The sure signs of a great neighborhood include many things – aesthetically pleasing architecture and public spaces, good restaurants and watering holes, trendy boutiques and of course a dependable coffee shop.
A great cup of coffee goes a long way – and I’m not just talking about any cup of Joe, I’m referring to a strong cup of Sweetleaf’s legendary Stumptown Coffee.
Even though Sweetleaf at 10-93 Jackson Avenue has been in LIC for just two years, it’s already made a strong imprint on the neighborhood. People go absolutely gaga for their fair trade Stumptown coffee, which has been declared the “best coffee in the world” by National Public Radio. And with Sweetleaf being the only place in Queens to get it, to say that demand is high is an understatement.
But besides the excellent coffee, which is a big reason to come here, Sweetleaf also boasts a nostalgic, indie vibe that is hard to find in a modern-day coffee shop. To imagine the atmosphere at Sweetleaf, think back on your college days when coffee houses were a little grungy, with loud rock music and drinks served by baristas with funky haircuts and carefree attitudes. Yep, you can still find that at Sweetleaf and people just drink it up.
What else are they drinking? The amazing coffee of course, which comes in several varieties including espresso-based drinks such as straight up espresso shots, cappuccinos and lattes as well as regular drip coffee. I love to get the cappuccino, served in an old fashioned tea cup, beautifully embellished with thick foam that’s expertly crafted into a whimsical heart; this is more than just a cup of coffee, it’s drinkable art. And aside from how pretty the coffee looks, it’s also wonderfully tasty – its potent flavors so naturally pleasing to your palate that you hardly need any cream or sugar to spruce it up.
Just like the first-rate coffee, the light food at Sweetleaf is not far from excellent. You can’t go wrong with any one of their homemade muffins, which are removed directly from a deep muffin pan before landing on your plate.
I especially have a sweet spot for the bran muffin, which is super moist on the inside but slightly crunchy on the outside. And if you have a serious sweet tooth, you won’t want to miss Sweetleaf’s selection of natural, handmade Nunu chocolates. They come in varieties such as hand-dipped salt caramel, peanut caramel crush, salt-roasted caramel cashews and other fun flavors.
Despite the short amount of time we’ve known it, Sweetleaf has proven to be indispensable for LICers. Not only does it promise a cup of coffee that’s worth its salt, it’ll transcend your experience from the everyday coffee chain.
BOX:
Sweetleaf
10-93 Jackson Avenue
Long Island City, NY 11101
Tel: 917-832-6726
Email: sweetleaflic@gmail.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
All Major Credit Cards Accepted
