71 Irving Place

Tucked away on Irving place, just East of Union Square and north of NYU land, this café is brimming with a hominess that can often times be lacking in NYC. Take three steps down into 71 Irving Place and you have entered a cozy, old-fashion sitting room.

The coffee here is Irving’s own, that is, all the coffee sold here was roasted at Irving Farm Coffee Company, located in Hudson Valley New York. Roasting their own coffee means that 71 Irving place has greater control over the way their product tastes. And what a product they offer. Irving Farms boasts a huge variety of coffee, of diverse origin. There are flavored coffees, organics, decaffeinated, Espresso blends, and a fair trade Guatemalan coffee. All regions of coffee land are represented from Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi), to Asia (Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, India) and South America (Nicaragua, Columbia, Costa Rica) to North America (Mexico, Puerto Rico, Hawaii). By buying a cup of coffee in this cozy café basement, I have the opportunity to travel to another region of the world.

The Fair Trade Guatemalan is priced at $12.50/1b, certainly not the most expensive offering on their menu. One-pound bags range between $11 and $13, except for the Rare Hawaiian Kona Estate Extra Fancy Greenwell Estate, $32/lb. This is my must-try next time. I wonder if it’s priced so much higher because it’s grown with American workers. Interesting question. This coffee was grown organically and in a bird friendly environment. What exactly is bird friendly you ask? This refers to coffee grown in a rainforest without cutting down the valuable layer of the canopy in which birds live.

I tried the cappuccino, of course. It was actually a little bitter, for my taste, and very bols. My friend tried the Sinful Delight – chocolate hazelnut flavored coffee – and was hooked. There is also a good selection of healthy lunch options. I had the flavorful Mediterranean sandwich with basil pesto! Finally, to add one more perk to the cozy, stay-a-while atmosphere, wine is offered at night.

Details
71 Irving Place, New York, NY 10001
Hours: 7am – 9pm daily

Liz's Rating
Linger – Yes
Cost - $$
Value – High
Taste – 4 stars
Mood – 5 stars
Wifi - No