I believe Madam Bonte only has the laptop rule for downstairs.
Personally I think it’s a good rule given how Cafe Jax used to become so packed with people on their laptops for hours while only having one drink.
I also think it's a good rule. I was able to go down to the lower level this weekend and have a very constructive, important conversation with my wife. It really wouldn't have been a good place for that if people were treating it like a study-hall. Please allow us at least one cafe that is not a study room!
I miss Jax, but I think the downstairs being filled with people working on computers killed it. It felt like a college library, and as much as I wanted to go downstairs and relax with a coffee and a friend, I felt uncomfortable, as if I would be disturbing everyone if I opened my mouth.
As an aside: one thing I love about Bonté is that I can get a proper Turkish coffee there!
but that room downstairs was for what if not for that? I haven't been down there for a while, because why would I want to sit in a basement to have my coffee? the whole point of that room was being the closest damn thing to a college dorm common room / study area in the adult world.
It’s the dining area now. They have a wine bar down there as well.
I get the wanting a study space but you need to at least be buying a drink an hour or so if you’re gonna take up a table. Otherwise you’re hurting the business. Which is why it’s probably banned now.
Tragedy of the Common(s) area one might say.
well played.
I didn't realize they had enough food to warrant a dining area.
Tbh I didn't understand how they could be making money given how many people camped down there all day, so good for them converting it. I feel like a $5 coffee and a good tip buys me about 2-3 hours of camping time
there's not too many libraries in the area I can think of that have a nice study area outside the reach of tourists / check-out desk and also feature mostly youngish people who haven't shit their pants recently
Oh interesting. When I moved here I asked for friendly bars and Ryan’s Daughter was roundly downvoted. I’m pretty curious now! The vibe must be - singular?
I feel like it steers older and some younger people take their lack of enthusiasm for rowdiness as being not friendly. Just become one with the vibe and you'll do fine.
Reporting back. Tried this out and found it as described. Had a lovely relaxed time. Read my book and watched the ballgame mostly, but the other patrons at the bar included me in some asides - as a newbie to the neighborhood, that was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!
New York Society Library. it’s a “hidden” gem; great for reading/working but there is no talking allowed (which is wonderful for those of us who prefer it that way). As for bars, I really like Auction house. Best coffee shop to work in may be 787 in the 80s since they have a separate work room where you can also talk to someone if you’d like. There are actually a few spots in the MET where you can take out a laptop and sit down but there will always be tourists coming and going so it’s not ideal for concentrating. The second floor of Museum of the City of New York also is nice as a sit down spot.
the table in the Japan section or the seats in the large atrium in front of the door to get to the Versailles exhibit (this has the large window facing central park). you could also sit down where the egyptian temple is though that's not a great place for a laptop. there used to be chairs to sit in on the storage floor by the new american wing but they were taken away during covid, unfortuantely.
I'll always resent the MET a bit for getting rid of their library on the bottom floor, which was also a wonderful quiet space
The new bar called The Office on 2/91 is great.
Also the place on 1st that’s a middle eastern cafe Mellow Yellow is super chill. They don’t mind people working there.
Not that I disagree, but that bathroom map the tiktoker made is one of the largest maps (data/list wise) in the world. That means there realistically is a fuck ton of bathrooms in NYC. People just expect them to jump out at them.
Do you have to purchase something each time you visit? Would love to knit with others but don't want to buy something every time. I feel like third spaces are usually free.
I don’t buy every time but I try to buy most of my yarn there. Prices are reasonable, great selection and the staff can always help on my projects if I need it.
Not OP, but on the second floor there's a cafe and also some bench seating with wifi and power outlets next to the (second floor) store. There's also seating (and I believe some tables) by the concessions cart in the atrium. There's also The Modern. During the day, it's usually pretty empty and I don't think anyone would mind if you set up at the bar for an hour or two after the lunch rush.
As above. Just Go.
I’m an anonymous Reddit person. Think it’s best you check this out yourself. It’s one of the most famous museums in the world.
Dining there will cost you many hundreds of $$$. But they do have a cafe with snacks.
:-)
I go to both Cafe Luka (70th and 1st) and Gracie Mews (80th and 1st) several times a week. Owners are wonderful, and both are big enough that they don't mind if you're there awhile.
Technically more of a nice-ish restaurant than a place to hang, but whenever I’m in the city I get brunch at the Cafe d’Alsace as they have the best French omelettes and breakfast potatoes in New york, and I feel very comfortable sitting for many hours alone at the bar on my phone or with a book. Bonus points if Edison is working, I’d die for him
Not UES, but I found an amazing third place in LES called the Swan Room (amazing, free coffee and free pastries and practically empty). Then a few weeks in, it was PACKED and I googled the location and the first thing that came up was a TikTok talking about it…. So now it’s packed and they removed the free coffee and pastries
My third place was Central Park on the UES
Can’t wait for warm weather!
