Pause Cafe

1421

1265

33778

4 years ago

My friend and I had lunch here and we opted to do outdoor dining, because the interior was kind of cramped and crowded. There were plenty of comfortable and colorful outdoor seating in an enclosed space, which was great because it kept out the rain and was still slightly warm. We had to go inside to order, the the servers brought the food directly to us. I decided to try the Casablanca sandwich, and added Merguez Sausage for an additional $3. I also chose the Chocolate Peanut Butter Açaí Bowl, substituting the banana for raspberries in the smoothie base. The Casablanca sandwich consisted of goat cheese, grilled asparagus, zucchini, eggplant, mushroom, pepper, as well as the sausage. This was served warm. It was really tasty! The sausage was tender, well seasoned, and juicy, while the veggies were cooked perfectly. I really enjoyed the addition of the goat cheese and all the ingredients worked well together. The Açaí Bowl base smoothie had açaí, strawberry, raspberry, peanut butter, and cacao. This was nice and thick, tasted of sweet fruity mix, and was very refreshing. The toppings included granola, strawberries, blueberries, chopped almond, peanut butter, along with cacao nibs. All of the fruit was fresh and ripe. The peanut butter, almonds, cacao nibs combined with the smoothie to make for mouthwatering bites. Before leaving, I decided to get the Moroccan drip coffee to go, which came in a cute little white cup with a pale pink lid. The coffee was steaming hot, and came with a variety of warm and aromatic spices, such as star anise and cinnamon. The taste of the coffee was quite strong, and slightly bitter, so I added a bit of simple syrup sugar to sweeten it. Service was solid. The ladies at the counter were really nice, knowledgeable about the menu, as well as accommodating. I spent a lovely and relaxing afternoon here, catching up with my friend. It's a great place to go for affordable and healthy food / drink options. read more

Pause Cafe - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

Pause Cafe - tables and chairs in a cafe - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Osariemen O.

5 months ago

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The decor and set up of the cafe is great.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I ordered the Pause Egg Sandwich and it was okay. Kind of small for the price. read more

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Pratima M.

1192

2717

2 years ago

A cozy cafe that's a stone's throw from East Village -- I really appreciate that they have a decent amount of seating inside and an outdoor sidewalk patio too. The vibes and ambiance are really nice, can totally see myself setting down here with a book. I thought the chai was a little mediocre, a bit too cinnamon-y for my taste and the milk didn't sit that well in my stomach. The mugs were cute and the vibes were nice, so maybe I'll give it another try sometime! read more

Pause Cafe - Chai Latte - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

Pause Cafe - Pastries - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

Pause Cafe - Inside - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Maysa M.

387

2 years ago

I really enjoyed this spot and would return. I love the vibe inside--it's a bit crowded, but a great place to meet up with a friend or two. I wouldn't recommend coming here with your whole crew because there's probably no space for it. I think they may have some outdoor seating however. They also have one of the long tables in the middle so you can also get some work done during off peak hours. I tried a few things on the menu and everything slaps. read more

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Jairo T.

168

326

3 years ago

Returned to try the crepes! Got a savory breakfast crepe that was very satisfying. Mix of avocado, cheese and eggs within a soft crepe exterior. Side salad keeps the refreshing. Berry smoothie was also quite tasty. read more

Pause Cafe - Oatmeal, source of power smoothie - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

Pause Cafe - Savory Breakfast Glory Crepe - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Vidhi P.

333

2 years ago

Stumbled upon this cute cafe on a walk around lower east! It has so much space (indoor and outdoor! People are hanging with friends, working on their laptops and having a great time! My friend order their sandwiches and it was absolutely delicious!! PLUS the second snap is from inside their restroom!! If a restroom is that impressive, this spot earns an additional 10 points!! read more

Pause Cafe - The bathroom!! - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Bri K.

122

395

2 years ago

A last minute brunch with my friends lead me to this eclectic cafe. The decor is very representative to the Moroccan culture and the food even more so. Although there was a crowd they were really attentive and our food came in a timely manner. I got the chai latte which was sooo good, and warmed me up as the brisk winter creeped up on us (we sat outside in the heated area). We all got a variation of a savory crepe. My friends had the breakfast crepe which they indulged. I had the câprese crepe. Presentation was beautiful for both but the câprese fell short due to my kind of flavor profile. I like intense flavor which the breakfast crepe/sweet crepe represented. I would definitely come back to try their shakshouka and acai bowl which looked amazing. Everything was cooked to properly as well. read more

Pause Cafe - SAVORY CREPRESSE CREPE - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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William C.

238

264

3 years ago

We've been eyeing Pause Cafe for a long time. The breakfast spot across the street is the higher profile location, Pause Cafe is the real deal. Just excellent food and superb coffee. We enjoyed excellent coffee both black and my wife's cappuccino. I chose the shakshouka. It has 2 eggs, veges, and a nicely flavored tomato sauce. My wife really enjoyed her egg with avocado, tomato and onion. I also bought a Casablanca sandwich to go, it was a great lunch. I highly recommend this unpretentious breakfast/lunch spot. There's no BS, just really good and satisfying food and drink. read more

Pause Cafe - Shakshuka - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

Pause Cafe - Egg, Avocado, Tomato & Onion - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Stephanie Y.

