Yemayá Café

- 743 Riverside Dr Balcony, New York, NY 10031

Introduction / Overview

New York City is a city of hidden gems, and Yemayá Café, nestled in the heart of Hamilton Heights, is a shining example. This unique cafe offers much more than a typical coffee shop experience—it’s a true cultural and culinary oasis, blending Caribbean soul with a French cafe elegance right in Upper Manhattan. Identified as both a Latino-owned and women-owned business, Yemayá Café brings a fresh, vibrant, and deeply personalized touch to the local dining scene. Inspired by Yemayá, the nurturing goddess of the ocean, the atmosphere is designed to be serene, sunlit, and filled with good energy, offering a much-needed escape from the bustling city streets. Patrons rave about the spot’s "good vibes" and "amazing views," confirming its status as a one-of-a-kind destination. The menu features a variety of offerings, from soulful espresso and tropical teas (like Hibiscus Glow and Dos Islas) to island-inspired Caribbean-fusion breakfast sandwiches and brunch bites, all complemented by a full bar selection including cocktails and wine. This is a place where you can grab your morning coffee, settle in for a relaxed brunch, or enjoy a spirited evening with live entertainment, all while soaking up the beautiful staff and super chill environment.

Location and Accessibility

Yemayá Café is located at a truly exceptional address: 743 Riverside Dr Balcony, New York, NY 10031, USA. The "Balcony" in the address is not merely a descriptive word; it points to one of the cafe’s most unique attributes—its prime location offering stunning vistas. Situated right off Riverside Drive, the cafe provides unparalleled views, making it a spectacular setting for your next coffee break or cocktail hour. This location in Hamilton Heights makes it easily accessible for residents of Upper Manhattan, and the proximity to major transit options ensures a comfortable trip for visitors from across the boroughs. The cafe’s distinctive location in a quiet, elevated part of the neighborhood provides a unique, peaceful retreat. While the cafe is focused on the open-air elements, the service options include:

• Curbside Pickup
• Takeout
• Dine-in (with various seating options)

A welcoming policy also extends to pets, as the cafe is dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your four-legged companion along for your outdoor seating experience.

Services Offered

Yemayá Café provides a holistic range of services focused on comfort, convenience, and community engagement. They cater to a variety of customer needs, from a quick grab-and-go order to a fully seated, enjoyable experience. The offered services include:

• Outdoor Seating: A significant portion of the appeal, allowing patrons to enjoy the scenic Riverside Drive views.
• Rooftop Seating: Offering a premier vantage point for a truly memorable New York cafe experience.
• Curbside Pickup: For quick and convenient retrieval of orders without leaving your car.
• Takeout: Standard service for customers on the move.
• Dine-in: Seating available for patrons wishing to relax and enjoy the ambiance.
• Table Service: Available in the seating areas.
• Full Beverage Service: Including non-alcoholic coffee and tea, as well as a selection of alcohol, beer, cocktails, and wine.
• Happy Hour: Dedicated happy hour drinks and food specials.
• Live Entertainment: Featuring both live music and other live performances, adding a vibrant cultural layer to the cafe experience.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Yemayá Café apart in the crowded New York cafe landscape are its distinct highlights and deep commitment to community and culture. The business is built around unique features that make it a favorite for locals and a must-visit spot for anyone in the region. Key highlights include:

• Stunning Views and Rooftop Seating: The cafe is praised for its "amazing views," which, combined with its rare rooftop seating, provides a picturesque backdrop for dining, especially enjoyable during the warmer New York months.
• Live Entertainment: The venue frequently hosts live music and performances, transforming the cafe into a dynamic cultural hub and a vibrant gathering spot for the neighborhood.
• Identity and Ownership: As a Latino-owned and women-owned business, it champions diversity and provides a unique cultural perspective to its menu and atmosphere, from soulful espresso to island-inspired bites.
• Inclusivity: The cafe is emphatically family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and designated as a transgender safe space, ensuring a welcoming and respectful environment for every patron.
• Beverage Program: A sophisticated offering that goes beyond standard cafe fare, including specialty tropical teas, crafted mocktails (like Blue Yemayá), and a full selection of alcoholic beverages, complete with a happy hour.
• Atmosphere and Vibe: Customers consistently describe the atmosphere as "super chill" and having "good vibes," highlighting the staff and the serene, artisanal design inspired by coastal charm.
• Payment Convenience: Accepts Credit Cards for easy transactions.
• Dog-Friendly Patio: Allows dogs in the outdoor seating area, a great perk for New Yorkers exploring Riverside Drive with their pets.

Contact Information

To experience the good vibes and amazing views at this unique Hamilton Heights spot, you can find Yemayá Café at the following location:

• Address: 743 Riverside Dr Balcony, New York, NY 10031, USA

Note: Phone information is not publicly available or provided, we recommend checking their website or social media for the most current contact information.

What is Worth Choosing

For New Yorkers looking to make the most of their visit to Yemayá Café, the experience itself is what is most worth choosing. The rare combination of a beautiful, inclusive setting and quality offerings is truly unique to the Hamilton Heights area. The number one choice should be securing a spot in the outdoor or highly coveted rooftop seating areas, especially in the late afternoon or early evening, to fully appreciate the "amazing views" and the ambiance. On the menu, a standout choice is to explore their beverage program. Start with a soulful espresso or one of their distinct tropical teas, such as Hibiscus Glow or Dos Islas, before transitioning to their Happy Hour drinks or crafted cocktails and wine list. Food-wise, indulging in the Caribbean-fusion breakfast sandwiches or brunch bites offers a taste of the unique culinary blend championed by the Latino and women-owned establishment. Crucially, try to plan your visit when live music or performances are scheduled, as this is a highlighted feature that elevates the "good vibes" and cultural atmosphere to a truly memorable New York experience. In essence, Yemayá Café is worth choosing not just for a meal, but for a scenic, soulful, and culturally rich moment that feels like a mini-getaway in your own city.

Yemayá Café

743 Riverside Dr Balcony, New York, NY 10031, USA