Neighborhood Watch: Espresso Bars Scatter SoHo Streets

SoHo is a lot of things to a lot of people. One of the things it does best, however, often goes overlooked under the mass of tourists, hip boutiques, and celeb sightings—the coffee.

It makes sense that if you are going to keep up with the fast-paced, fashion-obsessed, twig-like people that inhabit the neighborhood, you need a good cup (or two or three) of joe to keep you going. Luckily, there is a good cup to be found every few blocks in the area. In SoHo, not only can you be caffeinated, but you can be picky about it, too.

1. Aroma Espresso
145 Greene St. at Houston Street

One of the most popular espresso bars in Israel, this outpost is one of the few to make it to the Western Hemisphere. It is also one of the only places to order Turkish coffee in the city. Beyond the coffee, they make delicious sandwiches, generous salads, and offer wireless (though only at non-peak hours).

2. Gimme! Coffee
228 Mott St. between
Prince and Spring streets

Technically, it’s in NoLita, but it’s worth the few blocks’ walk. The place is fairly sparse and has nowhere to sit down except a bench outside, but the no-nonsense espresso is good to the last drop. They are big on building relationships with their coffee farmers, which means your purchase is guilt-free, but also on the expensive side.

3. Dean & DeLuca
560 Broadway at Prince Street

New York would be a much sadder place without the gourmet food shop Dean & DeLuca. While perusing for $5 strawberries, artisanal cheeses, and fresh gourmet breads, stop by the café at the front of the store. While the coffee is good, the best part is people-watching out of the front windows that open out to Broadway.

4. MarieBelle Fine Chocolates
484 Broome St. between
Wooster Street and West Broadway

While coffee is certainly an option here, a better choice would be some of the finest hot chocolate in the city. The classic Parisian café serves up rich, velvety bowls of hot chocolate in a classically European atmosphere. For an extra hit of caffeine, make it a mocha.