New York City has 3,705 coffee shops, a lot for coffee lovers1. Abraço NYC is a hidden gem in the East Village. It’s been a favorite since 20072.
Abraço is at 81 E 7th St. Its name, “embrace” in Portuguese, shows its welcoming vibe. Inside, the smell of coffee and lively atmosphere welcome you. This East Village coffee gem is a must-see.
Abraço is known for its high-quality coffee and homemade olive oil cake. These are big hits with locals and visitors. The coffee is from South America and roasted in-house, making every sip special.
The menu at Abraço has Mediterranean and Spanish-Portuguese snacks, all made fresh daily. This mix makes Abraço a unique spot for food and coffee fans.
In a city full of coffee spots, Abraço has found its own place. It’s known for its great coffee, tasty pastries, and cozy feel. I felt like I found one of New York’s best cafes when I had my latte there.
Key Takeaways
- Abraço NYC offers a unique blend of coffee and Mediterranean-inspired snacks
- The café has been a beloved East Village fixture since 2007
- House-roasted South American beans ensure intense, flavorful coffee
- Famous homemade olive oil cake is a must-try item
- Abraço stands out among the 3,705 coffee shops in NYC
- The café’s name means “embrace” in Portuguese, reflecting its warm atmosphere
Introduction to Abraço NYC
In the heart of Manhattan’s East Village, Abraço NYC has been a favorite independent cafe since 200723. It’s a gem among local coffee roasters. The name “Abraço,” meaning “embrace” in Portuguese, shows its welcoming vibe.
History and Background
Abraço quickly became known for top-notch coffee in NYC. Jamie McCormick makes the best cortado in Manhattan with Counter Culture coffee or Ethiopian beans3. Eliza Quijada’s kitchen offers comfort food with a twist3.
Location in the East Village
At 81 E 7th St, Abraço cafe is small, like a walk-in closet3. Yet, it’s a hotspot for coffee lovers in the nyc east village. The front windows open, letting in the sun for patrons3.
Unique Offerings
Abraço is unique among NYC’s 3,705 coffee shops4 with its Mediterranean menu. Try olive oil cake, veggie frittatas, and more3. It’s ranked in the top 15 coffee shops in NYC4.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Established | 2007 |
| Location | 81 E 7th St, East Village |
| Known For | Best cortado in Manhattan |
| Ambiance | Hip and friendly |
| Unique Offerings | Mediterranean-inspired pastries |
Abraço NYC has won the hearts of many. It offers a unique coffee experience that draws people back. Its focus on quality and community makes it a standout in downtown NYC.
The Ambiance and Atmosphere
When I walk into Abraço, I feel like I’m in a cozy cafe in NYC’s heart. It’s a hidden gem that has been a local favorite since 2007. The vibe is European-inspired, making it both charming and intimate5.
The cafe is small, but it’s full of life. There’s not much room, which makes everyone feel close. In warm months, a tiny patio outside is perfect for enjoying coffee and treats in the sun.
Abraço’s warm feel comes from its focus on quality. They use coffee beans from South America for a rich taste5. Their European-style food and drinks make it a top spot in NYC6.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Seating | Limited, intimate |
| Outdoor Space | Small patio (seasonal) |
| Atmosphere | Bustling, friendly |
| Coffee Origin | South American |
| Style | European-inspired |
Abraço’s friendly atmosphere is why it’s loved in the East Village. It’s perfect for coffee lovers or anyone looking for a cozy place to unwind. The vibe is welcoming and inspiring.
Coffee Selection and Quality
Abraço NYC is a top spot for specialty coffee nyc. They focus on quality and offer a wide range. With 3,705 coffee shops in the city, Abraço has made a name for itself7.
House-roasted Beans
Abraço is proud to be an artisanal coffee roaster. They get their beans from South America and roast them themselves. This makes every cup fresh and full of flavor.
Their dedication to quality is on par with big names like Blue Bottle. Blue Bottle has 6 spots in NYC8.
Espresso-based Drinks
Abraço stands out in the espresso bar nyc scene. Their espresso shots are loved by coffee fans. They use organic, cow-only milk for their drinks.
This makes their lattes and cappuccinos rich and tasty. It’s like Everyman Espresso, known for their drinks in 2 NYC spots8.
Pour-over Options
Abraço also offers great pour over brewing. Their baristas are experts in different brewing methods. This brings out the best in their coffee beans.
This focus on pour-over is similar to Hi-Collar Café. They offer 7 bean varieties for their siphon coffee8.
