El Rey Coffee And Luncheonette
“The kale salad is another showstopper, with its dairy-free dressing that is mysteriously complex…in a good way.”
“Nice location with big open windows towards the street – perfect for people watching.”
“I learned from the barista the brand is Counter Culture and the beans are from Ethiopia.”
El Rey Coffee And Luncheonette
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Accepts Apple Pay: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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This is the kind of overpriced hipster spot I tend to avoid, but I was lured in by the sign for slushee rosé, which seemed like the perfect drink for a hot summer day.
The food here is all pre-made and stored in a refrigerator, a fact I didn't realize until after I ordered. For the price, I'd rather have gone somewhere I could have my food made fresh!
There's an abundance of cafe coffee shops in New York City. Despite the large amount of conventional coffee shop the city is over flowed with, El Rey is one of those shops that will always stick out to me.
What makes El Rey different from the rest of the coffee shops I've experienced is the quaint authenticity of this place. If you're strolling around LES, you might just miss it. It's a small hole-in-the-wall but with an amazing chic atmosphere. The open windows are inviting, the staff is friendly, and may I not forget, the food is pretty much amazing.
Aside from their wide coffee selection, they have a lunch and dinner menu as well. Lunch only goes till 4:00pm, which is the only time you can get their Del Sur, which is an avocado platter with an option of two eggs. Amazing. Last time I went, I tried the "this is not a falafel" which is basically a plate that breaks down what would be inside a falafel. Once again, amazing.
If you just so happen to be strolling around the Lower East Side or up for trying a place that may be too cool for you, El Rey is your place to go.
**DECENT BREAKFAST, BUT PRICEY**
Beyond thrilled that there was a coffee shop
on every corner of LES, I had to stop by.
3.5 stars.
AMBIANCE
=========
Neon signs always gets me.
So it got me.
FOOD
=====
CHIA SEED BREAKFAST PUDDING
Coconut, almond, and seasonal fruit was good.
But it was $7. A bit steep, but whatever.
RATING: 4/5
LOADED KALE SALAD
Served in a plastic container. WTF. Boo.
Good kale, avocado, chickpea, and that beet pickled egg.
RATING: 3.5/5
COFFEE
=======
CAPPUCCINO
Not the best cup of Joe I've had.
Prefer it to be stronger.
RATING: 3/5
PRO TIP
=======
Doughnuts aren't healthy, but it's cheaper and better.
OVERALL
========
The good part was the people watching at the huge windows.
The bad part was the price.
Breakfast for 2 (Salads, coffee, and pudding) = $52
Pricey for a salad in a plastic container.
RECOMMEND for those seeking healthy (and expensive) breakfasts in LES.
Heard of this super cute cafe place for a long time so decided to run here during the weekends. Apparently their signature is avocado flat bread, not the coffee that I was trying to get. Was disappointed about the layout inside as it was a bit unorganized.
Not too spacious either – so better grab-n-go instead of sit in. Will I come back and try the bread? Not sure…and I just found out that their sanity condition is currently pending…
Grilled vegetables with egg were AMAZING but a little expensive at $16. I also tried the sweet potato bread, which was okay – it had a slightly burnt flavor that I wasn't into. I wish they'd lower their prices a bit here, because everything is so good, but it's not practical to visit regularly. Sad face.
Rest peacefully, absolute best option for lunch on the Lower East Side. It seems like just yesterday I was gauging myself on multiple avocado del surs (with poached eggs) per week (that's because I was). Not that this is place is closed but it seems to have shot itself in the foot at least for their mid-day service.
Hate to go in so soon on social media, but am simply gutted that they got rid of their hot/cold lunch service after their most recent renovation. I know it must of been tough to keep up with the demand but the best menu items have either disappeared or have been crammed into little containers and price-hiked by several dollars. In the few minutes I was in there at least 3 people came to the counter asking what was going with the same single tear falling so figuratively from their eyes that I had when hearing the news. I can imagine with the cost of rent in this area soaring why El Rey would make this sort of transition but I hope that they can meet their regular customers somewhere in in the middle with a median price points between their old and new, and the resurrection of the del sur.
While their food is fantastic and I can't wait to see what changes they have in-store for dinner, I will really miss the ole' El Rey setup…. When I'm in the mood for $15 salad they'll still be #1. Xo.
El Rey has recently voted one of the most Instagrammed coffee shops in the world, so we had to go. It's in a fun part of NYC and slightly bigger than your usual coffee shop. They serve brunch as well so it's crowded on a weekend morning. The coffee is quality as are the pastries. In the very back, there's a simple neon sign that says "El Rey." That's what people Instagram. It's cool, but definitely not note worthy. Regardless, if you're in the area, stop by!
I like everything about El Rey except for the service.
The neon pink, the ridiculously expensive organic coffee that was harvested from beans grown in a cave paved with diamonds, the curvy cursive "El Rey" logo.
But let's break this down:
-The menu's printed price for agua fresca is $2.25
-The cashier charged me $3.50
-When I showed her the menu, her only response was that the drink came up on the computer as $3.50; she didn't even TRY to honor the price
Huh? You won't charge me what the price says? But you will charge me more. Okay.
I'll get my expensive, tasty coffee elsewhere from now on.