Cafe Bari
Cafe Bari
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range $31-60
3 reviews
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I imagine if I were staying at the Residence Inn, I'd be delighted with this find in the lobby of my hotel. But I've been working in the area way too long – long enough to to remember before the incredible influx of excellent coffee shops (Culture, Grumpy, Blue Bottle, Bluestone, Blue something or other…).
I don't want to act too spoiled… I mean, I remember the Starbucks-only days. This is a cute spot aiming for something cool. They do have decently-priced La Colombe for drip coffee. But the cortado was bitter and fairly mediocre. Good spot, solid service… looked like some decent food options as well (both pastries and lunch sandwiches). Worth a try for something new, but given the sudden embarrassment of riches in the area, I suspect I won't be back.
Cafe Bari opened in the last few weeks of March in bustling midtown, where there is no short list of good cafes (Blue Bottle, Bluestone Lane, Culture Espresso just to name a few). It is housed conveniently next to Residence Inn by Marriott hotel. The cafe does not have a lot of seating but it's spacious. There are 2 benches and a table by the corner but that's about it. It is very much a grab and go cafe for professionals and tourists. There is another location in Chinatown and their chalkboard dates the origin of the cafe back to 1993.
Now onto the food – It has your typical hot coffee and varieties and cold drinks (one price). I tried their latte (I've had better) and iced coffee (not cold brew). I would say the coffee is better than the latte – it gives you a good morning kick. They also have la colombe (hot from $1.75 to ~$2.75?), which is decent price for midtown. There is a small counter for baked goods (breakfast items) and sandwiches. The almond triangle fresh from the oven is surprisingly good and makes me want to try other options.
The baristas and employees are very friendly. The employees are a little slow (must be new on the job, duh), but the barista (guy) is fast and attentive! Overall Cafe Bari serves decent coffee and food, but has yet to impress me with what they offer (how do you compete when there are already so many specialty cafes in the area?). I am willing to give the pastries few tries but for now Cafe Bari gets a neutral 3.5.
Apparently you have to order the right thing at the right place, and the second I discovered that they carry la Colombe coffee, I knew right away it's time to ditch my regular cappuccino and go with the house drip.
Haven't had la Colombe for a while and it was as smooth and balanced as in my memory. My barista was super friendly and nice as well. During the summer season, they serve the summer soup Gazpacho.
This is actually the second location in the city, where their first and original location is in Chinatown (Canal street) – will definitely pay a visit there as well!