Vanilla Gorilla Cafe — Restaurant in New York

I made a quick visit right after having lunch in the area before I left the city for a flight back home as it was so hot out!

They have a whole menu of different drinks they offer and options to customize or modify, in case you may want a shot of flavour or don't/can't drink cow's milk.

From the outside, and the general area, it seemed kind of unassuming, unless you were actively seeking it out, I wouldn't have ever really noticed it nor would it have stood out to me. Inside, the cafe was almost full with a few empty seats available.

It was very clean and well maintained; I liked the character and theme of the Vanilla gorilla and how it was presented in the decoration. They offered pastries and I think sandwiches? I ordered the matcha latte with oat milk as I needed a caffeine hit without the jitters. I loved that there was no sugar afded by default, so that if I wanted to add the sugar, I could make that choice myself. They serve it unlidded so you could add whatever additions you want, like sugar, cinnamon powder, etc.

The staff were also friendly and quick, though the music was a bit loud, so it was difficult for them to hear my order as I was wearing a mask.

If I'm ever in the area ever again (and its still open), I'll definitely seek...

Hello New Yorkers,

On my last day of business trip, so far I have no have any luck of getting any good coffee this time at New York, and I don’t want to be a Starbucks snob when I am in town. Before heading to airport, I feel I need to end my New York trip right by finding another coffee store that I enjoy. There isn’t any coffee shop near by my Westin hotel, the closest store is Gorilla cafe, but I am not a big fan of the store name when I can’t find any relationship between a gorilla and coffee. the logo makes me feel I am order a coffee while I am at the zoo. As the time clicking, I decide to give it a shot by ordering a very basic latte and I believe it costs around $5 and up and no foods this time.

Surprisingly, the barista is skilled coffee makers, not only they make a right ratio of the milk and espresso, but also create a latte art. This shows some skill and prefect milk temperature that I enjoy.

Maybe I have not drank any nice coffee during my visits this time, so I found Gorilla cafe latte delicious; or maybe it does not deserve 5 stars without trying their foods. I know I will revisit the place when I stay near by 42th of New York for their...

What can I say about Vanilla Gorilla that doesn't seem contradicting?

I'll start with the positives, the drinks (coffee and milkshake) are simply perfect. I'd say they are the best we've had in NYC all week.

The breakfast wrap was ok and I disagree with other reviewers that say they are expensive. I'd say that they are totally in line with prices locally and so I would say its reasonable.

Where I totally agree with some peoples views are on the service. I feel this is the only reason I am marking VG down. The person taking the order seemed like he didn't want to be there and the manner in which he spoke (he wasn't overly rude) to us was contemptuous.

Now have seen a response to someones feedback that "Coffee shops typically do not have table service. It is part of the authentic experience." and "Please be aware that tipping is customary, so you may be expected to tip your server." Well I was shocked that I was expected to tip (which we did) when we had to collect the drinks and food ourselves, surely you tip when your server actually serves.

So my advice, don't miss out on VG, it's coffees and it's food are delicious, just...