A few weeks ago I found myself at Beth Israel Hospital on the Lower East Side.  My wife and I were at there for a family member and as the hours passed we needed a break from windowless rooms and the steady beeping of monitors.  We decided to head out for some fresh air while we awaited further news. 

We stepped out to a cool breeze.  The sun was slowly setting.  We decided to take a walk down 1st Avenue. We peeked into the shop windows, and of course, as a chef, I couldn't help but stop and review the posted menus of the cafes and restaurants along the tree lined street.  After a long walk down and back up 1st Avenue we decided to turn the corner on East 12th Street to stop in at Saltwater Coffee for a little caffeine pick me up.

The Saltwater decor is as charming as their Instagram feed.  The space is small but light floods in from the front window and the succulent plants add an air of openness.   The menu has a nice selection that beyond coffee includes turmeric lattes and matcha lattes.  Needing a big caffeine jolt and the comfort of a good cup of coffee we ordered two americano

The coffee was very smooth with a rich taste.  It was the perfect comfort drink and combined with the calm and beautiful setting our visit to Saltwater was a shot of brightness on an otherwise difficult day. 

If you're visiting NYC and interested in trying some of the best coffee spots, Saltwater is worth the trip.  Next door are two good pizza spots worth visiting as well (Motorino and I think a place called Slice (they're really good impossible to find on geolocations or google but if you're at Saltwater you'll see it and their pizza is very good with Boylan's soda on tap)).