Podcast Summary: Where To Grab A Cup For International Coffee Day
Podcast: All Of It (WNYC)
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Melissa McCart (Eater Editor)
Air Date: October 1, 2025
Overview
In celebration of International Coffee Day, host Alison Stewart and guest Melissa McCart (Eater editor) explore the rich and varied coffee culture of New York City. They discuss what makes a coffee shop stand out, highlight top picks for unique local cafés, and take calls and texts from passionate listeners sharing their favorite spots. The episode becomes a vibrant map of NYC’s best and most interesting java joints, emphasizing community, atmosphere, and innovation.
Main Discussion Points & Insights
1. What Makes a Great Coffee Shop?
[01:16] Melissa McCart:
- Quality of beans and roasting style is key (light, Italian, etc.).
- The sense of community a shop creates is equally important:
“Is there a sense of community in the coffee shop?... Are there a lot of events at the coffee shop? And I think that’s becoming a bigger and bigger thing at all different coffee shops across the city.” – Melissa McCart [01:16] - Social media presence, events, and atmosphere are significant considerations.
2. The Importance of Vibe and Atmosphere
[02:17] Alison Stewart & Melissa McCart:
- Atmosphere often carries nostalgia or provides a “third place” away from home and work.
“Coffee is something that has a nostalgia element to it, even though it’s so modern now... we want some kind of atmosphere that accomplishes companies that rather than just a grab and go.” – Melissa McCart [02:17] - For New Yorkers with small apartments, cafes provide essential public spaces.
3. Unique Coffee Shop Recommendations from Listeners
- Dayglo Night Glo (Brooklyn):
- Brews and roasts coffee in-house, fosters community, and even has a “brewery cat.”
“They also have a great brewery cat box that was rescued by my friend Emma.” – Luca (caller) [03:51] - Specialty drinks like “codoro” (black sesame cold drink) and playful approaches to beer.
- Brews and roasts coffee in-house, fosters community, and even has a “brewery cat.”
- Yemeni Coffee Shops (e.g., Haraz Coffee House):
- Spiced coffee rituals (jibani) draw parallels to chai and are gaining popularity.
“They’re coffee, but they’re made with spices so they taste like chai. And they pack a punch, let me tell you. And it’s really a nice ritual to watch them make it even.” – Gio (caller) [04:35–05:03]
- Spiced coffee rituals (jibani) draw parallels to chai and are gaining popularity.
4. Melissa’s Top NYC Coffee Picks
- Best Overall:
- Say (Brooklyn): Impeccable, balanced coffee and careful roasting in-house.
“It feels balanced...an absolute crowd pleaser and very consistent.” – Melissa McCart [06:01]
- Say (Brooklyn): Impeccable, balanced coffee and careful roasting in-house.
- Kawa House (multiple locations):
- Popular late-night hangout, offers desserts like pistachio milk cake, caters to a young crowd looking for non-alcoholic social options.
- The Clubhouse (near Yankee Stadium):
- Focuses on youth job training, uses Devoción coffee, positive baristas.
“It’s a job training way of helping young people build skills ...excited about coffee and want to talk about it.” – Melissa McCart [07:29–08:00]
- Focuses on youth job training, uses Devoción coffee, positive baristas.
- Abraco (East Village):
- Small, intimate vibe, known for olive oil cake, vinyl music, and a no-laptop policy that encourages conversation.
“Abrazzo’s, it’s like magic...But it might have something also to do with the backdrop, which is he often plays vinyl from start to finish.” – Melissa McCart [15:25]
- Small, intimate vibe, known for olive oil cake, vinyl music, and a no-laptop policy that encourages conversation.
- La Cabra:
- Renowned for cardamom buns and pastries as much as for coffee.
“I like to go there to say I’m getting a coffee, but I actually am going there to get a pastry.” – Melissa McCart [18:31]
- Renowned for cardamom buns and pastries as much as for coffee.
- Maru Coffee (Williamsburg):
- LA import with a minimalist aesthetic, reflecting trend of west coast brands testing the NYC market.
5. Listener Call-Ins & Community Picks (Selected Highlights)
- Meow Parlor (Lower East Side): Coffee + cats, a unique draw for animal lovers.
- La Lanterna de Vittorio (East Village):
- Traditional Italian vibes, jazz bar in the basement, customizable drinks.
- Think Coffee:
- Focuses on ethical sourcing and community activism.
“They go the extra mile to actually care for their workers and build, you know, broken buildings up again.” – Ingville (caller) [09:45]
- Focuses on ethical sourcing and community activism.
- Variety Coffee:
- Local chain with support for small businesses.
- TM Ward Coffee and Nut Roasters (Newark):
- 150-year-old NJ spot offering specialty roasts.
- Ninth Street Espresso:
- Fair trade sourcing, arts support, rotating gallery shows.
- Welcome Home (Bed-Stuy):
- Known for hospitality, pastries, and minimal laptops.
“Their Cinnabons...one of the best...just fantastic. I love it.” – Christina (caller) [21:03]
- Known for hospitality, pastries, and minimal laptops.
6. Changing Tastes and Expanding Offerings
[13:13] Melissa McCart:
- Shops are increasingly experimenting with drink flavors, inspired by trends in bubble tea and non-alcoholic beverages.
- There’s room for unique and authentic blends (mango, elderflower, etc.)—not just novelty.
- The laptop-free vs. work-friendly divide is real; some shops cultivate conversation, others embrace studying and work.
7. Coffee Is More Than the Beverage
- For many, it’s about ritual, community, and place. Some visit for coffee-quality, others for atmosphere, people, or even just the company of their pets.
- Pastries and food menus are increasingly influential in drawing crowds.
- “Lines are worth it if they’re fast, and waiting can have a sense of possibility.” – Melissa McCart on big lines at cafes [19:01]
Notable Quotes
- “Coffee is something that has a nostalgia element to it, even though it’s so modern now.” – Melissa McCart [02:17]
- “For students, coffee shops are a place to study out of home. Some distractions to interrupt monotony, unlike libraries and obviously caffeine. Good seating is essential.” – Listener text [08:14]
- “I think recommending coffee shops is like recommending books. There’s so many different types of experiences that people want and so many different types of flavors.” – Melissa McCart [10:42]
- “I don’t particularly like their coffee, but I walk there with my dog several times a week just for the atmosphere. Sometimes it’s about the atmosphere.” – Listener text [19:32]
Key Timestamps
- [00:09] – Show intro and the context of International Coffee Day
- [01:16] – Melissa McCart on what makes a shop stand out
- [03:25, 04:35, 08:49, 09:45, 10:12, 15:25, 21:02] – Selected listener call-ins and texts recommending favorite shops
- [06:01, 07:29, 08:00, 12:16, 15:25, 18:31] – Melissa McCart’s top recommendations and insights
- [13:13] – On creative drink flavors and trends
- [19:01] – The value (and agony) of waiting in line at popular coffee shops
Tone & Style
The conversation is inviting, curious, and deeply appreciative of NYC’s diversity of taste and experience. Humor, nostalgia, and a pinch of caffeine-fueled excitement drive the hour, as listeners and guests make clear: coffee in New York is never just a drink—it’s a culture, a connection, a comfort, and an adventure.
Summary prepared for those seeking a flavorful tour of New York’s distinctive coffee scene—no cup required.