211

301

3 years ago

My new favorite cafe/coffee shop in LES. Honestly a hidden gem. It's not perfect but it's one of the few places that has enough seating, wifi and actual food to be able to get any work done. The morning are pretty packed. Afternoons are a bit better but honestly it's always busy. The line to order can fluctuate from 1-2 people to 6-7 people in a matter of minutes. They offer a broad food menu from acai bowls, salads, sandwiches to pastries. They have a large commercial kitchen right next door. My go to is the moroccan mint tea. Huge pastry case in the front with several gluten free options. Very reasonable priced and portions are great. I've ordered several things and it's all quite delicious. Outside seating has outlets but no heating. read more

Pause Cafe - Gluten Free Almond Cake - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Akiko I.

131

205

213

3 years ago

A local spot jammed with people on laptops that still manages to feel cozy. Recommended by a friend who lives nearby: It has a warm Middle Eastern vibe and the service is friendly. The cafe also sells sells shirts and tote bags but tastefully with its own section and not pinned up to the walls. I got a latte that hit the spot, priced like most similar places in the city. read more

Pause Cafe - Middle Eastern deco near the window by the shirts and totes section - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

Pause Cafe - One of two pastries cases - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Amal A.

2 years ago

The atmosphere was very homey, very comfortable to sit and chat with friends. Service was great, easy to order at the desk! The food was good, the shakshuka was just ok. The ambiance and setting more than made up for the food. The chai was also delicious! Would come here again! read more

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jackie w.

420

301

492

2 years ago

This is such a cute cafe with a very extensive food menu off Clinton! There is actually quite a bit of seating so perfect for a coffee date. They bake their bread fresh and have SO MANY sandwiches to choose from. I'm not a coffee drinker, but the smoothies are on point! The best part is if you're not that hungry, you're able to get a half sandwich. My favorite snack is their bread and dip for $4.5. read more

Pause Cafe - Bread and dip (don't remember the name, but it's tastes like eggplant with harissa) a bit salty but really good - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Monica S.

558

512

1090

3 years ago

Honestly, we came here because we needed to rest from a packed day, in the rain, before dinner and saw on yelp/google that it was nearby. It seems like it's pretty popular because it was packed inside and out. I ordered a delicious chai latte, that I would highly recommend. Hit the spot and warmed the soul. Couldn't take any pictures because my phone was so low on battery. We ended up asking two people who were sitting alone at a two seater table (next to each other) if we could take the empty seats across from them, and got our seats that way. The inside was cozy and warm. The staff was friendly, and I really enjoyed the vibe. Would love to come back and try some food items and other beverages. Would highly recommend! read more

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Alex R.

244

496

477

3 years ago

Got a bunch of pastries including croissants: plain and almond, muffin tops, Pain aux raisins, ham And cheese , muffins and danishes. Everything was fresh and very reasonably priced. Will be back for sure!! read more

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Stephanie V.

148

522

3 years ago

I ordered this morning. Food got here quick. It was still hot which was great. Delivery guy was very nice and attentive, called to let me know he was on his way. Loved it! read more

Pause Cafe - Egg, Cheese & Moroccan Sausage - Omelette Platter - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

Pause Cafe - Latte - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Ellie S.

2 years ago

Pretty busy cafe but I love that they allow laptops, serve delicious food and coffee. It's a great spot to read, catch up with friends, or get some work done on your laptop. Service was great. It's always difficult to find good work spaces in the city and although it's busy, that's the way I like it and it didn't take long for me to find a seat. Açaí bowl I love you read more

Pause Cafe - Berry Açaí bowl - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Alexa T.

779

3582

4 years ago

I got a smoothie here because the day I came it was 94 degrees outside! The cafe is super cute inside. I went on a Tuesday and it was super busy - not sure if it's always like that or what. My friend got a chai latte and a sandwich that he enjoyed. There's a gender neutral bathroom by the counter. The only concerning thing is that there is a window in the bathroom and it was wide open when I used it. read more

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Corliss K.

Elite 25

349

149

249

3 years ago

Great breakfast location in the lower east side. The menu options are extensive and affordable! The food also tastes pretty good too, so I would definitely like to come by to try other items on the menu. There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Once this place picks up in pace, it can get pretty loud. So it might be a little bit harder to chat with friends or find some quiet time. But if you come here in the earlier hours, there are few people and it's a calming environment. read more

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Ali A.

3 years ago

In the heart of a crowded city this place brings on a very special taste of food. The place appears to be small, yet they have alot of seatings on the inside and outside. We sat inside. It is very authentically and beautifully decorated. The service was super fast and convenience. They have variety of food/desert/drink selections. Check the menu before you enter. The staff is very professional and courteous. I just want to highlight one of their workers which is KATELYN. she went above and beyond to make sure that we are happy and satisfied with our food/seatings/and service. She is so sweet and enthusiastic. I appreciate her level of professionalism. This a great place will definitely be marked as one of my favorite spot to REVISIT. Thank you PAUSE cafe. Thank you KATELYN read more

Pause Cafe - a group of people sitting at a table - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Alison D.

Elite 13

119

1 year ago

I used to work at the high school around the corner and Pause visit was a special treat for me. The space is calm, pretty and spacious. The food is tasty and fresh and thoughtful. It's not cheap but everything is prepared with care. It's also quiet and engaged since they banned laptops a few months ago. So if you're looking for a place to work with a screen - check before you come. you can get nice cake by the slice to bring to a friend for their birthday. You can get yourself a macaroon and a coffee after school. You can have a soup or sandwich or breakfast at lunchtime. Thank you Pause, you sweet gem! read more

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Jennifer M.

