Joey Bats Café at The Essex Market — Restaurant in New York

Came 10 mins before the opening time. No one was even at the stall. Then came back when it finally opened, but the first batch of tarts took a while to come out. Employee was nice and told me about the wait but also underestimated the time it would take (20 mins, not 12 mins). But honestly shouldn’t all these prep work happen beforehand? Why would you open a bakery without any baked items ready?

While waiting, I also noticed this banner they have, which is fairly innocent until you see that tacky mosaic. I bet the GUY behind the design thinks he’s genius and funny. If I hadn’t already paid, I would walk away given how improper this is.

And speaking of the “nata” itself, it is also nothing like crème brûlée or croissant. The filling has some type of starch in it so the texture is gooey and sticky, almost like condensed milk. This seems to be the case with all the pasteis de nata I’ve had, and I don’t think it’s an issue per se, but if you are expecting crème brûlée, you’ll be disappointed because it’s not that eggy/creamy. The crust is pretty dense and smells like cheap vegetable oil, so also not the airy, buttery croissant you think you’re getting.

For $4, this tiny tart is almost hilarious. And I’d rather go to Chinatown for a decent, unpretentious po tat with flakey crust and crème-brûlée-ish filling for...

I'm having my European vacation in New York. This Portuguese family business lures you in with cafe beverages and their signature tasty sweet and savory pastries. Mom welcomes you with her bright smile, joyous spirit and nuanced smells of garlic and herbs coming from her kitchen. On weekends Joey Bats sells "Mom's Special," which I call Mamma Meal, because it offers me what I imagine is the experience I would get for family meal if I worked at a Michelin star Portuguese restaurant, at an accessable price. Food made with so much love and Portuguese culture is not found at any other establishment in New York, or perhaps anywhere outside of Portugal.

There is no shortage of deliciously easy to drink Portuguese inspired cocktails, wines, Portuguese beer and sangria; (which thanks to Joey I have learned originated in Portugal). Using any excuse to stop by Joey Bats Cafe, I often stay late into the night being entertained by Joey and eclectic, interesting and fun neighborhood, New Yorker and international patroness who indulge me with conversation and quickly become new friends. While immersed in the warm atmosphere surrounding Joey Bats, I am well cared for by the hospitality of the family, local bartenders and food and...

Until my boyfriend had a listening party there, I had never heard of this place. But it is a little Gem!!! We arrived while their comedy show was going on so I got to sit back and observe a bit. The owner is just the nicest! And who doesn't love a place with a good backstory. He used to sell his moms pastries and sandwiches when he was a kid. He took those recipes and in honor of his mom opened up the cafe. The prices were very reasonable. The menu is simple yet tasty and reflective of his culture. The ONLY thing I did not like was the comedienne who told the crowd to "shut the f(*&^ up" then came by our tables in the back and told us to keep the comments to ourselves. Which was confusing because the strangers in the table next to me and I were not talking. I thought that was rude, especially when none of them except for one guy was funny. NOONE HAS to listen or be quiet especially when they are not sitting or there to see you. I would absolutely recommend going there. The owner's charisma and personality is enough without the nice service and yummy coffee and pastries...Just stay way from...