Sweetleaf - 10-93 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City NY 11101
917.832.6726
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Ave
I was excited to try this well-known LIC java house, mainly because it's known for excellent Stumptown brand coffee. My friend and Joey in Astoria colleague, Meg tried it the other day and was very pleased. Since we tend to have similar tastebuds, I was really looking forward to it, bringing my bestie Kimberly along for the enjoyment.
Atmosphere:
From the very first minute I stepped into Sweetleaf, I knew it was something special and different from the run-of-the-mill coffee houses like Starbucks and Peet's. I loved its comfortable, homey vibe with a couple of small tables, upholstered benches and fun little knick knacks and mementos everywhere you looked.
The upbeat rock music completed the indie vibe and made me feel like I was back at my favorite college coffee house, Espresso Royale, where I used to study for hours and play my favorite music from the jukebox. I think that's one thing that Sweetleaf is missing - a fun, little juke box to complete the nostalgia.
The upbeat rock music completed the indie vibe and made me feel like I was back at my favorite college coffee house, Espresso Royale, where I used to study for hours and play my favorite music from the jukebox. I think that's one thing that Sweetleaf is missing - a fun, little juke box to complete the nostalgia.
Coffee and Food:
Kimberly and I both ordered cappuccinos, and she also got a wheat bran muffin to nibble on.
I loved how gorgeous the cappuccino looked--the foam was shaped like a sweet little heart and I absolutely loved the effect. The coffee itself was awesome--strong and aromatic but not so potent that it made me jittery. For me, a great cup of coffee doesn't need many embellishments, and I hardly had to put sugar in this, it was that good.
Although I wasn't hungry, I just couldn't pass up trying Kimberly's bran muffin. Mmmm...it was divine. As Meg rightfully pointed out, the words "bran muffin" and "divine" scarcely end up in the same sentence, but this was fantastic. First off, it wasn't oily and had a slightly crunchy outside with a soft chewy inside. And as Kimberly rightly pointed out, it tasted homemade and even healthy. Not sure how much butter was in it, but it didn't feel heavy at all.
Although I wasn't hungry, I just couldn't pass up trying Kimberly's bran muffin. Mmmm...it was divine. As Meg rightfully pointed out, the words "bran muffin" and "divine" scarcely end up in the same sentence, but this was fantastic. First off, it wasn't oily and had a slightly crunchy outside with a soft chewy inside. And as Kimberly rightly pointed out, it tasted homemade and even healthy. Not sure how much butter was in it, but it didn't feel heavy at all.
Service and Cost:
The service consisted of one barista behind the counter, and she was very competent. I liked that she carried through the indie/rocker look, sporting a cool, short haircut and a barely-trying edgy outfit. She was hip and fit in completely with her surroundings - we dug it!
Costs are high but you get premium quality and it's worth it. Two cappuccinos and a wheat bran muffin set us back $9. I'd go back any day!
3 Caffenaited Mmmms
They do an excellent cup of coffee. If I lived in the nabe I would probably take advantage of that cute little coffee bar multiple times a week. Would also consider purchasing our beans for home brewing there when we move back east!
ReplyDeleteWe'll hit it up again for sure :) Good times!
ReplyDeleteI was surfing the web last night and saw this. I wanted to thank you for your kind words. They were very humbling and only inspire us to keep making things better and better.
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
You're welcome Rich - keep up the great work!
ReplyDelete