1 year ago

We stumbled upon this place and I am SO GLAD we did. The food was absolutely amazing. It was easily the best meal I had in the last year if not longer. I am only sad it was the last day we were in town so I can't go back soon- but I do plan on making this a place we visit in the future! I got the egg avocado tomato and onion omelette platter- I would absolutely recommend! read more

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Rohini G.

415

577

3 years ago

I tried the egg goat cheese pepper basil sandwich and the chai. The sandwich was good and hearty. I wish the ingredients were mixed a bit better before going into the sandwich. Otherwise flavors were good. The Moroccan bread was also good and quite traditional. The chai was probably a powder mix and they added a lot of it, making it really sweet. Not for me. The decor is pretty and the service was quick. Good stop otherwise! read more

Pause Cafe - Egg Goat Cheese Pepper Basil - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Midori G.

730

677

1308

5 years ago

To be fair- I have only lived in NYC for 1 week now, but the oat milk cappuccino I had here is one of the best I've had in the city so far. The baked goods counter was massive. I didn't get any treats with this visit, but I definitely want to come back for coffee and a tart. They also have a huge food selection- from salads to sandwiches to smoothie bowls. I am very impressed by Pause Cafe! read more

Pause Cafe - Baked goods counter - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Hanna F.

111

266

2 years ago

A friend of mine wandered in here and this place is so well decorated. It has a Moroccan theme, and just overall very beautiful. Lots of seating. I think it would be a great place to work or chat with friends. The pricing is reasonable, got a coffee for $3 and an açaí bowl for about $11. Both were quite good. My friend got the lox bagel and a smoothie, which were also tasty. Service was fine - order at the counter. read more

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ElBachir C.

145

165

2 years ago

Never knew that there is a Moroccan cafe in this neighborhood, the place is great with a classical Moroccan vibe. Although it was pretty busy when I visited, the service was great. the eclair alongside the tea I had were good, and I saw that there are a lot of options to choose from which is great. read more

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Jane K.

124

354

3 years ago

Took way too long to get a yogurt with fruits. Fruit were not in great condition, bit of the strawberries and half of the blueberries. There was no honey. It is the American version of parfait not french version. Which is made by boiling cream, egg, sugar and syrup to create a custard-like or meringue-like puree which is then frozen. Service Dine in Meal type Brunch Price per person $20-30 Recommended dishes Granola Fruit Yogurt Parfait Bowl read more

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Brian U.

151

3 years ago

I came here on a sunday morning and it was decently crowded but we managed to find a table inside. It had a very casual and friendly environment, perfect for doing work or talking to a couple of friends. We didn't feel rushed to leave or pressured from anyone to move so they could sit like a lot of other places. I got a lemon poppy seed muffin, and a fruit crepe for here so they served it to us although it did take a long time. I didn't care because it's a nice area to just sit and relax in but it's something to keep in mind. The muffin was good, and the crepe was ok, but the food other people around me got looked even better. I would definitely get a sandwich or bowl when I come back. read more

Pause Cafe - lemon poppy seed muffin - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

Pause Cafe - crepe - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Kim X.

323

817

1411

3 years ago

What a beautiful cafe with the warmest and coziest vibe. It has a rather rustic feel. When I went in the evening, it was still pretty packed with people on their laptops and/or people hanging out. I grabbed some of their scones which I don't think they're particularly known for or should write home about. I've definitely had better scones but they were homemade. I would come back again to try their sandwiches and drinks. The ambiance definitely propelled the rating as the scones were average. read more

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Danielle F.

346

141

261

3 years ago

Great place to people watch and not too hard to get a seat despite there being a lot of people passing through. Unfortunately, I wasn't super fond of my Moroccan Merguez sandwich. The tiny beef links were rolling out of the bread slices uncontrollably. I would like to recommend to the cafe a bread with at least one enclosed edge. The flavor was promising but the sandwich was dry. There was a spicy side sauce within a deep but small plastic condiment cup which could only be accessed by way of narrow beef link. The sauce brought a proper amount of heat - I cried in the cafe, but I don't think the flavor was worth the minor meltdown. Also, this was pricey for a pretty small size of sandwich, ~$15 a pop! I would be down to come back and try something else but there are so many better offerings around this location at the same price point. read more

Pause Cafe - Moroccan Merguez Sandwich with inaccessible sauce - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Batool H.

190

132

356

4 years ago

Super cute cafe that's fully halal as well! Pause cafe is a hidden gem in LES. It's got a chill vibe, very cute indoor Moroccan decor, and a huge variety of sandwiches! My go-to is the New York Combo which comes with grilled chicken, smoked turkey, and turkey bacon. It's packed with protein and is a great sandwich overall! Sometimes I crave this alone. I've also tried the bbq chicken and chicken avocado which are good as well! They have indoor and outdoor seating and the people are very nice! I also love that you can opt to order half a sandwich as their full sandwich is pretty filling and it also gives you a chance to try multiple sandwiches! I've taken multiple people here and they've always enjoyed their order as well. My friend has recommended their juices as well! I have yet to try their coffee so can't comment on that but the coffee and their pastries look yummy! I've also mainly had their sandwiches as take away/pickup. I would love to come here on a nice weekend afternoon and relax with a cup of coffee! Overall, a solid cafe with a great variety of things from coffee to bowls to juices/smoothies and delicious sandwiches. It's probably one of the few, if not only, halal cafe of it's type so it's truly unique. Would definitely recommend! read more

Pause Cafe - New York Sandwich Combo Follow @BZeaters on IG for more food recs! - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Nyrican1 N.

