Coffee Journal | Toby’s Estate, West Village, NYC

I have a short trip to New York planned for the end of the month. I know it’ll be early in the season, but I’m still a little wary of New York in the summer. I’m worried it’ll be hot and crowded and full of other tourists because the locals would have left the city, and I’ll have to stand in long queues to get anywhere fun. My friend V thinks my worries are overstated, and that I’m perhaps confusing summer in New York with summer in Paris.
I’m sure I’m just being a worrywart and I’ll probably have the greatest time. I have a rough itinerary which includes taking the A train up to the Met Cloisters, a photography date on Governors Island and a trip to the Bronx to check out the botanical garden. I’m hoping to spend time in the West Village too, and go back to this adorably chic corner café.

We came here twice on our last visit, charmed by the bright space and amazing coffee.
Toby’s Estate has been on my list since they opened their Williamsburg location years ago, but I could never make it out there on those short visits to New York. This location however is perfect, and close to all my favourite New York haunts in SoHo and Greenwich Village. Toby’s Estate, a specialty coffee roaster started out in Australia, the new mecca for craft coffee. They opened a roastery in Brooklyn and currently have a few locations in New York City. Their ethos is simple; serving great coffee from quality roasted single origin beans. The café fits right in with the quaint beautiful neighbourhood of tree-lined streets and row of townhouses.

The light filled décor has clean aesthetic and feels welcoming. It has a laid back atmosphere with ample seating, most of the seats are bars by giant windows overlooking a picturesque street. The décor is a mix of modern and industrial; white washed brick walls, dark woods, mixed stools, potted succulents and pops of colour.
Our coffees as expected was excellent; well made, refined rich coffee flavours with just the right sweetness, acidity and no bitter notes. The coffee is aromatic and each sip is smooth and complex. The guy next to us said they make the best flat whites in the city! Their enticing selection of pastries and other food options are all sourced from local bakeries.

It’s refreshing to linger in spaces like this when traveling, cozy ambiance, quality coffee and good company makes for an all-around delightful experience.