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All Reader Reviews of...

Abraço

86 E. 7th St., New York, NY, 10003
nr. First Ave.
212-388-9731

Avg. Rating

7
Food: 8
Service: 6
Décor: 7
"Recommended"

Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10.

71% would go back.

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coffee quality depending on barista

By Madalene on 3/10/2011

  • Overall Rating: 7
  • Food: 8
  • Service: 4
  • Décor: 10
  • Yes, I would go back!

Great place, or it used to be. Now that Jamie is not there every day and lets other baristas make the coffee it's a true hit and miss in terms of quality. I got a very acidic cappuccino from a woman who works there... twice, so I know it was not a coincidence. I am a little surprised people on here have not commented on the distinct difference between a coffee cup made by the owner and others who work there. The variation in quality is very disappointing and, frankly, should not be happening at a serious coffee place. I will still get my coffee there, but ONLY FROM THE OWNER.

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20 out of 39 people found this review helpful.

Could they close any earlier? Perhaps take Fridays off too?

By joemaister on 10/19/2010

  • Overall Rating: 3
  • Food: 3
  • Service: 1
  • Décor: 5
  • No, I would not go back!

Is this a money laundering front? Closed Mondays. Other days closes 4pm (not taking orders even earlier - they are too busy closing). They seem to be more busy closing shop than keeping it open. This isn't a business district where commuters have headed home at 4pm; this is the East Village. It wakes up at 11am and doesn't shut down until 4am. The one time I managed to get service here, my order was delayed until the owner's friend who was two people behind me got his preferred treatment. The wait and line were long and the latte was great but not amazing. Full bodied, average crema, acidic, slightly over-roasted, mostly over-hyped. I prefer La Colombe and Inteligenzia by far. On my 2nd, 3rd and 4th visit, the doors were shut. The 5th time I was asked to leave because ...you guessed it; they are closing yet again. Is it insane to expect coffee at 3:48pm? And so, instead of wondering around with my $5 latte I just walked over to Ninth Street Espresso and got my great fix there, as I will do from now on. Only so much abuse I can take

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32 out of 65 people found this review helpful.

Mind the line

By JoJoJo on 10/16/2010

  • Overall Rating: 6
  • Food: 8
  • Service: 3
  • Décor: 3
  • No, I would not go back!

Pros: good drip coffee; notably rich and creamy latte; nice staff; good music. Cons: if there's a line, be prepared to wait indefinitely as friends of house/aggressive people/who knows who shamelessly line jump, get six lattes to go, mysteriously get served immediately, etc. All fine if you have the time and patience, and great if you're a friend of the owner, but you could walk to the Tompkins Square Ninth Street Espresso, get coffee and be back in the time it takes to get a drink on weekends here.

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35 out of 79 people found this review helpful.

Amazing, quality, service & local vibes

By montrealgourmande on 1/25/2010

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 9
  • Yes, I would go back!

This place hits the spot every time. It is consistent, unbelievable and real organized chaos. Hats off to the laid back and friendly owner and staff. It is a very regular stop for me now matter how maany times I have been when I am in new york. Check out my review: http://daniellegaronce.blogspot.com/2010/01/coffee-hugs.html Amazing dessert, cookies etc, and delicious paninis.

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57 out of 119 people found this review helpful.

the best

By pemina on 7/24/2009

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 9
  • Yes, I would go back!

the best caps and espresso so far in NYC!

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81 out of 148 people found this review helpful.

The great barista makes the great latte

By johnwoonyc on 11/15/2008

  • Overall Rating: 8
  • Food: 8
  • Service: 7
  • Décor: 7
  • Yes, I would go back!

Very friendly barista makes the best latte in the city. When it rains, I just make myself show up at his little cafe sitting on little bench outside.

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69 out of 146 people found this review helpful.

An Espresso Embrace

By jamesviola79 on 4/4/2008

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 9
  • Service: 9
  • Décor: 8
  • Yes, I would go back!

The first time I stopped at Abraco they were re-doing the floor and my coffee was offered to me free of charge as I stood in the doorway. I went back when the work was finished and got chatting to Jamie, the energetic owner. I asked him if "abraco" means "hug" in Portuguese but he quickly corrected me: "Embrace." Jamie likes to spin vinyl samba records as he makes your espresso, and told me Caetano Veloso has an apartment in the neighborhood. Soon after we actually ran into each other at the Brazilian's concert near Times Square. Abraco sells Sanbitter in little bottles, but alas no Campari Soda - for that you need a liquor licence. Did I mention the coffee is among the best in town?

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77 out of 150 people found this review helpful.

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