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    The Caves

    4.0 (750 reviews)
    Closed • 6:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Order The Caves Takeout or Delivery

    The Caves Photos

    THE CAVES ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Romantic
    Intimate
    Classy

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    Recommended Reviews - The Caves

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    Hummus was just ok I felt it was a lil watery but they served the pita bread nice and warm
    Evelyn M.

    Came here for lunch with my friends. Everything was perfect. Starting with the server. She was a sweetheart very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. We started with the hummus, which was just OK for me. I felt it was a little watery for my taste, but they did serve a very warm pita bread which I like and enjoyed. I had the grilled chicken Caesar salad was delicious and my friend had the Greek salad. They were both very large salad so we took half home. We couldn't finish them my friend had the burger which she liked and we finished it with the caramel apple walnut dessert which was a 10 out of 10. The ambience is very interesting because you feel like you were in a cave. definitely coming back.

    Cilantro Chicken Quesadilla
    Yuna C.

    It's been 9 years since I came to Cafe Archetypus (former name) and it was and still is popular for their indulgent desserts, but I was pleasantly surprised by the savory/main dish options. The portions are large, so definitely leave room for dessert! As the theme is caves, the interior will be dark but each table has some candles to help with the lighting.

    Briana F.

    We were traveling from out of town and were running late. The owner was able to accommodate us close to closing time and that's the reason I love this place!! Every time I come to visit NJ I always try to make it out to the caves. The food is great and the service is wonderful.

    She A.

    Came here on a late Friday night with a friend for dessert and some vibes. We didn't have a reservation so we had to wait twenty minutes or so for a table for 2. We had the option to wait by door or the first room which had tables and chair. There is metered parking on the street. This place is very unique. Its dimly lighted with some nice vibey music. So it would be perfect for a date night. We got seated at a booth-like table that had a had sculpture in the front of the table while the table faced the towards the front of the restaurant. All the tables were very private and you can definitely hold conversations without being drowned out by the music. We only came here for dessert and coffee, We tried to ordered the Scarlet Witch but they ran out, So instead w3e opted for the Dark Desire and cappuccino. OMG.... This desert is so delicious and decadent. it was soo good, The ice cream and cake were both tasty. The service was wonderful and the ambiance was out of this world. Would definitely come back for more.

    Dessert and beverage menu as of 06.23.2023
    David Y.

    Came here on a Sunday night, pretty late too. This is the first time I been here since it was formally Archetypus. Same vibes with great dessert and coffee options. Got the zelorella sundae ($15.95) which had Kit Kat in it and was good. Also got the tiramisu delight ($19.95) which comes with ice cream and it was really good. I highly recommend the tiramisu delight. If you want late/date night with good dessert and coffee, I highly recommend this spot. * Open late for dessert * Street parking

    Chicken Gyro Platter
    Shurida L.

    You can bring your own bottle which I love. The hummus was sooo good. I ordered the gyro platter with chicken, very delicious. The service was amazing, the waiter was very attentive. This place is perfect for a date night, lots of privacy, low lights. I would definitely come back.

    Cheesecake
    Bea R.

    Cute concept, poor execution. 1.) It's called Cafe Archetypus, but it's not a traditional cafe environment. This is not the type of place you come to for a coffee or to do work. It operates like a full restaurant. 2.) The romantic, dim, cave-like ambiance realllllllllly carries most of the weight here. It's the main attraction. Honestly? It is too damn dark in there... They have candles on the table, but you're most likely going to have to use the flashlight on your iPhone to even see the menu. 3.) The food is comically overpriced for what they serve you. How can I describe the quality of the food here? It's like high school cafeteria food. Mass produced and most likely bought at your local grocery store to be reheated later... They have Mexican and Mediterranean dishes on their menu, but they lack any type of flavor... Premium prices for poor quality food? Be forreal LOL. $18-$20 for a "deluxe" brownie dessert... $14 for a "truffled potato chips appetizer".... that are actually RUFFLES Original... STOPPPP LOL $7-$10 for non-alcoholic drinks... (it's BYOB) Not even sure if it's worth coming here just for the cave experience. If anything, SKIP the food and just go for drinks. Not worth the $$$ and calories.

    Late night cravings.
    Jose P.

