Aptly named after my mood when I enter, but not indicative of that of the staff, Cafe Grumpy serves as my daily weekday morning coffee resource as of recent. They have a daily rotation of their seasonal brews usually sourced from Africa or South America. Roasts mostly range from light-medium that's pleasant to my palate and personal taste. The first morning sip always comes with anticipation of what type of brew will start off my day (it's the little things that count when you're working, right? But yes, I agree with you, it's a bit sad). I really urge that you try without added dairy or sugar to experience the full effect. What pairs perfectly with this coffee... anything in their abundant baked goods window. So far, I've been tempted every single day by their display, and gave into the temptation, twice. I tried the harvest muffin and the gluten free granola cookie. Both, really good. The harvest muffin is the epitome of autumnal baked goods; hearty, seemingly nutritious due to its root vegetable ingredient, but most likely just as poor as the artisanal pop tart (is that a thing? I made it up.) to the right of it. Who cares, I'm sure you deserve the splurge. The gluten free granola cookie mass gives way when you bite into it as you're hit with a mix of savory notes from the bran, and occasional sweetness from the chocolate chips/raisins. Yeah, I just gave an in-depth description of baked goods at a coffee shop. Tip 1- double sleeve your cup to avoid an extremely hot sensation in your hands Tip 2- grab a punch card if you plan on becoming a frequent customer read more

A 3-star rating definitely does not do Grumpy justice. The coffee quality has been remarkably consistent as of late. The hot brew and cold brew selections continue to be a standout with the Colombian blends being some of the best. The staff is also amongst some of the friendliest and most patient ones. Watching them spend time explaining to tourists about drip coffee, pour-overs, and other brewing methods can be quite amusing. This location also has to stay open on holidays and to 8pm on weeknights - which is great for a coffee fix late in the day! read more

Cute little cafe place to get your caffeine fix. Their iced lattes and mocha drinks were good. Plenty of seating available. Pretty pricey but it's NY. Service was whatever, isn't that the reason why it's called cafe grumpy? Everyone has an RBF on. read more

Coffee was good but there are simply too many places to get coffee to deal with attitude. I won't be back. I order my drink and then the cashier tells the lady to make the coffee and then looks at my friend waiting for him to order giving him this stare like what the f are you waiting for...Mind you she has not rung me up yet and waits for his order. So he orders a coffee and then she rings him up at $6.... hes like whoa..6 bucks for this small plain coffee? Shes like you guys are together (meaning him and i) and uhhh ya, we walked in together but why you assumed he was paying for me is on you. So how about sorry my mistake instead of the stares like we did something wrong... moron... read more

Starbucks saturation is old news. In fact, one can almost wax nostalgic for the days that Starbucks was the biggest sign of gentrification in a neighborhood. When a walk down Lexington takes you past the Container Store, the Gap, Subway, H&M, Chase, TGIFridays, Citibank, CVS you realize it's pretty much over. New York's streets are Nascars with their corporate logos everywhere. But this struck me as a nice twist: Cafe Grumpy displacing a Starbucks. A small, local business done good, shoving out the big, bad, sterile Empire. Maybe there is hope after all. That is, until I saw that Starbucks just moved across the street, taking over for the over-extended Pret -A-Manger. Still, good news for coffee drinkers: Grumpy is better coffee than countless alternatives nearby. So far it's not too crowded and the lines move quickly. Welcome to the neighborhood, fellas, I'll see you tomorrow. read more

Coffee was very tasty but they gave it to me cold! I had a latte.. I drank it right away and was really cold.. Yes.. I ordered it hot read more

This is a business that does not care about customer service as evidenced by the attitude of most workers one deals with to get a very expensive cup of coffee. It's a nice tasting cup of joe, to be sure, but the surliness of the maker lingers. Check out is a nice term for what one encounters, yikes! Accurately named and staffed. It left a bitterness that evaporated when I went out. One and done. read more

One of my least favorite coffee shops in the city. Overpriced and they charge extra for iced lattes I was told "because of the cup?!" Not even a good cup of coffee, wouldn't recommend read more

So, first off why we found them, open on Sunday. This is such a great spot tho. The coffee, we ordered cappuccinos, was perfect (and for reference I would rather drink water than Starbucks coffee). Barista was so nice. Showed my kids some cappuccino art. Also ordered an almond croissant...amazing. Highly recommend if you live, work or are staying in the area. read more

