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AbraçoPhoto: Gary Soup · BY 2.0

Abraço

7.1Friend Score / 10

#2 of 20 Cafés & Coffee in New York City

81 E 7th St, New York$
Known forolive oil cakeespressocortadocappuccino
Directions

A tiny, beloved East Village espresso bar on E 7th Street where the coffee is serious, the olive oil cake is famous, and the vibe is neighbors-standing-at-the-counter. A friend sends you here instead of any chain, no hesitation. Caveat: it's small and seating is limited, so think quick ritual stop, not laptop camp.

Key facts

Hours
Mon–Thu 08:00–20:00
Fri–Sat 08:00–22:00
Sun–Sun 09:00–18:00
Price$
Phone—
Website—
Nearest transitAstor Place (6) or 1st Av (L), about a 5-minute walk
Time needed20-45 minutes
Best time to goWeekday mid-morning; weekend mornings draw a line
Last verifiedJuly 12, 2026

Friend Score

7.1/10
  • Value8.5
  • iconic7.0
  • Freshness9.1
  • Crowd level6.5
  • Authenticity9.0
  • Accessibility8.5
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Frequently asked questions

Does Abraço have seating?
Some, since they moved to the bigger space at 81 E 7th Street, but it's still a small room built around the counter. This is a stand-drink-and-chat cafe, not a work-on-your-laptop cafe.
What are Abraço's hours?
Monday to Thursday 8am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 8am-10pm, Sunday 9am-6pm. Evening hours are unusual for a NYC cafe, which makes it a nice after-dinner espresso stop too.
What should I order at Abraço?
An espresso or cortado and a slice of the olive oil cake — that combo is the whole reason people cross town. The savory baked goods and small plates are also quietly excellent.
Is there a wait at Abraço?
Weekend mornings usually mean a short line, but it moves fast because the menu is tight. Weekday mid-mornings you'll often walk right up.
Is Abraço expensive?
It's normal NYC specialty-coffee pricing — a few dollars for espresso drinks, and the pastries are reasonably priced for the quality. You can have a great visit for around $10.
Do they roast their own coffee?
Yes, Abraço roasts its own beans, and you can buy bags to take home. The espresso style leans rich and traditional rather than bright third-wave sourness.
Is Abraço good for working on a laptop?
Honestly, no — it's built for conversation and counter culture, not screens. Treat it like a European espresso bar: get your coffee, eat your cake, be present, move on.
Why is Abraço famous?
It's been an East Village institution since 2007 — a closet-sized original that earned a cult following on the strength of its espresso, olive oil cake, and genuinely warm regulars culture. Coffee people treat it as one of the city's essential cafes.

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