Decent Coffeehouse on LI?

[GCGuy]

I go to the Buck, but the number of them and DD are getting to my head...it's spinning out of control.

Anyone know of a good coffeehouse in Nassau County? Anyone know why there aren't more???

[mcqueen]

Tic Toc Cafe in St. James! On Lake Ave, right across the street from this new restaurant I have yet to investigate called "ZAR Cafe". GREAT atmosphere, internet radio, wonderful decor (including old church pews for seating). Very fresh coffee and espresso, free (secret) wi-fi, and live music on the weekends. I requested soy milk once, and now they've got it every time. I believe they also deliver. Check it out!

www.tictoccafe.com

[Fred19]

I like Eastenders Coffe House at 40 East Main Street in Riverhead.

It is similar to the coffee houses that they used to have in The Village, with musical and comedy entertainment. It is a comrortable place. I like their coffee better than Starbucks, but I cannot say that the coffee there is outstanding, but it is OK. Not a bad place to stop after dinner.

As for the best coffee, I like the coffee at The Meetinghouse Creek in Aquebogue.

[GCGuy]

Just had some great, loose leaf teas at MUD. I really like that place. They also have Bindi sweets now in addition to Crumbs cupcakes.

[CurlieGlamourGirlie]

I had time to kill the other night before my lamaze class and had dinner at MUD - a bacon, avocado, tomato panini with rice and beans. The food was delish! Now I'll have to stop in for a decaf and a snack!

[stuartlafonda]

Coffee Nut Cafe at 250 East Park Ave in Long beach is my" go to" coffee place on summer weekends when I am out that way. Good selection, fair prices and it is not a chain. Frequently I grab a danish from Country Boy Bakery next door. It is not exactly the breakfast of champions, more the breakfast of chowhounds.

[mrbeachy]

another one that is supposedly very good is in rockville centre on north village avenue- the kookaburra coffee cafe. i plan to check it out one of these days.

[synergy]

Classy Coffee in Huntington has been around for a long time. They sell coffee beans and have table service, desserts.

[amymsmom]

Just a thought - On LI, diners cover some of the bases for people who would otherwise go to a coffee house. Despite the fact that they have no entertainment and no atmosphere, you can get almost anything you want to eat or drink. And they're everywhere (at least in Nassau Co.).

Also, diners always seem to be open. Went out for coffee at the SB in Merrick (Merrick Rd) after a movie with some friends a couple of weeks ago. Since it was a weekday nite, we actually got kicked out ~10:30!

[GCGuy]

I've mentioned before, but MUD in Mineola is great. Nice people, good coffee, cool vibe, good eats.

[foodieforthought]

GCGuy, I don't really think its your scene, but the Witches' Brew is probably the best coffee house on the island (in West Hempstead). Its been around for almost 20 years I believe. However, for some reason or another, they've adopted this punk, emo, goth look. Not very welcoming to the older crowd.

Mostly teens with no fake IDs go here. :-)

[Scott_R]

Almost 20 years? Since 1996.

[Scott_R]

Is Mud still open? I went by there a few weeks ago, and they were closed (this was noon, after they were supposed to be open). The inside looked somewhat bare.

[GCGuy]

Yes, went there 2 times last week. Noticed the Crumbs cupcakes the last time!

[Scott_R]

re: Mud
Ah, yes... was thinking of a different place, in Westbury (Post Avenue, also right near the tracks).

Tried it. Espresso was just OK. More disconcerting: someone, seemingly an owner or manager, walking around and talking loudly on her cell phone about her bladder problems. <shudder>

[GCGuy]

Yum...could you get that to go?

[JGS]

GCGuy,

Someone below mentioned Witches Brew. It's on Hempstead Tpke, right when you cross into West Hempstead, heading west, it's on the left. It's near the Cherry Valley Shopping Center.

I've never been, but pass by it all the time and am curious. It appears to be a bona fide coffee house.

[GCGuy]

I think I know where that is. Didn't know what it was. I'll have to check it out. Thanks. If you go, please share your thoughts (I'm sure you would).

[CurlieGlamourGirlie]

I like The Cup in Wantagh. Someone else said they didn't care for their coffee, but I like it. It's right across from the Wantagh train station. I love their quirky desserts and I like their variety. Live music on the weekends.

I've also been to The Grind in Bellmore, but didn't like it as much as The Cup.

There used to be one called Witches' Brew in New Hyde Park I think on Jericho - don't know if it's still around.

Why aren't there more? IMO because people are willing to settle for Starbucks. Which is fine to grab some morning java, but doesn't have that.....cozy coffeehouse feel. I've noticed that often on LI - if there's a chain that meets the need, there's a lack in independent places that would do the same thing.

[GCGuy]

I think the familiarity of the chains trumps uniqueness, unfortunately. It's funny how Starbucks seem to be busy much of the time...and with people sitting, reading, chatting, etc., yet there are not more independents stepping up (or will they get shut out).

[GCGuy]

Checked out The Cup's website...looks good. Maybe when I'm in that neck of the woods, I'll check it out. Thanks.

[Scott_R]

I might have been the one you saw who said he didn't like The Cup's coffee.

I like Northwinds Coffee & Tea in Port Washington, which also roasts their own beans.

Best all-around coffee place on Long Island is, IMNSHO, Babylon Bean. Northwinds probably has the edge in absolute coffee quality, but I like BB's atmosphere better, and their coffee is good enough that it doesn't take points away from the total score (as The Cup's does).

I've been to Brown Dog in King's Park a few times and it's been fine. They use pods for their espresso, which makes it consistent, but not top-quality.

Music or spiritual readings don't sell me on a coffee place, the coffee does, followed by a relaxed atmosphere where I can bring my laptop and type away. I don't mean a dead-quiet place; that can become uncomfortable. A friendly atmosphere, comfortable settings, with very good coffee--that's why the Bean's my top choice.

[CurlieGlamourGirlie]

Where is Babylon Bean?

Never mind - I got it off the other thread - thanks!

[mrbeachy]

i second the cup. it reminds me of a bohemian greenwich village type place. yes the crowd is mostly young,as is the staff,but they do have some interesting desserts, like squished pie in a mug.. i dont know anything about their coffees as i dont drink coffee,but others in my part said they are quite good.

[Scott_R]

Having lived in the Village back in the early/mid 90's, I'll have to agree: cool atmosphere, bad coffee. Don't know if the Village coffee scene has improved since then, but the Cup is definitely like how it was in those days.