Midtown - Coffee Shop on a Saturday afternoon?

[milano14]

Going to be in the city on Saturday afternoon, evening...and looking for a coffee shop around the Empire State Building/Penn Station or down to 26th to meet some friends, grab a coffee and chat.
Our intent is to avoid the Starbucks on every corner.
Any good suggestions?

[Peter Cherches]

Brasil Coffee House, at Lexington & 30th--great strong Brazilian coffee roasted at their Queens location, and the usually have great Brazilian music playing.

http://petercherches.blogspot.com

[eameyer]

I've always wanted to try that place!

[kathryn]

Joe, Cafe Grumpy, or Madeleine Patisserie are all around that area.

Joe The Art of Coffee
405 West 23rd St

Cafe Grumpy
224 W 20th St

Madeleine Patisserie
132 W 23rd St

[jmd350]

Tried Fika Espresso Bar last week. Thought it was pretty good. Park at 28th. There were a couple of tables but not a whole lot of room to sit and chat with more than a couple people. Snacks looked delicious.