New York City, New York / Food and drink
Caffe Reggio
A historic Greenwich Village landmark since 1927, Caffè Reggio is renowned as the first café in the United States to serve cappuccino and houses New York City's oldest espresso machine.
What is Caffe Reggio known for?
Caffe Reggio is known as the home of the "Original Cappuccino" and claims to be the first café in the United States to serve it. It is also recognized as Greenwich Village's oldest café serving espresso and Italian pastries.
What are the hours?
The café opens daily at 9:00 a.m. It closes at 3:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and at 4:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
What is on the menu?
The menu features cappuccino, espresso, and other caffeine-charged drinks, as well as Italian pastries and specialties. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Where is it located?
Caffe Reggio is located at 119 MacDougal Street in the heart of historic Greenwich Village, Manhattan, just steps away from Washington Square Park.
What makes the interior special?
The café features an art-filled interior and houses the oldest espresso machine on display in New York City, dating back to 1902. It also contains an original bench from the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence.
What should I check before going?
Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.
What to know
Caffè Reggio is a cornerstone of Manhattan's Greenwich Village, having first opened its doors in 1927. Located at 119 MacDougal Street, this establishment is celebrated as the oldest café in the neighborhood serving espresso and Italian pastries. It holds a prestigious place in American coffee history, branding itself as the home of the 'Original Cappuccino' and claiming to be the first café in the United States to serve the drink. The interior of the café serves as a living museum of coffee culture and art. Visitors can find an espresso machine purchased by the original owner, Domenico Parisi, in 1902, which is recognized as the oldest espresso machine on display in New York City. Adding to the European atmosphere, the café also contains an original bench sourced from the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence. Beyond its historical artifacts, the café offers a welcoming environment with walls adorned by many pieces of art. Guests can choose to relax inside the art-filled interior or utilize the sidewalk tables to observe the activity of the Village. The menu extends beyond caffeine-charged drinks to include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a selection of Italian specialties.
Visitor tips
- Visit between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. (or 4:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday) to enjoy their coffee and pastries.
- Look for the 1902 espresso machine inside the café, a rare piece of coffee history.
- Grab a seat at the sidewalk tables for a classic Greenwich Village people-watching experience.
Nearby context
Caffè Reggio is situated in the heart of historic Greenwich Village, located just steps away from the iconic Washington Square Park.
Sources
Evidence and links
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Caffe Reggio | Your Guide to NYC Tourism
Caffe Reggio opened in Greenwich Village in 1927 and still retains its charm to this day.
nyctourism.com -
Caffè Reggio
Welcome to Caffe Reggio, the home of the “Original Cappuccino.”
caffereggio.com -
LOCATION – Caffè Reggio
119 MACDOUGAL STREET NEW YORK, NY 10012
caffereggio.com -
Caffe Reggio - Atlas Obscura
Caffe Reggio claims to have introduced the cappuccino to the United States.
atlasobscura.com -
Caffe Reggio - Wikipedia
Caffe Reggio is a New York City coffeehouse at 119 Macdougal Street in the heart of Manhattan's Greenwich Village which first opened in 192…
en.wikipedia.org -
Caffe Reggio | New York Magazine | The Thousand Best
Greenwich Village's oldest cafe has served up espresso and Italian pastries since 1927.
nymag.com