Abraço’s dedication to quality makes them a top choice in NYC. Their coffee is rich and flavorful. It’s a must-visit for coffee lovers in New York.
Signature Pastries and Food Offerings
Abraço’s food is as good as their coffee. Their olive oil cake is a hit since 20079. It’s moist and goes well with their smooth espresso10.
The menu has many Mediterranean snacks made with local ingredients. You’ll find Spanish omelets and almond cookies, all made fresh every day. These snacks make Abraço a top choice for brunch in the East Village.
The pastries often run out by late afternoon9. If you want something sweet, get there early. Their cookies are amazing, even better than those at Culture Espresso9.
| Item | Description | Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| Olive Oil Cake | Signature item, moist and fragrant | Very High |
| Spanish Omelet | Mediterranean-inspired savory option | High |
| Almond Cookies | Sweet, crunchy treat | Medium-High |
Abraço is great for pastries, but other spots like Variety Coffee Roasters have vegan options9. But for coffee and food together, Abraço is the best. It’s perfect for a quick snack or a long brunch. Their coffee and food combo is balanced and satisfying.
The Abraço NYC Review: A Customer’s Perspective
When I walk into Abraço NYC, I feel right at home. It’s a cozy spot in the East Village, among 3,705 coffee shops in NYC. It offers something special11.
First Impressions
The cafe feels intimate and welcoming. The warm lights and coffee smells make me feel cozy. The baristas are friendly, making the service top-notch.
Coffee Tasting Notes
Abraço’s coffee is amazing. Their espresso is rich and complex. The pour-over coffee is smooth and balanced, perfect for coffee lovers. Like 10% of NYC restaurants, Abraço focuses on great drinks12.
Overall Experience
My visit to Abraço was unforgettable. The coffee, service, and cozy setting make it special. It’s no surprise 10% of NYC’s restaurants are in this lively area12.
| Aspect | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Quality | 9/10 | Rich, complex flavors |
| Ambiance Rating | 8/10 | Cozy and welcoming |
| Customer Service | 9/10 | Friendly and attentive |
Abraço NYC shows that small places can offer big experiences. It’s a top spot for coffee lovers wanting a real New York cafe vibe.
Unique Features of Abraço
Abraço is a standout among NYC’s independent coffee houses. Walking in, I felt the cozy European vibe. Their menu is small but full of quality13.
Their house-roasted beans make their coffee special. Their espresso shots show their commitment to quality. Abraço is ranked #9 in East Village, loved by 278 reviewers14.
Don’t miss their famous olive oil cake. It’s great with a cortado or Ethiopia Kochere drip coffee. It shows what Abraço is all about14.
Abraço feels like a community. The staff makes it feel like family. They’re planning to add new dishes soon, keeping things exciting13.
Comparison to Other East Village Coffee Shops
In the lively coffee scene NYC, Abraço shines among Manhattan’s top cafes. The East Village is full of coffee spots, each with its own special vibe. Let’s see how Abraço stacks up against its neighbors in terms of coffee, atmosphere, and cost.
Coffee Quality
Abraço’s focus on quality makes it stand out in the East Village. It gets high marks for its drinks, unlike the average 2.7 rating of East Village coffee shops15. The cafe uses house-roasted beans, which is rare, ensuring a great cup every time15.
Ambiance
Abraço’s cozy vibe is different from many downtown cafes. It fits right into the area’s independent cafe culture. Unlike 12% of shops that focus more on food, Abraço balances great coffee with tasty pastries15.
Price Point
Abraço might cost a bit more, but it’s worth it. Remember, 40% of Upper West Side coffee shops have ratings under 3.0, showing that high prices don’t always mean better quality15. For coffee lovers, Abraço is a good choice.
Abraço’s special offerings and focus on quality make it a top choice in the East Village. Its unique coffee and cozy atmosphere make it a standout.
The Baristas and Customer Service
Abraço’s baristas are the heart of this East Village gem. They show their barista expertise in every cup. The friendly baristas make a warm atmosphere, keeping regulars coming back.
Their skills in making espresso-based drinks are impressive. Abraço’s barista culture is unique. They use a 3-group La San Marco Model 80 espresso machine with manual levers, showing their quality commitment16.
My review of Abraço’s customer service is very positive. The baristas know a lot about coffee and give great recommendations. They offer six espresso drinks and filter coffee, all individually dripped17.
