Blue Brown Cafe — Restaurant in New York

This is a cozy little coffee shop with a warm atmosphere. The layout is a narrow rectangle, and as soon as you step inside, your eyes naturally follow the line of framed illustrations along the wall all the way to the back of the space.

Near the entrance on the right-hand side, there’s a corner that everyone seems to love. In the early days after the café opened, this spot was popular with visitors who came to take photos. Near the register, you’ll see two glass jars filled with cookies. I happen to use the same kind of jars at home for snacks and spices, which made the space feel extra familiar and personal to me.

If you look up, you’ll notice a little bear climbing on top of one of the glass light fixtures. I enjoyed standing near the counter today, not just to sneak a peek at what beans they were using, but also to stay close to the little air conditioner there.

If you walk further inside, there’s a wooden shelf stacked with coffee bags on the bottom, several Polaroid cameras in the middle, and lots of mugs displayed at the top. They also sell their own branded cups, which I remember were around $40.

Today they were using beans from Brandywine Coffee Roasters. The current espresso blend is called Galactic Standard. It’s a mix of beans from Colombia, Burundi, and Ethiopia. The beans are processed using a combination of washed and natural methods and roasted to a medium-to-dark level.

Flavor-wise, it's nutty, with notes of dark chocolate and caramel.

The first time I had a washed-process coffee was at SEY, and I thought I was doomed—it was very acidic.

This time I ordered their cappuccino. Just as I expected, the top layer was quite acidic. But the middle part was smooth and rich, and it finished with just a light, gentle bitterness.

Overall, this is a lovely place. The only thing missing is a...

Located on a quiet corner, this cozy cafe offers an excellent variety of coffee, espresso, and tea beverages.

Early Friday morning, I picked up a pandan croissant, ham and cheese croissant, plain croissant🥐, cold brew, and pink matcha latte. I loved that they also offered lychee matcha, Thai tea, Thai coffee, and more Asian inspired flavored coffee and tea beverages and pastries, in addition to the classics. They also had two savory pastry options. The croissants at Nick& Sons are flakier, but let's be real, you're coming here for the yummy Pandan or Thai tea creme filled croissants, and infinitely better and excellent 👍🏻 😁 👌🏻 ☕ 🍵 ☕ morning drinks. The interior is cozy, inviting, and verdant with many pots of plants. There are a few seats outside to sit n sip and people watch, with more seating inside. When I went Thursday morning, there was only one barista working both the cash register, making the drinks, and bagging the food, but she was quick and still friendly. She also has the patience of a saint with my 5 year old child who asked questions incessantly. Service is sweet and with a smile. Beyond happy to have this neighborhood gem...

This is my absolute all-time favorite coffee shop within the three block area. Not only do the proprietors serve dynamite versions of the usual Italian espressos, but they have out-of-this-world so-called “signature” drinks which usually involve some southeast Asian flavor that you’ve never tried before. I’m telling you, don’t hesitate to check this place out and try their dope coffees and chill. The vibe is super chill and the service is, in my estimation, five out of five stars. The “land of smiles,” indeed! You can’t go wrong with Blue Brown. The vibe is so rad that you might even meet that special someone here. Plus they have amazing watercolor art on the walls and super chill music. I especially liked the print of the girls swimming and the small painting of the croissant. Don’t forget to sample the Thai custard filled croissants. You will not regret it. Every day is cheat day at Blue Brown! I will definitely be going back there...