Caffe Bene: New York, New York

There is a strong misconception that real New Yorkers don’t go into Times Square, well if that is true they sadly haven’t experienced Caffe Bene. Nestled on the corner of Broadway and 49^th, Caffe Bene is the perfect stop to forget about the tourist infested streets right beyond the floor to ceiling windows. Mixing rustic urban architecture with the classic feel of a New York coffee shop, the café could be patented with the hugely famous term “hipster.”

The front room housed the in-and-outers, the upstairs collected the coined business men and women mixed with the hum of couples seeking their usual seats; the back room, however, was my personal favorite. The back of the café was compiled of two full wall bookcases filled with cookbooks, classics, encyclopedias and much more. Large tables allowed for group studying, and small tables allowed book nerds like me to sink into the bookcases, eaten by pure delight.                

As if the atmosphere wasn't enough, Caffe Bene offers food that will put a smile on your face (if of course the bookcases and well-dressed men surrounding you didn't already do that). Their trademark item, the waffle, seems to be a simple food, but by Caffe Bene’s terms is not. Chocolate Waffles, Red Velvet Waffles, Pistachio Waffles, Strawberry Chocolate and the special combo of a waffle and coffee—what more could you want? If you do want more or you don’t care for waffles (blasphemy) there are wraps, sandwiches, salads and every dripping-with-caffeine drink you could ever imagine, including a Red Velvet Latte. (Insert Foodgasm)  After I got over the impeccable shoes of the man sitting diagonal from me, I was able to have some great sweets laced with conversation. Caffe Bene was a stumble upon that will now become a must go. Whether you are just stopping to grab a drink or you need to study, Caffe Bene has the means to accommodate.

        I can hear the I-phones unlocking now, plans being canceled, and Times Square meeting a few new faces, because Caffe Bene is the place to stop and refresh.