Potion Cafe

03/16/08

The model coffeehouse, atmospheric, entertaining, sophisticated and still accessible

by fallenashes at Citysearch

Certainly the best coffeehouse avaliable in the area, much better than anything you'd find in Manhattan. Potion particularly is great for an early morning meal -- the sandwiches taste amazing and they have a good selection of teas. There's always fresh fruit avaliable as well, which is unusual for coffeehouses. The staff is friendly and efficient at what they do, and the clientele is a healthy variety of bohemians/freelancers/groggy proffessionals.

Night time often brings either music acts or just a quiet place to relax after a long day's work. Overall, the place is rustic enough to be welcoming whether you're looking to read a book or meet some friends. People will leave you alone if you have work to do, but most of the regulars are more than happy to entertain some enlightened conversation. Most of them live in the building, so it's a good way to find out about what events are going on in the area as well. Anyone who says coffeehouse culture is dead needs to spend a few hours in this gem.

05/17/07

what every coffeehouse should strive to be

by riaskaya+nyc at Citysearch

that about covers it. best coffee and best atmosphere anywhere in nyc. everything here rocks, from the owners, to the sandwiches, to the patrons.

• Pros: everything
• Cons: it's just too damn far from where i live