Caffe Reggio
Address:
119 MacDougal Street
City:
New York, NY
Zip:
10012
Phone:
(212) 475-9557
Map:
Map
Cuisine:
Coffee Shops
Area:
Greenwich Village
Entree Price:
<$10
Takeout:
Yes
Summary:
Entering Caffe Reggio is like turning back time. The cafe on MacDougal Street is one of the oldest in the city, dating back to 1927. It's life-size portraits and tin ceiling make you feel like you're sitting in a European cafe. Space here is tight and the crowds are large, so be prepared to squeeze in.
It is also here that Domenic Parisi brought the first cappucino to America, spending his entire life savings of $1,000 to import an ornate espresso machine from Italy. The chrome and bronze Gargantua dates back to 1902.
Today Caffe Reggio is still turning out delicious cappuccino and espresso alongside Italian pastries and panini sandwiches. It is truly an unadulterated New York gem that will hopefully be around for another 100 years. - Thomas Rafael