All my friends who are coffee snobs have talked about or recommended Café Integral to me. I'm more of a black coffee guy personally, so don't feel the need to go out of my way for a cup but in the same breath, I'm always down for a plot.
I knew it was time to try it when my friend, who doesn't even drink coffee, was dying to go. He does have great taste in damn near everything though, I gotta give him that. That's why he is the big homie.
We walked into Café Integral and I was shocked by the no frills environment. "No frills" is so overused, I hate myself for even writing that but that's really what it was. Boxes of Mexican Coke, togo cups, and other items necessary to run a business are scattered in the interior. For some reason, it adds to the charm. It's not dirty, it's just that they are utilizing the space to run a business. They are just here to make great coffee and don't care if the interior isn't ultra curated.
I ordered a black coffee and a croissant, as I find these are the best 2 items to see what a coffee shop is really about. You can't hide anything.
Things took a turn for the worst when I realized the croissant was from Balthazaar. The Balthazaar pastry fall off needs to be studied. C&B in Alphabet City still makes the best croissants in NYC, I don't even care.
I do need to take responsibility though because I should have got the orange olive oil muffin instead of the croissant. It was speaking to my spirit, and I didn't listen. I bet it goes SO crazy.
After stomaching the mid croissant because I'm a Croatian Warrior, the black coffee saved the day. I really can taste the difference between a good and bad black coffee at this point, and this one just tasted fresh. It made me happy. It warmed my soul.
My buddy got "the Olivia" which consists of espresso, house made almond milk, cinnamon, and dates. It's also ironic because his ex-girlfrie... nvm. The house made almond milk was a huge selling point for him, which is kinda tight tbh. I tried the tiny little drink that was MAYBE 8oz, and it actually was sensational… I might get it next time when I come back for that orange olive oil muffin...
IG @jnov_ Tiktok...
Read moreCafé Integral in NYC delivers a refreshing take on the city’s coffee scene, offering a space that feels intimate and inviting. As soon as you walk in, there is a welcoming energy staff are genuinely passionate, happy to talk about their favorite beans, and always eager to make your coffee just right. The design is simple and unfussy, with a clean aesthetic and soft natural light that create a calm spot to relax or work.
The heart of this café is its focus on Nicaraguan coffee, roasted with care to bring out nuanced flavors in every cup. Whether you go for an espresso, a pour-over, or a creamy latte, the attention to detail is evident and every drink tastes thoughtfully prepared. Their menu is streamlined to let the coffee shine, though there are a few light pastries and snacks that pair perfectly with your drink.
Customers come for the quality but stay for the sense of community and warmth. Café Integral is ideal for catching up with a friend, getting some work done, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment away from the city buzz. This is a café you will want to revisit whenever you crave exceptional coffee and a...
Read moreThis charming little cafe offers a distinctive selection of South American coffees, making it a spot worth visiting, in my opinion. I stopped by on a weekday morning and found it pleasantly uncrowded. Impressively, I received my horchata latte in under five minutes, which meets my standard for prompt service at coffee shops.
However, my main issue is the limited seating space. Although there is Wi-Fi and some tables, there aren't many practical spots for studying, contrary to the advertisement. Despite this, I enjoyed my horchata latte and am eager to try other items on their menu. The array of bakery goods was also quite tempting, and I'll definitely consider returning when I'm in the area. The coffee is fairly pricey, typical of New York, but not...
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