Jackson Heights Life

There's been a lot of recent discussion on the neighborhood's coffee, and it seems that 2007 brought us some new options, in addition to the promise of a soon to open Starbuck's.  Just looking at the polling list shows how lucky we are in Jackson Heights to have so much choice.  Below is my take on each place:

• Espresso 77:  Small and cozy.  Awesome coffee, unlike anything we've had in the neighborhood.  Great for those that enjoy the cafe vibe and like to lounge.  Knowledgeable and friendly staff.  Eager to please proprietors.

• Starbuck's:  Large selection of brews.  I haven't learned enough about all of them yet to comment thoroughly.  Kind of the Barnes & Noble of coffee shops.  Sit back, relax, read a good book, browse the web, meet a friend, etc.

• Dunkin Donuts:  I can't help but feel some loyalty for this place.  They've kept my coffee cup full for a few years now, especially when all I wanted was just that...a plain ol' cup of drip coffee.  The neighborhood senior set seems to enjoy meeting here, and I've managed to meet a few interesting folks there.

• Seba Seba:  Good coffee when you're in the mood for a cafe con leche accompanied perhaps with an empanada.  The vibe can be a bit raucous inside though.  In my opinion, a diner serving up Colombian food in addition to coffee.

• Lety's Cafe & Bakery:  Nice pastries, delicately prepared by Mr. Herrera, formerly of Veniero's.  Again, nothing like this in the neighborhood...and no, Carollo doesn't compare.  Friendly, family owned and run business.  I have no issues with making myself comfortable here.  I've noticed that despite the recent opening of Espresso 77, loyal Lety's customers keep going back for the Italian pastries.  The coffee being served is good, and is traditional drip.  Espresso also available, but to be honest, I sneak around the corner for that!  No WiFi here, but Lety and Octavio do make you feel welcomed.

• Cannelle Patisserie:  My version of in and out coffee coupled with an awesome flakey and buttery croissant!  Muffins and assorted pastries done to perfection.  They seem to now be experimenting with quiche, but I've yet to try it.  Coffee is a bit on the weak side, and could use some improvement.  The place is pretty huge and they still have room for more tables!  Good place to take the kids.  No WiFi here.  Due to its size, it's can get a bit loud in there anyway, so you really wouldn't want to try to sit and concentrate on something other than enjoying the amazing pastries.

• McDonald's:  You pretty much know the deal.  I have heard some positive comments on the new coffee they're serving.

What coffee will you be drinking in 2008?

Dunkin Donuts and old greek coffee shop coffee always rocks. Everything else is torpe.

It looks like our area will be getting yet another great coffee shop.

Jen at the JHFamilies listserv noticed that Esparks Coffee (currently in Astoria) is opening a second location at  80-01 Broadway (at Baxter).  The hospital and playground are right there, so this is an ideal location for something like this.  It should do well.

I happen to love Starbucks coffee.  When my husband I moved to the neighborhood I emailed Starbucks and asked if they would think about opening a store.  We're still waiting.  At least now, we have FreshDirect, at first they would not deliever to Jackson Heights, you could order on line and then have to go to Long Island City to pick it up.

Opening a coffee shop near Elmhurst Hospital is a clever move. They will have tons of business. Sounds great.

Thanks for posting Todd.

I can't even begin to imagine ordering a 500 cal. "McLatte" to go with that 800 cal. Big Mac!  What's next?  McWifFi?   

Actually, yeah, there are plenty of McDonald's that already offer WiFi. A friend upstate considers her local McDonald's her second office.

Wow!  I've been living in a cave!

Actually, offering WiFi is not so offbeat .  Although, I do tend to believe that there would be far too many distractions in a place like McDonald's to enjoy WiFi.

Scorps1027 posts an extended Ode to Coffee (with special fondness for chai on 74th Street in Jackson Heights) in her blog, In Transit.