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Directly across the street from Tompkins Square Park, this unkempt coffeehouse whips up mugs of frothy cappuccino and homemade chai for an endless line of locals. As triple-tiered stands of sugary cookies and pastries tempt those with a serious sweet tooth, regulars steer clear of the more serious menu offerings, choosing instead to moderate their hunger pains with snacks such as buttery tarts made with caramelized onion strands and goat cheese crumbles. Lopsided candles, smudged mirrors, deacon’s benches, mini-desks, and antique gas lanterns all combine to provide that polished hole-in-the-wall feel required of any true East Village hangout. — Lauren Berger

Homemade chai, $2; caramelized onion and goat cheese tart, $2.75