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SpaHa Cafe
Rating Details »
Categories: Coffee & Tea, Bakeries
Neighborhood: East Harlem1872 Lexington Ave
(between 116th St & 117th St)
New York, NY 10035
(212) 427-1767
- Nearest Transit:
-
116th St (6)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 6:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
17 reviews for SpaHa Cafe
Super cute little cafe right off of the 116th and Lexington subway stop. Bleary-eyed but not hungry, I only ordered a coffee and picked up a couple of granny smith apples for a snack later on, but the coffee was delicious and I definitely eyed the pastries and sandwiches. Next time I'm in the area I'll definitely stop by!
Props for offering fresh fruit, too!
Excellent coffee and espresso drinks (they use Lavazza beans which explain the high quality). Yummy croissants (sourced from Balthazar's). Good sandwiches and daily specials. Oh, and free WiFi!
Best of all they have a doggie window so after the dog park I can walk by Cafe SpaHa to pick up breakfast. And my dog Hershey gets a treat from the lovely owner Tika.
What a great addition to El Barrio!
I'm all about supporting small businesses, but SpaHa Cafe gets no love, because every time I visit, none of the baked goods taste and/or look fresh.
I'm not a big coffee drinker anymore, so I can't comment upon the beverages, but if you enjoy stale croissants that cut the roof of your mouth, or mushy mixed fruit that's a day away from becoming penicillin, you've found your haven.
Just wanted to write an update about SpaHa Cafe since it's been around five months since I started going there. What can I say? The place is still great. I used to only go in the mornings for my croissant or brioche, but now I sometimes run in there on the weekends to buy some of their small fruit tarts to serve as desserts when my wife and I have people over. Everyone always raves about the tarts.
The service from everyone there continues to be friendly and fast and I couldn't be happier that they have apparently developed quite a following during this short time. Now if Tika would only add a brasserie next door life would be perfect!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/10/2009
This is a charming new patisserie/boulangerie serving up authentic French pastries, coffees as well… Read more »
I wrote a really nice review for SpaHa Cafe a month ago.
However, the food is going downhill.
The bread is always hard-especially the wraps.
The coffee is eh.
I was served pie on a piece of wax paper instead of the clear plastic takeout cover.
I paid $12 for a salad that didn't even reach the top of the bowl it was served in.
The quality of the food is going downhill...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/12/2009
I love SpaHa Cafe!
I moved back to Spanish Harlem a month ago.
The one thing I miss about living… Read more »
Comment from Tika F. of
SpaHa Cafe
11/22/2009
Hi Hannah! Thank you for your review. I have discussed your…
More »
EDIT: Subtracted another star. Their wraps are always hard! I've had several by now, and each one was hard at certain points. Also, the edges of the prosciutto are always hard too. They don't know how to store things at this restaurant, apparently. Still, I'll probably go back because it's pretty much the only good lunch place around here, apart from Sam's Famous Pizza, and I can only eat so many slices before that gets old. Meh.
----
This place is solid, if a bit expensive. The only thing that disappointed me was the red velvet cupcake. Looks delectable, but the texture was awful, and then I felt like I couldn't finish it. This results in a loss of two stars; I can forgive a lot, but not a disappointing cupcake.
Comment from Tika F. of
SpaHa Cafe
11/22/2009
Hi Acacia! Thank you for your review. I am happy to say that…
More »
I really don't know what I'd do without SpaHa Cafe! Every morning without fail I get my tea and bagel and am greeted by the most friendly staff! The quality level of the food and bev's have stayed absolutely consistent through out the time I've gone there. This place is a diamond in the rough and worth traveling to even if you don't live in SpaHa.
