As part of Snack Store sequence, Annie Arriaga investigates the newest and best viral snack outlets in New York Metropolis to see if the hype is actual, if the snacks are yummy, and if the spot is underrated, overrated, or completely rated.
New York is understood for its specialty espresso. Overpriced lattes and watery matchas are simple to return by, however each from time to time, you may come upon a real gem. Once I first moved to New York Metropolis in the summertime of 2024, a little bit 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 unimaginable lattes, roast their very own beans, and promote their very own espresso. Rachel, a local New Yorker and Puerto Rican, has made Buddies identified for his or her coquito lattes that use her household’s secret coquito recipe.
Now, I don’t need to expose my particular secret spots in New York Metropolis, however Buddies Espresso went viral this spring when considered one of Rachel’s movies went loopy (I’m speaking over 7 million views loopy) on TikTok. You may watch the video right here. In it, Rachel shares an emotional and weak second of frustration concerned with being a small enterprise proprietor in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She opens up concerning the particular struggles of being a Puerto Rican enterprise proprietor, and the unstoppable, typically hopeless, feeling that comes with the trendy wave of gentrification within the space. After this video, there’s been limitless traces out the door, full of 1000’s of individuals coming from close to and much to assist 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 traces out their door for weeks at a time, they’ve by no means skimped on the standard of their espresso, matcha, or drinks usually. All of their matcha is fresh-whisked and the espresso continues 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 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 essential strive multiple factor. Their matcha is hand-whisked (no batch prepping matcha round right here) they usually use Rocky’s Matcha, which is extremely prime quality, silky clean, and has a nuttier taste profile in comparison with different ceremonial grade manufacturers (which generally is a bit extra salty or savory). While 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 bought additional fortunate they usually nonetheless had some treats of their pastry case. It may well differ in choices, however these little desserts have been from Little Rico, one other phenomenal Puerto Rican owned cafe positioned in Hudson, New York.
If you happen to’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.
Last Ranking
It’s no secret that I feel Buddies is completely rated. If you happen to requested me a couple of months in the past, I’d have informed you they have been extremely underrated, nevertheless it’s wonderful 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 without end modified by considered one of their lattes.
If you happen to’re studying this and you’ve got a suggestion for a Snack Store within the metropolis that I need to go to and (actually) price, depart a remark right here or on our Snack Store TikTok video. I like ideas!