I don't know anything between good coffee and bad coffee. The 2 star review was just for the service. One of my coworkers wanted an espresso to go as well so I ordered my normal iced coffee and his to go. As I was adding sugar/milk to my coffee, the espresso was called. I finished adding my sugar and in the 20 seconds that it took, the guy was getting very antsy and slightly annoyed that he had to wait for someone to pick up their espresso. There weren't that many people in the store (2 people besides me) so I wasn't sure why he was freaking out. When I came and picked it up, it wasn't in a to go container so I asked him if he could just pour it into a small cardboard cup. He refused and said that they don't do it to go. I apologized many times and then he acquiesced with a huge groan. Just pouring the espresso into a small cup does not require that much effort. This is cafe grumpy. It doesn't mean the staff needs to be grumpy as well. read more

Amidst the activity of Grand Central sits this gem. A small cozy cafe nestled in the beautiful behemoth that is Grand Central. Wonderful baristas who are super nice and charitable with their time. They offer helpful advice. The coffee is amazing but I did not feel like they were snobs about it. Which I really appreciate. The place is small and you may not find a seat. Very narrow counters. No tables, just shared counters along the windowed facade. Sip your latte as hundreds of New Yorkers run by with luggage and children in tow. Recite some Alan Ginsberg to complete the experience. read more

One of my favorite coffee shops always consistent. You do have to wait sometimes during rush time but it's worth it because they put the time and effort to make your coffee rather than rushing to get the customers out like other places. read more

Cafe Grumpy - Honey soy latte - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

This is a very small cafe. There's a small counter for about 8 people to sit in total. Like I said small. It's more of a grab your coffee and go. It's also located in grand central which makes sense about the size and seating. The coffee is alright and It has a few bakery items (muffins, banana loaf, and scones). I would recommend a slice of the banana loaf. It's got a slight cinnamon flavor on the crust. It's delicious. read more

the drip coffee sets the baseline of what good coffee is. it is indeed grumpy, but NY-style so no sycophants here - just good professionally done coffee. try the flat white the matcha the hot cocoa read more

So this used to be Starbucks. Unbeknownst to me, I walked in and ordered "grande iced coffee, light ice, two pumps classic." The cashier told me they had no flavors, so I asked "But u have classic right?". She then said "this is not Starbucks". Which clicked cuz I thought it was odd that no one wore uniforms. So I just ordered iced coffee for freaking $3.75! Wtf??? I really should've left, but I was too embarrassed to. So I just put some simple syrup they had and took a taste test. Yuck wtf is this? It's sour! Horrible coffee that they had the audacity to charge $3.75 for. Bodega or street cart coffee tastes better than this! It was like coffee with a squeeze of lemon. It was hard to down that one. If I didn't pay $3.75 for it, I would've tossed it and gotten Starbucks. This place was pretty sloppy too. read more

This ultra-chic Brooklyn import actually serves up some ridiculously awesome brew and is definitely some of the best espresso one can snag in the immediate area. To be honest I am a little baffled by the reviews for this place. I had heard Cafe Grumpy was pretty good but wasn't expecting much when I came to this Grand Central location. I have long been a devotee of the Grand Central Joe when I am catching a train so I was all ready to not like it. Btw, If you are wondering how to get here, simply walk along Lexington Ave till you get to Grand Central. Don't worry about finding the passage or whatever, it is easiest just walking in the main entrance. Anyway, I hate to say it but the espresso and cold brew here are superior to the long-loved Joe. When I review I don't really care about location or service or stuff like that much, but I still have to say everyone working here was absurdly nice. One barrista spent a good few minutes just patiently going through the way in which they prepare some of the drinks. Also, the espresso machines they have here are SO awesome. But who cares? The coffee is all that matters and the cold brew here is WAY less acidic than Joe's, the espresso is complex and smoky, and all the beans are ethically sourced. Also, while this location isn't exactly palatial, it is probably like 5 times larger than the impossibly small Joe on the other side of GCS. Only problem is the baked goods are kind of lacking but whatever, I will be back plenty. read more

God it must be annoying opening a coffee place in what was once a Starbucks. I was there for less than 5 minutes and 2 people came in giving Starbucks orders, while another tried to pay with a Starbucks gift card. I got myself a nice Mocha. It was absolutely delicious. They have coffee, tea and espresso drinks. They also have some pastries. The place itself is very clean. The staff was very nice and handled the orders efficiently. There really is nothing not to like about this place. read more