1 year ago

Love this place,love their sandwiches, natural drinks,nice environment, friendly staff and the price is reasonable.

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Junior C.

170

255

2 years ago

moroccan sando p good little spicy would rec 4/5 dirty chai oat milk 3.5/5 bread pudding 5/5 not too sweet sauce it comes with is p nice creamy texture some blueberry action read more

Pause Cafe - dirty chai oat milk - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

Pause Cafe - bread pudding warmed up - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

Pause Cafe - moroccan sandwhich - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Hayley P.

3 years ago

A great spot for a quick bite! I got the chicken avocado sandwich and it was the perfect size. The bread they use is delicious and overall it was a great lunch. The cafe itself is super cute with a decent amount of seating which is great for lunch with friends or getting some work done. The service was also great and our food was prepared quickly. They also have gluten free options! read more

Pause Cafe - chicken avocado sandwich - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Saadia T.

2 years ago

Pause is a lower east side success story. I've been a fan since it was a tiny spot that could barely seat 7 people. The brunch offerings in particular are amazing and varied and never disappoint. The orange juice is freshly squeezed in-house. The indoor space is airy and roomy and I love the giant communal table. The smoothies and juices are also fabulous. read more

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Jackeline B.

286

2 years ago

Servers were rude and food was overpriced for the amount of food you get. Additionally, harissa was not authentic (tasted like Asian chili sauce not Tunisian chili paste). read more

Pause Cafe - "Merguez" sandwich and Egg, Cheese & Turkey Bacon - half Sándwiches (felt like child sized) - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Jehan J.

Elite 25

117

422

4 years ago

Usually don't have a bad experience here. It's pretty decent food and decent pricing. The drinks aren't bad. The vibe is great. I did have one recent unpleasant experience though. A sandwich and a shakshuka took more than 45 minutes to come just for the sandwich to come out very sloppy and missing the bacon (New York combo). They let me know it because a new person was training. It happens so not too mad at it. However, if I'm waiting that long for a sandwich i wouldn't really expect it to come out the way it did. They did make up for it however by giving complementary pastries for the wait which was nice. read more

Pause Cafe - a woman sitting at a table in a cafe - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Annie B.

366

1087

5 years ago

Please get the green chai (matcha, chai, spirulina) when you come here!!!! It is SO GOOD and just the right amount of sweetness. (Seriously, I finished it too fast:(....) but if you're not a fan of coffee/tea, there are also smoothie options as well!! This is a good place to study if you only plan to stay for 1-3 hours. There's only 1 outlet that supports 4 chargers... but the internet is very good! There's a lot of indoor AND outdoor seating which is great! read more

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Victor N.

1 year ago

Dont support this place. It feels homey but now they discourage anyone to stay too long so they can make more money. I stopped after being kicked out twice due to having my laptop which was not allowed on weekends. Then I give Pause another chance on a Thursday and they ban laptops all together. Used to like this place but I refuse to overpay for their food if I cannot even work there. Find better cafes read more

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Najwa G.

551

1129

2699

4 years ago

Pause Cafe has a wide variety of different goodies ranging from savory to sweet and from what I've tried, everything is tasty. The quiches and breakfast wraps are particularly delicious. The only reason I knocked off one star is because they forgot about my order and I had to wait over half an hour for it. My main problem with this is not that they forgot, mistakes happen. It's that no one said a simple sorry or my bad- courtesy counts! read more

Pause Cafe - Breakfast Sandwich- very good - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

Pause Cafe - Lots of different items to choose from (this is only one case) - Moroccan Near Me - New York, New York

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Fatima A.

Elite 23

116

4 years ago

Cant believe this place was halal! I came Sunday morning around 11 and it was completely packed! They have the cutest outdoor patios to sit in that reminded me of Morocco! I tried the half portion of egg, cheese and Moroccan sausage and egg, cheese and Turkey bacon. Both were excellent! They were both flavorful. Reasonably priced as well. Would def come again when I'm in NY! There was a bit of a wait but worth it because you don't find many halal sandwich places! read more

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Back

Page 2 of 16

3 Clinton St
New York, NY 10002
Lower East Side
Directions
(212) 677-5415
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.pausecafenyc.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Pause Cafe open?

Pause Cafe opens at 7:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Pause Cafe close?

Pause Cafe closes at 8:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Pause Cafe closes at 7:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon-Sat 7:00 AM - 8:00 PMSun 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Pause Cafe take credit cards?

Yes, Pause Cafe takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Pause Cafe have catering options?

Yes, Pause Cafe does have catering options.

Does Pause Cafe have a happy hour?

No, Pause Cafe does not have a happy hour.

Does Pause Cafe serve alcohol?

No, Pause Cafe does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Pause Cafe allow dogs?

Yes, Pause Cafe allows dogs.

Does Pause Cafe have TVs?

Yes, Pause Cafe has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Pause Cafe have bike parking?

Yes, Pause Cafe has bike parking.

Does Pause Cafe have outdoor seating?

Yes, Pause Cafe has outdoor seating options.

Does Pause Cafe have parking?

Yes, Pause Cafe has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Does Pause Cafe have free WiFi?

Yes, Pause Cafe has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Many of the pastries (i.e. coffee cakes, raspberry bars, and cookies) are made by a friend of Amine's in her kitchen. The coffee and espresso are made only the way a European knows how to make it. The menu offers a variety of options including Kashi fruity oatmeal, granola yogurt parfait, cold and hot sandwiches, gourmet soups, signature salads, fresh juices and smoothies on spot, savory and much more to try. Everything is handmade and healthy also try to make a signature of the way how we serve our drinks and food there are a lot to say come in and find out

History

Established in 2010.

