more sophisticated. When I walk past, I feel like it is a Coffee Lounge, not merely a coffee shop but, importantly, with little to no pretense.
New coffee shop that just opened in Tribeca across from Whole Foods. Organic, very high-end coffee… Read more »
Great coffee, especially considering it's in NY where I have a hard time finding Seattle'ish latte's with decent microfoam. I've been twice now, and their standard latte is a little weak on the coffee. Today I had them add an extra shot, and even though they were not happy about it, it made for the perfect morning latte. I'm going back every day I'm here in the city. I also need to try their single brewed cup of coffee from the famous Clover machine too.
1) The coffee is delicious but expensive.
2) The baristas are always putting their unwashed bare hands/fingers in your coffee grounds as they brew each cup individually. Same for the food.
3) The male barista will serve any attractive male on line behind you his order before you will get yours. Often while trying to chat them up. Very annoying in the morning rush.
Suits piled in with paper-thin trendy laptops don't creep me out.
What worries me is why they're here instead of being at work.
As I look down at my appointment book, I try to figure out which direction I feel like bringing the day. I wonder if they're here for the same reason I am.
This coffee is too strong for a Starbucks girl. But I'll adapt.
Good coffee- I didn't try the food. The barista was cool and when I mentioned I am a native Chicagoan he asked me about Intelligensia coffee- the man knew his coffee. I liked the free wi fi, which I found reliable. I got there at exactly the right time as I found a lot of places to sit, but it filled up about a half hour after I got there. I could have done without the screaming children some people felt the need to bring in, but I'm starting to wonder if this is just a defining feature of tribecca.
Kaffe 1668's got all the makings of a great coffee shop - sweet staff, above average chocolate chip cookies, plenty of periodicals to peruse, and a Clover machine for individually brewed cups (if you're willing to pay the price.)
The look is Swedish industrial - which really means that there's a lot of steel and concrete here, softened by some Swedish sheep at the front that little kids like to play on.
Kaffe 1668 is perfectly serviceable but be warned it's full of suits in their weekend wear, usually accompanied by their offspring. In a way, it's more interesting to go to Starbucks which arguably attracts a more heterogeneous clientele. But then again, maybe it's just the neighborhood?
Kaffe 1668 is right down the street from where I work now, so I find myself in here quite a bit. I like it for getting some writing in after work, but I never come on my lunch hour because the food pickings are slim (and expensive). The coffee is better than you'll find in most random cafes, I'll grant you. But not being a coffee person I just find myself wishing their food was given as much care.
There is nothing wrong with their food. It's good. It's not great. It's not worth the price. From the sandwiches to the pastry. If I come in here, it's after I've already made myself full elsewhere.
I like the atmosphere quite a lot and I dig the space both on the top level and downstairs. I can see this being a good spot for group writing as long as the place isn't crowded. Downstairs, away from the counter and ordering and steamed milk noises once can get a lot done. The seating isn't super comfortable, nor is it super uncomfortable.
The wi-fi is password-protected and you have to by something to get that password (it's printed on your receipt). I am a real fan of this idea. It keeps me from having to ask for it and keeps the person behind the counter from having to act like they're sorry you need to buy something to get online. Cafes that worry over the ratio of people taking up space to people buying food should consider this approach.
I love this place. It's so close to work and serves as the perfect place for a respite from the workplace drone. Kaffe 1668 has a very chill environment with Scandinavian elements throughout the cafe - on both lower and main levels. Its lattes are beautifully and tastefully but expensively made! Truly, a cafe seems like the simplest thing to do, and it's not like I make it a particular case of mine to seek out the perfect cafe in NYC, but it is not; however, Kaffe1668 does a great job of being a wonderful one. Its European touches without being typically French is rather appealing. It's modern without being too cold and commercial. It's not too erratic nor has a particular subculture that caters to only coffeehouse rats or artsy folks or techies on laptops. Best of all, it's nothing like Starbucks, and I hope the success of Kaffe 1668 will continue to bank on these great qualities.
