Ninth Street Espresso has been a staple in New York City’s specialty coffee scene since 2001, offering a contrast to newer establishments. As a seasoned coffee enthusiast exploring the East Village, I ventured into two of their locations: the original Ninth Street spot in Alphabet City and their branch near Tompkins Square on 10th Street. My experience provided a glimpse into two distinct atmospheres, both centered around the same high-quality coffee that Ninth Street Espresso is known for.
Ninth Street Espresso: Two Locations, Different Vibes
While both locations share the Ninth Street Espresso name and commitment to quality, they offer noticeably different experiences. Choosing between the Ninth Street and Tompkins Square locations depends largely on your preference for ambiance and how you intend to enjoy your coffee.
The Original Charm of 9th Street (Alphabet City)
The original Ninth Street Espresso location on 9th Street in Alphabet City immediately strikes you as a place to settle in and savor your coffee. Stepping inside, the space is considerably larger than the 10th Street branch, boasting a more square layout. While the north-facing windows don’t flood the cafe with sunlight, they provide a soft, inviting light that complements the warm, bustling atmosphere.
Benches outside Ninth Street Espresso on 9th Street, inviting customers to relax and enjoy their coffee in Alphabet City.
Inside the 9th Street location, you’ll find ample seating, including ten two-person tables and bar seating that accommodates another ten guests. The seating arrangement encourages conversation and lingering, making it an ideal spot to work remotely, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment with your brew. During my visit, the background music was a mix of jazz and country, played at a volume that was present but not intrusive, contributing to a relaxed and comfortable environment. Crucially, the wifi at the 9th Street location was excellent, a significant advantage for those needing to stay connected.
The Quick Stop at 10th Street/Tompkins Square
In contrast, the Ninth Street Espresso branch near Tompkins Square on 10th Street presents a different feel. This location is smaller and more elongated, designed with a focus on takeaway service. While seating is available, it’s more limited, with a bar along one wall extending to the front window and a bench on the opposite side, totaling around 17 seats. The south-facing window bathes the space in sunlight, highlighting the whitewashed brick walls and wooden floors, creating a bright and airy feel.
Light streams in through the window at Ninth Street Espresso's 10th Street location, creating a bright and airy atmosphere for coffee drinkers.
Despite its aesthetic appeal, the Tompkins Square location felt less conducive to extended stays. During my visit, the wifi bandwidth was noticeably low, making it challenging to work or browse online. Furthermore, the music selection and volume were less to my personal taste and somewhat distracting. While these factors are subjective and can vary, they did impact the overall experience compared to the 9th Street location. However, for a quick, high-quality coffee on the go in the Tompkins Square area, this branch remains a solid option.
Coffee and Menu Highlights at Ninth Street Espresso
Regardless of location, Ninth Street Espresso maintains a consistent focus on exceptional coffee. Their menu is streamlined and coffee-centric, offering urn brew, espresso, and Chemex for pour-over enthusiasts. Tea drinkers are also catered to with a selection of green, black, oolong, and peppermint teas. To complement their drinks, both locations offer a curated selection of pastries, cookies, and scones.
The menu at Ninth Street Espresso, showcasing their simple and size-focused approach to coffee offerings in New York City.
One distinctive feature of Ninth Street Espresso is their approach to coffee orders, which are based on size rather than traditional names. Customers choose between espresso or espresso with milk, with milk-based drinks available in 3oz, 6oz, 9oz, and 12oz sizes. This simplified menu highlights their dedication to the coffee itself, allowing the quality of their beans and brewing to take center stage. You can also purchase Ninth Street Espresso’s beans, along with brewing equipment and branded merchandise, to enjoy their coffee at home.
Which Ninth Street Espresso Experience Suits You Best?
Choosing between the Ninth Street Espresso locations ultimately depends on your desired coffee shop experience. For those looking for a relaxed and comfortable environment to linger, work, or socialize over coffee, the original 9th Street location in Alphabet City is the clear winner. Its larger space, ample seating, reliable wifi, and pleasant ambiance make it an ideal neighborhood coffee shop.
Inside Ninth Street Espresso on 9th Street, showcasing a spacious interior perfect for enjoying coffee and conversation in a relaxed setting.
If you’re seeking a quick and excellent coffee while exploring the Tompkins Square area, the 10th Street branch is a convenient and stylish option. While it may be less suited for extended stays due to its smaller size and potentially variable wifi and ambiance, the quality of the coffee remains consistently high.
My espresso at the 10th Street branch of Ninth Street Espresso, highlighting the cafe's focus on delivering quality coffee in the East Village.
Ultimately, both Ninth Street Espresso locations offer a taste of New York City’s vibrant coffee culture. Whether you choose the cozy and inviting 9th Street spot or the bright and efficient 10th Street branch, you’re guaranteed a quality coffee experience that reflects Ninth Street Espresso’s long-standing reputation in the NYC specialty coffee scene. If you have the chance, consider visiting both to appreciate the unique charm of each location.