At the age of 24, Amine moved from Morocco to New York with a dream of opening a neighborhood coffee shop that looked like his living room. A cafe that encompassed everything he loved. Even the tea kettles were sent over by his mother from home. During the last blizzard, Amine went around the neighborhood handing out free hot chocolate and tea to everyone passing by. Pause Café is more than a coffee shop for many. It has become part of their daily routine and a home away from home. Pause Cafe has a warm and cozy décor with hints of Moroccan undertones. Upon entering, it is almost impossible not to feel instantly at home. There are no uniforms, stiff advertisements, or empty stale space. The music ranges from indi rock to Sade to Michael Bubblé. The owner, Amine Sadki, 30, is usually found smiling behind the counter or sitting with customers getting to know them. The environment is so comfortable that strangers often feel at ease conversing with one another

Meet the Business Owner: amine s.

Amine Sadki, 30, is usually found smiling behind the counter or sitting with customers getting to know them. The environment is so comfortable that strangers often feel at ease conversing with one another

More Info

Health Score

Pause Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Pause Cafe

Can you sit down inside the cafe or is there only to-go/outdoor dining?

We do provide indoor seating and outdoor as well

View question details

Does this place make Turkish coffee?

Sorry we don’t make Turkish coffee but we do make Moroccan coffee which is a combination of most popular Moroccan spices and tast little spicy on flavor Thanks

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Cafe Mogador

MY FAVORITE!! My friend and I went here for dinner and holy moly, I don't think I've ever loved a…read morerestaurant more. This is officially my new go to spot and I'm going to be telling everyone about it. I got there right at our reservation time, but the uptown trains had completely stopped and my friend had to walk all the way from Canal St to the East Village. It took her about 30 minutes to get there (), but the staff were so kind about it. They never made me feel uncomfortable or pressured to order while I waited, which I really appreciated. I did end up ordering a couple things so there would be food on the table when she arrived. We got the za'atar fries and the falafel with tahini and pita. Delishhhh For our mains, my friend got the chicken kebab which looked fantastic, and I got the veggie couscous bowl. It was unbelievable. It tasted exactly like the couscous my mom and safta made when I was growing up, even down to the broth being served with it. Eating it honestly made me feel like I was six years old again. This was one of my favorite meals as a kid and I haven't had it like that in so long, so I was so happy to find a place that does it this well. The vegetables were perfect with zucchini, butternut squash, cauliflower, and chickpeas, and I loved the addition of raisins and onions. Everything was also really reasonably priced for what you get. The energy in the restaurant was great and I loved that they have hooks for coats so you're not crammed at the table with jackets and bags. Overall just such a fantastic experience. This is easily my new favorite restaurant in the city and I cannot wait to come back.

Lovely brunch food: the Moroccan eggs, halloumi eggs, and various mezzes (labne, baba ganoush, and…read morematbucha were all very good). The only reservation available the day before for a group of three was Saturday 10 AM, but I think we likely could've walked in later.

Merguez Sausage From the Grill

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Bastilla

Marrakech Restaurant

5.0

(1 review)

1.5 mi

One of the best restaurants I've enjoyed! Great ambiance and service - the staff is great while the…read morefood is authentically delicious! Drinks were great but could need more of a kick, but nonetheless 5-star experience to which I look forward to coming would definitely come again!

22. Chicken bastila

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22. Chicken bastila

Little Morocco

Chicken couscous that they have on Fridays was fabulous, along with the mint tea and falafel…read more Everyone was very kind.

Delicious food. I got the Chicken Kebab plate and it was so flavorful and tasty! I would definitely…read morerecommend! The service is good and the atmosphere is cute!

Outside of Little Morocco

Lamb Shank

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Menu - July 2024

Casablanca

A solid date night spot especially for first timers with this cuisine. Their staff was super…read moreinformative and gave great suggestions for shareables which added to the fun conversation Be mindful that even when sharing, the portions are MASSIVE. We had the fish and lamb dish respectively which although a bit pricey, packed a ton of rich umami flavor.

What a gem! The restaurant is beautiful on the inside. Decorated so nicely and culturally themed…read moremusic enhanced the atmosphere! The wait staff is terrific and the menu is perfect. Shows you don't need a book for a menu when it's done right... and it is.

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Zerza Moroccan Kitchen

4.5

(44 reviews)

0.3 mi

Food was made fresh to order. Not too long of a wait. The mint tea was so refreshing, I regret not…read moreordering another tea to go. So so good.

In one corner of the Essex Market is this vendor doing Moroccan cuisine. I thoroughly enjoyed their…read moreMerguez Sandwich that had a kick from the spicy lamb sausage, paired with some soucr pickles, creamy feta, and flavorful harissa seasoning. The pita it came in was fluffy with a good chew. Not much wrong to complain about except the service was somewhat slow and the servers could maybe smile a bit. Regardless, I plan to return to try more menu items.

