One of the things that brings so many people to New York is its reputation for world class food and drink. And one of the things that contributes to New York’s charm are local coffee houses. My top three coffee houses are Café Lalo, The Hungarian Coffee Shop and The Muddy Waters Café.
Café Lalo is located at 201 West 83rd Street and its big claim to fame is appearing in the 1998 movie “You’ve Got Mail” staring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. It is open Monday through Thursday from 8 am until 2 am and on the weekends until 3 am. There is definitely a French vibe in the air from the décor (which includes huge windows, lite jazz and twinkling lights) to the multiple food and drink choices. The words behind the register say it all, “Life is good.” The coffee is tasty and the espresso is strong. Because Café Lalo has a full bar, there is no problem having your coffee topped off with the alcoholic beverage of your choice. There is also a good sized selection of teas which are sold by the pot.
As befitting a French coffee house, a trip to Café Lalo would not be complete without trying one of their delicious pastries. Besides the pastries, one of my favorite dishes is the Belgian waffle, served piping hot with a touch of vanilla and if you wish, with fruit and whipped cream. Tre Magnific!
The Hungarian Pastry Shop is another local coffee house that I treasure. It is located at 1030 Amsterdam Avenue and is open from 8 am until 11:30 pm Monday through Friday. On Saturday it does not open until 8:30 am. Being a writer, the Hungarian Pastry Shop is dear to me because they actively encourage writers – from the author’s wall (framed book jackets of novels written by authors who patronized the shop) to free refills and allowing one to sit as long as he or she wishes.
The shop has a very laid back feel and the front counter will remind you of a butcher shop. The coffee is strong and flavorful. They also have great pastries, which are made on the premises. The cinnamon raisin danish is my favorite.
Another local coffee shop that I really enjoy is The Muddy Waters Café. Muddy Waters is located at 2187 7th Avenue and is open on Sunday from 8 am until 6 pm, on Tuesday through Friday from 7 am until 9 pm and on Saturday from 8 am until 9 pm. It is closed on Mondays.
Besides the coffee, one of the great things about Muddy Waters is that it supplies free wifi; and if you are a tea lover (like me), the wide selection of teas means that you will not be disappointed. The staff is friendly and there is the usual mix of foods like bagels and chicken salad. Muddy Waters also has great hot chocolate. I particularly like the peanut butter hot chocolate which is made with real peanut butter and reminds me of a liquid Reese’s peanut butter cup.
So if you’re in the New York City area, take a load off and have a cup of coffee at one of my favorite three coffee houses.