I pass by this place almost everyday and I didn't notice it until today. I'm sipping on the earl gray tea as I write.
-Earl gray tea is nothing special if you ask me.
-Coffee looks good but I'm yet to try it.
-Friendly staff.
-Long tables & additional seating downstairs.
-Quiet alternative to Starbucks.
Verdict: Definitely worth trying!
I live in Portland so I refuse to order at Starbucks (so sue me, I'm a snot), so when I was jonesing for a latte last week in NYC near my sister's boyfriend's office, we went here. I was impressed with the menu and the barista's serious style. My latte had decent art for a soy based drink, but I must say I found the espresso a bit harsh for my taste and added some raw sugar, which I rarely do. But, I'll still return next time I'm in the area.
Although I was terrified walking down the steps with my latte and managed not to spill any, I liked the downstairs area despite the fact it was really warm.
Quite yummy.
It's got everything you'd expect from a coffee shop, including really, really good coffee. Also, the best latte I've ever tasted. They make it perfect everytime. Mmmmmm.
Like other reviewers have mentioned, the give the wifi password on the receipt, which makes it super easy for the customers. Definitely a great place to sit and enjoy a fine cup of Kaffe. ;-)
A spot in New York where you can forget that the city is cramped and remember how damn good coffee can be in modern Swedish pastoral. And, if necessary, you'll also find here free WiFi, a few outlets, and little TriBeCa kids (and some adults) playing with the numerous sheep-things.
great space set up like many sheep (!you should go to see them. Cute art work.), nice long wood table and great low-ride kids chairs. big windows and big open front.
BEST cafe place with sun light!
Choices of drop coffee is fun to try! I never try latte there, so... please try and let me know if it will be better than Grumpy.
Last time I went there, I sat, talked and spaced out for 3 or 4 hours. :)
Oh, great homemade bakes.
Above a certain level of quality, all coffee places are the same, in that it becomes a matter of personal preference as to which you prefer. Kaffe 1668 is in that club. It's spacious, inviting if you like the Scandinavian look, and has passworded wifi. But what about the coffee you say? I can't say as I have any complaints; smooth shots, well-rounded and balanced. The serious cafe drinker will not have any complaints here, though he or she may prefer the style of, say Ninth Street Espresso. Stylistically they tend more towards fullness than ristretto, and while I like ristretto, it can be overdone. So I think they have a good thing going here.
Is it the best in NYC? I don't know, as I haven't been everywhere. But it's a contender.
what a freaking great place.
so airy and ideal.
amazing drinks - the honduran coffee really did have hints of tamarind and all the iced teas are absolutely wonderful.
free wifi, large tables. comfy lounge areas.
also get the chicken with pesto sandwich.
so delicious.
what a treat, this whole place.
despite popular belief,NYC is overflowing with fantastic coffee,and kaffe 1668 is definitely one of the standout cafes.
equipped with intelligentsia's black cat espresso as default,they also offer a guest espresso that changes every few weeks and two infamous clover machines for brewed coffees.
my first two visits awarded me with shot of black cat that was super short,syrupy,with that straight forward bittersweet chocolate bar tastes black cat tends to offer.next up was a soy macchiato with a good level of milky-caramel-sweetness,but not too ,much to drown out the espresso.the foam was on the thinner side,but it was manageable.
today i made my third visit and was officially won over.
ecco caffe guatemalan guest espresso was more muted than the black cat,zesty,with a rich and nutty quality.the baristas here seem to know how to pull a real ristretto shot.
then just for kicks i had the clover brewed guatemala and immediately wanted another-rich,smooth,baker's chocolate with a vanilla flavour that shined through as it cooled.
so yes,awesome coffee,incredibly nice and informative baristas offering great info on the coffees and more,a large room with big windows upstairs,a more secluded and large downstairs,wifi,an a bunch of sheep toys or what have you http://around.it's a bit pricy,but it's in the financial district,so what did you expect.nyc is has a lot of great coffee,and places like this are the reason why,so don't pass up kaffe 1668.
