It's Monday morning and just about time for that coffee run. But why deal with the lines at the local shop? Thankfully our friends at Gridskipper, who are pros at mapping out a city's hidden gems (such as San Francisco's cupcake invasion, and late night eats in D.C.) recently posted their guide to REAL Manhattan espresso. These coffee shops are a welcome change from the cookie-cutter Starbucks on every corner of the city—perfect for one of those mornings when you're craving a little more atmosphere and an exquisite barista-tailored brew.
So next time you're in the Big Apple, stop for an authentic cup of joe. Here are a few of Gridskipper's picks:
Aroma: 145 Greene St., New York, N.Y.
Israeli chain Aroma came to New York just last year and has already made an impact with its strong
espresso drinks and Middle Eastern pastries and snacks. The modern
European decor and the well-executed bevs made the place an immediate Soho/Village hit.
Cafe Grumpy: 193 Meserole Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Greenpoint's Cafe Grumpy is one of Brooklyn's many
quality-obsessed coffee shops. With Ninth Street Espresso and Gimme
Coffee, the shop is considered a pioneer in the artisan coffee
movement, and they are
devoted to excellent espresso and roasts. Beyond the coffee, the shop
wins extra points for its laid-back environment and cutesy
illustrations on the bags and cups.
Joe: 9 E 13th St., New York, N.Y.
Joe offers one of the best house espresso blends
in the city and makes a well-executed pure espresso at each of its three
locations. As an added bonus, Joe sells the homemade cupcakes of
comedienne and actress Amy Sedaris.
Ninth Street Espresso: 700 E 9th St., New York, N.Y.
Ninth Street Espresso is known
for its strong smooth espresso and thick lattes. The folks behind this
shop in the eastern reaches of the East Village make sure extra
attention is paid to sourcing
and quality of the beans, and the proprietor is so obsessed with a
perfect espresso that he's come up with a whole line of barista accessories. Ninth Street—which entered the scene in 2000—has been around much longer than most of the other artisanal coffee cafes.
Check out Gridskipper's recent posts on coffee in London and Los Angeles. Where's the best place to find a cup in your part of town?
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