Not As Bitter Introduce
In the vibrant and ever-evolving East Village, Not As Bitter has carved out a unique identity, offering a fresh take on the classic coffee shop experience. This isn't your average New York coffee joint; it's a creative space that combines the rich tradition of coffee with bold, unexpected flavors. The name itself is a playful nod to its mission: to create drinks that emphasize the creaminess and fragrance of coffee over its bitterness. Located on East 10th Street, this spot is a go-to for locals and visitors alike who appreciate a truly different kind of drink. The atmosphere is a key part of its appeal—it's "cute and dark," giving it a cozy, intimate feel that's a refreshing change from a standard, brightly lit cafe. This "super unique" vibe makes it a perfect place to hang out, get some work done, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a delicious drink. It has quickly become a favorite for its consistency, with customers loving that their drinks "come out just right every time."
What sets Not As Bitter apart is its focus on house-made, fresh ingredients and its innovative menu. The concept of fruit-infused lattes might sound unusual, but the execution is what makes them so popular. The owner, Jeffrey, has a passion for blending bold flavors, resulting in a menu that includes viral hits like the "Freshly Durian" and fan favorites like the "Banana Split." This commitment to creativity and quality has earned the shop a dedicated following. The menu isn't just about coffee, either; it includes a variety of "cofftea" drinks that blend coffee with tea, as well as classic beverages and a selection of delicious desserts. It’s a place that's built on passion and a genuine desire to create something special, and that care is evident in every cup they serve. For anyone in New York looking to break out of their coffee routine, Not As Bitter is a must-visit destination.
Conveniently located at 241 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003, USA, Not As Bitter is perfectly situated in the heart of the East Village. This neighborhood is known for its artistic and trendy vibe, with a plethora of unique shops, eateries, and bars. The coffee shop’s location makes it easily accessible for anyone in the area. For those traveling by public transportation, several subway lines, including the 6 and L trains, have stations within a short walking distance. This makes it a quick and easy stop, whether you're commuting to work or meeting up with friends.
While the cafe is a cozy and intimate space, it offers a variety of service options to fit your needs. The street parking in the area is limited and paid, but the convenience of public transit and the option for a quick takeout order make it a breeze. The casual and welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot to simply walk in and find a cozy nook to enjoy your drink. The layout of the shop is designed to be efficient for both dine-in and takeout service, ensuring a smooth experience for all customers.
Not As Bitter provides a streamlined set of services to ensure that every customer can get their coffee fix efficiently and conveniently. The focus is on fast service and high-quality products, making it an ideal spot for a quick break or a leisurely catch-up.
- Dine-in: The coffee shop offers a cozy and inviting space for customers to sit down and enjoy their drinks and desserts. It's a popular spot for solo dining and catching up with friends in a relaxed setting.
- Takeout: For those on the go, takeout is a fast and easy option. The baristas are known for their quick service, so you can grab your drink and get back to your day in no time.
- Delivery: Not As Bitter offers both standard and no-contact delivery options, allowing you to enjoy their unique drinks from the comfort of your home or office.
- Dessert: In addition to their coffee and tea offerings, the shop features a selection of delicious desserts, including a variety of cookies that are perfect for pairing with your drink.
The shop's commitment to fast and consistent service ensures that every visit, whether for dine-in or takeout, is a smooth and enjoyable one.
What makes Not As Bitter a standout coffee shop in a city full of them? Its unique features and commitment to quality are what draw in a loyal crowd.
- Great Coffee & Tea Selection: The core of Not As Bitter's appeal is its expertly crafted drinks. The menu features classic coffee options as well as highly innovative and popular fruit lattes and "cofftea" drinks. The "Freshly Durian" latte is a viral sensation, while the "Coconut Matcha" and "Banana Split" are fan favorites.
- Unique Atmosphere: The decor is a key highlight. Described as "dark," "cute," and "cozy," the vibe is a refreshing departure from the bright, minimalist aesthetic of many modern coffee shops. It feels intimate and trendy, making it a great place to meet and talk.
- Fast and Consistent Service: Customers consistently praise the speed and consistency of the service. Drinks are made quickly and correctly every time, ensuring a reliable and positive experience.
- House-Made Ingredients: The shop uses fresh, house-made ingredients, including its fruit purees, to create its unique flavors. This commitment to quality and freshness is evident in every sip and sets it apart from shops that use artificial syrups.
- Specialty Drinks: The "fruit latte" and "cofftea" categories are major highlights. The combination of coffee or tea with flavors like jasmine, osmanthus, and white peach oolong provides a unique and memorable tasting experience.
