Let’s Go Café Hopping!
By Angelica Ruiz
If there is one thing you should know about me, it’s that I love coffee! I rarely go without drinking coffee (unless I’m having major anxiety). Growing up, my house was always stocked with a brewed pot of coffee ready to go. When it was late at night, and guests were over, we would always gather at the table and sip a hot cup of coffee with various pan dulce (sweet bread). Now, as a college student, I embark on thrilling adventures, exploring different coffee shops, eagerly hoping to uncover the best one to work in while savoring a delightful cup of coffee and pastry.
When looking into coffee shops or cafés, I consider the vibe and ambiance. It’s crucial for me to feel welcomed and comfortable, to sink into the place’s vibe. Luckily, I have found unique and hidden gems throughout the city, each offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Café W — Flushing, NY
Café W, a sprawling coffee shop in Murray Hill, Queens, is a true gem. It’s open from 7 am to 10 pm, making it a perfect spot for early birds and night owls alike. The café’s dedication to serving a diverse clientele is evident in its space, designed to offer high-quality beverages and desserts. The expansive interior, with its comfortable seating and natural light, creates an environment for customers to relax and enjoy a wholesome experience. What sets Café W apart is its varied menu, which includes a wide range of coffee, matcha, teas, smoothies, and more, catering to the tastes of every coffee enthusiast.
The shop successfully delivers on its promise of high-quality and unique food and beverages. The menu offers an overwhelming variety of coffee, matcha, teas, smoothies, and more. The moment I looked at their menu, I was overwhelmed by the array of delicious options. The staff made the decision-making process easier with their friendly smiles and helpful suggestions. My eyes danced between my regular Vanilla Oat Latte and the specialty menu. I eventually settled for a Vanilla Oat Latte while my friend got the Pistachio Cream Latte. Both of these drinks were a delight to the senses. The Pistachio Cream was velvety smooth and adorned with tiny bits of pistachio. The Vanilla Latte was a perfect balance of flavors, not too sweet, just right!
The pastry menu at Café W is a feast for the eyes and the palate. From flaky croissants to Korean specialties, and even a unique cookie-croissant hybrid, every item is a mouth-watering delight. The variety and quality of the pastries are a testament to the café’s commitment to providing a wholesome experience.
As I mentioned before, space and ambiance are essential factors for cafés. Café W does not disappoint! It is a large, two-story building with an outdoor seating area on the second floor. There are many tables, ensuring you can always find a spot to sit and enjoy your pastries or to do some work. What I enjoyed the most was their bean bag chair section, a unique feature that sets them apart from other coffee shops. It’s a cozy corner where you can sink into a bean bag chair, sip your coffee, and relax. It makes you feel comfortable and welcome in the shop.
Xoco-latte Bushwick
In the heart of Bushwick, a vibrant neighborhood known for its artistic flair and eclectic vibe, lies a hidden gem that perfectly captures the area’s spirit: Xoco-latte Bushwick. This cozy café is a haven for coffee lovers and chocolate enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of rich flavors and an inviting atmosphere. This comfy, friendly spot is more than just a café — it’s a celebration of culture, community, and incredible coffee. Xoco-latte Bushwick proudly founded itself with the intention of celebrating and paying homage to its Latin American roots, which are easily reflected in its menu options.
The small business proudly founded itself with the intention of celebrating and paying homage to its Latin American roots, which are easily reflected in its menu options. The café’s walls are adorned with vibrant murals depicting scenes from Mexico and Oaxaca, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Mexico and Oaxaca are great inspirations for Xoco-Latte as they use traditional Oaxacan chocolate in their beverage menu. The specialty menu consists of their Xoco-Latte and Mazapan Latte. After deliberating on what to order, I eagerly chose the Xoco-Latte as it blends my culture and what I love the most: Oaxaca chocolate and a shot of espresso. This might have been one of the best coffee beverages ever.
The shop is decorated with Mexican-inspired items, which truly connects the clients with the culture. It’s a small shop with a few tables for those who want to do work or sit and enjoy their coffee. Customers are always greeted with a friendly smile and welcoming employees.
I highly recommend Xoco-Latte for those who want to experience Mexican culture on the streets of New York City.
Urban Backyard — Soho, NY
Urban Backyard is one of the cutest shops I have come across! This charming spot is known for its delightful blend of sustainability and creativity, offering artisanal coffee and scrumptious pastries in a beautifully curated space. It has gone viral for its cute, succulent-inspired cupcakes and cozy atmosphere. The décor features lush greenery and rustic accents, creating a serene oasis that invites you to unwind and relax. Urban Backyard is dedicated to eco-friendly practices, using biodegradable materials and promoting local ingredients. Whether you’re popping in for a quick espresso or settling down with a matcha latte and a book, Urban Backyard is a refreshing retreat that captures the essence of a peaceful, urban escape.
It really is a tiny spot so I highly recommend planning the time you’re arriving if you want to sit down and enjoy a stay at Urban Backyard. The menu is hand-crafted with everyones must haves alongside specialty yuzu and bubbly drinks for a cool down.
The best part of the cafe was that it truly was like stepping away from the city and into an oasis. The cafe has a basement seating area that tunes out all the noise from upstairs and the busy streets of SoHo.
IXV Coffee — Boerum Hill, NY
Of course, I saved my all time favorite cafe for last. This find was truly accidental as I stumbled upon it after helping my mom out at work. IXV Coffee is located on Pacific St. in Brooklyn, NY founded with the intention of sustainability. This small shop reflects its support for sustainability through its “Single Use Free Day” on every first Thursday of the month. Customers are encouraged to bring their own mugs to the store or sit down at the cafe. Additionally, the single use cups provided are 100% sustainable and earth friendly. IXV is a cozy shop with outdoor seating to truly immerse its customers with nature. They offer an incredible menu with your go-to’s alongside delicious food options.
The shop offers its customers sustainable, reusable cup options and lines its wall with reworked clothes and artwork. If you’re wondering on what to order I highly recommend IXV’s grilled toast with butter and their jam options. IXV is a breath of fresh air compared to the rest of New York. The quiet and peaceful atmosphere makes it incredibly easy to focus on work, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy the ambiance of the amazing cafe!
So, whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a cozy spot to relax, NYC’s coffee scene has something for everyone. Each café I’ve visited offers a unique experience, a blend of ambiance, culture, and, of course, fantastic coffee. Café hopping has become my favorite way to explore the city, one cup at a time!