    Cafe Archetypus was, once again, outstanding. Their unique cave sitting areas are amazing.  The service is very good, every item comes in large portions, and all....delicious..... especially the desserts. We ordered Chicken Quesadillas, The Mediterranean Platter, and the Orion Sundae. The Chai Latte and Mixed Berry Smoothie were just as good as the entrees. If you've never been here.....VISIT, SOON.  You will enjoy their unique environment and great service.

    Lava Chocolate

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    10 months ago

    Amazing food, great guest service, and open late. I had a wrap and I highly recommend it.

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    1 year ago

    Great food, great dessert, cool dim cave like ambiance, and great service. The dessert is definitely the best here.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    I visit this place often. It's Always a great date night spot and the food is delicious! Will be returning soon!

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    Page 2 of 19

    Ask the Community - The Caves

    Do I jusy show up with a small cooler with beer and wine or no small cooler allowed?

    Would you say this is a place one could do some work on a laptop on a friday evening?

    I wouldn't suggest working on a laptop here. The lighting is super dim - it's not your typical cafe.

    Do they have vegan desserts?

    I dont remember seeing any vegan dessert on the menu but you can always call and make sure because i could be wrong

    Where is parking? is it free?

    Theres a parking lot across the st and you can park there for free its probably like a block away or so from the restaurant

    Maybe 25 years ago I went to a place called Cafe Enigma? Is this the same place or location?

    I think the old name was The Cave

    BYOB?? Do they sell alcohol?

    It is a BYOB, wines. No hard liquor like vodka, or tequila.

    Hi I would like to take my girlfriend out tonight? Do you have any openings for a 7 or 730 reservation?

    I dont think they do reservations

    Can someone please help me out , 1st can i get my own champagne , 2nd will the worker in cafe help…

    Yes and yes

    Is this BYOB?

    Hello Deanna, Yes, we are BYOB... NJ recognizes Wine & Beer as acceptable bottle, no hard liquor...

    Do I need to call to make reservations for a party of 4? For tonight like 830pm?

    I don't think they do reservations. It's first come first serve is what u was told

    Do they serve any halal meat here?

    I dont remember seeing that on the menu but you can always call and ask i could be wrong

    How is the food here if I take my 15 year old daughter and a couple of friends for her birthday?

    The food is great for teens. I recommend the quesadilla and their desserts.

    Hi, I'm trying to plan a birthday night out with some of my friends. I was thinking about coming here right when it opens to avoid waiting. I was wondering if this place would be ok for a group of 7 or 8? Thank you in advance for answers. :)

    Probably not, unless they have a separate area for parties! The whole place is meant more for dates I would say. Everyone is quiet and the ambience isn't exactly friendly for people to talk across the table or be super loud at all. The lighting is… 

    View All 14 Questions

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    Hungarian Pastry Shop

    3.9(967 reviews)
    1.5 mi•Morningside Heights
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    Finally made it uptown to The Hungarian Pastry Shop. The block is actually quaint and across the…read morestreet from St. John's Cathedral. Got there around 1 PM on a weekday, they were just starting to run out with some items. The pastries were very fresh & delicious in a comforting way. Got a Cardamom Bun (mild flavor, with light layer of apricot jam in the layers) & the Sacher Torte (Excellent! Austrian hazelnut flour torte, raspberry jam). I'm not familiar with a lot of the items & wish they were labeled. Would have ordered more. The cafe was *very crowded & kind of loud. The ambiance didn't seem enjoyable compared to the calm UWS streets. The outdoor tables looked calmer even though a short line blocked the front of it. There's only a line because the counter is close to the front door and little space to wait. The 2-3 counter staff was very nice & patiently answered questions (labeled & priced pastries - with ingredients/nut disclaimer still would have helped & move the line along) . Took the treats to the community garden on the corner. Keep exploring NYC y'all!

    Yummmmmmmm. Spinach…read morefeta pastry. Perfectly hefty amount of spinach with flaky dough. Hit the spot. Cherry danish. The bread itself was soft and pillowy and the cherrys were sweet and tart. Baklava. Stacked TALL. Not many layers but each nut layer was 1inch thick. If you're looking for crispy multi layered baklava, this ain't it. If you're looking for nutty goodness, this is. Did takeout, so can't say for ambiance or service. Lots of tables free at 9 on a Sunday but the line was out the door.

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    Poppy Seed Strudel - left with a bitter aftertaste. Not a fan.

    The Caves - coffee - Updated October 2026

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