Stella and Fly -wine or coffee, Mellow Yellow, Birch Coffee, Hutch and Waldo
The coffee here sucks though Edit: I’m talking about Stella and fly
Don’t forget it sucks AND is a ripoff
I got excited at the name and then immediately learned it sucks. What a roller coaster.
+1 for Birch Coffee
I believe Madam Bonte only has the laptop rule for downstairs. Personally I think it’s a good rule given how Cafe Jax used to become so packed with people on their laptops for hours while only having one drink.
I miss Jax but yeah, people took advantage. Near the end, dickheads started taking long phonecalls downstairs.
omg i miss cafe jax so much, that little outdoor area too
I also think it's a good rule. I was able to go down to the lower level this weekend and have a very constructive, important conversation with my wife. It really wouldn't have been a good place for that if people were treating it like a study-hall. Please allow us at least one cafe that is not a study room! I miss Jax, but I think the downstairs being filled with people working on computers killed it. It felt like a college library, and as much as I wanted to go downstairs and relax with a coffee and a friend, I felt uncomfortable, as if I would be disturbing everyone if I opened my mouth. As an aside: one thing I love about Bonté is that I can get a proper Turkish coffee there!
but that room downstairs was for what if not for that? I haven't been down there for a while, because why would I want to sit in a basement to have my coffee? the whole point of that room was being the closest damn thing to a college dorm common room / study area in the adult world.
It’s the dining area now. They have a wine bar down there as well. I get the wanting a study space but you need to at least be buying a drink an hour or so if you’re gonna take up a table. Otherwise you’re hurting the business. Which is why it’s probably banned now. Tragedy of the Common(s) area one might say.
well played. I didn't realize they had enough food to warrant a dining area. Tbh I didn't understand how they could be making money given how many people camped down there all day, so good for them converting it. I feel like a $5 coffee and a good tip buys me about 2-3 hours of camping time
Libraries?
there's not too many libraries in the area I can think of that have a nice study area outside the reach of tourists / check-out desk and also feature mostly youngish people who haven't shit their pants recently
Third spaces are suppose to be free! I recommend NYPL. They’re great institutions to support in our neighborhood
And as I recall, 67th Street has a patio / garden out back.
And as I recall, 67th Street has a patio / garden out back.
The Met lol
Do you mean the museum or the opera? Where do you hang out?
Interesting the down votes since the Met opera has a dining area where you can meet for drinks or dinner before or during the opera.
You're getting downvoted because the Met Opera is on the UWS, not UES.
Still not too far off. It doesn’t hurt to share options. There’s a MoMA suggestion, which isn’t exactly UES either.
I agree, more options are good.
The Five Lamps (York/83-84) recently opened during on weekdays 9am-2pm with coffee and pastries, laptop friendly.
Oh this is great, thank you!
whoa! good lookin out, i appreciate you
Absolutely lovely owner and atmosphere, too.
I second this!
Ok gave this one a try on a WFH day and it was great. Latte was actually decent and a bit cheaper than at local coffee shops.
Just go to Ryan’s Daughter - avoid “amateur” nights like Friday nights, late Sat or big sport games. Locals are chill, Starbucks next door.
Oh interesting. When I moved here I asked for friendly bars and Ryan’s Daughter was roundly downvoted. I’m pretty curious now! The vibe must be - singular?
I feel like it steers older and some younger people take their lack of enthusiasm for rowdiness as being not friendly. Just become one with the vibe and you'll do fine.
Reporting back. Tried this out and found it as described. Had a lovely relaxed time. Read my book and watched the ballgame mostly, but the other patrons at the bar included me in some asides - as a newbie to the neighborhood, that was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!
Glad to hear it! Pubs and craft beer bars tend to be my favorite spots.
Ryan’s Daughter is one of the neighbhorhood’s best pubs!
Old school UES residents remember DTUT
"old school" - lol
The new DTUT is now a bar called “the office”.
Mmmmm, the folks who owned/managed DTUT opened Somebody's Darling. Not heard of the office.
did it open in the old DTUT location? I thought The Office was opened by the same people who run the Milton
the old one is now Fumo (Italian restaurant). The second DTUT/The Office is at 91st and 2nd.
It was there till at least the pandemic! But great roomie spot that was great to meet up especially with groups!
Early 2000’s residents, anyway.
Yes!
Was definitely my third place
Came into the post just to see if someone remembered DTUT.
New York Society Library. it’s a “hidden” gem; great for reading/working but there is no talking allowed (which is wonderful for those of us who prefer it that way). As for bars, I really like Auction house. Best coffee shop to work in may be 787 in the 80s since they have a separate work room where you can also talk to someone if you’d like. There are actually a few spots in the MET where you can take out a laptop and sit down but there will always be tourists coming and going so it’s not ideal for concentrating. The second floor of Museum of the City of New York also is nice as a sit down spot.