For questions, orders, or to simply learn more, you can contact Not As Bitter using the following information:
Address: 241 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (646) 939-3129
When you visit Not As Bitter, what’s truly worth choosing is the adventure. While you can't go wrong with a classic Latte or Americano, the real stars of the menu are the unique and inventive drinks. The Banana Split latte is a must-try; it’s praised for being "not crazy sweet" and having a perfectly balanced, delicious flavor. Another highly recommended option is the Freshly Durian, a drink that has gained a viral following for its bold and unexpected taste. For those who want to try the "cofftea" experience, the Jasmine Cofftea Latte offers a fragrant and creamy blend of coffee and tea. The Coconut Matcha is another standout specialty drink that has been described as "INSANE" and "amazing." Beyond the drinks, the desserts are worth a try, with the Pistachio Orange Blossom Cookie being a delightful and unique option to pair with your beverage.
Ultimately, what makes Not As Bitter worth choosing is the experience as a whole. It’s a place that redefines what a coffee shop can be, blending the familiar comfort of coffee with a creative, flavor-first approach. The cozy, dark, and trendy atmosphere is perfect for a low-key hangout, and the consistent, fast service means you'll never be disappointed. For New Yorkers seeking a coffee spot that is both dependable and delightfully different, Not As Bitter is an East Village gem that consistently delivers on its promise.
Not As Bitter Menu
All Day - Fruit Latte
- Strawberry Fields $8.50
- Freshly Durian $9.75
- Banana Split $8.25
- Under The Pineapple $8.75
- Coconut Cloud $8.75
- Maradol Papaya $8.25
All Day - Cofftea
- Jasmine Americano $6.50
- Osmanthus Americano $6.50
- White Peach Oolong Americano $6.50
- Jasmine Cofftea Latte $7.75
- Osmanthus Cofftea Latte $7.75
- White Peach Oolong Cofftea Latte $7.75
All Day - Specialty Latte
- Coconut Matcha $8.75
- Double Pistachio $10.00
All Day - Coffee
- Mocha $5.25
- Flat White $5.25
- Latte $5.25
- Americano $5.25
- Cappuccino $5.25
All Day - Dessert
- Lemon Crinkle Cookie $5.25
- Pistachio Orange Blossom Cookie $6.00
Not As Bitter Details
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
Popular for
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
Dining options
- Dessert
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Locals
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Parking
- Paid street parking
Not As Bitter Photos










Not As Bitter Location
Not As Bitter Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1My boyfriend and I love this place! The drinks are so tasty. I’ve been wanting to try the banana split and my boyfriend got the cold brew refresher no sour grapes here. He was fascinated by his drink, never had anything similar. I had some and it was delicious and he also enjoyed my banana split, not crazy sweet just how I like it. Was also recommended to add chocolate syrup if I wanted it a lil bit sweeter, but I opted out. The coffee shop itself is cute and dark, definitely different than your standard coffee shop- super unique! Staff were friendly too! We’ve been coming back, so far our favorite coffee place! The cups were also cute🤭
August 11 · Karina VazquezNot as Bitter has such a cool vibe with its cute, darker style decor that makes the space feel cozy. The service is really quick and the drinks come out just right every time. Love the consistency here it’s always spot on.
August 24 · John GonsalvesNot as interesting as it appears. Not as cool as it seems. Not as tasty as it looks.I got the iced double pistachio latte, which came out to be $9.25 with tax. Apparently, if you want no ice, they will charge you extra & this latte doesn't come in a hot version. Taste was okay, which is super underwhelming considering the hefty price tag for an iced coffee that is half filled with ice (I did ask for light ice). Barely tasted like pistachio & barely taste the coffee, more like a hint of something in milk. The person that took my order seemed too cool to work there that they weren't that friendly.I've passed by this place a few times & when it first opened there was so much hype around it that there would be a line outside but since I went when the hype died down, there was no line. It's a cool, hip, dark space that has a moody cafe vibe, but what's the point if the most popular drink is just mediocre. Maybe I'll come back to give it a 2nd chance & try something else on the menu, but maybe not.Also random note, but the tables are very awkwardly low compared to the seating.
April 11 · KATECool spot with an original menu but some of the baristas acted like they were doing us a favor by serving us.When we entered the coffee shop around 5pm, they looked at us like they were upset to have more customers.When the coffee shop was about to close, instead of directly letting us know it was time to leave, one of the male baristas thought it was more appropriate to turn the lights off on everyone and not saying anything. We all looked at each other wondering what was going on.Nonetheless, we loved the mango matcha latte with coconut milk and half & half! Not too sweet, very creamy and super refreshing!
May 27 · JohannaTried the papaya fruit latte which was one of the few drinks that could be made vegan. It was rather strong with two shots of espresso. Overall decent and the papaya wasn't too sweet. The other options I was interested in such as double pistachio mostly had dairy. So don't think it's for me personally. Lovely interior with a clean bathroom.
April 06 · Mandy Kuo
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