Delicious flat white at Grumpy's and its convenient location have me returning everyday as a regular. Grumpy offers superior quality to its neighbors Joe's and Iriving Farm Coffee. Their house coffee, hot or iced, is aromatic and strong - definitely gives you the kick for the day. There are just about 8 stools along a bar in cafe's narrow space. Occasionally, I'd see customers there with their laptops but Grumpy is more a grab-and-go or let's have a quick chat spot. I fell in love with their 'Matcha Super Tea' which is a blend of green tea leaves and matcha (powder) in a tea bag. Pipping hot cup of bright green color. Rich, aromatic, and refreshing. I'd recommend it as an after lunch tea. Grumpy is staffed with fun and friendly people but there is room for improvement when working under pressure of a long line in mornings and lunch hour rush. The cashier has often written my order wrong (they write order on cups), which is not to discourage you from ordering but do lower your expectation during busy hours. The chocolate syrup they use for hot chocolate and mocha doesn't blend very well so I'd recommend against ordering those drinks. The pastries are quite an acquired taste. Cookies and short breads are usually on the dry and sweet side. My favorite is the banana bread ($4) - soft and moist but taste nothing like banana. Tip: There are 2 entrances - from inside Grand Central (near Jacques Torres, Tumi store) and another entrance on Lexington Ave (near Crumbs). Get that stamp card! 1 free drink after 10 stamps. read more

Cafe Grumpy made me and my wallet pretty grumpy after walking out. The coffee was mediocre. I've had much better elsewhere. If you're like me and like to pay with a credit card everywhere you go, this place isn't for you. Payment on the machine with a Credit Card was a bit tricky b/c the options looked very similar to the MTA metrocard machines which asked that you tipped 10% to 25%. ... Really? There's an option not to tip, but it's so tiny and below the "accept" button that many overlook. First and last time. Won't be coming back. read more

Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes. Took an Uber to get here. Worth the coin. Great baristas, awesome beans. We loved it. MMMMM. read more

Best. Cold. Brew. In. Manhatttan. Seriously, it's some strong, smooth coffee. After my office moved to Third Ave, I made it my mission to try out almost every coffee shop in the Midtown East area. I take the 7 train to Grand Central every morning so this became a frequent stop. But after testing cold brews from Joe's, Toby's Estate Coffee (in Urbanspace), Pickler & Co and Bluestone Lane, among other shops, it was clear that Cafe Grumpy's cold brew trumps all (At said other places, their cold brew was either too weak when it was black or had too much ice watering it down). It's just the right amount of bitter here and I'm happy to pay the $3.75 for the quality, honestly. That's almost the cost of a Grande Cold Brew at Starbucks across the street, and this is WAY better. Also love all their treats, namely the Hazelnut Chocolate Cookie. UGH. They also have a decent gluten free + vegan selection. I've always had great service here and it's one of my favorite coffee shops in all of NYC! read more

I'm familiar with and fond of the flat white at the Park Slope location. So, when I saw the Grand Central location open up I was pleasantly surprised. However, I have now tried the flat white twice with quite some time in between tastings and it has disappointed me. It's much too milky...not nearly enough coffee. I'm not sure if that's the only difference, but it doesn't compare to the taste/quality of the Park Slope location. It's $4...gimme some coffee with my milk please! With that said, the staff is definitely friendly, but with a Starbucks across the street and Joe Coffee also in Grand Central, I wonder if this location stands a chance... read more

Yay Grand Grumpys! I've frequented their Greenpoint, Brooklyn location for a few years, and was happy to see that they are now in one of the places I pass through frequently! This location isn't quite as homey, it's not a sit down and read a paper sort of place like Greenpoint. Definitely a more businessy get your coffee and carry on sort of vibe, but that's totally appropriate given it's in Grand Central Terminal! Coffee is very tasty as I've come to expect, various pastries I've had have all been satisfying. We've had a few warmer days lately and their cold brew hits the spot. Despite what another review said, it IS in Grand Central, at the end of the Lexington Passage. There is an entrance from within the station, and another on Lexington itself. It's also right across from a subway exit stairway, which is quite handy for my coming and going purposes. PS I'm pretty sure that first reviewer was paid by the Starbucks that was there previously LOL 5 * for great coffee and baked goods and location, but -1 * for them still getting the hang of the space and the somewhat businessy vibe. I'll update again in a few months once they are in the groove! read more

I met a friend here for tea before she got on a train at grand central. It's a tiny cafe right on the side of the station. They have stools lining the windows of an entrance to the station which are great for people watching. They have some simple teas and coffees that are overpriced as is typical of such cafes. That said, I got the blueberry hibiscus iced tea and it was very good. I would come back here if I needed a quick place to stop in before a train ride. They do not have a separate bathroom available so you have to use the ones in the station. read more

This is my coffee spot. I don't like sticking to one spot but when it's this good you're pulled to it. The guys and ladies here are nice and really know how to handle their beans. Each drink I've had was really well made and the flavor was through the roof. It may be a bit pricy but it is well worth it. Cafe Grumpy isn't so grumpy after all. read more

Cafe Grumpy - Cappuccino made with love. Haha - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

Small cafe near Grand Central..Coffee is good..Also tried their Masala chai - Totally different from the Indian ones .. Certainly avoid the Masala Chai at this place. Overall an OK experience ! read more