This has been a five year search for me, as a picky espresso drinker from Melbourne! This is one of the best espresso places in New York (closely followed by Ninth Street Espresso and Joe's). The staff truly take coffee seriously. The beans are also awesome.
There's free Wifi and the place is well decked out.
This cafe is destined to become a Tribeca favorite in no time so come and enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasts! Recently opened and already tapping into their potential.
The staff is great, coffee delicious (they brew Intelligentsia exclusively) and the decor is modern-rustic. Love it!
I was on my way to meeting someone when I stopped into this little coffee shop. It was super hot in there but I loved that they had their windows/doors open and it was quite cool downstairs. I didn't expect it to be so small upstairs but I could see how you could enjoy working in there for a few hours as an alternative to Starbucks. There were a few small tables and then a large one to share with others or to use if you had a group. I love that the wifi was free and agree with another reviewer that it's nice that you get your password on your receipt! It allows you to get access without having to ask or figure out the setup. I ended up getting tea but loved that they had fair trade coffee! In terms of décor, nothing really stuck out but the little lamb seats were adorable! If you happen to be in the area, this is a place to stop in at.
This is a fantastic cafe. First off, they have got a really cool Swedish industrial look going, complete with a chalkboard menu, wooden tables and fuzzy little sheep lying around, plus comfortable couch seating downstairs. The Coffee is very good (and of high quality) but my favorite is their selection of organic herbal Teas. I've tried every kind they have and my fav is the Ginger Lemon Mint! Very good. Great cookies, especially the White Chocolate Macadamia- delish. I would also recommend you try their Cappuccino, made with that big fancy machine. Great staff who remember you. They have free WiFi and the password is on the receipt. The only downside is that they are expensive. But at least it's worth it!
First off, the people that have reviewed this place don't strike me as serious coffee drinkers... so stick to reviewing what you know and like. I for one am a serious coffee drinker to the point that I am saving my pennies to upgrade my espresso machine at home. I live very close to Kaffe - you can't even imagine my joy when this place arrived to the neighborhood - because for the record starbucks is NOT good coffee. I love Kaffe - what you will find are serious and passionate baristas, clover coffee machines (all the craze now) and perfectly brewed freshly grinded coffee for all you coffee aficionados as myself.
This place makes me wish Yelp had a "6-star" option. I almost want to delete all my other reviews just so this one stands out. Clover Swiss-made coffee machines (priced at approx. $11k a piece) + amazing beans from all over the world + amazingly relaxed ambience + cool lounge downstairs + free wifi + convenient and cool Tribeca vibes (right across the street from Whole Foods) + friendly staff = MY NEW FAVORITE PLACE IN THE CITY.
I was just back in New York City for a business trip, but lamenting how most New York City coffee tastes like flavored water. After a meeting at a building near Ground Zero, someone recommended Kaffe 1668. I have to say that I was impressed! They make each cup to order and you can choose blends from medium to bold. I had the Ethiopian blend which was full-bodied, yet had a great "fruity" finish. They also had sandwiches available - I had the hummus and avocado Vegan sandwich (which was great to see as an option). Give it a try.
It's a place I'd like to like but it seems a little too yuppie for my taste. Cool interior and not bad to meet someone for coffee/tea or a small bite. Plenty of seating (at least when I've gone) so you don't feel cramped.
The atmosphere kinda creeps me out a bit, but the coffee is so good I don't even care. It's so good it'll drag me out on a cold day all the way from Astoria. Seriously. So good.
I love this place! Love the Scandanavian aesthetic, great selection of coffee, and chill, pleasant baristas! I could spend hours here (and have). Love that they have wifi too. Upstairs is lively, downstairs is the perfect study/work space. Go to Kaffe!
Just a great addition to the neighborhood...really good coffee (one can argue about how good, but there's no doubt both the brewed and espresso coffee are well above-average, particularly around this hood), a nice atmosphere, wifi...what else do you need or want in a coffee joint?
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i drink a lot of coffee. i'm grumpy without it,…
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