Café Grumpy — Grand Central Terminal

Editor's Review

When local roasting chain Cafe Grumpy took over this former Starbucks location in 2014, it may have marked the tipping point in NYC craft coffee. Joining other specialty cafes in the historic building – which now include Joe Coffee, Irving Farm, and celebrity Chef Claus Meyer's Brownsville Roasters – the ubiquity of specialty coffee, particularly with homegrown Gotham roots, now seemed to be the New Way. 

This bustling Grumpy outpost serves both commuters and office-denizens easily with its two entrances – one within the Terminal and the other directly onto Lexington Avenue. Inside, you'll feel a bit posh in the space, which pays nods to the building's Beax-Arts style with stylish wood bars and classic black and white floor tile. Atop these sit two gleaming Grumpy-orange Synessos, from which you can order espresso drinks made with Grumpy's signature Heartbreaker blend – or peruse a menu of rotating single origins, sourced and roasted by Grumpy, or a similarly compelling tea list. A grab-and-go case offers Grumpy's own tasty bottled cold brew, and if you're looking for some retail therapy as you pass through the busy station, there's a chock-a-block table of gear, merch, and even wee sample-sized bags of beans made perfect for gifting. A small selection of pastries accompany the beverage menu (on which you'll also see interesting seasonal treats like Matcha Lemonade), all of which you may enjoy at a standing bar, since there are no tables and chairs here. Which is fine – after all‚ don't you have a train to catch?

Review: Liz Clayton

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Cafe Features

Coffee + Drinks