“Let’s have coffee or something!” is my go to phrase when trying to schedule catch up sessions or even meetings. I mean, how can anyone say no? The coffee and dessert combo is only bested by coffee, dessert and good company. That “company” need not be another person, sometimes it can be yourself or a book.
During my recent trip to
New York, I was able to visit some memorable cafes and
have coffee or something. I’m listing it here in case you’re in the city and would like recommendations on where to go and with who. By no means am I an expert with all things New York (yet) but I personally enjoyed my time in these 4 spots and they were highly recommended by locals I trust (aka: my super hip relatives),
Zagat, and
You’ve Got Mail. Let’s have coffee or something, shall we?
1. Caffe Reggio
Caffe Reggio is home to the “Original Cappuccino”. They pride themselves in being the first cafe to ever offer the foamy coffee drink to the American public. Being inside their West Village shop, it’s hard to doubt this claim especially with that gigantic, over a century old, espresso machine starring at you. Best to go here with old souls who appreciate classics. Italian renaissance paintings line the wall, you can sit on a bench that belonged to the Medici(!) family, and Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women, actually lived in the building across. How cool is that?!
Caffe Reggio is located at 119 Macdougal St, New York, NY 10012, United States
2. Maison Kayser
Maison Kayser is everywhere! For good reason too, this authentic French artisanal boulangerie bakes and serves up yummy and not to mention pretty pastries all over New York (and the world). Both my aunts love it! On separate occasions, they brought me to the one in the Upper West and the one featured in this blog post, the Flatiron District. Best to go here with mentors, bosses, someone you look up to. The plates are no-nonsense yet sophisticated, pretty much like most people who have got “it” together. Moreover, it’s centrally located and highly accessible, perfect for those with busy schedules.
Maison Kayser is located at 921 Broadway, New York, NY 10010, United States
3. Maison du Macaron
After Maison Kayser, my aunt and I were walking to the subway station when we passed by La Maison du Macaron. I saw their 2013 Zagat Rating proudly posted on their door, and even if I just had cake, I thought why the heck not? I went inside and tried Salted Caramel, Vanilla, and Key Lime Pie. Best to go here with: a good book or your best confidante. The rich leather, plush velvet, and cozy interiors make the perfect backdrop for catching up with your favorite heroine or your best pal.
La Maison du Macaron is located at 132 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011, United States
4. Cafe Lalo
I felt really
kilig upon arriving in
Cafe Lalo. After all, this was
where
this You’ve Got Mail scene was filmed. Aaaah!♥︎ The space was more cramped in real life, but it’s okay as the cake display was crammed with mouth-watering goodness! I stood in front of the display for a good minute just admiring it. If only I could try everything!
Best to go with a date. Preferably someone you’ve been with long enough so it doesn’t matter if you pick each other’s plates or stuff your face with Cafe Lalo’s delicious desserts.
Cafe Lalo is located at 201 West 83rd Street, New York, NY 10024
I hope you enjoyed our coffee date! Let me know if you’ve tried these places and if you have suggestions of your own. Special shout out goes to my relatives Tita Livy, Tita Isa, Alvin and Mariel for bringing me to these gems of a cafe. 🙂
PS:
Photo of the exterior of Maison Kayser was taken from here.
Photo of Maison du Macaron’s macaron display was taken from here.
Photo of the interior of Maison du Macaron was taken from here.
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