Zaalouk

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Shalel

Shalel is a beautiful space that really makes you feel transported out of the city. The interior is…read morewarm and inviting, and the whole experience feels a bit like an escape. Service was great, friendly and accommodating, even though we had a late reservation close to kitchen closing, which we really appreciated. The food was just as impressive, especially in both flavor and portion size. The baba ghanoush was delicious and tasted just like the ones I grew up eating. The mixed grill was a standout in terms of value, with tender, well-seasoned meats and a generous portion. The chicken tagine was equally satisfying, with moist chicken and vegetables that complemented everything nicely. We finished with the warm date tart, which was definitely on the sweeter side but perfect if you enjoy desserts like that. Overall, it's a great spot for flavorful food, large portions, and an amazing atmosphere.

Me and my friend just literally just walked by and the delicious smell stopped us. There is no…read moresigns just a menu outside by the entrance. We decided to try and OMG the first impression was absolutely amazing, I felt like I was in Morocco. The food we ordered were excellent and services were great. We not only dine we also met the locals who been dining there for years. I highly recommend this restaurant! I will be back very soon with more friends!

Mediterranean Mezze Spreads

Bar

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The romance this places offers is out of this

Zou Zou’s

Went to Zou Zou's for a little bday celebration with gfs and had a great time. Not to mention,…read morethere was such a sweet little bday care when we got to the table. So thoughtful, and such a great touch to start the evening for us. We decided to order the family style menu and we enjoyed the whole dinner. All of the dishes on the menu were really good and great price for $74pp. I wish we had a 4th in our party so we couldve had the duck, but we'll definitely be returning to do so. The dips were so good and so fresh! I think all of the dishes were perfectly seasoned. I get sad when dishes are overly seasoned or overly salty. Oh, and im not much of a sweet tooth, but their dessert was marvelous and the sweetness was balanced so nicely.

Came back here for dinner largely to get the cheesecake. It's certainly unique and huge - both this…read moreand the caramelized pineapple could feed 4 people each. The cheese is on the lighter side and the textural combination is nice, sort of like a baklava cheesecake but crispier and lighter. I like heavier cheesecakes though. Drinks: golden negroni was spot on, but didn't like the sangria. They had a medjool cocktail that went off the menu to my disappointment. Appetizers: the octopus carpaccio was the best and I'd order again. The tuna tartare was a little too heavy on the sauce flavor, and the golden beets were unmemorable. The yellowtail was good I think, but didn't stand out either. Mains: the duck borek has more of a sausage like meat texture. I thought it was decent but the meat being duck didn't do much and I've had better boreks in Astoria. It comes with a vegetable side that is a nice offset. I tried a friend's lamb chops and this was really good with the cooked cherries.

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Marakesh Restaurant

I've been here several times and I love it! This will transport you to Morocco without the plane…read moreticket. The ambiance is truly incredible as it's filled with Moroccan furniture, artwork, rugs, pillows and light fixtures. Highly recommend going on a Friday or Saturday around 7-7:30pm. Their belly dancing show is around 8 and does charge a $3 fee. Bring cash to tip the dancer! It's a great experience while you enjoy your dinner. It is a prefix on the weekend, but SO worth it. The only option you can choose it the main which are choices of lamb, chicken or fish for your party. Pictured I posted are the dishes that were included with the prefix. They have hookah for extra charge. I would suggest making reservations as this place does get booked up. Highly recommend! Definitely go with friends or family. I assure you that everyone's going to have a great time!

We took our Dad here to celebrate his birthday. He absolutely loved it. The atmosphere transported…read moreus to Morocco. The service was superb and the food was BOMB! We were stuffed! We will certainly be back .

Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Zaalouk, and Grill Combo

Inside

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Gorgeous

Cafe Mogador

Cafe Mogador has incredible food in both locations, obviously. But the Wythe location in…read moreWilliamsburg is a stand out! It's much more spacious and has indoor/outdoor seating. Great ambiance! This is my staple restaurant that I've been going to for years. It's about time I left a review. It's overdue! My favorite menu is their breakfast/brunch menu. I will continue to frequent this restaurant for good reason.

Cafe Mogador is one of those rare nyc gems that was super popular in the 2010s when they first…read moreopened and has somehow maintained that popularity over more than the decade plus since. I went back for a weekday lunch recently and the food and atmosphere both hold up fabulously, so it makes sense why they've remained a brunch mainstay at both their East Village and Williamsburg locations. I enjoy that they serve their hot moroccan tea in a glass as is traditional, so you can see all the fresh mint leaves in your cup. I had tea like this multiple times a day during my trip to Morocco a few years back so sipping on this here took me back in time. I ordered a short stack of their blueberry pancakes which were very fluffy and delicious. They're not the kind of pancake with crispy edges, which are my preferred kind of pancake but I still found them satisfying. The moroccan eggs, which are two poached eggs in spicy stewed tomatoes and served with zahar pita is a delight. The pita is very fluffy and the zahatar adds such a nice fragrant spice to the bread. They used to serve this with potatoes but now those come at an additional charge but are well worth getting. The Williamsburg location also has pretty good wifi and they let me work on my laptop through my brief stay there. Kitchen was speedy too.

Interior just past the bar

Homemade Merguez Sausage Couscous

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Mint Ice Tea

Marrakesh Restaurant

Marrakesh is one of my absolute favorite places to eat in Philadelphia!!…read more I wish it existed in more cities. This is a multicourse journey through Marrakesh that cannot be repeated anywhere else except for maybe in the real Marrakesh. From the Bastilla pastry, which is DIVINE, to the salads, the chicken and kebabs... all the way to the baklava and tea.... there is no bad bite at Marrakesh. The owners are welcoming and super amenable and make you feel like you're coming home every single time you visit. It's in a odd location, and you may feel like you are making a questionable life decision as you walk up the alley to the door, but when you arrive, you realize that in fact, it was one of the best decisions you've made in years!! When you enter, it's like you've been transported to a beautiful room in Morocco. The music, the decor, even the authentic seating make for an unforgettable experience. And if you get really lucky, you also get to see the belly dancers who are top notch! There is not a single thing I can think of to say that Marrakesh needs to improve. It is a one of a kind experience that I feel everyone should have at least once in life!

