It has been awhile since my last visit. Nestled near SoHo, its botanical atmosphere adorned with festive halloween decors like pumpkins and terrifying fake spiders.
* Pumpkin Pie Latte Its velvety foam was generously sprinkled with a delicate dusting of pumpkin spice, and the first sip was nothing short of a cinnamon-y and gingery aroma. I had some really sweet pumpkin spice lattes before but this one was lightly sweetened. A shot of espresso provided a robust and slightly bitter undertone to balance out the pumpkin purée.
* Rose Cardamom Latte I usually steer away from rose lattes as I’m afraid of the artificial aroma of rose syrup, but this rose cardamom latte slapped. It combined espresso and milk with the natural fragrance of rose and cardamom. Some dried rose petals were added as a garnish to make it aesthetically pleasing.
* Masala Chai Mini Cupcake * Pumpkin Spice Mini Cupcake Aww their mini succulent cupcakes are almost too cute to eat! These eye candies are obviously designed to be appreciated visually. The flavor of pumpkin spice was weak, but both the flavors and cupcake texture were better than the masala chai one. FYI these spooky cuties are available from noon!
* Pumpkin Loaf w/ Spiced Cream Cheese Well…probably the most awful loaf I’ve ever eaten. The second when we cut the loaf with our forks, we could literally feel the terribly dry and crumbly texture. It was so bad that we told the barista and he refunded us. I really appreciated their immediate remedy, so I will still go back for their high quality coffee but definitely not their pastries.
The café was small but cozy. Love the botanical design with green plants and wood furnitures - a lovely coffee break from the hustle and bustle in Manhattan. Plenty of pastry choices and beverages provided. Seasonal drinks are also available so make sure you check them out (they have Pumpkin Pie Latte, Autumn Spice Latte and Rose Cardamom Latte as fall specials!)
* Flat White w/ Oat Milk * Hot Latte * Regular Coffee w/ Milk As for the milk espresso, the mixing was good with cute tulip latte art. The egg shape latte cups boosted the quality of a decent coffee. The taste of beans was nutty, which had a great chemistry with milk.
* Lychee Black Tea Served with a transparent teapot, a little glass and a wooden tray. Refreshing floral fragrance with subtle lychee flavor.
My Recommendations: Flat White, Latte
Worth...
Read moreNestled in the heart of SoHo, Urban Backyard is a hidden, charming retreat that offers a perfect blend of quality coffee, cozy ambiance, and warm hospitality. On a mellow Wednesday afternoon, a friend and I stopped by, drawn in by its reputation for thoughtfully crafted drinks and inviting atmosphere.
The space itself is intimate yet full of character, with earthy tones, rustic details, and a touch of greenery that makes it feel like a quiet retreat from the city’s buzz. It’s the kind of café where time slows down, making it an ideal spot to savor a well-made cup of coffee.
For our visit, we ordered a honey lavender latte and a flat white, accompanied by a chai loaf and a cinnamon loaf. The honey lavender latte was beautifully balanced—lightly floral with a smooth sweetness from the honey, while the flat white was velvety and expertly brewed, showcasing the café’s commitment to quality espresso. The chai loaf had a deep, spiced warmth that paired effortlessly with the coffee, while the cinnamon loaf was soft, aromatic, and just the right amount of indulgent.
Beyond the menu, what truly sets Urban Backyard apart is its atmosphere—charming, unpretentious, and effortlessly welcoming. The staff were kind and efficient, letting the space and its offerings speak for themselves.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet nook to unwind, a place to enjoy a meticulously crafted coffee, or simply a sweet escape from the city, Urban Backyard delivers. This is the kind of café that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left, it’s a place I’ll certainly be revisiting, not just for the excellent coffee and pastries, but for the feeling of stepping into a little oasis of calm in the...
Read moreTucked away in the vibrant area around Chinatown lies a hidden gem of a cafe, where every visit feels like a whimsical journey into a world of adorable succulent-themed cupcakes and delectable lattes. This enchanting cafe is a sanctuary for those seeking not just a treat for the taste buds, but a feast for the eyes as well.
The succulent-themed cupcakes are a delightful sight to behold; each one intricately crafted to resemble a miniature garden in bloom. These whimsical treats are as delightful to look at as they are to savor, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and artistry in every bite.
The star of the show was undoubtedly the red velvet latte, a decadent creation that transcends the ordinary. With each sip, the rich flavors of velvety red velvet mingled with the perfect balance of coffee, creating a harmonious blend that left me speechless. It was, without a doubt, the best thing I've ever had the pleasure of tasting.
Beyond the extraordinary beverages, the atmosphere of this cafe was the cherry on top of an already exquisite experience. The cozy yet lively ambiance, coupled with the soft hum of chatter and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, created a welcoming space that felt like a warm embrace.
Whether you're a fan of intricately designed succulent cupcakes, indulgent lattes, or simply seeking a serene retreat from the bustling city streets, this cafe has something for everyone. Treat yourself to a moment of tranquility and pure bliss at this delightful oasis near Chinatown. Whether you prefer a classic latte or a creative specialty drink, the baristas here excel at turning...
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