Abraço

81 East 7th Street. Take the 6 to Astor Place.

Abraco is tiny. Like, genuinely tiny. Maybe five seats inside and a small bench outside. There’s no Wi-Fi. There are no outlets. You cannot camp here for three hours on your laptop. You come, you stand at the counter, you drink one of the best espressos in New York City, and you leave feeling like a more complete person.

The olive oil cake is famous for a reason and you should order a slice with your coffee. The cortado here is my gold standard. Every time I drink a cortado somewhere else, I’m comparing it to Abraco’s, and it usually loses. This is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re in on a secret. Because you kind of are.

Opened in 2007, Abraço is a cozy European-inspired cafe that moonlights as a cocktail bar in the evenings. Using beans roasted in-house, the espresso. Always balanced, the rich shot is the closest you’ll get to Italy without checking bags.

Considering Abraço is an espresso bar first and foremost, you can be sure that any espresso-based drinks will impress, but locals know that’s only half the story. The party doesn’t start without a gander at the pastry case, the olive oil cake is a must-order in my book and pairs perfectly with a cappuccino.

The petite outdoor patio is a hit during the summer months, so invite a friend, pick up a slice of olive oil cake and spend time catching up over proper coffee and really good treats.