By: Aidann Gia
Nestled in New York City’s charming Seaport District, Cafe Patoro is a hidden gem known for its hand-rolled pão de queijo—Brazilian gluten-free cheese breads. This quaint cafe offers a diverse selection of sweet pastries, savory dishes, and expertly crafted beverages. The inviting space is made by the friendly baristas who warmly greet each customer. The cushy coffee shop, even when bustling with the diverse range of busy New Yorkers, charms those who enter with their autumnal and festive decor.
My roommate, Shannon Conner, and I visited Cafe Patoro to experience the noteworthy delights our neighborhood has swooned for. After admiring the tempting array of pastries on display, we placed our order. The staff, who appeared to know many of the regular patrons, further added to the cafe’s community feel. Conveniently located just a short walk from our campus, we found the price of $10 for a dozen pão de queijo to be a reasonable price, especially with the added benefit of a student discount.
“Considering they’re not overly priced to begin with, and if you add your discount for students in the area, it’s a really generous deal,” Conner noted.
We nestled into our corner seats with a large iced cappuccino served with oat milk, an iced chai substituted with almond milk, an almond croissant, a pain au chocolat, a pesto and prosciutto pão de queijo, a guava jam cornbread, a Brazilian carrot cake, and servings of their jalapeño, everything-seasoned, and original pão de queijo. This impressive selection showcased flavors of Brazil, refined to perfection in the heart of New York City.
The gluten-free guava cornbread, toasted to perfection on the outside and moist on the inside, was a standout. Lightly sweet yet dense, it became our favorite of the day—its gluten-free nature a surprising detail we would not have noticed otherwise. The Brazilian carrot cake, with its smooth, fluffy texture and subtle fall flavors, paired beautifully with a rich chocolate ganache.
Among the savory options, the pesto and prosciutto pão de queijo stood out for its balance of sweet fig jam, zesty pesto, and tangy arugula. Out of the three pão de queijo flavors we tried, the everything-seasoned version was the favorite.
”It’s like a cheesy, everything bagel, but better,” Conner remarked. “It’s less dense than a bagel, it’s lighter and less doughy.”
The pão de queijo was delectable—its stretchy, cheesy texture highlighted by a perfect balance of cheddar, parmesan, and tapioca flour. Our meal was deeply satisfying, as it was evidently made up of quality and thoughtfully prepared delights. It’s rare to find a local spot that feels like a treat and is budget friendly. Cafe Patoro is offering students a 25% discount when they purchase a bag of pão de queijo, alongside any handcrafted drink.
Even with affordable options nearby, it’s important to note that not all students have the flexibility and privilege to dine out. The Pace University campus food pantry is one local resource for students facing food insecurity, providing access to groceries and a support system. Students can receive help without needing to sacrifice meals to make rent or pay for textbooks.
As students, we’re often juggling adulthood, wellbeing, internships, jobs, and school. Finding those local deals and campus resources help make the college experience more manageable, and even more enjoyable.