What an incredible experience and much better than our last visit almost 7-8 years ago. The last…read moretime we came, the AC was broken on a hot day in the summer and it completely turned me off despite having an amazing visit my first time. I'm so glad my friends wanted to come here to celebrate our Friendsgiving. The food was as good as I remembered , the service as ever warm and welcoming. Since I hadn't been for so long, I ate everything as was prepared - but I'm happy to hear it sounds like they have veg options on their tasting menu. I'm looking forward to trying that my next return. But I couldn't say no to their chicken after almost a decade I highly recommend checking out this business for a delicious family style cooked meal.

Outside of Marrakesh. This is actually the kitchen so do not use this door to enter the restaurant!

Adorable decor

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Caffe Paradiso

4.4

(200 reviews)

0.5 mi

Best iced coffee I have ever had!! Line moves fast! I ordered the signature coffee with the sweet…read morefoam on top! So so good!

Best coffee I've ever had -- it is absolutely worth the hype!…read more It took about 10 minutes to get our coffee, but every second of the wait was worth it. The texture was incredibly smooth and silky, not heavy at all, yet rich and satisfying at the same time. I'm honestly not a coffee expert, so I can't explain exactly what made it so special, but it felt like heaven in a cup. One sip and I understood why people wait in line for it. If you're in New York, please, please get it. Highly recommend!

It was busy, so after paying, you get a cute ticket--hand it to the barista for the viral latte!

Salted Brown Butter & Oat Latte

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Salted Brown Butter & Oat Latte

Ess-a-Bagel

I mean it doesn't get more classic than Ess a bagel, the place is iconic for sure and the ideal…read morespot for a New York bagel. I'm super biased and love my Jersey bagels over newyork but that's another story. Ess a bagel hits the mark on every level, they have the culture, atmosphere and the bagels are great. My bagel was slightly stale but hardly noticeable. I just maybe question the freshness bc they are pumping out a lot of bagels. Super packed and you'll wait in line. The cream cheese spreads are impressive.

I couldn't NY without a bagel. Thankfully, ess-a-bagel is on delivery apps so I was able to get a…read morebagel delivered without having to make the walk in the pouring rain to go get it! I know this is a popular spot, but I have to say, it was kind of just okay to me. The bagel was so thick and bready. I know this is more of the NY style, but it just wasn't quite doing it for me. Even with all the fillings I had inside, it was good, but not the best bagel I've ever had.

Plain Bagel w Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese

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Signature favorite (lox, tomato, capers and lettuce) with less cream cheese) on pumpernickel

Hamburger America

If you're looking for a perfect, no-nonsense smash burger, this is the place. It's exactly what a…read moreburger should be. They don't rely on a laundry list of fancy toppings to hide behind; it's just the basics, executed flawlessly. I really appreciated that they keep it simple, giving you the choice of onion or no onion, letting the quality of the beef and the perfect sear speak for itself. Logistically, it's first-come, first-served seating where you're given a number. It wasn't too busy when I stopped by, so the process was seamless and quick. It's hard to imagine how they could make this any better without fundamentally changing what a smash burger is supposed to be. If you appreciate the classics done right, this is an absolute must-visit in NYC.

Went to Hamburger America on a weekend in the early afternoon. It's located at the corner of West…read moreHouston Street/Sixth Ave, between SoHo and the West Village. It was busy but not overcrowded, and we found a table outside. When you arrive, you order at the counter inside, receive a number, and then find a seat while your meal is prepared fresh. A server brings your food to your table once it is ready, it only took about 5-7 minutes for our food to arrive. I ordered the "All the Way" burger, their classic smash burger with mustard, diced onions, dill pickles, and cheese, along with fries and a gluten-free bun. The total came to about $17, including tax and tip. The burger was delicious. Smash burgers are my favorite, and this one was cooked perfectly with crispy edges while still moist. I also really appreciate that they offer a gluten-free bun. The burger and fries were a satisfying portion without feeling overly heavy. This is a casual spot, but it consistently delivers delicious food at a reasonable price. If you are looking for a classic smash burger in the neighborhood, I would recommend. I will certainly be back!

Lunch Counter and kitchen

Double George Motz's Fried Onion Burger.

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Fried Onion Double Cheeseburger

Crispy Heaven Bakery

Bookmarked this place for a while and so so glad I finally made it here! Ordered the Turkish eggs,…read morewhich came with a side of their bakery bread and butter. Was given 2 types - the baguette and one of the rustic loafs. Was also told I could request more bread if I wanted to. The eggs were poached perfectly, and paired so well with everything else on the plate. The bread tasted very good on its own, with butter, or to soak up all that yogurt, egg and spices on the plate. This ended up being a very substantive breakfast. I ended up taking 2 half loaves home with me after the meal!

Really good bread here! Scrambled eggs were nice and fluffy. My only criticism is the short amount…read moreof time we had at our table. We had made a reservation for 9.30 am and they asked us to leave at 10.05 am because they had another reservation waiting. Kind of weird to only give 30mins to sit down, look at the menu, order and eat your food. I had just finished my last bite and the plates were taken away and we were given the cheque. The waitress was friendly, just wish we weren't rushed out.