This is a very charming place in the middle of East Harlem that really deserves a visit! It offers a great variety of different, especially french pastry, sandwiches and obviously hot and cold drinks. The decoration is done with passion to detail so you'll find yourself in a typical european style cafe. The cafe supports local suppliers so all the products like salad and other vegetables really are fresh and very crispy . Prices are very fair and I felt really comfortable! Cool place
Good coffee, good bread, decent sandwiches, amazing quiche, and a egg salad on brioche that brings (happy) tears to my eyes. The owner and employees have always been extremely nice to me and are fun to watch interact with regulars. I have not tried any of the desserts, except for a chocolate chip cookie which was okay, but just a cookie.
Cannot say enough about the quality. While small and there is CARE put into the preparation of your food (ie a bit slow)...you WILL NOT be dissapointed. The cappu was excellent, the salad freshly chopped, the snack...i couldn't decide which scone to have so the barista gave me both...THAT is customer service, and was rewarded w/ a good tip--btw the cranberry hands down. It is excellently located and a perfect addition to the hood. GO THERE AND SUPPORT THEM!!!
Pretty much the best new place in my neighborhood, this small coffee shop delievers in all the way a small neighborhood coffee shop should. There's this thing the woman who's always there does with mozzerela, basil, and assorted lunch meats... it's pretty much magic. I just went there to get a quick breakfast sandwich and almost died from how good it was. If you find yourself on 116th st for some God forsaken reason, this is where you should stop for coffee and/or a quick bite to eat. The food is always fresh and excellent, and you'll find people there who will ask you how your day is going and actually mean it.
3.5 stars
I was pleasantly surprised on my way to the downtown 6 when I saw that a new cafe - SpaHa Cafe - had opened (living in Spanish Harlem for the past three years - this was something new and exciting!). The cafe is cute and cozy, replete with bookshelf housing bags of coffee beans etc etc etc - typical boulangerie carrying a variety of pastries, paninis and bread.
I want to give SpaHa Cafe more stars, but I just can't. It just seems like a Starbucks minus the brand. And the name - SpaHa Cafe - is a terrible name. The food is good - that I can rave about. However, I ordered a cafe con leche, and it was just...a latte! I guess I can't help but compare it to the deliciously creamy and exquisite cafe con leche across the street at Bermudez Bakery. The only thing that sets SpaHa Cafe from the rest of the neighborhood is the decor. I'll keep coming when I want a regular coffee or a pastry, but there are definitely more tasty (not to mention cheaper) eats around the neighborhood.
A nice little spot for a snack, coffee break, breakfast or lunch, or anytime you want some sweets. They serve an assortment of pastries, croissants, scones, cookies, baguettes, artisan bread, sandwiches, salads, coffee, latte, espresso, etc. However, the place is quite small, have only a few chairs at the bar/counter. Still, an interesting addition to the neighborhood.
This is a spectacular oasis in a sea of barrios and taquerias. This new addition to Spanish Harlem is much needed. The menu has many delicious and wonderul choices that you normally have to venture downtown for. There are breakfast items, sandwiches and paninis, wraps, salads, and desserts you would only expect to see on the streets of Paris. So whether you are craving a mocha cappuccino or a buttery croissant you will not be disappointed. There are tasty and wholesome sandwiches made with the bread of your choice, distinctive salads, and dessert options that will leave you stuck at the counter laboring over your choice. The staff is attentive and friendly unlike some of the more snobbish counterparts of the upper east side. I highly recommend that when you find yourself near the 6 line stop at 116th and Lexington you venture upstairs and treat yourself. You'll be glad you did!
I was thrilled when this place opened up just down the street from me. Very charming and cozy, and they have a variety of breads, pastries, sandwiches, etc. and decent coffee. I'm fond of the almond croissants. I've gotten excellent service every time I've gone - the people who work there have generally been very friendly and helpful. My only real complaint about this place is that there is limited seating - it's not the kind of cafe you can go to do work, but it's great if you're just grabbing something quick.
I was so happy to see a place like this open up on 116th. I've been in a few times and the people working there are really nice and the pastries are delicious and fresh.
I just happened to walk by here one day, and found out that this place is simply adorable! The people who work here are very sweet and the food was wonderful! Definitely can't wait for the weather to get nicer so I can go again!
