Barclay Street Café NYC

- 81 Barclay St, New York, NY 10007

In the fast-paced environment of downtown New York, finding a quiet and comfortable spot to enjoy a good cup of coffee can feel like a small victory. Tucked away at 81 Barclay Street, the Barclay Street Café offers exactly that. This is not a sprawling, high-concept cafe; instead, it is a small, cozy space that provides a sense of calm amidst the urban chaos. Known for its laid-back and casual atmosphere, it serves as a welcome respite for students, locals, and professionals alike. A customer review highlighted its charm, describing it as a "small cosy cafe with large windows perfectly facing the sun and street view," making it an ideal place to pause and watch the city go by.

The café has established itself as a go-to spot for those seeking a quick and satisfying meal or a place to settle in with their laptop. The menu is focused on the essentials, offering a selection of great coffee and tea, alongside some comfort food and quick bite options. While a customer noted that the food options might be "meager," they also expressed a positive view, stating that most people around them had a pizza slice and that they were "definitely" going to try it. This suggests that while the variety may not be immense, the quality of what is offered is appealing to customers.

The cafe’s unique location, which is situated within the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), gives it a distinct character. As one review explained, it has "two sides, and thus two very different experiences," one serving the campus and the other the public. The campus side is noted for its amenities like microwaves, which are a major convenience for students, while the public side offers a quiet space to enjoy a break. This dual-purpose nature creates a bustling environment, but also means that the staff, who are sometimes split between the two sections, are working hard to keep things running smoothly. This unique setup contributes to the café's authentic, no-frills character.

Location and Accessibility

The Barclay Street Café is located at 81 Barclay St, New York, NY 10007, USA, in the heart of downtown Manhattan. Its position is particularly notable because it's part of the BMCC campus, which is an important institution in the area. The cafe's street-level location makes it easily accessible to the general public, and it is a convenient spot for students and faculty. The cafe has a "Wheelchair accessible entrance," ensuring it can accommodate a diverse clientele.

For those commuting via public transit, the café is within walking distance of several major subway lines. It is situated near the Chambers Street stations that serve the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E lines, and is also close to the R and W lines at City Hall. The central location makes it a great meeting spot or a convenient stop for a quick coffee before heading to work or class. The cafe’s proximity to landmarks and a major educational institution makes it a well-known and frequented spot in the neighborhood.

Services Offered

• Takeout: For people on the move, the café offers a quick and efficient takeout service.
• Dine-in: Customers can enjoy their drinks and food in the cozy, casual atmosphere of the café.
• Payment Options: The café accepts various payment methods, including "Credit cards," "Debit cards," and "NFC mobile payments," which makes for a fast and hassle-free transaction.
• On-site Amenities: The availability of a "Restroom" is a key convenience for customers who choose to dine in or work for a while.

Features / Highlights

• Great Coffee and Tea: The café is noted for its quality beverages, with a "Great coffee" and "Great tea selection," including a variety of espresso drinks, brewed coffees, and iced teas.
• Cozy and Casual Atmosphere: The vibe is laid-back and comfortable, making it a perfect spot for "Solo dining" and a relaxed break.
• Good for Working: With amenities like Wi-Fi and a calm environment, it is considered "Good for working on laptop," which is highly valued by students and remote workers.
• Comfort Food and Quick Bites: The menu offers simple yet satisfying comfort food, ideal for a quick breakfast or lunch.
• "Large Windows Perfectly Facing the Sun": As one customer highlighted, the natural light and street view provide a pleasant and relaxing environment.

Contact Information

Address: 81 Barclay St, New York, NY 10007, USA
Phone: (212) 901-1530

What is worth choosing

For a New Yorker in the downtown area, Barclay Street Café is a truly unique choice. What makes it worth visiting is its unique blend of a cozy, neighborhood feel with the practical, urban amenities one needs. It's an excellent option for those who want to avoid the impersonal feel of larger chain coffee shops. One customer's experience with the "Chai latte" being "worth trying" and another mentioning that most people were enjoying a "pizza slice" points to the fact that while the menu may seem small, the quality and selection are what matter most. The cafe is not trying to be everything to everyone; instead, it is focused on doing a few things well, which is a key to its charm.

Beyond the menu, the atmosphere is a major draw. It is a place where you can feel "still in time" on a busy street, a sentiment that resonates deeply with anyone who lives in or works in New York City. The location is an excellent spot for "Solo dining" and is "Good for working on laptop," making it a functional and comfortable space. The fact that it is situated within BMCC means it serves as a microcosm of the city itself, with a diverse mix of students and locals. The cafe's unique character and its ability to provide a calm, welcoming space for a variety of needs make it a standout choice in the downtown area. Despite some varied reviews regarding its on-campus quirks, the core experience of good coffee, comfortable seating, and a casual atmosphere makes the Barclay Street Café a reliable and charming destination.

Barclay Street Café NYC

81 Barclay St, New York, NY 10007, USA