Like a territorial dog, Robert De Niro is a pro at making his mark. Lower Manhattan’s God Father is responsible for the renown Tribeca Film Fest, the Tribeca Film Center, Tribeca Cinemas, Nobu and the Tribeca Grill. His alpha presence continued on with the creation of an eight-floor, 88-room luxury hotel spreading 75,000 square feet, aka The Greenwich.
“I don’t know a non-De Niro Tribeca,” says my friend H.F. But indigenous New Yorkers do, so it’s understandable if they’re displeased that it costs a lot more to enjoy their once livable (i.e., more affordable) neighborhood. One thing Bobby D isn’t responsible for: Tribeca’s popping coffee scene. One of the best is the non-acroymnous RBC NYC, appropriately located at 71 Worth Street.
RBC’s philosophy centers on serving fair/direct trade and shade grown coffees—emphasis on the plural. And the selection is insanely good, from Ritual, 49th Parallel, MadCap, Counter Culture and even Portland-based Heart and Barismo, located outside of Boston. The conscious coffee offerings absolutely make RBC worth the visit.
Once inside, it’s a cool place to chill out with a cappuccino and a fully charged computer. Yes, fully charged, because no outlets are available to do so. If you’re out of luck, you can always turn your attention to the mounted flat screen, which live streams action inside Water 4 Dogs, a state-of-the-art animal rehab center that includes a custom-made swimming pool and underwater treadmills.
Sip coffee while watching injured dogs go swimming. And I’ll stop right here.