Abraço is part of a growing trend in New York City. It attracts skilled young baristas to the coffee scene17. The cafe’s focus on quality is what makes Abraço’s iced coffee and other offerings stand out.
| Aspect | Abraço | Typical NYC Cafe |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso Service | Ceramic cups only | Often paper cups |
| Espresso Machine | Manual lever | Automatic |
| Menu Size | Focused (6 drinks) | Extensive |
| Barista Approach | Craft-focused | Varies |
Best Times to Visit Abraço
I love NYC brunch spots, and Abraço is a favorite. It’s a coffee shop in the East Village with a special vibe. But, the best time to go is important.
Abraço is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, they open at 9 a.m. and close at 8 p.m18.. They’ve also added hours to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday for coffee lovers19. Just remember, they’re closed on Mondays19.
For a great visit, go during off-peak times. Weekday afternoons are quiet for enjoying their coffee, priced $2 to $4.2518. For pastries, go in the morning or early afternoon before they run out.
Evening visits are now special. They serve cocktails, vermouths, and amari with vegetarian tapas19. It’s a great place for a relaxed evening in the East Village.
| Time of Day | Crowd Level | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Rush | Busy | Quick coffee, pastries |
| Mid-Afternoon | Quiet | Relaxed coffee experience |
| Evening | Moderate | Cocktails, tapas |
Abraço only takes cash and doesn’t have decaf1819. Their setup, with two ledges and no seats, is like a coffee bar18. For those who want to know about caffeine in coffee, Abraço’s espresso drinks are perfect.
Nearby Attractions in the East Village
I love exploring the East Village, one of NYC’s most vibrant neighborhoods. After enjoying a coffee at Abraço, I often wander through the area’s many attractions. The East Village is a treasure trove of urban exploration and local hangouts20.
Just steps away from Abraço, I find myself in Tompkins Square Park. It’s a great spot to people-watch and soak in the neighborhood’s energy. The park has come a long way, now serving as a gathering place for diverse East Village residents20.
As I stroll down St. Mark’s Place, I’m struck by its eclectic mix of shops and eateries. This iconic street still echoes its storied past, making it a must-visit for any urban explorer20. The East Village is also home to over 60 community gardens, adding pockets of green to nearly every street in Alphabet City2021.
For food lovers, the East Village is a paradise. I often grab a unique sandwich from Sunny and Annie’s bodega or indulge in Italian cuisine at one of Frank Prisinzano’s restaurants20. With countless cafes, bars, and eateries along Avenue A, 1st Avenue, and 2nd Avenue, there’s always something new to try21. After a day of exploration, I might end up at McSorley’s Old Ale House, the oldest Irish tavern in New York City, for a taste of history21.
Source Links
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- 10 Charming Coffee Shops in The East Village (Local’s Guide) – https://newyorkspork.com/east-village-coffee-shops/
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- A Life In Coffee At Abraço, A Manhattan Institution | Sprudge Coffee – https://sprudge.com/abraco-109241.html
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- NYC Coffee Rankings — Neil Andrews – https://www.neilandrews.net/nyc/coffee
- Abraço, East Village, NYC – Melbourne Coffee Sucks – https://www.melbournecoffeesucks.com/2022/12/abra-o-east-village-nyc.html
- Bean Town (Published 2008) – https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/26/nyregion/thecity/26coff.html
- Abraço — New York Magazine Restaurant Review – Nymag – https://nymag.com/restaurants/reviews/underground/41269/
- Cult Coffee Shop Abraço Is Now a Nimble Little Vermouth and Cocktail Bar to Boot – https://www.grubstreet.com/2019/04/abraco-in-east-village-turns-into-an-aperitivo-bar-at-night.html
- A day trip in Manhattan: East Village – https://www.dailycal.org/archives/a-day-trip-in-manhattan-east-village/article_95ad6c28-db9b-5f21-a7a9-cb948dbd1d20.html
- Stay in the Manhattan’s East Village Like a Local : New York Habitat Blog – https://www.nyhabitat.com/blog/2013/11/25/live-like-local-east-village-manhattan-new-york/
Simon is a coffee enthusiast who has spent years exploring the world of coffee. He has a deep passion for the art of brewing and enjoys experimenting with different brewing methods to create the perfect cup of coffee. His love for coffee has led him to become an expert in the field, and he is known for his meticulous attention to detail when it comes to selecting and brewing the perfect cup. Simon is also an avid traveler who loves incorporating new flavors and techniques into his brewing.
