Morningside Heights, Upper West Side, East Village, West Village, SoHo, Flatiron—for this, my final column, I have traveled farther south and east than caffeine has ever taken me before. Welcome to the Lower East Side, land of grunge chic and inspiration to such artists as Santigold and the ever-fabulous Lady Gaga.
For my last adventure I traveled to the lobby of the Ace Hotel in the Flatiron District to sample the offerings of the Pacific Northwest’s famous Stumptown Coffee Roasters. There, I found the best cup of coffee I’ve had since coming to New York, even though it wasn’t necessarily in the most ideal of coffee shop settings.
On Ludlow between Stanton and Rivington, Cake Shop is a haven for hipsters and musicians alike, with its indie music, free WiFi, vegan food, and great two-for-one happy hour.
Upon entering the cafe, visitors are immediately greeted by a collection of records for sale on the right, and a case of vegan cakes to the left for only $3 a slice. Past the music and treats lies the bar, with a friendly bartender who is more than happy to discuss anything on the menu. All the drinks are made with the utmost care and the coffee is brewed from Stumptown beans—in fact, the coffee is comparable to that of the Ace Hotel. It is the same deliciously strong coffee to which adding milk and sugar is the utmost crime.
Other offerings on the menu include sandwiches, all of which are named after famous musicians with the first name Mick. There are the Mick Jones, the Mick Ronson, and the Mick Fleetwood.
After ordering my coffee and slice of vegan red velvet cake, I march to the back seating area with a look of what I’m sure is ridiculously exaggerated ecstasy. Sitting there at one of the tables along the wall, I read by the combined light from the candle on the table and the strand of Christmas lights that run along the wood plank walls.
After the red velvet cake, as after all the Stumptown treats, all I can say is “wow.” If I didn’t know it was vegan I would have never been able to guess. It is time to move on to my cigarettes. Unfortunately, the empty pack of Marlboro Lights in my bag means I’ll probably be bumming on my way back to the subway.
But, back to Cake Shop: the seating area here is a collection of tables and sofas à la Think Coffee. It’s a great place to do work or just hang out, and since this place doubles as a bar at night, there is no need to worry that it will close early. It’s open until 2 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday and until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The only thing standing in your way of doing work might be the crowd that apparently comes in at later hours. But being there anyway, one might as well stay and enjoy the evening. Downstairs, there is another bar and a stage for musicians. Every day different indie bands come here to perform, all of which are previously announced on Cake Shop’s Web site. Tonight there are performances by The Sights and The Figgs, neither of which I know.
Normally at this point, after having described how incredible a place is, due to its food, coffee, or ambiance, I say something along the lines of “you should come if you’re willing to brave the subway and make the trek downtown.” This time I’m going to change it a bit, if for no other reason than to avoid sounding like a broken record—come to Cake Shop. And not “if you’re willing to make the trek,” but as soon as you can make the trek. Yes, walking through the PATH at 14th to transfer to the F or V sucks, but trust me when I say it’s worth it. Cake Shop will not disappoint.
Good night and happy travels, my fellow addicts.
Cake Shop is located at 152 Ludlow St. (between Stanton and Rivington streets). F or V to Delancey. (212) 253-0036. Open Sunday-Thursday 9 a.m.-2 a.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-4 a.m.
Andrew Wailes is a Columbia College sophomore majoring in creative writing. Coffee and Cigarettes runs alternate Fridays.
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