Shakespeare & Co

“The atmosphere provides the perfect place to sit down with some coffee (and a Dough doughnut!)”

“Great newly renovated and owned bookstore across from Hunter College.”

“It isn't cheap however but there are a few coffee carts outside in the area if you don't wanna spend so much for breakfast.”

Shakespeare & Co

Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Caters: Yes
Good for Working: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes

Price range.

$$ Price range $11-30

7 reviews

  1. DO NOT let the 3 stars fool you, this is a great place!

    I was planning to get breakfast place further downtown. The place opened at 8:30 and I had to be at the consulate (few blocks away from here) and 9. All I needed was a warm place to have some coffee and food. I ordered a macchiato and a Cafe Au Lait doughnut, and regular cup of coffee (when macchiato ran out)

    While I prefer my macchiato with a little milk added (is this even a macchiato?) I appreciate that they made a proper macchiato (espresso and milk foam). Espresso was strong, as espresso should be. Regular cup of coffee was a little weak though.

    Unfortunately, I did not like this coffee, it wasn't bitter, it was sour. No lie. I like coffee with some kick. I like dark roast, bold flavor, and little bitterness. I realize coffee is to taste, I just did not like this particular one.

    The doughnut was great though. I like that it was house-made (I believe), not greasy, and the frosting was delicious. Perhaps there are better doughnuts out there, but I have only had mass produced ones at chain restaurants/stores, so I cannot speak for others.

    Espresso drinks and baked goods are rather pricey! Regular coffee is sold at a reasonable price.

    Bookstore itself is a cool place, and I love how they not only let you print a book you made, but the leftovers are free notebooks customers can take.

    Point deductions for sour-tasting coffee and high prices.

  2. Cozy bookstore/cafe.

    My coffee was just fine, service could have been a little warmer.  Expect slightly expensive pricing.  Noticed they serve Dough doughnuts here in the case–nice.

    There's more seating around the store than you'd expect.  Sure, layout is a little odd, but I kind of like that.
    Strange mix of either young students, and elderly senior citizens.

    I killed a few hours on a couch in the basement with a Kurt Vonnegut book.   Disappointed there was no art or poetry section, but otherwise I like how the shelves are curated here.

  3. Great newly renovated and owned bookstore across from Hunter College. It has a new hip feel now that someone had progressive innovative ideas!
    Lots of standard bookstore merchandise. Comfy chairs to sit, relax and read. Goodies to eat and delicious coffee served by friendly employees.
    Free WiFi is always a pleasure!
    A huge Espresso Book Making Machine. You can bring in your papers, autobiography and other creative works for magically making a book! Have your business cards made too.
    One thing I found (that may be necessary for some reason) was the huge counter in the middle of the store where you check out. Unless it is necessary in that location I would think it would free space and make the store more open and airy if it were removed. I'm not a design person. I just had the feeling it overtakes the whole center of the store. It looks outdated, but it may just be me. It's a congested area if you're trying to get to the back of the store.
    The bathroom was clean and can be accessed by anyone. 🙂 The additional seating in the rear is a nice touch.
    I enjoyed my visit to the store. I'm sure I'll be back for coffee. I know I'm planning my Holiday gifts. A Marianne authored book of memories will be a cute unexpected gift!

  4. I only know a to go experience for this coffee shop in a local bookstore. There are enough seats here to enjoy the goods for about 15 – 20 people but I'm always picking it up for enjoyment on the go.

    Counter culture coffee beans make for a slightly acidic brew. They make a good Americano. The iced coffee is probably too bitter for most people but it's no toxic Starbucks brew so I usually go for that straight up.

    They have several snacks accumulated through trade with places like ovenly and colson patisserie (I know that financier bear!). All good. Lots of dough brand doughnuts.

    Overall a good little pit stop for coffee and bad for you breakfast goods. I saw a girl order a Danish and donut just for herself. Ah excess!

    It isn't cheap however but there are a few coffee carts outside in the area if you don't wanna spend so much for breakfast. Sometimes I don't!

  5. Originally a friend (who will undoubtedly post her review soon too) and I were supposed to go to another coffee shop but then gave me the wrong directions. We ended up stumbling upon this coffee shop. Having a degree in English and having studied Shakespeare every term in my college career, I was definitely intrigued by this place.

    Coming in from the snow, we entered a cafe area with an expansive bookstore in the back. Deprived of caffeine I ordered a Latte and a quiche. My friend ordered a hot chocolate and a donut. The latte was one of the better lattes that I've had in a long time. A no fuss latte with perfectly steamed milk and beautiful design. Although the espresso flavor wasn't as strong as I would've liked, it was the perfect alongside my quiche. The hot chocolate wasn't overly sweet, which is a real concern when ordering hot chocolate.

    The book selection here seems well curated and definitely has recent novels on display for that fit every type of enthusiast. Also it's really interesting that you could get your own books printed here. I really want to see how the machine works.  

    This combination of cafe and bookstore is what Barnes and Noble cafes were supposed to be. My only complaint about this place is that I wish it was closer to me.

  6. Their coffee is great! Love love the cheddar chive biscuit even my son loved it. The place is full of elderly people I guess because its a book store. Wish they had outdoor seating. I also liked the oatmeal cookie very chewy and mine was warm. Will come back here often and grab and go!

  7. Great little bookshop, with a fairly large children's section, and lots of fun, quirky, off the beaten path books on display that I haven't seen elsewhere–like a book of  2015 info graphics. Quite a few coloring books for adults, quotable cards, a little cafe section (saw some amazing looking craft doughnuts) and one restroom, with seating sprinkled throughout. The downstairs seemed geared more for the college student set and may be further developed… Love independent bookstores.

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Lexington Avenue 939
New York 10065 NY US
Get directions
Monday, 7:30 am - 8:00 pm
Tuesday, 7:30 am - 8:00 pm
Wednesday, 7:30 am - 8:00 pm
Thursday, 7:30 am - 8:00 pm
Friday, 7:30 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sunday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm