Like many New Yorkers, I love good coffee. Yes, I admit I do drink instant coffee sometimes – but that would be because I couldn’t find the proper cup-a-Joe at the nearby Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts. It wasn’t until I started working at Distrikt Hotel that I discovered the best coffee I have tasted…ever. Empire Coffee is a New York coffee shop/ business that is just two blocks up from Distrikt on 9th avenue. You can order a cup of coffee to go, or pickup a pound or two of fresh roasted coffee. If you don’t like coffee, then there is a huge variety of loose teas that Empire Coffee creates. If you feel snackish, there are a variety of gourmet, organic or international treats. From biscotti to Scottish biscuits to chocolate covered coffee beans, the flavors are INFINITE!
Originally based in New Jersey, this business has been open for years, offering customers fresh gourmet coffee. The organic coffee is roasted upstate and sold both in-store and online. I think what makes Empire Coffee so amazing is the variety and selection of coffee. They created some very unique blends and names to go with it. For example, The Obama Blend or Blueberry Crumb Cake – each roast has such a unique taste and quality. The coffee beans sit in canvas sacks along the wall with these unique blend names and descriptions. If you are a tea drinker, there are jars upon jars of home-made blends and mixes to choose from. Be it Green Tea or something spicier like South African Chai, the options are endless.
Coffee-wise, I think my favorite name/description would be the “Irish Cream” blend which states “Just the thing for a hangover, Hoboken!” Then you have the Jamaican Blue Mountain blend, the most expensive roast at $50 per pound. Definitely worth it. Personally, my favorite blends are the Continental Blend and the French Mocha Roast. YUUUMMM!!! I always get one pound and the Empire employees are always happy to help grind the beans. This is basically the only place you can get such amazing quality of coffee without spending too much. In New York, this is precious!
My recommendation to all coffee lovers who are staying with us at Distrikt – stop by Empire Coffee and enjoy one of their amazing blends. If you don’t want a cappuccino, try their hot chocolate or yummy ice tea, very good! If you don’t feel like walking out to their shop, then enjoy Empire Coffee in Distrikt’s lobby or restaurant during breakfast. That’s right – we brew and serve Empire Coffee and are happy to support. This local business is definitely a treasure in this Empire we call New York.
Written by Lauren Macé
