Geoffrey from New York
About me
I travel to discover how people elsewhere live, how they manage living with low incomes in expensive cities, how they grapple with hard times and failing economies, how they deal with ageing or crumbling families and how they themselves age and adapt.
Knowing and loving New York comes from having lived through many of its manifestations while witnessing its changes....
Sep 16, 2025
Don Alejo Coffee New York
Coffee, toasts and burritos
"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."
I haven't bought a Starbucks coffee in (perhaps) five years because chain stores and their culture just aren't my cup of tea. So, I often pass by all the coffee shops and their ilk because of my lack of curiosity. However, when I spy one in an unexpected location, my curiosity is piqued.
Such was my situation upon spotting Don Alejo Coffee on 116th Street in Spanish Harlem. Out of place, it appeared—based solely on its menu which is only akin to the chains because Don Alejo sells pastries from the vastly more expensive Balthasar's in SoHo, but their prices are in keeping with the neighborhood: a breakfast plate of two eggs, two pancakes, 'home' fried potatoes and your choice of sausages or bacon, is $12. Remarkably affordable that is, these days.
Café con leche is one drink that separates Don Alejo from the coffee house chains, but the rest of their drink offerings are in step. Something else I noticed in this neighborhood was the absence of those chains.
So, if Starbucks or similar is what you seek, pay attention to this little hole in the wall, an ideal place to sit at one of their few tables and watch Spanish Harlem citizenry hustle by.
About this spot
228 E 116th Street
- Mon - Fri 07:00 - 17:00, Sat - Sun 08:00 - 16:00
Café con leche:
US$
4
6469984198
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