This is definitely one of my favorite cafés in the city. First of all, the area is the lovely Lower East, right across the street from a little park.
The Quintessential NYC Coffee Cup
Iris Café – Café Review
Iris Café is located in one of the most beautiful spots in New York City, in a lush corner of Brooklyn Heights.
They serve a delicious brunch, which made for an amazing brunch and coffee combination.
Be ready to share a table because they have benches set up, which act as communal tables.
They also have an Iris Take-Out (Willowtown Store #7) just a couple of doors down, which is full of snacks and small meals, from breakfast sandwiches to salads.
I ordered a latte, which my friend argues is the best one in the city, which I now completely agree with.
It is very close to DUMBO, so after a nice brunch, I would recommend walking just a few blocks over to the Brooklyn Bridge Park to relax, where there is the Brooklyn Bridge Wine Bar and lots of green grass to hang out.
20 Columbia Pl Brooklyn, NY 11201
Third Rail Coffee – Café Review
Third Rail Coffee acts as a coffee hub for coffee writers, coffee enthusiasts, and baristas alike. The interior is sleek and gray, with a few tables scattered around.
They have an incredibly simple menu. I ordered a classic drip coffee and a sticky bun.
It's the perfect place to do work because of the abundant space and the cleanliness. It's a good atmosphere to organize your thoughts, with wifi and outlets.
Liz Clayton had her book signing there, and just across the street, there is a little square where bands play and can act as an outdoor sitting space.
Coffee by: Stumptown
240 Sullivan St. New York, NY 10012
159 2nd Ave. (New Location!) New York NY 10003
Anders Crabo - Staff Bio
Meet this awesome Joyrider - Anders Crabo is a Pomona grad, denim enthusiast and the brains behind our Equipment Tech operation.
Hometown?
Bellingham, WA.
Alma Mater/Degree:
Pomona College, Chemistry.
Chemistry major? How did you get into coffee?
While studying abroad in Stockholm, I happened upon a public cupping at Swedish roaster Johan & Nyström's concept cafe. Johan & Nyström introduced me to the coffee world that exists outside of Starbucks and coffee machines. I took home a Hario v60 and a hand grinder and have been experimenting ever since.
What is your first coffee memory?
My dad ordering quadruple espressos from Starbucks. Or the Frappuccino craze.
What is your role at Joyride?
On paper, Sales and Equipment. In practice, a little bit of everything.
Where do you see the coffee industry being in a few years?
I think sourcing will become more meticulous, brewing methods more interesting and varied, and espresso machines more insane. Small-batch roasting will become the norm. I hope the market will allow small roasters to continue popping up and that developments in brewing technology won't eliminate the need of skilled baristas. Honestly, it's too difficult to state what I think here.
Do you think the artisanal coffee industry has the potential to become a global trend? Or is it limited to the U.S.?
Yes. Scandinavia, Japan, and elsewhere have already caught on.
Pet Peeves?
When people leave toothpaste tubes uncapped and cereal bags unsealed.
Interests?
Coffee, fashion, denim, craft beer, gastronomy.
Bad Habits?
I'm laziest when something is within reach.
Ideal Date?
A bicycle ride or hike and a picnic.
Favorite Color?
Indigo.
Favorite Movie?
Chinatown is up there.
Favorite Music?
Trap, deep house, and Top 40 hip-hop.
Favorite Book?
Anything by Bolaño and Salinger. Although I don't love The Catcher in the Rye.
Favorite Cup of Coffee?
Free coffee.
Favorite Alcoholic Beverage?
Generally, Northwest IPAs. Currently, farmhouse ales.
Favorite Non-Alcoholic Beverage?
Besides coffee, either chocolate milk or sparkling water.
------------------------- To reach Anders directly, send an email to Anders@joyridecoffee.com
Coffee and Technology
Coffee and technology have long been buddies since the early days.The first webcam was set up in Cambridge with the sole purpose of keeping a tab on the coffee. And now fast forward to now with different coffee technology popping up every where. Every aspect of coffee is being touched by the rapid innovation. Apparently, when it comes to drinking coffee, as is the case with many other gastronomical industries, the goal is to make each bite or sip as delicious as possible. There are some very cool gadgets from something called the Steampunk, a "tricked-out-siphon-turned-glass-pipe-organ brewed coffee contraption," to the Prima Tamp, which essentially allows a barista to position the handle on whatever they need at whatever angle. Liz Clayton's list in her articles features more interesting tools.
Even we have decided to reinvent the use of the keg, resulting in our Cold Brew Kegerator.
For a more detailed description of these various technologies:
"You giving me your number sounds like a fair trade"
Café Grumpy – Café Review
I was hoping to run into Lena Dunham at Café Grumpy, as the spot was featured on the HBO hit show "Girls."
Contrary to the name, the people there were all very friendly. I ordered a Yirgacheffe, as they happen to be in season. It was sweet, tangy, fresh, and actually had a savory after-taste. They use their own roast, but it's great quality.
They individually brew each cup of coffee, so expect a little wait.
There are no laptops allowed, which creates a lively, social atmosphere. It's a great place to go and catch up with a friend, rather than to do work. The place had a rustic, cool feel, with trees and brick walls.
The barista was very helpful and attentive. They gave great suggestions and seemed genuinely interested in giving the customer a good cup of coffee.
Coffee: Own beans
Café Grumpy
193 Meserole Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11122
383 7th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215
13 Essex St
New York, NY 10002
224 W. 20th St
New York, NY 10011
530 7th Ave
New York, NY 10018