This five star review is for their soy/almond milk cappuccino. It was so delicious I had to refrain from chugging it. It's small but powerful. It's smooth, with no after taste. It's naturally sweet & addicting-ly flavorful. I feel like I've never had a real cappuccino until I tasted this. I go out of my way (3 streets + 1 avenue which is like a journey to another world during the work week) just to pick this up when I need that stronger afternoon kick. If you are trying to compare something from Starbucks with something at Cafe Grumpy, just stop. JUST STOP. That's like comparing White Castle with Shake Shack. Or Forever 21 with Bloomingdale's. You can't compare two things on different levels. That's just not right. Also, I've been more than a dozen times and 90% of the time the customer service is adequate to super friendly. Sometimes they are chatty among themselves. I'm fine with that as long as you're not delaying my drink (which they don't). read more

I buy Cafe Grumpy beans at home and decided to try their cafe. I stopped in at my lunch break to get an iced mocha. The almond milk tasted old and the coffee was stale. The chocolate syrup they used just bunched up at the bottom of the cup. The worst part? It was $6!!!! I email the address provided on their website last week and they have yet to respond. Unlikely they actually will. read more

Cafe Grumpy - Clumped chocolate at the bottom of my iced "mocha" - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

Hands down Best coffee in Nyc! Their lattes are my fav! Love the sweet treats too! There is always a line but it goes so quickly you don't even notice! Any wait would be worth it! I crave my latte on the wkends when I'm stuck at home :( read more

Cafe Grumpy - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

Grumpy's makes me laugh every time I visit. Something about the logo gets me every time, and puts me in a good mood as soon as I walk in. That, coupled with the bright orange Synesso machines just do it for me. The music is upbeat, the service is friendly and fast, and the roast is a caramelowy sweet treat. Keep being yourself, grumpy. read more

Cafe Grumpy - Bright orange Synesso machines add a bit of playfulness to the already silly brand. - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

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Nice place and the prices are more reasonable than Starbucks. With their old school way of making coffee on the drip and quiet, calm, coffee house environment, the ambiance is so chill its great for the strategically focused coffe-chugging customer. And unlike Starbucks, NO COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC!! YES! I was invited for a macha latte which was so yummy. I will definitely go again. read more

Cafe Grumpy - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

Grumpy is my go to coffee spot in Grand Central. It can get a little crowded during peak morning hours but I can never complain about the coffee. read more

Apparently this used to be a Starbucks. Score one for local quality! Same deliciousness and atmosphere I love about their Chelsea & Green point locations, and a convenient bean buy. Their espresso blend is my favorite - constantly evolving but always mellow and luscious. Thanks for existing, Grumpy! You help me easily avoid Starbucks forever. read more

I used to come here every morning before work. Their cold brew and iced lattes are delicious, and so is their vegan banana chocolate chip muffin. I stopped coming regularly because twice I've ordered this amazing muffin, got to work to open the bag and find the wrong item inside. The first time I went back and they gave me a new one, the second time I didn't have time to go back once I was at work. I called them and they were not apologetic AT ALL. This turned me off considering I've spent a lot on coffee here and came here multiple times a week. Check the bag before you leave if you don't want to end up with a breakfast you don't want!! read more

Love this coffee place! It's located right in grand central where it's easy to grab on my way to work. You can even sit at the counter watching the New York City people on the go. Can t forget to mention the coffee is amazing! It's fresh and tasty. read more

Cafe Grumpy - Happy Valentines - Cafes Near Me - New York, New York

The baristas could be more friendly but they are professional and the service is fast. (It's hard to get both in NYC, fast and friendly, so no points taken off for that). The coffee is delicious and pretty consistent. I enjoy drinking it black. Additionally, they have a variety of tasty, gluten free pastries. Perfect pick up and go spot! read more

It was okay, nothing special. Staff was friendly, and the menu looked promising. I saw there was a coffee of the day for $3 and change, so I ordered it and they poured me a cup. I don't know.... in a city with places like Gregory's, Blue Bottle, La Colombe, ect..... why pay $3+ for a cup of coffee that is not freshly brewed for you? It was disapointing. read more

Good coffee! I didn't even try one of their single origins, I just got their standard brew and it was delicious - slightly tangy, no bitterness, crisp, clean and fully flavored. Update: so I was really impressed the first time I came here, but I wasn't too thrilled with my subsequent visits to this coffee joint. It was pretty hit or miss. Sometimes the coffee wasn't good. Step up your game, Grumpy! read more

This place sure does not live up to its name! Nicest, friendliest and most gracious workers ever seen at a coffee shop! Very good iced coffee. If you want a friendlier place with good coffee, definitely give it a shot vs. that other place in GC! read more

Long lines in the morn. Has great pumpkin & banana bread but the keep raising the price and they sliced the banana bread in half. Definitely won't be buying that again. Coffees good. read more