Caffe Reggio – MacDougal St, New York

Caffe Reggio is a historic Italian coffeehouse on MacDougal Street in the heart of Greenwich Village, New York. It opened in 1927, making it one of the oldest coffeehouses in the city, and it proudly calls itself the place that introduced cappuccino to America. The green storefront with the “Original Cappuccino” sign is a neighborhood landmark.

Inside, the cafe still feels like a step back in time. Dark wood, small marble-top tables, iron chairs and walls hung with old Italian paintings and antiques create a cozy, old-world atmosphere. The cafe’s famous chrome-and-bronze espresso machine, built in the early 1900s, is still on display, and the room has appeared in several films over the years.

The menu covers classic Italian coffee drinks such as cappuccino, espresso and caffe latte, plus hot chocolate, teas, Italian pastries like cannoli and tiramisu, and light food including sandwiches and salads. In warm weather, the sidewalk tables are a great spot for people-watching in the Village.

Tips for your visit: try the original cappuccino, the drink that made the cafe famous. Weekend evenings can get busy, so go on a weekday afternoon for a quieter table. Caffe Reggio is a short walk from Washington Square Park and the West 4th Street subway station, which makes it an easy stop while exploring Greenwich Village. Check the cafe’s website for current hours before you go.

Address: 119 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012. Website: caffereggio.com

Featured photo: Eden, Janine and Jim / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

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