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    The Caves

    4.0 (745 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    Order The Caves Takeout or Delivery

    The Caves Photos

    THE CAVES ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Romantic
    Intimate
    Classy
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - The Caves

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    Reviews With Photos

    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.

    Lava Chocolate
    Maria C.

    The food is always amazing. I've been here a couple of times and can say that the food is always great. The service is good. The ambiance is nice to go on a date, with friends or just to try something different. Love the setup of the place.

    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.

    Cave rules
    Caterina V.

    Very romantic, clean, low lighting, smooth music, and good food and service. Have been going to this place for years!

    Santo Jordan wrap

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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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    4 years ago

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    1 year 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… Read more

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    Banh - Bánh đập (@joeynht)

    Banh

    4.4(376 reviews)
    1.4 miManhattan Valley
    $$

    I came here with a friend as a walk-in! We came early and luckily seated almost immediately!…read more We've been to the sister restaurant Banh Anh Em and the wait for that place is crazy (but of course very well worth it!). Chill and helpful staff! Cool ambience. We went for the classic pho, bun rieu, and a classic banh mi. Everything was very tasty! Would recommend checking it out!

    Came here after finding out it's the origin of Banh Anh Em, which is one of my favorite Vietnamese…read morespots in the city. The hype certainly stilll lives here, as we waited about an hour before being seated. Luckily, we didn't have to wait in line the whole time and wandered the neighborhood. When we were seated, service was quick and attentive. The staff are friendly at answering questions, and the smells are fantastic. We got the pho, bun bo hue, and the Banh cuon. The banh cuon was excellent, great flavor and texture. The pho is different from BAE, with the noodles here being the classic thin pho noodles. The broth is also much lighter, almost like a southern style. The bun Bo hue was ok. Tbh, it was a bit light in flavor, and there was really just a little spice in it that carried it. Otherwise, I wouldn't get it again. Overall, the spot is good, but the flavors just weren't quite there for me. I've heard great things about the banh mis here, but given the soup I had, I wouldn't come to this spot and would rather just visit the union square location. Wish I could give 3.5 stars.

    Photos
    Banh - Outside

    Outside

    Banh - Inside of Bánh Tiêu ($13.95) - savory stuffed Vietnamese donut with sticky rice, sausage, quail egg, pork floss, patê, sc

    Inside of Bánh Tiêu ($13.95) - savory stuffed Vietnamese donut with sticky rice, sausage, quail egg, pork floss, patê, sc

    Banh - Bánh mì thịt nướng ($13.95) - BBQ pork banh mi. Char fired pork belly, scallion oil, mayo

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    Bánh mì thịt nướng ($13.95) - BBQ pork banh mi. Char fired pork belly, scallion oil, mayo

    Plowshares Coffee Roasters

    Plowshares Coffee Roasters

    3.8(202 reviews)
    1.4 miManhattan Valley
    $$

    Lovely staff and A+++ coffee and pastries. Welcoming, It's pretty much a daily visit for me, with…read moregood reason. My only reservation is that there is no customer restroom, as I wish I could hang out here a bit longer ( I'd buy another cuppa fir sure). Besides that, believe the other reviews. A great place. Manager Malcolm went out of his way with an extra gesture make things right when there was a small misunderstanding with a pack of coffee I bought. That added effort really made me feel cared for. In short--- plowshares is as sublime as the other reviews suggest. I Hulu recommend you give it a try.

    coffee is great but like others have mentioned the baristas can be bit entitled and rude. not…read moreeveryone but specifically the blonde one who's a bit younger was especially curt. i had gotten a bag of beans and the guy at the register was pleasant and nice and said that i can get a cup of brewed coffee for free for the bag of beans. since i didn't need more coffee as i was already having a capp - i asked if i could get it next time and the girl behind him answered for me and was like - no it's just for now - she was visibly annoyed and just rude. i saw her being rude to another patron while i was there. a woman simply asked for water with matcha. just give it to her. don't give her bs that it won't work because of the concentrations. maybe just explain it will not taste like plain matcha with water? elaborate instead of being curt and annoyed. if you are working in service, this is your job and you are being paid. people being served does not have to be served your attitude as well. we aren't paying for that. appreciate the gentleman up front who was nice. still rating them high bc i don't want to crap on a business but plz just be kind they play decent music and their cappuccinos are yum and they get their pastries from petit chou which is pretty yummy. double chocolate was a bit much but it was still good!

    Photos
    Plowshares Coffee Roasters - The menu

    The menu

    Plowshares Coffee Roasters
    Plowshares Coffee Roasters

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    Hungarian Pastry Shop - Mocha Cake

    Hungarian Pastry Shop

    3.9(961 reviews)
    1.5 miMorningside Heights
    $$

    As someone very familiar with Hungarian cuisine, this affordable (but completely packed) little…read morebakeshop actually somewhat impressed me! First of all, I have to mention the prices: we got 6 pastries and 2 hot chocolates for just over $40: a steal in this economy. Second, it was mostly authentic: the "francia krémes" (which they call a "Napoleon" here for some reason) was quite close to how they serve it in Hungary, save for the caramelized and sickeningly sugary top (which I skipped). The "dobos torta" had the reverse problem: its top--the eponymous "drum"--was authentic, but the meat of it far, far too chocolatey. Guys, a slice of "dobos" is NOT supposed to put you in a diabetic coma! It is not even meant to be very chocolatey! It is supposed to be much more subtle, even savory. The pastries we took home, which included several "rétesek," received high reviews as well. The servers were nice, but did not speak Hungarian. My only other critique would be that the space is incredibly cramped. You will be elbow-to-elbow with various Columbia students. My companion also told me the bathroom was filthy. If you're OK with these rougher spots, though, this cozy café is worth a visit if you want a peak at the "old country."

    Ambiance: I like this spot! It is in the upper west! Never sat down because there's always a line…read morebut there is seating. Service: nice service and lots to choose from Food $$: I personally like the lemon cheesecake and tiramisu Audience: Solo Trip [X] Family Friendly [ X] Friends [X] Date Spot [X] Recommendations/tips: I would go right when it opens or just get ready to wait in line haha but worth it

    Photos
    Hungarian Pastry Shop - Counter and menu

    Counter and menu

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

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

    Hungarian Pastry Shop - Flourless Chocolate Cake

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    Flourless Chocolate Cake

    The Caves - coffee - Updated May 2026

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