On any given day you can find a mix of the hip, homeless, cool, intellectual, crazy, artsy and foodies (who usually span all those categories) but mostly it’s those who simply love real espresso. Michelin, wine director of Mermaid Inn (2nd avenue and 5th Street) told me that she walks at least 10 blocks out her way (passing many an eligible cafe) to get to Ninth Street because, “I only have one a day and I need to make it count.”
The new location eschews the French pressed drip coffee found at the original and serves only espresso drinks. The espresso ($2.00) has a complex long-lasting flavor with a finish that stays with you for 20 minutes. The machiatto ($2.75), latte ($3.50) and cappuccino ($3.50) are the ultimate expressions in their respective categories, but I recommend the drinks with less milk. Excluded items include syrups (except for the luxurious Guittard chocolate which only finds its way into the latte at the customer’s request for a mocha), half-caff drinks and the words tall, venti and grande – I’ve heard of people being kicked out for using these words.
As a customer service gesture Nye purchases just enough pastry that when the last one is sold, (usually around noon) it is still relatively fresh. Sugary doughy goods used to be supplied by Balthazar bakery but Nye has switched to ‘Tisserie off Union Square because, according to Nye, “I was pissed when I found out that Balthazar’s commercial facilities are out in New Jersey. I want to support a local bakery and the quality of the ingredients at ‘Tisserie is second to none. Plus the Ferrar brothers are such great guys.”
Even as the pirates are settling over their new bounty in the Union Square area, they scour the seas for greater treasures. Nye informs me that yet another location will open soon in the ever popular Chelsea Market.
Ninth Street Espresso
700 E. 9th St. (Ave. C)
New York, NY
212-358-9225
7am to 7pm
Ninth Street Espresso
136 E. 13th St. (Btw. 3rd and 4th Aves.)
New York, NY
212-228-2930
7am to 10pm
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