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Opened in December 2008, Ost looks like a New York café manufactured for a Hollywood soundstage: Charming exposed brick walls, pressed tin ceilings, vintage velvet armchairs, and groups of attractive twentysomethings engaged in smirk-provoking banter. Though its brews fall short of those at connoisseur favorite Abraco nearby, Intelligentsia beans here make for a delicious caffeine fix and there is indoor seating, too. Espresso drinks come with double shots of the Black Cat Classic blend, and are often served in precious white ceramics with dainty handles. Consider yourself lucky if you can score a seat, because even with the WiFi turned off on the weekends they can be hard to come by—many hunker down with thick novels and don’t get up till they need sustenance beyond the decadent specialty from nearby Westville East: Nutella sandwiched between two homemade chocolate chip cookies. — Edna Ishayik

Nutella cookie sandwich, $3