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As the name suggests, this spot specializes in some sweeter drinks which aren't bitter. Friendly service! Cozy ambiance with the darker interior. Exterior is very minimalistic but clean. I snagged a matcha for comparison sake but I do wish I tried their other specialty drinks instead. Cream Top Salty Black Sugar Matcha - matcha was pretty good with earthy undertones but I've had more rich, savory, and umami. The cream top was delicious. Though the salt may be a bit of a surprise to the taste buds, it does add a stark contrast to highlight the sweet yet savory cream. Overall the cream top was delicious and carried the matcha a bit.
love the menu here -- very unique fruity flavors. I got the passionfruit cream top matcha and while it tasted good, it didn't really taste like matcha. the passionfruit cream top was delicious, and the base tasted like a green milk tea rather than matcha. didn't hate it but it was surprising, and also pretty pricey ($9)
You could definitely miss the place if you're not paying attention. black exterior with one big window is what you're looking for. Intrigued with the durian latte, as a person who grew up eating durians, I have to try it. Wonder how it would work, double espresso with durian flesh, coconut milk, who would've thought. It was surprisingly works! YUM! Super nice barista too, she asked if I want a shot of espresso instead of two cause it's 5pm, which i should've listen. Be back cause I'm still thinking about that latte !
Got the matcha with papaya syrup. The matcha was good, but it overpowered the papaya flavor as I couldn't taste it at all. The durian latte was a very unique drink that I think is worth trying. I am not the biggest fan of durian, but found the drink to be aromatic and refreshing.
Apparently this store got really popular on TikTok, but I genuinely didn't hear about it until my friend introduced it to me. The inside has lots of study space and is designed in a minimalist fashion. They have giant cookies generously salted sitting at the entrance, and very nice workers. - Hawthorne tree (5/5): both me and my friend got this. If you don't like bitter coffee (hence the store name), then this is it. It basically tasted like Hawthorne juice. A bit tart initially, followed by a slightly sweet, tangy aftertaste. The last note was a deeper espresso flavor which paired surprisingly well with Hawthorne. This drink also has 0 milk in it, so a good option for milk averse folks. Interesting concept of a drink!
Banana Split Latte genuinely insane. Actual pieces of banana in there it was delightful I wish I could order by the gallon. Awesome vibe inside with a discreet entrance.
I came on a Saturday afternoon and the line was out the door. But it's because the counter where you order faces the door and the space is limited. So don't be alarmed if the line extends outside, it's due to the design of the coffee shop. I love the black and white (mostly black) aesthetic. However I wouldn't stay to do work here because oh how dark the interior is. I got the durian latte ($9) and I can say I really enjoyed it!! I don't dislike durian but I'm not craving it either. I got the latte with the regular recipe. They made my drink pretty fast. I liked the chunks of durian inside. The coffee was quality too. 10/10 I would come back for this drink!
So many cool specialty lattes! Banana split is incredible - definitely recommend. I've also tried the Persimmon paradise, which was good, but the banana is where it's at. 4.5 stars.
Their seasonal Fresh Persimmon Fruit Latte is finally back! Run there if you missed it last time!! This is my fourth visit to Not As Bitter, which says a lot about how much I love their drinks. My go-to drinks here are Banana Split coffee and Strawberry Fields coffee. If you're into fruity, floral, and creative takes on coffee or matcha, you might have a hard time choosing just one. ＊Osmanthus Coco- $7.50 *** OMG this might be my new favorite drink. The osmanthus flavor is super fragrant. I could taste the floral notes in every sip. ＊Persimmon Paradise - $8.50 ** Made with fresh persimmon purée and real mashed persimmon. So refreshing and naturally sweet. ＊Matcha Coconut - $7.50 A matcha latte topped with coconut foam. It usually comes with both espresso and matcha, but I had it with just matcha. Super creamy, coconutty, and literally not too bitter. ＊72% Cacao Espresso Cookie - $5 * Their bestselling cookie for good reason! It's a less sweet take on the classic chocolate chip: espresso-flavored, studded with dark chocolate chips, and sprinkled with sea salt. ＊Pistachio Orange Blossom Cookie - $5 It kinda tasted almond-y? The almond flavor was overpowering in this one.
