Tasting Tribeca With Charming Chatter

Tribeca, Located in lower Manhattan, overflows with hidden gems and tasty treats. This week, Charming Chatter will be your guide to all that is scrumptious and up-and-coming in the ever-evolving Tribeca neighborhood. From fun lattes to soul-warming desserts, Tribeca proves that the New York City streets are overflowing with flavor on every corner.

1) Now or Never Coffee

30 Grand St, New York, NY 10013

Now or Never is a cute and quaint coffee shop tucked away on Grand Street, a spot you can't walk past without trying. On those mornings you are too lazy to make breakfast, they got you covered with various fresh and simple breakfast bites. Feeling sweet? Try out their overnight oats with wallnuts or decadent crispy waffles. Got a craving for something savory? Their elegantly crafted avocado toast or breakfast sandwich should do the trick. Aside from food, the warm and earthy atmosphere offers a refreshing juxtaposition to the wild and chaotic city life. If you need a quiet spot to study or just want to unwind with some friends, Now or Never is the ideal oasis. Most importantly, their cozy lattes, coming in various yummy specialty flavors, are the perfect cure for Monday morning blues when all you need is an extra caffeine boost.

2) Cafe Atelier

112 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013

In a world where coffee shops exist on every block, it can be challenging to distinguish one from the next. On the other hand, Cafe Atelier, half coffee shop, half flower shop, certainly is a vibrant iris amongst the dandelions. The moment you step inside, you experience the duality of the establishment. After ordering an artisanal latte, (preferably one of their floral flavor combinations to immerse yourself in the garden of coffee), you can make your way to the seating area, decorated with ethereal greenery and never-ending pastel floral arrangements. Whether you fancy a rose, lavender, or lemon ginger latte, they will be crafted with care and finesse. Want more than just a regular cafe experience? Book a flower arrangement-making class or a simple afternoon tea with your closest friends to blossom a deeper relationship.

3) Cafe Maman

211 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013

For those who wish to feel like a character in a romance novel, Cafe Maman on West Broadway is a must-try hotspot for all things sweet and sensitive. Upon entering, you are welcomed by beautiful Papyrus greeting cards and cutesy novelty gifts for the one-of-a-kind individuals you cherish. While browsing, I spotted a Blockbuster board game and a birthday card featuring Ryan Gosling's face. It's safe to say I instantly felt “seen” as a customer. After heading to the bakery section, my senses were awestricken by the smell of warm croissants and freshly brewed coffee (the ultimate power couple, if you ask me). For those with food allergies or sensitivities, I explored their gluten-free options and was blown away by the sweet zucchini bread paired with a hot green tea, the perfect breakfast combo on the days you want something simple and light. For the bread lovers out there, fear not. Their selection of croissants, cookies, and pastries is sure to impress. They even serve breakfast and brunch. Even if you don’t find your true love while grabbing for the same Blockbuster board game, you will surely fall in love with their tasty food options and alluring atmosphere.

4) 787 Coffee Co.

93 Worth St, New York, NY 10013

I stumbled into 787 Coffee on a whim and am happy I did. While they are a tiny coffee shop hidden on the construction-ridden Worth Street, their diverse menu speaks volumes. The 787 website is highly informative for coffee lovers wishing to learn more about the unique drinks they serve that you won't find at your run-of-the-mill coffee shop. Your coffee vocabulary is sure to grow after checking out their menu. Some standouts for me are their Bombon Coffee (half espresso, half sweetened condensed milk), the Horchata Latte (made with rice milk and flavored with cinnamon), and the sweet Mazapan Latte inspired by the nutty flavors of the classic Mexican Mazapan candy. If you have a sweet tooth or are just looking for a new flavor to enjoy, 787 will bring you the bright, refreshing taste you've been searching for.

5) Sweetgreen

125 Chambers St, New York, NY 10007

While Sweetgreen may not be unique to Tribeca, it remains a buzzing lunch spot in the area. Whether you seek their famous Caesar salad with crispy bread or mix and match a creation of your own, expect your meal to be both tasty and well-balanced. After recently trying Sweetgreen for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised with the flavorful array of seasonal vegetables and creative menu options inspired by international cuisine. While at times pricy, it's nice to know that there are healthy establishments that cater to dietary restrictions, allowing every customer to come in and feel assured there is something on the menu for them to enjoy. For anyone wishing to add more plant-based protein to their diet, the crispy and savory sesame tofu is definitely worth trying. After watching the busy business people order ahead of me, I quickly realized some fan favorites include the warm portobello mix and the pesto vinaigrette. Sweetgreen reminds us all that healthy food can be both tasty and satisfying.