NYC coffee shops, RFI

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Anyone know a nice, moderately quiet (or at least not completely packed) coffee shop, maybe somewhere in the East Village or NYU area? I'm looking for a daytime work locale, somewhere you can get a table and spend a few hours writing (it's useful to get out of the apt. sometimes). I've scouted around and not found quite what I'm looking for.
obligado

― JesseFox (JesseFox), Wednesday, 21 May 2003 13:06 (twenty-two years ago)

Just give up and go to Starbucks, it's all heading that way you know.

― Ally (mlescaut), Wednesday, 21 May 2003 13:09 (twenty-two years ago)

there's that Alt place on Avenue A.

― hstencil, Wednesday, 21 May 2003 13:10 (twenty-two years ago)

Coffee is overrated. Find a place that has a nice cuppa.

― Kenan Hebert (kenan), Wednesday, 21 May 2003 13:12 (twenty-two years ago)

Kenan, do you ever post anything to ILX that isn't totally reactionary?

― hstencil, Wednesday, 21 May 2003 13:30 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm sorry, hstencil. What would you prefer I post?

grumblegrumblejerkgrumble

― Kenan Hebert (kenan), Wednesday, 21 May 2003 13:33 (twenty-two years ago)

well it's pretty clear that this thread was soliciting coffee shop ideas in lower Manhattan.

― hstencil, Wednesday, 21 May 2003 13:36 (twenty-two years ago)

The problem with the coffee shops is that, because they are a dying breed, they tend to become overcrowded and noisy--it's a terrible environment for writing! Unless you figure out a time, after a bit of going about, that is guaranteed to be completely dead. And in the area specifically solicited? Yikes, fucking yikes, I've never had luck with it. I was actually being serious about Starbucks--they tend to be busy but no one is there for the ambiance (I hope), and the clerks don't give a shit if you sit there for ten hours and only order one drink.

― Ally (mlescaut), Wednesday, 21 May 2003 13:42 (twenty-two years ago)

plus doesn't Starbucks have wireless internet?

― hstencil, Wednesday, 21 May 2003 13:44 (twenty-two years ago)

Yeah, Starbucks is wi-fi (but I'm not -- escaping the lure of the Internet is one of my reasons for leaving the house -- I have to minimize my procrastination opportunities to get anything done). I don't really mind Starbucks, except that it's overpriced and kinda sterile. I'm thinking more someplace a little ratty but homey...but maybe those mostly exist in college towns now.

― JesseFox (JesseFox), Wednesday, 21 May 2003 14:00 (twenty-two years ago)

sounds like you should try Alt. It's on A somewhere between 7th and 10th (I forget exactly where).

― hstencil, Wednesday, 21 May 2003 14:02 (twenty-two years ago)

Nice place on the corner of 7th avenue and 10/11th street, opposite the library with the big clocktower, can't remember the name, but it's open late.

― Nordicskillz (Nordicskillz), Wednesday, 21 May 2003 14:03 (twenty-two years ago)

The best and quietest places to get writing or reading done are the far corners of old Russian restaurants (there are plenty in New York)!

― amateurist (amateurist), Wednesday, 21 May 2003 14:05 (twenty-two years ago)

(Granted I don't usually drink coffee.)

― amateurist (amateurist), Wednesday, 21 May 2003 14:05 (twenty-two years ago)

I have to minimize my procrastination opportunities to get anything done

Lord almighty. Tell it, brother. Someone once said that modern writing is the act of not being distracted by the internet. It's a feat of sheer will, most days.

My favorite coffee shops for writing are the ones inside bookstores. They're quiet, and no one ever gives you shit for not buying anything.

― Kenan Hebert (kenan), Wednesday, 21 May 2003 14:07 (twenty-two years ago)

Someone once said that modern writing is the act of not being distracted by the internet. It's a feat of sheer will, most days.

Heh. It's been interesting how I've been able to write while still checking the boards/being on AIM, and sometimes I have definitely had to avoid both those, more when I'm writing the novels or the like...

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 21 May 2003 14:36 (twenty-two years ago)

Housing Works Used Books Cafe on Crosby b/w Houston and Prince. They are into helping the homeless (read: they won't kick you out).

― felicity (felicity), Wednesday, 21 May 2003 14:40 (twenty-two years ago)

Michanna's on St. Mark's between 1st and Ave A is small, but usually quiet. The staff there is very friendly and won't kick you out or make mean faces at you for requesting another pot of water for tea.

― fiona (fiona), Wednesday, 21 May 2003 14:48 (twenty-two years ago)

I agree with Alt.coffee -- across from Tomkin's Sq. Park, on Ave. A around 9th st.? and Housing Works, and I'll add Des Moines, on the corner of Ave. A and 3rd st., and my neighborhood fave the Lotus Club -- on the corner of Clinton and Stanton St. I can now report that since we did this with Geeta, I have sampled Halcyon in Brooklyn and I was not impressed. If I want to hear/see a DJ I'll go to a club. Though I liked the retro tables and my vanilla milk shake.

― Mary (Mary), Wednesday, 21 May 2003 19:12 (twenty-two years ago)

Yeah! And if I wanted to work I'd go to my office! err . . .

― felicity (felicity), Wednesday, 21 May 2003 19:19 (twenty-two years ago)

Man, there's this great polish place on E Broadway and Clinton, I think, just past Seward Park, but I can't remember the name. They have great fucking blintzes.

― teeny (teeny), Wednesday, 21 May 2003 19:45 (twenty-two years ago)

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