Mandrake Cafe

I love this addition to the neighborhood. I live down the block and it’s my new go-to for when I need a real, well made coffee and a pick-me-up without a million overwhelming options. I’m always hesitant to try new coffee spots but popped in on a whim while walking my dog. The barista made the most perfect flat white. I actually paused after taking a sip as I hadn’t had such well foamed milk in a long time, which complemented a rich but not overly robust roast. I was eyeing the churros donut and she said they were baked fresh that morning… sold. Both were so good I went back over the weekend and got the concha which is equally perfect. This is a small and cozy coffee shop, perfect for a grab-and-go or a quick sit. It’s not a café to sit in for hours and take up seats, it’s a NY coffee shop… and that’s perfect.

Ok so we had what may be the most NY experience here. We went around 3:40 pm on NYE because we thought they would be open and there was nothing on their website, Google, door, or their social media that said they were closing early. Anyways I snapped a pic of my husband outside because we made the trek down there specifically to try this Mexican coffee shop and two gentlemen went ahead of us. After I took the pic we also went inside and the barista told us that he knows the other guys had just come in as well but that he had to close because he was there alone so the other two guys were the last ones. We left and then I went back to ask if they would be open on New Year’s because we are visiting from Chicago. The barista was like yeah come back tomorrow because we are supposed to close at four every day and I pointed out the website says 6. Anyway, we found another cute coffee shop that was open and went on our merry way. Here’s a silly pic of my husband outside of a coffee shop we didn’t try. All to say, please update your holiday hours next time.

Went in because I saw they were a Mexican coffee shop. Ordered a latte and a concha, both really good. The service on the other hand was disappointing. It was very busy and there was no clearly marked waiting area after ordering. I stood to the side of the counter and was abruptly told to move. The guy then forgot to give me my concha, when I asked for it he made it seemed like I had inconvenienced him. Would not go back!

((4.50 stars)) Mandrake Cafe is a welcoming neighborhood coffee shop raising the caffeinated beverage business on Orchard Street. the interior is a modern clean light-soaked space with a reasonable amount of tables and seating for such a compact lean space. the focus is the coffee program with a few tea options. hailing from Mexico City, Mandrake Cafe serves a brew based on a dark roast coffee bean (i believe) and sources from Mexico, but roasts locally. the coffee is rich in deep flavor--with a smooth coffee flavor with a balanced bitter note, and almost like a chocolatey nutty note. the coffee aroma is delicious and really is the first thing that will lead you into enjoying the caffeinated brews before a sip. enjoyed both cortados and Americano's here and both are proficiently made with care...the consistency is no mean feat. it's another charming addition to the Lower East Side's coffee landscape. the barista's are friendly and knowledgeable and full of energy to chat while putting together your favorite coffee. they do get busy on the weekend, but the wait is worth it...especially if you're walking around the neighborhood and want some warm caffeinated vibes on the stroll through the LES.

Roma latte is amazing! It tastes like a Ferrero rocher in latte form. Very nutty and sweet. The space inside is small but cozy. There's a few tables but best for a quick grab n go drink