Restaurant Review: Birch Coffee

Founded by two guys, Jeremy & Paul, Birch Coffee gives a homemade ambiance, yet it has locations in strategically-signficant areas: Wall Street, TriBeCa, Flatiron, West Village, Upper East & West Sides.  Having enjoyed their website's videos, interviews (below),

& coffee-sourcing data,

Lewis and I eagerly walked to the Long Island City shop, last Sunday.  We arrived, but it was closed for the whole holiday weekend (despite it showing being Open on its website & Yelp).  Immediately emailing the Birch Boys elicited Jeremy's apology for their lack of signage.  He went an "extra mile" inviting us back for complimentary drinks.  

     Today, we returned. 

We admired their clever use of birch logs.  

Barista Joey anticipated us by name and recommended their famous Cold Brew.  Truly a full-bodied delight!  (They source this Guatemalan bean just for that, and the LIC facility does its own roasting and 24-hour steeping.  See their machines...)  

Prices are quite fair.  The shop itself is vintage/industrial, making harmony with its historic brick building.  

Large windows let sunlight stream in.

A wall of paned glass, with old knobs. 

Bare bulbs in custom metal circular fixtures. 

A 1960s radio probably hides modern speakers.  Vintage chairs at a rustic communal table. I liked their honesty-policy "Give/Take A Book" Public Library (see the sign below).

Many customers seem "regulars", greeted by name!  The team expertly prepared each request.  A nice mix of people.

     Speaking of which... as we sipped, a man entered with his dog.  A total stranger in line adored the dog.  When the guys realized that they both lived nearby, the admirer volunteered to dog-sit/walk whenever needed.  To my surprise, the dog owner gladly accepted! (saying it'd $ave him from his current dog-walker).  They exchanged names & numbers (seen below), and the dog owner will text the other guy soon.  Good vibes in this place apparently!

I also discovered that the staff offers Coffee Lover seminars, Cupping classes, as well as Barista classes!  

     Additionally, the owners have a section on their website where they volunteer to dialogue with small-business owners who want their advice/experience wisdom.  How generous.

     I was posting my joy online immediately.  Joey even thanked us by name, as we left.  (Jeremy replied to my Thank You email, too).  Next time, we might try their scones and muffins from Dough, delivered daily from Brooklyn.  (Ethiopian Yirgacheffe blend for me & Tanzanian Mbeya blend for Lewis).