Abraço

GO HERE: for the best espresso in Manhattan. That’s not an exaggeration. The baristas at Abraço pulls the richest, most perfectly balanced shots of espresso, using beans roasted in house.

ORDER THE: espresso. Or a perfectly executed espresso-based drink. This is an espresso bar, after all. But the true professional’s move is grabbing something from the pastry case. A slice of whatever frittata is on the menu for the day, olive oil cake (perfect for dunking into your cortado), or the truly excellent, sweet-savory cured olive cookie will do the trick.

WORD TO THE WISE: You should not ask for almond milk. Or oat milk. Or hemp or soy or cashew. Because Abraço doesn’t have any of that stuff. Abraço only steams whole milk, which is kind of why we liked the place to begin with: They do what they think is best.

THE VIBE IS: warm. Not temperature-wise but in the way the room makes you feel. (Abraço means “hug” in Portuguese.) An excellent selection of jazz, soul, and classic rock vinyl spins on the record player. Conversation hums from East Village regulars, young and old, sitting or standing at two-tops and the large communal table. The baristas seem like they actually want to serve you coffee (something to note in New York City). The light from the red scripted neon Abraço sign washes every inch of the place in a pleasant glow.

PRACTICAL STUFF: Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Monday. It’s also cash only, but there’s a bodega on the corner of 1st Avenue and 7th Street, if you forget.

—Alex Delany