Espresso checks in to Ace Hotel

I’m sitting here in the lobby of the Ace Hotel. Wait, hold on. A hotel? Sounds much more “Gossip Girl” than “Coffee and Cigarettes.” Allow me to continue.

I’m sitting here in the lobby of the Ace Hotel, surrounded by men in business attire and grad-looking students hard at work doing who knows what. I’m sitting at a table with a couple of them, trying my best to remain discreet.

So why on earth am I in a hotel on a Wednesday afternoon? Three words: Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Located in the hotel’s lobby, Stumptown boasts none of the coffee shop ambiance I love about places like Think and Café Café. But for the first time, I have to say that ambiance doesn’t matter. I have found what might just be the best coffee in the city, and I can’t even begin to express the extent of my excitement. From the flavor to the presentation, this place takes coffee roasting and elevates it to an art.

Originally from Portland, this roasting company has only recently set up shop on the East Coast. With six locations in total, this is the only one outside of the Pacific Northwest. And thank gosh for the expansion. I gasped with joy when I first took a sip of my beautifully frothed cappuccino. There went any hope of discreetness.

I ran out of cigarettes this morning, so no cig break. I think instead I’m going to take a few minutes to watch the new Lady Gaga video of “Bad Romance.” If I had to guess, I’d say this will be my 15th time watching it since its release. Pure genius.

But, let’s get back to Stumptown. About the size of a Carman double, Stumptown is by no means spacious. It’s cozy and aromatic, with fierce employees to boot. There doesn’t seem to be a uniform, but everyone working here is remarkably well dressed, with a style dominated by fedoras, suspenders, and black-rimmed glasses. They all take such pride in their product—which I appreciate, and I am definitely not alone in this, as all the people in line seem eager to discuss their favorite roasts with the baristas.

Attached to the lobby of the hotel, the coffee shop offers caffeine to happy customers who can either take their coffee on the run or sit in the lobby and enjoy. I couldn’t imagine doing anything but the latter. Yes, this coffee is absolutely incredible with its dark flavors and strong punch, but it’s the presentation that really makes it fabulous. My cappuccino comes with a foam design in the shape of a heart. Served in a red cup on top of a little red saucer, this is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

And, how could I have forgotten the food? I purposefully went to Westside before heading down here, because I’m trying to cut down on buying food from places that don’t take Flex. If you’re in the same boat, I wouldn’t recommend coming here—you won’t be able to resist. There are brownies and cookies that taste as though they have been sent straight from the heavens.

And then there’s the french toast that I see through the glass when I am ordering my cappuccino. I have to ask why they are serving thick pieces of bread. A cute employee with a handlebar moustache leads me out of my cave of ignorance, and convinces me to make the purchase. And all I can really say is, wow. Crispy crust surrounds a medallion of soft and sweet bread, which has been soaked in some sort of sugary substance that coats your whole tongue and sends you through the roof. I realize I may be sounding a bit ridiculous, but try it for yourself and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

With my drink and snack in hand, I head out to the lobby, which is chock full of sofas, coffee tables, and even longer tables looking as though they have been taken straight from Avery library. It’s definitely not your typical coffee shop feel. It’s not even really a coffee shop at all. But it’s certainly a great place to do work. There’s free wireless, great lighting, and even an adjacent restaurant where you can order food and drink (if you catch my drift).

Time to head back for class. Good afternoon and happy travels, my fellow addicts.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters. 18 W. 29th St. (between Broadway and Fifth Avenue), open 6am-8pm daily.