Non-Starbucks Super-Strong Coffee in Times Square?

[superhans]

For all the horrible corporate idiocy behind Starbucks, their coffee is one of the few joys I have in coming to work in the very center of Times Square every morning. I haven't soured on their hypercaffeinated espresso (forgive me, if I were downtonwn, I'd be at Mud, or Think, or Joe, or any of the fantastic places down there) but the service, specifically at 42nd & Broadway, is horrible. It's like Starbucks 1996, no communication, hideous lines, botched orders. The ritual is rendered stressful and maddening.

Help me. I've tried Juan Valdez across the street, it's not strong enough. Deli coffee is not an option. Cafe Duke is hardly better. Tell me there's a secret coffee spot around 42nd/Bway where the lines move quickly and the joe is as strong as at the Bux.

Thanks.

[VeggieBooty]

I like the coffee at the 'wichcraft kiosk at the corner of Bryant Park at 42nd and 6th. I'm not sure if it'd be strong enough for you but it might be worth a try.

[Blumie]

Unfortunately I have not found an alternative to McStarbucks either. I have found, however, that their best Times Square location is the one on 45th between 6th and 7th.

[ssf36]

I've had generally good luck with the Starbucks on 42d, east of 8th ave. Also the one on 43d & Bway, which can get crowded but usually moves with decent speed.

[superhans]

Any secret non-Starbucks venues?

[harrison]

probably a bit out of your way, but there's Empire Coffee on 9th ave/41st st.

[a_and_w]

That's probably your best bet besides Starbucks in the area. Unfortunately, I'm not sure it's worth going that far out of your way.

[superhans]

Good to know re: Empire, but yeah, it's out of the way. With the number of people working in this area, it's amazing that there's not a single decent coffee establishment.