Steeplechase Coffee

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Indoor plants along the window, individual stained glass panels along the main wall, and enlarged images of the Coney Island Steeplechase (that went dark in 1964) on what empty wall space is left, this cafe is that corner character that is actually interesting once you get to know them. You know the type. The exposed brick behind the counter seems to mimic the reddish wood panels on the floor and the tiles of square rings painted copper on the ceiling. None of it fits into each other, all the design seams visible. And yet, an industrial style table—all steel pipe links for legs—with a relentless spider plant atop it acts to distort the view of the La Marzocco machine. A trandescantia zebrina and aloe on the counter further absorb the lion and the high-performing equipment. This arrangement, coupled with one uncluttered soul per table—most with just a laptop in front of them—ushers in an unassuming refuge, the locale manifestation of a bud peaking through pavement. 

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Drink: Skim Cappuccino

This is one of the worst cappuccinos I’ve had in a long time. It tasted like they made it with 2 oz. of blonde roast rather than espresso. I don’t know how they concocted this exactly. I asked if they put in 2 shots, and I got an enthusiastic yes…well, as enthusiastic as the distracted (or maybe a little aloof?) barista with the myriad of neck jewelry (including the classic black stretch choker). My brain just kept saying, Drink, it has to get better. But that first sip indicated all I needed to know. I think that the grinder is off, to be honest. I think that it is too course and maybe not grinding the right volume of coffee for the portafilter. At one point, my throat didn’t even want to swallow it, with it bubbling back up into my mouth. Jesus. There’s so much going on in the flavor too, berries, cocoa, fig, flowers, root beer, and honey. I think it requires more careful dialing in. My assumption? They kept the machine at the same calibration from the following day (or days) leading to an inaccurate and poor cup. 

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Price: Cappuccino=$4.75

Hours: Monday–Friday {7:30–15}; Saturday–Sunday {8–15}

✓ WIFI

Extra Notes:

WIFI wouldn’t let me post on my Instagram story though...