Just as the name says, the drinks are "Not As Bitter!". I knew I had to stop by when I saw they had a durian latte. Of course, durian has a very particular taste that is not for everyone, but they have other fruit lattes that include strawberry, banana split, pineapple and even persimmon. Along with the fruit lattes, they also have specialty coffees, matcha and traditional coffees you find at other coffee shops. If you walk by too fast, you will miss the entrance as there isn't a big sign pointing to it and the logo isn't too big. The wall along with entire store and entrance door is black so I can see it being missed. The dark interior made the store feel cozy. Though limited, they have seating available with a few tables along a big bench and individual chairs. The durian latte is delicious! Again, due to the particular durian taste, it may not be for everyone. If you like durian, then I highly recommend it! The durian is on the bottom of the cup, the flavor is not too strong and there are even small pieces of it you get in almost every 3 sips. The espresso is placed on top of the durian and the combination of the two is so good. It is smooth, rich in their respective flavors and you savor eat sip! Definitely worth a try if you like durian or want to try something new! After trying this fruit latte, I'm sure their other fruit lattes are just as good! Give them a sip!
A super inconspicuous coffee & tea spot on the East Village - I don't know why I haven't been before! The menu is fairly robust - I had to ask a few questions and the staff were very patient with me and others as well. The coffee is strong, I was NOT ready. My friend tried the cloud top matcha with peach and I got the osmanthus tea - this comes with the tea, Americano, coconut water, and a splash of coconut milk. This was so strong, honestly maybe it's just me but wow. My friend really liked the cloud top matcha with peach flavor - he finished it super fast. The matcha is strong as well, I overheard the staff letting a customer know they do 3 scoops. Both drinks came to about $20 so you get what you're paying for! There's actually plenty of seating and it's relatively quiet - people had laptops and also were just casually chilling. I think I'd come back because it's so quiet to work, and try a fruity tea for myself!
I heard about Not as Bitter after seeing their banana split latte but it wasn't there so I tried their double pistachio instead. The employees were friendly and explained their specialty menu is in order from no milk to the milkiest options. I went with double pistachio because it was towards the bottom of the menu and I was looking for a sweeter option. It still wasn't as sweet as I'd like, even after mixing it well. They change their drinks often so I'd come back if anything caught my eye.
Delicious drinks, great service and unique cafe ambience. We ordered the peach cream top matcha, coconut matcha and a sourdough cookie. We loved our drinks. Matcha quality and taste were both great and I'm excited to try other items off the menu! I don't think I've been to another cafe with a similar darker lighting vibe, it was definitely different but super cool and I was pleased to be able to find a cafe with seats available in the area! read more
2 days ago
Fun and exciting drink options inspired by East and Southeast Asian flavors like papaya and durian flavored iced lattes. I personally love their durian latte which can be made without sugar as an option. The drinks aren't "sweet" and have natural flavor and ingredients which is ideal. My only negative star is the price is so expensive and the ambience is very dim and tight. But besides that, the service is fast and they ask you specific questions to get your drink order the way you'd like it. It's my treat spot when in the area. Indoor seating and take out available. Drinks and pastries available. Accepts cash, card and Applepay. No bathrooms or outlets. Tables are uncomfortablely low. read more
I found this place through social media and had to check it out, and I'm so glad I did. Their menu is genuinely one of the more interesting and creative ones I've come across -- I had a really hard time deciding what to order because so many things sounded good. I could easily see myself working through the whole thing over a few visits. I ended up going with the mango matcha, and the mango is the star here. They use real mango, so the sweetness comes entirely from the puree rather than syrup, which I really appreciated. It's quite sweet on its own without needing anything added. The matcha itself was just okay for me -- not as bitter, strong, or nutty as I usually prefer, so it reads more as a mango drink with matcha than the other way around. Still a relatively decent cup, and if you like your matcha on the gentler side, this would be perfect for you. The shop was full of people while I was there, which is always a good sign. Excited to come back and try something else off the menu! read more
