THE PERFECT ACCESSORY

Twenty-somethings who reside in an urban area (note that I am avoiding a certain acronym), know the perfect accessory to city living. Personalized to reflect who you are, rather than what you're wearing or the season you're dressing for, this accessory says a million things without speaking one word. It might be determined by your mood, but more often it is your individual preferences that determines this unique decision. You know what it is, what I'm talking about. This is a basic and a classic. What is it? The coffeehouse.

Joey and Ross at Central Perk

It's the proverbial site for that final cram session or doing some office work when the office is unbearable. Maybe it's the right setting to dive deep into a new novel or get lost in the Sunday paper. Whether the company in attendance is a steaming cup of Indian tea or shots of Turkish espresso, everyone has that one go-to where time can be spent--alone, with friends, with someone special.

So welcome to this round: New York cafes versus DC coffee houses.


When I started working in SoHo, I knew that it wasn't my timeless leather bag or my slim charcoal plain-toes that gave me legitimacy in this ultra-hip 'hood. It was where my morning cup of Joe came from. And working with people who live, breathe, and chain-smoke New York chic, I had to do my research to make the right decision.

During this journey, I've seen some of the best the city has to offer. At Columbia, the Hungarian Pastry Shop is the standard java joint. It's a pretty reliable place and anyone who has spent time in the Upper West Side have fallen in love with its European charm. Nearby Oren's is my favorite grab-and-go spot. On the parallel side of campus, Amsterdam's Max Caffe reigns supreme. Porto Rico was suggested by my office manager, which I thought was a sure thing coming from an aspiring gallery curator, but its lack of sitting room made me a one-time visitor. My stylish director sent me over to Cafe Cafe which had a great vibe, but was not open early enough for me. Upon my return during lunch, the coffee did not prove to be worth the money or the walk. I consulted my ever trusty iPhone and it brought me to several gems on Thompson, right around the corner from the showroom. City Girl Cafe proved too cool for me and nearby Hiroko's Place was not as trendy as I'd like it to be. But my Goldilocks syndrome soon came to a close when I found Thompson Cafe across the street. And it was just right--great ambiance, great coffee, great value. Find me sitting there before the daily morning meeting.


In DC, the choice of cafe was not one made out of luxury, but out of necessity. As a student, the cafe had to be my shrine--where I could reach a level of academic zen. As well as stay away from the temptations of BravoTV and instant messaging.

One of my first adventures as a fully independent college student was out to Kramerbooks & Afterwords in Dupont Circle. I had read all about this place in my NFT (Not for Tourist) guide, so I knew it had to be legit. And to this day, it remains one of my favorites. But, all the buzz around American's very politically minded campus was Politic & Prose. Though I enjoyed them, I knew that DC had more to offer--and without a bookstore attachment. I spent a wonderful afternoon with my partner in crime venturing out on U Street and stumbling upon LoveCafe, but we lusted after their sister establishment's build-your-own cupcakes instead. After hearing words of praise for SoHo from someone who's opinion is pretty much gospel, I had to check it out. And while I was not disappointed, it just did not have the dim ambiance I had to have in my coffeehouse. Dos Gringos was another cafe I stumbled upon while doing some field research for a class in Mount Pleasant. And while I was intrigued by its story and the fact that it hosted intercambios, the coffee did not do it for me. In DC, my coffeehouse is hands down, Tryst. While it is airy and spacious not dark and crowded, their closely placed tables and couches give it an intimate feel. Offering great pastries, excellent coffee, and game boards, Tryst is just right. It also helps that I spent one of my favorite Sunday afternoons there playing an intense Scrabble match.

But now, it comes down to deciding the city that owns the title of "Best Coffeehouses." Both put up admirable efforts, providing places that are either hip, homey or in between. My criteria is split in two: ambiance and beverage quality. As far as ambiance, both obviously meet the criteria. But because DC can hold its own and does so sans the overcrowded, rude and demanding, hipper-than-thou crowd, the Capital is the better of the two. However, after tasting many cups of coffee and tea, and being a purist hot beverage consumer (Coffee, black. Tea, double bag. Please and thank you), New York reigns supreme. And because a good cup of coffee can do much more for me than a broken-in couch and instrumental Mayan music, New York takes the cake.

Winner=New York City.

P.S. I only wrote about a handful of coffeehouses. I'd love to hear about any others that I should try out, in either city.

P.P.S. I have to admit that I have undying affection for Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Lattee (non-fat, double shot, extra froth). So sue me, I like one drink at 'bucks.


Image from: www.days-of-wild.nl