Hello Everyone,
We'll be going to NYC soon and we will be staying on 56th near 7th Ave. Can you recommend a few cafes/coffee shops in the surrounding area that we could get a good cappuccino at? I know there are many in the city, but your advice might just save us some running around. Thanks!

This is not meant to be harsh, but finding a coffee shop in the neighborhood of your hotel should be very easy for you to do without recommendations.Unless you are looking for something really different, why not wait until you get there and just have a look around? It wouldn't mean a lot of running around, there are dozens of coffee shops per block! This could be one of the parts of your visit that you will leave up to chance and discover something on your own.

Sorry.... I'm not a bozo, really. Just a traveler who would like to sit down, in a clean cafe, and have a good cappuccino. Yes, I do like to discover things on my own - but this really dosen't need to be one of them. I enjoy coming to NYC, and since there are SO many places to sit down and relax, thought somone could make a recomendation.

Fred - your request is a reasonable one. There are p[lenty of "coffeeshops" but these are freqently food establishments with coffee, not places where one might relax in convivial atmosphere with an above average cappucino. NYC has an abundance of Starbucks locations and also quite a few Timothy's and some World Coffee locations. All are okay as chain places go but not exceptional or memorable in my opinion. I'm not familiar with that neighborhood but suggest that you check www.zagat.com - it will allow you to specify a general neighborhood (e.g. uppert west side) and a restaurant type (e.g. coffeehouses) when you search. I suspect that the upper west side (a mile or so further up than your location) will have a better assortment of independent places, as it is a more residential area.

Since I stay at the Parker Meridien frequently on business, I can tell you that there's a Starbucks on 56th between 6th & 7th, Au Bon Pain on 55th between 6th & 7th, La Parisienne Coffee House on 7th between 57th & 58th, just to name a few. But, I definitely agree with "newyorker" above. Walking around is the best way to find that which is most appealing to you. How "clean" these places are varies from one to the next and the time of day (it must be tough to keep up with sloppy patrons...) and many are far too busy and loud for "relaxing". Getting a seat can be impossible, too. Highly recommend Rue 57 for brunch!

Owen & Nancy: Thanks - this is exactly the type of info I was looking for. I will look into zagat.com and Nancy, I hadn't thought of going to Brunch - I'll check out Rue 57. Thanks for your input!

Rue 57 looks very good (used to work in the area, but haven't eaten there), but definitely more upscale than just sitting around and drinking coffee -- it's really a "brunch" place.

For a simple bite or coffee try the cafe at the bottom of the Credit Lyonnaise building at 53rd & 6th. I think it's called Frank's. They have nice salads, sandwiches, soups, etc. Fairly busy at lunch.

There is also a Pick-a-Bagel at 57th & 7th (I think). Good bagels, coffee, sandwiches, the basics.

Just came back from 3 nights of January 4, 5 & 6 at The Wellington Hotel at 56th on 7th Ave. which is one block from Carniegie Hall. The Wellington has a restaurant off the lobby that also has street access open to all in town that serves variety of meals from $5 to $10 or more including coffee. Nothing fancy but very tasty and quick in & out. This block with Carniegie has a variety of expensive & inexpensive food spots including the Carniegie Delly which appears to be fancy as well as popular. Most NYC coffee we found to be strong.

1. I think your question is a completely good one, why not ask for recommendations in a city you are visiting?

2. Somebody can correct me about this: it sounds to me as if in the nabe you'll be in it's chains (Starbucks etc.) you're going to find. Not really just sound like this, actually, it's an impression from living here (but not in that nabe).


3. Somebody help with this: I think the Japanese elegant store Felissimo is near there, and I believe it has an amazingly lovely tea room, don't know if that includes coffee.
If you're looking for sort of "real", unique, independently -owned coffeeshops and cafes, to while away time in, you want the Village, the
East Village, Irving Place, I think, and maybe some side streets in other areas that are mosr residential.

Also as you probably know all Barnes & Nobles' have Starbucks in them, and they're nice to sit in & read & have coffee.

Fred, try any of the upscale department stores in Midtown like Saks, Barney's, Bloomies. They all have spotless cafes that serve wonderful pastries, coffee, and cappuccino. I'm sure, like most visiters to NY, you'll be going there anyway.

I read your reply regarding your stay at the Wellington. I've booked 4 nights there during Thanksgiving and have read a very wide variety of comments on this hotel. Any further details would greatly be appreciated. Price, service, tips, etc. Thanks.

I recommend that you get a copy of the guidebook, ACCESS New York. The ACCESS books are great because they are layed out by location, not topic. So for instance you can look up the location of your hotel and there you will find a rundown of shopping, restaurants, places of interest nearby. The book is organized street by street with great maps rather than one chapter for attractions and another for restaurants. All too often in other guide books I find a great restaurant only to discover that its across town. In the ACCESS books you will be able to find conveniences in any NY neighborhood. Want to know a good restaurant near your theater? Its quite easy with this book. I think they are the best walking guide books available.

Bob, I have stayed at the Wellington and was very satisifed. My room was very clean and the staff was friendly. It is not a luxury property, but the location is excellent and I always felt safe. Service was very good, we called the hotel 2 days before arrival and told them when we would be arriving to see if they would hold our luggage until check-in, they said they would, but when we arrived (11:00 am) our room was ready so it was not necessary. The coffee shop downstairs is fine for a quick breakfast. As far as tipping, we tipped our "maid" $2-3 a day (spotless bathroom, nice supply of fresh towles etc.) If you were able to book a decent rate for Thanksgiving weekend, you did well. Enjoy your stay!