East Harlem Café

Proprietor Michelle Cruz returned to her native Puerto Rico to learn more about indigenous coffees before opening this cozy café in Spanish Harlem which focuses on gourmet brew from Central and South America. The inviting couches and tables aren’t just for settling in with a cup of French press java and light Latin-inflected fare in the form of soups, sandwiches, salads and pastries: Nearly every day of the week brings a special event, whether it’s Tea for Two Tuesdays where two pots of tea go for the price of one, the monthly book or running club, coffee tasting seminars or a Latino take on tea time.

See more: East Harlem restaurants, American nuevo latino restaurants, Baked good restaurants