NYC’s Viral Espresso Store With Puerto Rican Roots

New York is thought for its specialty espresso. Overpriced lattes and watery matchas are straightforward to return by, however each occasionally, you may come across a real gem. After I first moved to New York Metropolis in the summertime of 2024, somewhat espresso store tucked away within the entrance of a billiards corridor in Williamsburg received my coronary heart. Buddies Espresso is a humble but mighty operation the place co-owners Rachel and Taylor make unbelievable lattes, roast their very own beans, and promote their very own espresso. Rachel, a local New Yorker and Puerto Rican, has made Buddies recognized for his or her coquito lattes that use her household’s secret coquito recipe.

Now, I don’t wish to expose my particular secret spots in New York Metropolis, however Buddies Espresso went viral this spring when one in every of Rachel’s movies went loopy (I’m speaking over 7 million views loopy) on TikTok. You’ll be able to watch the video right here. In it, Rachel shares an emotional and susceptible second of frustration concerned with being a small enterprise proprietor in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She opens up in regards to the particular struggles of being a Puerto Rican enterprise proprietor, and the unstoppable, generally hopeless, feeling that comes with the fashionable wave of gentrification within the space. After this video, there’s been countless strains out the door, stuffed with hundreds of individuals coming from close to and much to help Rachel and present their love for small companies. They deserve each very little bit of success and recognition they’re getting—their espresso (and matcha) is actually that good.

The Snacks

Regardless of unending strains out their door for weeks at a time, they’ve by no means skimped on the standard of their espresso, matcha, or drinks generally. All of their matcha is fresh-whisked and the espresso remains to be their signature Buddies espresso (which is roasted by Rachel, by hand, at a Brooklyn roastery area). Right here’s what I order:

Coquito latte. The creamy, nutty taste of coquito pairs completely with darkish, wealthy espresso. I ordered an almond milk latte (the almond milk additionally provides a contact of nutty smoothness that I really like, however go well with your self) with coquito. This works both scorching or iced. Thank me later.

Coquito matcha. Name me loopy, but when it is your first time at a brand new espresso store and also you simply waited in an extended line, it’s worthwhile to strive a couple of factor. Their matcha is hand-whisked (no batch prepping matcha round right here) they usually use Rocky’s Matcha, which is extremely top quality, silky clean, and has a nuttier taste profile in comparison with different ceremonial grade manufacturers (which is usually a bit extra salty or savory). Whenever you first strive that frothy, thick matcha paired with the candy coconut and cinnamon taste combo of coquito, there’s no going again.

Coconut and chocolate macaroons. Today I obtained additional fortunate they usually nonetheless had some treats of their pastry case. It could actually fluctuate in choices, however these little desserts had been from Little Rico, one other phenomenal Puerto Rican owned cafe positioned in Hudson, New York.

In case you’re actually devoted, head to Buddies on the weekend and attempt to make it early sufficient to get a guava quesito or the occasional pop-up bake sale cookie. Keep updated on their Instagram story for particular weekend occasions.

Remaining Score

It’s no secret that I believe Buddies is completely rated. In case you requested me a couple of months in the past, I’d have advised you they had been extremely underrated, however it’s superb to see them lastly get their flowers. Don’t be scared by a possible line; Little question, Rachel and Taylor will greet you on the door and also you’ll be eternally modified by one in every of their lattes.

In case you’re studying this and you’ve got a suggestion for a Snack Store within the metropolis that I have to go to and (actually) price, depart a remark right here or on our Snack Store TikTok video. I really like recommendations!

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