Cafe Allegro Expresso Bar

Cafe Allegro has been there forever. I think it's the first coffee house that existed, back before Starbucks, before coffee houses were even known outside of the university and its bohemian groupies and perpetual grad students. The integrity of the place is unbroken. It's hard to review, because I now go there just to enter their time machine and relive intellectual liaisons with people long gone. The Allegro has a quiet room in back, good for studying, and a bulletin board that I've stood in front of at strange junctures of my life, contemplating the next group household. On sunny days people and their dogs sit out on the cement in the alley that it opens onto. Inside, it's hard to articulate its charm: it's not the most artful layout, but it's got a simplicity that grows on you. Bare bricks, plain wood, and it's an easy place to be alone in. The coffee and tea, of course, are excellent. The pastries are so-so, but then, that's not what you came for. more

It's not an "Expresso" bar, but a great espresso and coffee shop on the alley between the Ave and 15th, just north of NE 42nd. There are three separated seating areas, one in the same room as the food and drink counter, one in back, and one upstairs (go outside from the door between the two lower floor seating areas, and take the door upstairs). Cafe Allegro has a comfortable atmosphere and delicious Fair Trade Certified coffee. They also serve breakfast in the morning. The wifi is temperamental, so if you're looking to settle down with your computer here, you might want to try the connection before you get your food or drink. more