Came here on the night of my bday to try something new and have fun at a place with my nickname!
Unique, it certainly is. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was great to find out.
My boo and I walked down 77th St and the side of the awning says coffee shop, but that does not mean you're at the wrong place. Turn to the right 90° and it says Tea Cup Café!
Upon entering, the space is small but welcoming. There is anroma, but I couldn't tell what from. My best guess is the kitchen.
To the right are tables with stools and bench wall seating. Directly in front of you looks like a greeter booth, but it's where they stow away the electronics so you can enjoy your meal with beautiful music. On the wall above the customers are blackboards with the menu items. Some of the foods are labeled in such a way that one still has no idea what it is. But, the girls behind the counter are able to help you make a decision. There are lots of noodle soups with your choice of meat. And lots of bubble teas which are organized by milk bubble teas and green bubble teas.
I had the Thai bubble tea and it most definitely complimented the beef and egg noodle soup I ordered. Btw, you get to choose your noodles from a small list. I thought that was cute and fun.
Directly at the far end on the wall are desserts and sweet happenings.
To the left is sort of a picnic bar area. They have the napkins, straws, utensils, etc alongside the counter. Part of the counter area is where you can place your order. Behind the counter on the wall is another blackboard with breakfast items. I kind of wish I did that, but I'm also glad for my unique experience.
The food: So, if you're interested in trying new things in one dish this place is for you. The beef and egg noodle soup has a dark brown stock with three types of beef lurking in it. The egg noodles were yumm. I found beef meat, beef organs, and beef sausage in my soup! I fed my sausage pieces to my boo. He liked them. They also added some scallions and green stalks that I couldn't tell what vegetable it was from, but I'm thinking it might be broccoli.
I can't say that I was pleased by the triple threat soup. It was a unique and interesting experience. I only really liked the beef meat part of the three. I ate as much beef liver as I could stomach. The Thai bubble tea really helped me out with that in battling against the taste. I'm afraid to eat anything with the label of sausage or bacon even if it's not created from a pig! Also, the more soup you consume or ingest the saltier the broth becomes. Thai bubble tea helped with that until I just couldn't and wouldn't slurp up any more.
My boo got the duck and (not fried) vermicelli noodles soup. I noticed he had duck meat, duck skin, duck organs, and tofu! I tried a piece of the duck meat but it was too gamey for me.
We also had the option of ordering a medium or large bowl for the soups. We both chose medium. My boo, (un)fortunately was served with a large bowl despite his original request.
I'd definitely come back for some bubble tea, maybe try a dessert or breakfast item, but no soup for me!
Afterwards, we walked out into the frigid weather and took a short walk through the area. Lots of Thai places there to try too. Perhaps next time!
Happy eats! read more