With the abundance of local and unique coffee shops New York City has to offer, I always wonder why anyone would choose to go to Starbucks. Almost everywhere you turn in the city, there is a local coffee joint just waiting to be tried. My personal favorite so far is probably OK Café in Astoria. Though slightly farther away than the average traveler roams, there’s plenty to do nearby (and fewer tourists!)
The coffee alone is worth a trip to Queens. Of course, they have regular hot and iced coffees, cappuccinos, etc. They also have a decent list of carefully crafted coffee and tea-based beverages. One of my personal favorites is called the Lavender London Fog, made with Earl Grey, foamed milk, and lavender and vanilla simple syrups. They even have an espresso soda, which is my favorite summer pick me up! This is my favorite place to stop and grab a coffee on my way into town or on my way just down the street to visit Astoria Park and walk along the river!
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Their prices are in keeping with the neighborhood: a plate of two eggs, two pancakes, 'home' fried potatoes and your choice of sausages or bacon, is $12.
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This sun soaked park bench is a destination neighborhood residents know, spending time there in observation. It’s one of the more fabulous NYC stages.
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Among its offerings are a $10 breakfast special and its enormous $15 lunchtime hamburger, a price unobtainable anywhere else within walking distance.
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"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...
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"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...
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Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
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