d’espresso Opens on Stanton

Posted on: August 14th, 2008 by

For better or worse, the upscale coffee shop d’espresso opens its doors today at 100 Stanton Street (between Orchard and Ludlow). With its pretentious glass facade and all-white interior motif, the cafe feels somewhat like a trendy ice cream parlor. I spoke with the owner, and he is confident that patrons will very much enjoy the unique Italian-style coffee selection. Let me know if he’s right, as I don’t drink the stuff. At least not yet.

  • EV Grieve

    d’epressing.

    Sorry. Couldn’t resist. Well, I have mixed feelings about this. One one hand, well, just look at the place. On the other hand, I’m generally OK with locally owned places, not a chain, etc. On the other other hand…

    By the way, you really need to start drinking coffee. It goes well with whiskey.

  • boweryboogie

    i agree. i’m just as torn.

  • Samantha Turco

    hmm, can’t resist to critique. I’m a coffee guy myself and was at first excited… but i look at this place and laugh a little bit. it’s alittle too pretentious and feels like a chain– i wouldnt want to spend more than 5 minutes in the place cuz it feels like a shoe store–not a place to get coffee, read, and or just enjoy a good espresso (which is very regular by the way). nice that there’s new business moving to the area, but sad that this place is a disappointment–too bad d’espresso doesn’t live up to the other new shops opening up in the neighborhood

  • S. Turco

    hmm, can’t resist to critique. I’m a coffee guy myself and was at first excited… but i look at this place and laugh a little bit. it’s alittle too pretentious and feels like a chain– i wouldnt want to spend more than 5 minutes in the place cuz it feels like a shoe store–not a place to get coffee, read, and or just enjoy a good espresso (which is very regular by the way). nice that there’s new business moving to the area, but sad that this place is a disappointment–too bad d’espresso doesn’t live up to the other new shops opening up in the neighborhood

  • boweryboogie

    indeed. it’s not a very inviting atmosphere. there’s something wrong with that.

  • Anonymous

    wish it were better–too bad. also torn.

  • Anonymous

    I disagree. coffee and treats were nice, staff was welcoming. Seems like a good hangout spot. I think you guys are just so conditioned to what starbucks warped in your mind with their brown earthy tones.

  • Anonymous

    i got a cappucino and it was great – especially compared to a lot of other places, they made it right. it lacks the down home couches of other places in the neighborhood, but honestly i think the coffee beats someplace like cakeshop for sure.

  • Anonymous

    i also agree. their coffee is ok. i had a cappucino–it was standard. i don’t think it’s burnt or bad like the others said, but it’s definitely not like italian cappucino (only a few places in the city come close). Ambiance is not so comfy and lacks some character, but i wouldn’t be so harsh. If i were to pass by and need a shot of espresso, i could be convinced to go back again.

  • Anonymous

    no bathroom at this place. ditto on the shoe-store feeling.

  • Anonymous

    c’mon people. it’s not that bad. don’t be so harsh. maybe it will improve if you ask for better coffee… and the pastries are not that bad at all. i think the area has alot of good pastries and good coffee, but this place is not better or worse…

  • Anonymous

    Have you guys tried the rugalah? It’s amazing and they bake it there. I’d recommend this place.

  • Brad

    not impressed…the place is uncomfortable and doesnt match the area— espresso is bitter. cappucino was decent. seating is a bit too tight

  • Sarah

    i think the pastries are yummy. The coffee is average. The place is clean :)

  • Jon

    i agree. the design is very nice, but my latte was bad. i went back again and tried a cappuccino and it was better, but still nothing to write home about–the baristas need to be better trained.. i simply can’t find a place that beats gorilla coffee !

  • Elisabetta Grillo

    where do I go to find a real european espresso in this city ! it’s driving me crazy— there’s NO PLACE :(

  • Anonymous

    DESPRESSO — HEALTH DEPARTMENT VIOLATIONS:

    No immersion basket
    Immersion basket not provided, used or of incorrect size. Incorrect manual technique. Test kit and thermometer not provided or used. Improper drying practices.

    Non-food contact surface improperly constructed
    Non-food contact surface improperly constructed. Unacceptable material used. Non-food contact surface or equipment improperly maintained.

    Toilets not maintained
    Toilet facility not maintained and provided with toilet paper, waste receptacle and self-closing door.

  • Anonymous

    I am sad to see so many negative comments regarding the design of this place. Makes me miss Europe, something I never normaly do. Why does a good coffee place in NY have to have dirty windows?! Why does a place like this come across as pretentious?!

    The coffee was not that good though. Best one so far I think is in Williamsburg on Bedford and 8th, don’t remember the name. That is a nice place too, and I am sure it will not be called pretentious, even if they also had a talented interiour designer.

  • Anonymous

    I think this is awesome… The food is great, the coffee is perfect and it is a really nice addition to the neighborhood.

    • Roob

      When D’Espresso first opened, I was slightly appalled, as it has a bit of a chain store/polished (upscale) look to it. Also, prices are the highest around and and the portions small. But the place has grown on me. Its the closest place for me to get decent coffee so I started to pop in there on occasion when I’m lazy or in a hurry. Agreed, the place is nothing to write home about, but the coffee and food are just fine.

      Seems like traffic started slow there, I assumed because of the high prices, but it seems to have picked up with a steady stream of europeans and shoppers. I wish the proprietor the best of luck and welcome to the nabe.

      Does anyone miss Ini Ani as much as I do?

  • http://coffeeofthemonthclub.net/ Coffee Club

    It looks like a classic style coffee shop. Based on the photos this is not worth visiting because the place looks quite unusual. I’m not saying it is ugly but it is a really bit unusual.

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