Beet salad

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Scrambled

Parla

10/10 Mafaldine Alla Vodka - This pasta is insanely delicious and so creamy. My mouth is watering…read morejust thinking about it. I absolutely love the pasta it comes with too. The shape is unique, which makes it even better. My only complaint is... why doesn't it come with any protein? Cost - $22.87

Delicious pizza. We got the classic NY and the hot hunny. Honestly not sure which one was better,…read morebut I did love the cook and flavor of the square pizza (hot hunny). If we come back, I'd probably aim for another square. Note to make reservations because it is a small spot. It's also not the best ACed. Wish they had fountain drink options though. I don't want a boogie $8 soda haha. Service was excellent though - friendly and attentive!

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Pura Vida Miami

4.3

(206 reviews)

1.6 mi

I've been dealing with some health issues lately and needed a quick, healthy bite to eat while…read morerunning errands on a Friday afternoon. I always passed by here and liked the trendy, bright beach interiors. The food is delish - simple healthy classics with lots of fresh ingredients and delicious flavors! I ordered the fire egg wrap and couldn't have the spicy sauce so the server, Bryan, brought 2 other sauces (pura vida and Caesar) for me to enjoy. The pure vida sauce was a herby green with mustard that was so good. There's lots of seating space with clean bathrooms and polite and prompt service throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed my food and time here.

stopped by on a weekday morning for a quick bakery treat. i decided to try the chocolate croissant…read more& there was only one left in the case. the croissant had a wonderful flaky, crispy texture that paired really well with the warm dark chocolate inside. compared to other chocolate croissants i've had, this one probably had a little less chocolate filling, but the taste was still great. the contrast between the flaky layers and the soft, warm center was superb. the staff was kind, and it took about 10 minutes to get my croissant warmed up. i would say it may take a little more time than expected to get your food, especially if you're in a rush like i was. otherwise, the space is really nice. they don't have many prepared grab-and-go items, but they do have a good selection of baked goods and the option to sit down and eat. i also noticed later that they had some lunch meals available to go, which is something i'd definitely look into trying next time.

Handcrafted coffee with latte art and a hazelnut crunch acai bowl, served in a warm and welcoming all day café atmosphere.

Fresh and healthy table spread featuring vibrant salads, nutritious bowls and wraps, all-day breakfast favorites, superfood s...

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The Perfect Egg Sandwich with pasture-raised eggs, avocado, tomato, arugula and mozzarella - the ultimate healthy breakfast on-the-go

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34 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Anna M.

Elite 25

703

173

3 years ago

Pause Before You Order Delivery! I recently decided to try out Pause Cafe NYC for the first time after hearing some buzz about it. Unfortunately, our delivery experience was less than satisfactory. To begin with, our order was completely mixed up. We specifically requested a few particular pastries, and what we received was nowhere close to what we had ordered. This was quite disappointing, as we were really looking forward to trying their famous croissants and éclairs. As for the sandwiches, we ordered the grilled cheese and grilled turkey. Both tasted as if they were at least a day old, with the bread being dry and stale. It was quite a letdown, considering how appealing their menu made these sandwiches sound. We had high expectations for a delicious and fresh meal, but what we got was far from it. So, my advice to anyone considering ordering from Pause Cafe NYC is to definitely pause before placing that order! Perhaps they have better quality control when dining in, but as far as delivery goes, I'm afraid I cannot recommend it. read more

sanjana m.

1 year ago

I stumbled into Pause Café after a Y7 yoga class in the Lower East Side, and I was honestly surprised--in the best way--by two things: (1) Their sandwich selection is huge, and they even offer half-size options (love that). (2) The prices! Seriously reasonable for NYC, especially considering the quality. I tried the Super BLT with egg--solid 8/10. Super satisfying without being too heavy. I'll definitely be back to try more from the menu. The chai was a bit sweet for my taste, but if you're into sweeter drinks, you'll probably love it. On the flip side, their coffee options are extensive, and I'm already eyeing a few to try next time. The crepes and breakfast plates looked incredible--I already have my next order planned. Heads up though: this spot does fill up fast. I got lucky and went between breakfast and lunch, just dodging the brunch crowd. Vibe: very chill, boho, and unpretentious. Service: quick and friendly. A perfect post-yoga refuel spot. Highly recommend if you're in the area! read more

Rebecca W.

8 years ago

I live in the neighborhood and go to Pause Cafe every weekend. Literally. They have a fantastic authentic vibe with Moroccan touches throughout. The best (Moroccan) coffee in the neighborhood and delicious açaí bowls. I alternate between the green bowl (has lavender in it - genius) and the peanut butter bowl when I go post workout. Only problem is that the secret has gotten out and there are now lines every weekend. Luckily it goes pretty quickly - go before 9am to avoid a line! I think Pause used to be Clinton Street line rejects, but it's not the case anymore. They rightfully have their own huge following. read more

John T.

3 years ago

I've been here 3 times and the wait for any espresso drink is literally 20+ minutes. Not the line to order, the wait afterwards. Everytime I have watched multiple people ask for refunds and just leave. I've never been to a coffee shop that takes longer than this. It is honestly mind blowing. I thought the coffee was good so I gave it 2 chances thinking it was just a bad day/time. But this was my 3rd and last time because I waited 30 minutes for a latte that was all milk it is one of the worst I've had in New York. And it always smells like BO. read more

Abiba S.