Recently visited Manhattan and stopped by Blue Bottle a couple times: neither of which disappointed! The first time I ordered a decaf Americano, which came out quickly and was very tasty. The second time I ordered the drip coffee at the recommendation of the barista, and it was also fantastic. I love its proximity to Bryant Park (and the hotel I was staying at haha) and the fact that they open 30 minutes earlier than the surrounding coffee shops.
I'm a bit of an introvert and crowds aren't really my thing, so when I traveled to Manhattan for a few days last week for work, I did all my sight seeing in the early morning hours. So thankful that BB opens at 6:30!
The prices are fair, coffee is good, and service is fast. I imagine the busier times may take a lot longer, and the shop is very small. Anything more than 15 or 20 customers at once and it will be CROWDED. But, for an early morning coffee stop ahead of a walk around the park, it was PERFECT. I even got a mug to bring back with me to California. read more