1 month ago
As the name suggests, this spot specializes in some sweeter drinks which aren't bitter. Friendly service! Cozy ambiance with the darker interior. Exterior is very minimalistic but clean. I snagged a matcha for comparison sake but I do wish I tried their other specialty drinks instead. Cream Top Salty Black Sugar Matcha - matcha was pretty good with earthy undertones but I've had more rich, savory, and umami. The cream top was delicious. Though the salt may be a bit of a surprise to the taste buds, it does add a stark contrast to highlight the sweet yet savory cream. Overall the cream top was delicious and carried the matcha a bit. read more
love the menu here -- very unique fruity flavors. I got the passionfruit cream top matcha and while it tasted good, it didn't really taste like matcha. the passionfruit cream top was delicious, and the base tasted like a green milk tea rather than matcha. didn't hate it but it was surprising, and also pretty pricey ($9) read more
You could definitely miss the place if you're not paying attention. black exterior with one big window is what you're looking for. Intrigued with the durian latte, as a person who grew up eating durians, I have to try it. Wonder how it would work, double espresso with durian flesh, coconut milk, who would've thought. It was surprisingly works! YUM! Super nice barista too, she asked if I want a shot of espresso instead of two cause it's 5pm, which i should've listen. Be back cause I'm still thinking about that latte ! read more
Got the matcha with papaya syrup. The matcha was good, but it overpowered the papaya flavor as I couldn't taste it at all. The durian latte was a very unique drink that I think is worth trying. I am not the biggest fan of durian, but found the drink to be aromatic and refreshing. read more
Apparently this store got really popular on TikTok, but I genuinely didn't hear about it until my friend introduced it to me. The inside has lots of study space and is designed in a minimalist fashion. They have giant cookies generously salted sitting at the entrance, and very nice workers. - Hawthorne tree (5/5): both me and my friend got this. If you don't like bitter coffee (hence the store name), then this is it. It basically tasted like Hawthorne juice. A bit tart initially, followed by a slightly sweet, tangy aftertaste. The last note was a deeper espresso flavor which paired surprisingly well with Hawthorne. This drink also has 0 milk in it, so a good option for milk averse folks. Interesting concept of a drink! read more
3 months ago
Banana Split Latte genuinely insane. Actual pieces of banana in there it was delightful I wish I could order by the gallon. Awesome vibe inside with a discreet entrance. read more
I came on a Saturday afternoon and the line was out the door. But it's because the counter where you order faces the door and the space is limited. So don't be alarmed if the line extends outside, it's due to the design of the coffee shop. I love the black and white (mostly black) aesthetic. However I wouldn't stay to do work here because oh how dark the interior is. I got the durian latte ($9) and I can say I really enjoyed it!! I don't dislike durian but I'm not craving it either. I got the latte with the regular recipe. They made my drink pretty fast. I liked the chunks of durian inside. The coffee was quality too. 10/10 I would come back for this drink! read more
Their seasonal Fresh Persimmon Fruit Latte is finally back! Run there if you missed it last time!! This is my fourth visit to Not As Bitter, which says a lot about how much I love their drinks. My go-to drinks here are Banana Split coffee and Strawberry Fields coffee. If you're into fruity, floral, and creative takes on coffee or matcha, you might have a hard time choosing just one. ＊Osmanthus Coco- $7.50 *** OMG this might be my new favorite drink. The osmanthus flavor is super fragrant. I could taste the floral notes in every sip. ＊Persimmon Paradise - $8.50 ** Made with fresh persimmon purée and real mashed persimmon. So refreshing and naturally sweet. ＊Matcha Coconut - $7.50 A matcha latte topped with coconut foam. It usually comes with both espresso and matcha, but I had it with just matcha. Super creamy, coconutty, and literally not too bitter. ＊72% Cacao Espresso Cookie - $5 * Their bestselling cookie for good reason! It's a less sweet take on the classic chocolate chip: espresso-flavored, studded with dark chocolate chips, and sprinkled with sea salt. ＊Pistachio Orange Blossom Cookie - $5 It kinda tasted almond-y? The almond flavor was overpowering in this one. read more
10 months ago
