Aleef Cafe — Restaurant in New York

So I originally gave this coffee shop a 5 star review BEFORE myself and 4 other friends received their coffee drinks from Apple. We originally went in there for basic black coffee, for which he convinced us it was “old coffee” and “didn’t want to serve us bad coffee,” so instead offered us to do espresso or lattes. We naively agreed to it as we appreciated his honesty about the regular coffee. He was quite friendly, conversational and upbeat with us, individually making all of our drinks (lattes, cappuccinos, espresso). As we waited on our drinks, he asked us to write him a positive review on Google, which we did. After we all received our drinks, it was time to pay. There was a clear sign above the register indicating prices for lattes, espresso, etc, which averaged about $2-3 for small sized cups. When we went to pay, he charged us each about $5-7 per drink, which we were all confused about. When we asked about the huge difference in price, he explained that due to the pandemic that the prices had changed. However there was no sign indicating that the prices had changed or that sign at the register was no longer valid pricing. We all paid double for our drinks, because yes, we understand covid likely negatively impacted his business— but it doesn’t justify him not telling us upfront, having us write a “good review” for him when he was omitting information about the cost of our drinks. We wouldn’t have any problem paying that cost happily, without complaint, had he just told us upfront. But we felt taken advantage of. He went from telling us he was the owner of the shop to then saying “Well if you’re not happy, I’ll call the owner and ask him to refund you guys” which again, seems super deceitful… He just lost business with a group of 5 women, as we will never be returning to his shop, and we have now adjusted...

Aleef Café offers a decent grab-and-go experience with a varied menu focused on convenience and healthy options. The atmosphere inside is simple but welcoming, featuring a mix of pre-prepared items and fresh-made offerings like sandwiches, paninis, wraps, and salads.

Food Quality:

• Sandwiches: The sandwiches tasted fine, though they could benefit from a little more seasoning, especially salt. The fillings were fresh but slightly bland, lacking that final touch of flavor that could elevate the experience. Adding a pinch of salt would make a significant difference. • Muffins: The muffins were a highlight! They were soft, fresh, and had the perfect balance of sweetness. Definitely a standout item worth trying. • Smoothies and Fresh Juice: Although not tasted in this visit, the café offers a wide selection of smoothies and juices, making it appealing for those looking for healthier options.

Coffee: The coffee was superb. It had a rich, full-bodied flavor, perfect for a quick pick-me-up. If you’re looking for a great coffee stop, this café won’t disappoint in...

My husband and I got our coffee here every morning of our trip. My husband was very happy with his black coffee. I always ordered a vanilla latte and it was the best vanilla latte I've ever had. The vanilla flavor had a rich, almost nutty flavor to it. The foam was perfectly creamy and just right the right amount. It was superb and I looked forward to getting one every day of our vacation. The man and woman (I'm so sorry! I forgot names!) were incredibly polite, warm, and inviting. He was so kind to our two kids and gave them bananas we saved for their snack later. I'm disappointed I never actually tried the food, but my kids did have a cinnamon roll and a chocolate chip muffin. They were served warm and the kids loved them. Whenever we make it back to NYC we will absolutely stop into...