As a coffee enthusiast myself, nothing can drag me out of bed more than the smell of fresh coffee. I spent my entire freshmen year in my small triple with the same exact morning routine. Wake up, put the kettle on, take out a filter and prepare my small pour over for arguably one of the best parts of any day. Besides making coffee myself, I am a big fan of espresso drinks, especially cappuccinos or lattes. Growing up in an Argentinian household, I have fond memories of going to cafes and bistros back home, and the culture of sobremesa, or sitting around at a table chatting with friends and family, is one of the things I miss most about Latin American and European countries.
Merienda, or afternoon snack/treat in Argentina 
Cappuchinos are typically served in tall glasses and susted with Cocoa Powder 
More pictures of la merienda in Argentina.
I find that even in NYC that is harder to replicate, given the more intense and “to-go” culture that this country has when it comes to going out to restaurants or cafes. However, I have found some spots that really hit the mark on making the place feel cozy, warm, inviting, and more importantly, a place where I can sit and feel at home – not rushed. Here is my list of a few cafes that are some of my top recommendations for you to try while in NYC.
- REMI 43 Flower & Coffee
Flowers and coffee.
Interior of Remi 43 
Rose Petal Latte + pastry! 
More shots of the interior
How can you go wrong? Located a block away from the UN on East 43 Street, this place is one of the most beautiful cafes I have ever gone to, and I love the way the flowers create an almost tapestry ambiance when you walk in. They have an assortment of mixed pastries, many being a hybrid between French patisserie and Asian flavors, which is a trend I have seen more and more in the city as I have lived here.
Although I usually opt for more traditional espresso drinks, their rose latte blew my mind! The presentation is gorgeous and I loved the way the rose complimented the sweetness and almost chocolatey notes in the coffee. It’s a place that I come to time and time again, and seeing the place so full and bursting with life makes me happy to be in such a vibrant city like this one!
- Fabrique
This quaint coffee shop and bakery is one that I actually never meant to find. One day, as I was strolling by SoHo, I saw the opening of an eyewear store named CHIMI, and outside they had some interesting twist pastries they were giving out, which are called kanelbullar, or Swedish cinnamon rolls.
Being so fascinated by the blend of cardamom, cinnamon, and clove, I asked them where they got them, and behold how I found this place. Serving drinks in cute teal mugs and baking everything in stone ovens, their coffee is perfectly strong and balanced, and I love the way they pair with their cinnamon rolls.
Some other great must-tries here are their seeded crackers and smoked salmon sandwiches. They have two locations, one on West 14th Street near the Whitney Museum and another on 550 Fifth Avenue near Rockefeller. Absolute must try if you have a sweet tooth like mine!
- Moshava Coffee
This place takes the community to the next level! Offering a variety of free activities each week such as watercolor painting and crochet classes, this coffee shop is bringing back that concept of having third spaces when days get overwhelming, offering an escape from either being in a dorm, or being on campus. I have gone a few times to watercolor, and being able to put my phone and computer down and just let my creativity drive me is something that sometimes is so hard to do, even as an artist like myself.
I think places like these help us be able to give ourselves some fun and also serve as perfect opportunities for solo dates which are just as important to prioritise! They have also done fun events for finals week (giving out free teas, snacks, and cold brew!) as it is super close to NYU’s campus, offers discounts for students, plays live music, has reading hours, and overall blends what it’s like to be a coffee shop and a third space all together. A must try if you are in the city and a student!
You may go somewhere in the city expecting to get a great cup of coffee, a latte, or simply a sweet treat, and come out getting more community, surprises, and enjoyment than you could’ve imagined otherwise. That’s the beauty of being in a city of eight million – you’ll never know what you’ll find! I hope these places too will become your favorites and regulars like they are mine.
By Avril Walter
Avril Walter is a Sophomore at New York University, majoring in Drama and Cinema Studies. Coming from an Argentinian background, she loves anything related to futbol, steak, and dulce de leche. When she is not in class, she can be found playing the violin, running, cooking, or at the movie theatre.
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