Amano Cafe — Restaurant in New York

Amano is worth the visit for three reasons. The first, its impeccable location. Just steps from west fourth and in the heart of the Village, the cast of characters is never short of show stopping and the conversations are enlightening to say the least. The second— bangin’ coffee. But thirdly, and most importantly, the staff. What a homey and welcoming atmosphere, where you can come and kiki with the best of them. Some are charming and chill, topped with baseball caps and ready with an easy laugh. And others, especially the dark haired, iconic, gothic gift of a girl that works weekdays, weekends and probably leap days, is the life of the party and heart of the shop. I can’t tell you how many people she makes laugh when she hands them their coffee with a compliment (when deserved). I know more than one happy customer who comes in just for her and her baseball-capped coworker, myself included.

The only strange thing— she’s obsessed with Lena Dunham. Apparently she even has a fan page! But I can’t begrudge her a popular preference. A local New Yorker like her can always find the best in a person— and make the best of a...

Visit on May 14th, 2024

First time trying Amano’s at Greenwich Village! I have been meaning to pass by before the end of the academic year. As a student in the neighborhood, this coffee shop has been peaking my curiosity.

I was aware coming in that the prices of the coffee shop were higher than other coffee shops in the neighborhood. My ministry friends shared that they’d tried a pour over and the price was around $8. That being said, it’s important to be aware of the prices coming in to not be surprised. For a cappuccino, a Cortado, and a banana bread the total was around $19. (Not student budget friendly, but fine for a once in a while treat.)

The cappuccino was great! I think they used Devocion beans, and the taste was great. The milk was steamed just right, and I genuinely enjoyed my cappuccino. 🤗 plus, it was obviously cute. (Pic below)

The sis said the Cortado was fine as well. So for a once in a while treat, I enjoyed my time and food here.

The banana bread would probably be where I found a bit of a shortcoming. It was decent but a bit dry.

Lastly, enjoyed the porcelain mugs where the beverages were...

English is my first language, though I doubted myself after having to ask for a fork for the third time. Props to their honesty, though - baristas were well within earshot when laughing to each other about how "I didn't understand what he was saying". I've lived in New York for three years, and this is the first time it's happened. Strange.

The baristas are immediately kind and understanding if you've got a dog, are white, and don't care about not having listed prices on the menu. Bonus if it's all three!

I stayed for another hour to finish my watery drink (against my better judgment). During that time, the baristas' dismissiveness to anyone that didn't look like most people in the cafe was apparent. A brown man came in asking about their food options and they were so condescending to him that entire exchange.

For a business that prides itself on progressive, fair-trade policies, you've got a long way to go in every other department. Disappointing since some of the baristas are even POC themselves. If you can't handle diversity, maybe the city isn't...