Caffe Reggio NYC – Greenwich Village’s Oldest Coffee House

2018 update: Mod Betty was in NYC this past week and happily saw that Caffe Reggio is still open! With all of the closures and changes in NYC these days, you best get yourself there sooner rather than later, you never know what could happen, with real estate prices and all. 

Original 2011 Post:

As I sit here in Retro Roadmap headquarters hovering over my cup of tea for warmth, I'm remembering the hot beverages and cozy atmosphere of Caffe Reggio in New York City. We visited Greenwich Village's oldest coffee house a few weeks ago thanks to the recommendation of our NYC go-to-guy for all that's cool in the city, RetromanNYC , and I'm glad we did!

Caffe Reggio is famous for introducing cappuccino to the United States, and proudly displays their original cappuccino machine in their dimly lit yet wonderfully inviting interior. Retro Roadhusband was more than happy to partake in one of their famous cappuccinos (gave it the thumbs up) and I ordered a hot tea for me. I was delighted when my tea arrived, not in a bag, but in a pot, with strainer and all, to catch the loose tea leaves.

When RetromanNYC suggested Caffe Reggio to us he let us know that it was his mother's favorite hang between classes (or sometimes instead of classes!) when she attended NYU. I can see the allure of the place for folks from any era, with the eclectic artwork, surprisingly friendly service and a history of notable customers, beatniks and all. While the cafe is currently non-smoking, I can just imagine a college age gal drinking cappuccino, smoking Gitanes and feeling very continental.

Waiting at our marble bistro table for our beverages to arrive it was fun to absorb all of the details of the small space, and watch the steady stream of customers coming in from the cold. I was enchanted by the antique lighting and stained glass, tin roof and antiques, all giving off the vibe that they had been there forever. You can't buy patina like this.

If you don't mind being seen, there are seats at the window, and for warmer weather there is cafe seating outside.

Caffe Reggio also serves soups, sandwiches, pastries, desserts and more- had we not had plans for dinner that evening we would've grabbed a bite for sure. Just writing about it makes me want to go back there right now, and join in the cafe society!