Just as the name says, the drinks are "Not As Bitter!". I knew I had to stop by when I saw they had a durian latte. Of course, durian has a very particular taste that is not for everyone, but they have other fruit lattes that include strawberry, banana split, pineapple and even persimmon. Along with the fruit lattes, they also have specialty coffees, matcha and traditional coffees you find at other coffee shops. If you walk by too fast, you will miss the entrance as there isn't a big sign pointing to it and the logo isn't too big. The wall along with entire store and entrance door is black so I can see it being missed. The dark interior made the store feel cozy. Though limited, they have seating available with a few tables along a big bench and individual chairs. The durian latte is delicious! Again, due to the particular durian taste, it may not be for everyone. If you like durian, then I highly recommend it! The durian is on the bottom of the cup, the flavor is not too strong and there are even small pieces of it you get in almost every 3 sips. The espresso is placed on top of the durian and the combination of the two is so good. It is smooth, rich in their respective flavors and you savor eat sip! Definitely worth a try if you like durian or want to try something new! After trying this fruit latte, I'm sure their other fruit lattes are just as good! Give them a sip! read more
A super inconspicuous coffee & tea spot on the East Village - I don't know why I haven't been before! The menu is fairly robust - I had to ask a few questions and the staff were very patient with me and others as well. The coffee is strong, I was NOT ready. My friend tried the cloud top matcha with peach and I got the osmanthus tea - this comes with the tea, Americano, coconut water, and a splash of coconut milk. This was so strong, honestly maybe it's just me but wow. My friend really liked the cloud top matcha with peach flavor - he finished it super fast. The matcha is strong as well, I overheard the staff letting a customer know they do 3 scoops. Both drinks came to about $20 so you get what you're paying for! There's actually plenty of seating and it's relatively quiet - people had laptops and also were just casually chilling. I think I'd come back because it's so quiet to work, and try a fruity tea for myself! read more
6 months ago
I heard about Not as Bitter after seeing their banana split latte but it wasn't there so I tried their double pistachio instead. The employees were friendly and explained their specialty menu is in order from no milk to the milkiest options. I went with double pistachio because it was towards the bottom of the menu and I was looking for a sweeter option. It still wasn't as sweet as I'd like, even after mixing it well. They change their drinks often so I'd come back if anything caught my eye. read more
Came here on a Friday morning in a friend and waited for 10 minutes in line and another 10 minutes to find seats during this busy day. I love the darker aesthetic of the cafe, including dim lights most of the place being covered in black shades. I also loved the variety of unique drinks found on the menu. We tried their Banana Split Coffee and Double Pistachio Latte. I loved the coffee for its creamy banana taste, and it was indulgent without being too heavy. While the pistachio latte was a bit heavier, it was quite delicious and my faovrite drink! The pistachio flavor was strong, and the nuttiness of it was balanced out by the latte base. Loved the cozy and welcoming vibe of the cafe, along with nice staff. Both our items were thoughtfull made in front of us. read more
Got bagels across the street and wanted some coffee so came here and ordered a vanilla latte. Really cool esthetics with a minimalistic interior. Didn't like my drink at all my latte at first was overly sweet and then ironically very bitter because it wasn't mixed well. I didn't realize also that their specialty was fruit lattes so maybe those drinks are better. Barista was also rude and I had sat down a little bit while waiting for my drink and the area kind of smelled like old mop water. read more
This place turned out to be just what we needed -why? Because we had gone across the street to get a specialty bagel - and since it was freezing outside, we couldn't sit outside! I asked y college daughter what she wanted to do. - and she said this is perfect - because she wanted a specialty latte and I wanted a skim cappuccino! It's a no frills place and it was perfect to have our drinks while munching on our bagels (which they didn't mind)! You can blink and you would miss this place, but either thanks to Tik Tok or the college trends, we knew all about it! Around me sat other college age kids like my daughter, so I felt like I was surrounded by her buddies! read more
