A Caffeine Fix for The Bronx
Often seen as the sign of a changing area coffee shops have long acted as agents of social change. Coffee shops tend to attract people interested in community, yet sometimes that comes with paying a premium $3.50 for a cappuccino. All newness aside, there is something special about a borough that supports and celebrates coffee shops that are more traditional and offer a little slice of Italy in New York City, with even a dark roast to boot.
Here are our four picks, some new and some neighborhood favorites, for all things coffee including equipment to better your brewing and macchiato making at home.
Filtered
With Counter Culture coffee beans and incredible pastries that are all from local New York vendors, the newly opened hot spot in Mott Haven has upped the coffee game for the whole borough. “It’s a vibrant space that allows the community to come together and meet as if it’s their own living room,” says co-owner Aaron Baird. “We decided to open because the demand for a coffee shop was there, and we absolutely loved the commercial space,” he adds. With a slogan “We Brew Uptown” this is the third venture from the Filtered crew, after Harlem and Washington Heights, and has slipped right into the evolving industrial neighborhood.
Filtered is at 2430 Third Avenue, Bronx. Follow them on Facebook. @filterednewyork
Mon Amour Coffee and Wine
If you were hankering for some sweet Parisian love, but don’t have time to jump the pond to France, then Mon Amour is the perfect alternative. The cafe opened last year and has quickly become a neighborhood favorite amongst the locals, in particular for the nights of live music and take out cappuccinos before a stroll around Van Cortlandt Park. For Mon Amour the idea is to cater to morning people (coffee) and evening people (wine) - the macaroons, almond croissants, and brioche are perfect anytime. Of course, the latte art is a big favorite here for the adult-kids, as they order their lattes on the run.
Mon Amour is at 234 West 238th Street, Bronx. Find them on Facebook. @monamourcoffeewine
La Casa Del Caffe
There is something to be said for the stalwarts of a neighborhood - serving espressos with zero fuss. La Casa, as locals call it, is going on 20 years in The Bronx and without trying to impress or offer something hip or trendy, they just do espressos the way Italy intended for them to be poured. So they’re dark and creamy - very much the antithesis of all things blonde and light in the third wave world of coffee du jour. And all of that on a vintage Faema machine. But really it’s more than just a coffee spot; it’s a place where locals come to feel part of all things Italian. The walls have European football paraphernalia, and there is always a zany Italian game show to watch on the television.
La Casa Del Caffe is at 1036 Morris Park Ave, Bronx. Find them on Facebook.
Cerini
For the coffee geek, Cerini is the staple in the neighborhood. For over 30 years in the Little Italy neighborhood of the Bronx is where this coffee supply store has taught the neighborhood all about treating the bean correctly. With more of a traditional take on coffee Cerini sells all the imported Italian brands like Lavazza, Illy, Caffe Kimbo and Segafredo. Of course, their selection of automated espresso machines for at home is another reason to make a long stop here - from Gaggia to Saeco and Rancilio - it’s an easy way to upgrade your own setup at home. It’s also the perfect spot for gifts for that coffee snob friend - grinders, frothers and milk pitchers come in every shape and size
Cerini is at 2334 Arthur Avenue, Bronx. Their website is here. @cerinicoffee
