Birch Coffee, 5 E. 27th
Five stops on the 6 train deposits me at 28th street, within walking distance to Birch Coffee (5 East 27th). This Flatiron spot is great if ever you crave a good sandwich and an anti-Starbuck’s environment.
Admittedly, my first visit to Birch wasn’t all too impressive. I blame it on the cappuccino, which was sloppily made and topped with sorta foamy milk that looked like something a bird regurgitated. But I went back, curious as to whether my initial cup was a fluke.
It turns out that Birch baristas could use a lesson or two on how to craft real latte art. The coffee is still worth sipping though. In fact, it’s actually quite delicious. It’s smooth with just the right amount of boldness to kick you awake for the rest of the day. And if that doesn’t do it, the farm-to-table menu will. One word: nutritious.
The menu is quite healthy, serving up lots of fresh ingredients like red leaf lettuce, toasted almonds and a simple vinaigrette, or arugula with scallions and beet puree.
Then there’s this number: a chicken sandwich topped with salsa verde, goat cheese and arugula. This is my go-to, and I can’t believe I actually prefer it over a cap. Trust me, it’s worth it.
If you arrive for breakfast, you can even score cage-free eggs. It’s the kind of place where no matter what you order, you won’t be disappointed by how it tastes.
Birch is also a great space if you want to catch up on work. There are a number of two-top tables and more seating is available in the library located upstairs.
If for some reason you can’t grab a spot, just stroll down the hall to the connecting Gershwin hotel lobby. Oh, and if you so happen to need a condom, there’s a giant fishbowl full free for the taking.
The Gershwin hotel lobby’s free for all
The Cafe Press 