None of the drinks were sweet at all tbh. But most tasted very creamy and milky. I feel like they could've had more flavor in the coffee/matcha/fruit but overall good. Out of all the drinks the black sesame peanut was most notable I think just because of the unique flavor. Super nutty and intense flavor. Also we got it hot so maybe that made a difference. pistachio latte it just didn't taste like much besides pure cream. Least favorite was probably the Papaya matcha it was less creamy than pistachio (it was matcha) and didn't taste very strongly of papaya at all. Actually both cookies were highlights. The caramel cookie is really good, chocolate too but caramel has better flavor and texture. Both cookies had lots of salt which made it a great combo and every bite so yummy! Second time tried strawberry matcha was good and coconut cloud was decent minus the sips that had sooooo much coconut flakes. The shop inside is very cute and there's some seating but is decently busy so can be hard to get seating. Outside there's also a bench to sit on. Honestly for those that care ++ points for how aesthetic the cafe is (black themed) and how ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL the drinks are. And the cookies tbh. Just look at the beautiful photos I took. read more
This coffee shop is perfect for catching up with a friend or WFH. They have a couple tables (but they're all 2-seaters), wi-fi, and a bathroom. The staff here are very kind, attentive, and knowledgable about their menu. This cafe is known for their innovative latte and coffee combinations, so, of course, I had to give one of them a try when I went. They have fruit lattes ranging from coconut and strawberry to durian and papaya. I got their strawberry fields and was pleasantly surprised. I would love to come back here to try their matcha. read more
A cute and cool place to get your caffeine fix in the east village. The drinks are unique and are handcrafted so it takes a little time to get your order. There are seasonal drinks and they allow you adjust the sugar level and have oat and coconut milk alternatives. The black sesame latte was amazing on a cold day. I ordered it with no sugar and liked how strong the black sesame smelled and tasted. There are a few chairs and tables to sit and relax. The customer service was good and efficient. read more
This coffee shop is very true to it's name - all of their drinks are NOT AS BITTER! As someone who doesn't like the taste of coffee, I never thought I'd love DURIAN in coffee but I was sold. It had a strong durian profile but so so smooth - perfect blend of fruit and expresso. Would highly recommend if you're feeling adventurous! Of course I'm a matcha girlie, so I had to try their coconut matcha. The coconut in the matcha was prominent, but it had the right amount of sweetness. Fair warning though, this drink has a LOT of caffeine (2 shots expresso + 2 shots matcha), so I ordered mine without the expresso. For context, Not as bitter is a coffee shop specializing in cocktail coffee and fresh fruit lattes. Think fresh fruit, expresso, and milk - I honestly love their concept, and the baristas were superr friendly too. I had so many questions since I'm caffeine sensitive, and they patiently explained each drink. It's a very laid back atmosphere inside, dark moody and also cutesy inside. There was a line when I went, but it moved fast. The space inside is relatively small but has seating. read more
9 months ago
Small coffee shop with about 5 tables. Unique thing was they had durian latte which if you're a durian lover you'll like because the durian taste is pretty strong here. I got the strawberry latte and I liked it but if you're looking for a more espresso kind of vibe I'd prob check out a different spot. The drinks are also not too sweet and they use fruits in the strawberry latte! read more
Make sure you mix super well! My first sip was all banana which I love banana but that was a little weird. After mixing like crazy, the coffee was delicious. Subtle banana chunks, smooth coffee and the coconut added a nice richness that you couldn't taste. Overall super impressed. Service moves as fast as they can. Interior is small. read more
This was a dark and laid back spot, and there was still some seating available on the weekend at noon. It also wasn't too loud, so it was a decent place for conversation. It didn't take too long for the orders to be ready. However, I think the staff forgot about one of the drinks because they didn't realize they had to make it when we asked. They were apologetic and had it ready shortly after, so it wasn't a problem. The Banana Split was sweeter than I hoped it'd be because I was looking for more of a flavored latte than a coffee-flavored dessert. It was just a tad bit too sweet for me, but the latte was creamy. read more
1 year ago
Waited in line for about 15 minutes, but it went pretty fast. We got the under the pineapple and it was so tasty. It had the perfect amount of sweetness and creaminess. They ran out of matcha by the time we went (around 3:30 pm on a Sunday), but would definitely go back to try one! read more
8 months ago
