Yaffa Cafe

I will start with a well known place that has been talked about many times and then move on to the newer places.

The Yaffa Cafe
97 St. Marks NYC, NY (212) 674-9302

When you first walk in Yaffa there is the slight impression that you have entered a time warp into the 1920's and 1960's and it takes place in a long corridor. The walls are covered in all different types of textiles from zebra print to glitter wrapping paper. There are tables on the left and the counter and a dessert case on the right.

Immediately someone greets you and usually guides you to an area in the back of the place that when you first walk in you can't see. You usually see a good mix of younger groups of people with laptops and people who are ending their night with some food after going out. Since Yaffa is a 24 hour place you get all kinds. :)

The menu features hot loose leaf teas, a range of sandwiches and a few options of breakfast dishes. While I find the menu somewhat limited, when you are ending a long night it can sometimes be nice to come to a spot you like and get the food that is comforting. While the desserts are definitely a feature, my favorite is the small portion of banana cheesecake!

At first the service seems slow, but then you realize this is a place where you are expected to take your time, sip on that beverage for a while and shoot the breeze with your friends. It is definitely dining and socializing at your own pace. Although there are always people there and people take their time we have never had to wait for a table. In nicer weather the outdoor dining area makes that even better.

There are 2 bathroom facilities that are across from each other and harbor only a toilet. The sink is outside and in between the two restrooms. Although usually fairly clean there is always a slight smell of an outhouse when you are inside. I blame the plumbing.

Over all while the menu is limited and the bathroom has a bit of a funk, the staff is friendly, the food is tasty and not too terribly expensive, the atmosphere is unique and fun and it's open 24hrs (a HUGE plus for me and my night-wandering friends).

On a scale of 1-10 I give a 6.