I'm looking for cafes and coffee shops in Manhattan where one can sit for a couple of hours and read and/or write. Good coffee is a must; noise level is unimportant. Yes, just about every Starbucks in the city fits the bill, but what else? A friend has suggested Corrado Cafe (sp?) in the Gramercy Park area. Comments? Other suggestions?
Thanks

While this is an uptown cafe, it certainly fits your needs--The Hungarian Pastry Shop on Amsterdam &112th. It's a Columbia University student hangout, mostly grad students and english/art history majors. They have great pastries and a very mellow atmosphere, as long as you don't stay too late. Midday is best for relaxing there.

Corrado Cafe & Bakery is on 120 E. 15th Street just east of Union Square and it's perfect for what you describe. I too would be interested in other options.

I'm a writer in NYC - I often write in Corrado - spacious, clean bathrooms, good cappucino & food and convenient to my home & subway. it gets a little noisy at lunch & @ 2:45pm - there's a couple of schools nearby - but it never really bothers me. I also enjoy Le Gamin - particularly the one @ 9th Avenue & 21st. St. Very french, good food and you can work for hours.

Great choices so far. I plan to check out Corrado this week. Any other suggestions in other neighborhoods? A friend suggested DT-UT on the UES, but I hear the coffee stinks.

DT-UT is what I was going to suggest -- shabby (sorta) chic with great desserts to munch on. I'm not much into coffee, so can't comment there, but atmosphere-wise, I think you'll get alot done. Full of folks with laptops...

Caffe Reggio on Macdougal - just north of Bleecker. It's got loads of character and old school charm. I wouold suggest that regardless of where you go, be sure to order something periodically and tip appropriately to compensate the waitperson for the time the table is tied up - they rely on tips to make a living and when one table is tied up for hours with only a few coffees or the like, it can pose a financial difficulty for the server. I have on occasion given a very generous tip upfront to the server and informed them of my plans (to hang out at the table for a few hours). Have gotten very thankful reactions for doing this and also gotten great and friendly service (which should be the rulel but isn't always). Some may disagree with this suggested procedure but having once worked as a waiter I can assure you that it's truly appreciated.

What about the Grey Dog's Coffee on Carmine Street? I've personally never been, but would it be a good choice for what you're looking for?

Who are you?
J.K. Rowling?

J.K. Rowling? Who's he?!?

No, I'm Hugo. I live in Alphabet City. Who are you?

How about Anglers and Writers at 420 Hudson Street. I LOVE their hot chocolate!

No contest, defenitely Central Perk in the village, modeled after the Friends cafe.

71 Irving Place