I'm giving four stars. The customer service was great. The guy that took my order explained to me that I could check the website for all the options they had available. He gave me information about the bakery treats they have available daily. He was very nice. The place inside was giving a speak easy kind of vibe. It was very dark inside but with good lighting. Very relaxing and cozy. I decided to get myself a banana split latte and a mango matcha for my coworker. So here is my thoughts. She found her matcha to be very tasty but she would have liked more mango flavor. I personally could have done without the banana, but coffee itself was delicious. I give five stars for the coffee. It was really the best iced coffee latte I've had, and I had plenty. If I could I would visit them every morning for that coffee. If you're in the area try them out. I also got me an espresso cookie, good but more nothing special like I thought. Next time I'll try the pistachio cookie they had. Thumbs up for now, maybe on the next visit it will get two. Happy Yelping! read more
Super cute hidden coffee cafe. They have really unique drinks and make them relatively fast without compromising on taste. I went with two others and we all got 3 different drinks. The coffees and tea all came out really well which you don't always get from all places. You should go with a small group of friends, saw some people studying as well. Not ideal for a large group hang out. Would recommend to anyone and would go there again. read more
5 months ago
Went to try the Taro red bean latte and it was so good!!! Not too sweet and strong coffee flavor... just perfect for me!! read more
I gave Not as Bitter a 4/5 since it lived up to its name. Their beverages do not have a strong coffee taste or presence, but rather focus on florals and fruits. My boyfriend does not enjoy the taste of coffee but he really enjoyed the drinks since it masks any bitterness. I visited several times over the summer. As a black coffee lover, I probably wouldn't visit again unless I'm really craving a sugary drink/refresher with little caffeine or until summer comes around again. I've tried the Hawthorne Tree, Americano, No Sour Grapes Here, and two other seasonal drinks (Mango Fruit Latte and Lychee Rose Cold Brew). The Hawthorne Tree Cold Brew was my favorite out of the five. I felt like there wasn't enough cold brew in the Lychee Rose Cold Brew. Most of their specialty drinks are above $7 which is more on the expensive side, but they are quite aesthetic. Their coffee forward products are around $5 to $7, although I personally did not love their espresso beans used when making the Americano. The baristas were kind. Unfortunately the indoor space is a little small, so I felt like I was standing really close to other customers' tables when I was waiting for my drink. Fortunately, the baristas were quick with our drinks so we didn't need to wait for very long. read more
True to the name not bitter at all. First time around I had the durian latte, which was amazing, but only for durian lovers. This time I got the double pistachio and this one is for everyone. 2 for 2. If I could give a 4.9 star I would just because of one thing only that has nothing to do with their drinks. That is the heat, it could just be me, but its one of the very few stores where I have to wait outside while my partner gets the drink. read more
2 years ago
Ambiance - super small space, offers tables for guests, would not recommend if you're going as a big group planning to stay/chat Service - baristas were speedy, got my coffee within 5 min Food - the coconut matcha + shot of espresso had the right amount of sweetness read more
1 year ago
Their mango matcha latte with coconut milk was so delicious that I immediately ordered it again the next day. I also tried the durian latte skeptical at first, but it was AMAZING. The best part? They can transform any drink into a matcha latte or americano--even their teas! If you love creative, high-quality matcha, this place is a hidden gem and a must-try when in the area. read more
You come here for one thing. Two words - Durian Latte. Oh my god. This was the best coffee drink I had on my NY trip. I am Vietnamese and I grew up eating durian. I have never had a latte like this before. The latte stopped me in my tracks as I walked out the shop. The durian complimented the creamy coffee perfectly. The whole durian chunks and puree made my heart sing. It was indeed a good day. I highly recommend trying Not As Bitter. read more
1 year ago
The drinks consisted of very inventive and well thought-out flavor combinations. The staff there were very informed and great at suggesting which drinks on the menu bested suited my and my friends' tastes while also suggesting tweaks for dietary restrictions. Awesome service all around. It's situated in a cozy part of East Village, and the interior has a strong identity with comfortable seats for working. read more
1 year ago
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2 years ago