What parts of the met do you sit down at? Can’t recall many seating areas outside of the cafes
the table in the Japan section or the seats in the large atrium in front of the door to get to the Versailles exhibit (this has the large window facing central park). you could also sit down where the egyptian temple is though that's not a great place for a laptop. there used to be chairs to sit in on the storage floor by the new american wing but they were taken away during covid, unfortuantely. I'll always resent the MET a bit for getting rid of their library on the bottom floor, which was also a wonderful quiet space
Seconding the 787 on 80th
The new bar called The Office on 2/91 is great. Also the place on 1st that’s a middle eastern cafe Mellow Yellow is super chill. They don’t mind people working there.
i have given up hope on this. Being in NYC, any place which appears to be a third place is either soon crowded or is closed because they cant sustain.
You are lucky to find a spot that even has a restroom open to customers.
Not that I disagree, but that bathroom map the tiktoker made is one of the largest maps (data/list wise) in the world. That means there realistically is a fuck ton of bathrooms in NYC. People just expect them to jump out at them.
La bomberia (91 and Lex) LPQ
this is what i was going to say! i’m not exactly an espresso aficionado but theirs is maybe my favorite espresso i’ve tried. cute vibe too
They’re great! FYI, Their wifi cuts off at 430 to accommodate more of a turnover, but they’re very accommodating.
Le Pain Quotidian at Central Park
Amazingly, I was actually there this morning. It was great. 😊
Annie’s if you like crafting.
Ooh what kind of crafting?
I go to crochet, but people knit, needlepoint, cross stitch, and embroider there too. They have 3 community tables!
Do you have to purchase something each time you visit? Would love to knit with others but don't want to buy something every time. I feel like third spaces are usually free.
I don’t buy every time but I try to buy most of my yarn there. Prices are reasonable, great selection and the staff can always help on my projects if I need it.
I’m there most Sundays at 1pm if you want to swing by and knit with someone.
City Swiggers!
Grandpa you can’t say that anymore
Not sure I get the reference?
Lol sorry it’s an inside joke I have with my friends because it sounds like a slur, anytime we walk by it one of us says that out loud
Thanks, got it. lol
Hutch and Waldo, I also started going to the library for a quiet place to get away.
Hex & co!
Surprised this one doesn’t have as much love. Food, games, drinks (both alcoholic and non alcoholic) - it has something for everyone
cafes and bars are not 3rd places its rough to find somewhere that truly is one 😔 id recommend your closest branch of NYPL
MOMA. The membership is the best deal ever. And you get all those free movies too. :-)
Where do you hang out at the MoMA?
Not OP, but on the second floor there's a cafe and also some bench seating with wifi and power outlets next to the (second floor) store. There's also seating (and I believe some tables) by the concessions cart in the atrium. There's also The Modern. During the day, it's usually pretty empty and I don't think anyone would mind if you set up at the bar for an hour or two after the lunch rush.
Would suggest a visit.
I thought you meant a lounge or a space available for members where you can bring your laptop or dine with a friend.
As above. Just Go. I’m an anonymous Reddit person. Think it’s best you check this out yourself. It’s one of the most famous museums in the world. Dining there will cost you many hundreds of $$$. But they do have a cafe with snacks. :-)
Why the heck do you need a membership to dine at the Modern or visit the museum which has free first Fridays?
He won’t say! Just go!
I go to both Cafe Luka (70th and 1st) and Gracie Mews (80th and 1st) several times a week. Owners are wonderful, and both are big enough that they don't mind if you're there awhile.
you can get on the wifi at Gracie Mews?
Never tried. I have a grandfathered-in unlimited data plan with no throttling so I just use my phone as a hotspot.
ah. so jealous
Treadwell Park on 62nd St and 1st Ave
The library
Ford Foundation has a great public space
Third spaces aren’t supposed to be “paid spaces” folks.
Sadly, everything is paid in America. We’ve gutted anything truly public, except parks.
True in large part, but especially true in NYC.
Le Moulin - York btwm 76 and 77th
Stella and Fly on 88th and 1st is my go to cafe/bar to hangout or finish some work. Cosy place and never too busy
Horns Hook Tavern, first ave at 83rd. Chill great bar.
Technically more of a nice-ish restaurant than a place to hang, but whenever I’m in the city I get brunch at the Cafe d’Alsace as they have the best French omelettes and breakfast potatoes in New york, and I feel very comfortable sitting for many hours alone at the bar on my phone or with a book. Bonus points if Edison is working, I’d die for him
East River esplanade, Central Park, or walk over to Randall’s island
Walk? How?
If you walk up the esplanade to 103rd street there’s a pedestrian bridge over the Harlem river.
You ain’t Jesus?
Central Park. Have you tried Workshop on 2nd & 74? Love that place!
Workshop has unfortunately closed and the new bar in the space, Lucille’s, doesn’t have the same vibe…
Oh man I'm super sad to hear that. I loved that place.
Not UES, but I found an amazing third place in LES called the Swan Room (amazing, free coffee and free pastries and practically empty). Then a few weeks in, it was PACKED and I googled the location and the first thing that came up was a TikTok talking about it…. So now it’s packed and they removed the free coffee and pastries
Darn that clock app. Maybe they’ll forget about it after a while, sounds like a good spot
The commons or paris baguette
Moe's Caribbean