I've been going to this cafe for the past few weeks to do work on my laptop. I am basically their only black customer who's been going to the cafe consistently as far as I've seen. Every time I order food the first thing they ask me is "is it to go?" I've noticed that question is never asked to other customers. Today I tried to log into their wifi like I usually do and my laptop hasn't allowed me to do it. I keep getting a notification that says Failed to connect to network:bad password. I turned off my laptop and turned it back on to see if it just need a rest, the same issue. I even have the option to show my password on my laptop to ensure that I'm typing it in correctly. I decided to try logging onto the wifi network with my phone since I've never done it because I always use my laptop when I go there and use my data for my phone. I was instantly able to log on. I even asked the barista if they have reset/changed their password recently to which she said no. My guess is that I've been added to a direct blacklist that prevents my device from logging in. I've checked to make sure I've been using the correct password which is gato1234. I have been nothing but courteous and quiet when I go there. I have not been loud/disrespectful in anyway. I go there to do work in the corner by the window when it is available. I will not be going to the cafe again, congrats.

Black Cat LES has an inconspicuous storefront for a Lower East Side cafe. once through the door, the interior opens up into a surprisingly medium/large space. it’s well-maintained and clean. the vibe is very community living room with a variety of seating options. lots of laptop-pers & tablet-ers at work when here last. there’s WiFi for those who need it. there are live events at night like music, readings, comedy, etc. there’s a variety coffee & tea drinks on the menu as well as variety of simple savory eats like sandwiches, toasts, and bagels. got a large drip coffee to fight a chilly weekday off with hot caffeine and it did the job. strong coffee, nice caffeine kick. it was a huge cup of coffee and it warmed up and sped up my walk of endless errands in the neighborhood. the staff is very chill and kind. cafes like this are becoming the rarity in NYC. cherish the neighborhood gems.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: No
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

The baristas working here are actually a joke. It almost feels like they are trying their best to be the rudest possible to you. I have been here several times (only for the cozy atmosphere), and every time the baristas are so rude that it makes you uncomfortable. EVERYTIME I’m here one of the girls is sitting on a stool behind the counter and does not say a word and refuses to take your order. The other girl, I think she is European usually roles her eyes and look at you with a disgusted look, takes your order and then takes about 20-30 minutes to make a simple latte that also tastes horrible. Honestly, she does not know how to make coffee. I don’t know how she got hired. It’s ridiculous actually. The owner however, is the cutest ever, I’ve met her once and you can tell that the vibes are so much better when she is there. I hope she sees all bad reviews about the baristas and hire better ones, for her own sake and for the sake of her cafe.
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 4

Coming from someone who often works from home, this place is a nice, quiet place to come do work during the week. Decent coffee and tea, free wifi, a community printer, and lots of table space for you to spread out on. That being said, service isn't the most friendly and sometimes is even a bit rude and abrupt. The other day, I saw a man and his wife storm out because the person working the counter was in the back room on their phone, even after the customers called for their attention. Overall, decent coffee, okay customer service, free wifi and an accessible printer. Wouldn't go out of my way to come here, but is a nice option when I'm in the area and need a place to stop by and get some work done.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

I wish I understood the buzz around this spot, as there are certainly many things to love (such as the adorable logo and cozy seating areas!), but I was very disappointed in my experience. On a hot day, it gets unbearably stuffy, an inconvenience compounded by slow service from an indifferent barista. The quality of the espresso is okay, but the commercial brand syrups made for a replicable latte lacking any flair. What I was assured is a LES staple and local favorite turned out to be a caffeine detour I could have personally done without.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Vegetarian options
Plant-based milk available.
Dietary restrictions
Plant-based milk available.

Came here on a rainy day to meet up with two friends. Such a lovely atmosphere and efficient, warm service!! I was floored by the consistent soft decor and warm lighting, just a very romantic, calming vibe. There’s seating for one or for groups, on couches and cushiony chairs!! Plus free internet and places to charge your tech. I loveeee the barista specials, those unique touches are hard to find these days and one of the reasons I come to spots like this over boring sterilized chains. Also seems like 90% of people with warm vibes come in here and hang regularly, so nice vibes all around ^_^
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

3rd time back, wanted to give it every chance. Decor and cozy vibe is good, coffee was okay. Had a weirdly long wait for just smearing some cream cheese on an untoasted bagel. No air circulation, so really stuffy when hot. They'd benefit from a policy for people to get out after maybe an hour, two? Couldn't sit anywhere while no less than 4 people were on laptops with empty drink cups - or NO cups/food items. I get it, it's nice to work at a cafe, but when seating is THAT limited? I dunno. You could absolutely find better coffee, service, and actual seats elsewhere.
Service
Dine in
Food: 3
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 4

Absolutely shocking how rude the European female barista is. Never experienced anything like it… so much so I felt the need to write this review in the hope that her manager sees it. Funnily enough, many other reviews mention the same thing! Bizarre how she gets away with it and keeps her job. You just can’t speak to people like that - people that are spending money in the place where you work which pays your wages. On a second note the matcha latte was the worst I’ve ever had. Sweet and not the proper stuff. I would stay away from this cafe.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

Come for the cozy and random assortment of furniture this delightful coffee house. It has a real Central Perk vibe going on that I can't help but enjoy. The tea is amazing, specifically Jasmine and Ginger teas. Everynight so far that I've seen in February they host small stand up comedy performances and on some nights they have open mic. The comedians are decently funny. The staff is friendly and helpful. There is one bathroom inside and a tea costs $4.00. They also have a printer there for use for all the students in need of printing. Take your time and relax everybody. Hope this review helps!

THIS IS THE COOLEST COFFEE SHOP EVER. as an 80s baby who saw so many episodes of friends on basic cable as a child, this is what i have always imagined a coffee shop in manhattan to be like. an adorably nice barista, hip jazz playing on the radio, the decor is adorably mismatched yet coherent in its vintage feel, there's a mini upright piano, the walls are all brick or reclaimed wood, and THERE ARE COUCHES AND COMFY CHAIRS. the coffee is only drip, so don't expect a fresh pour over or french press or any other similarly fancy cups, but the espresso is great and snacks are served too.

So here's the situation... met up with some friends around 9 in the morning. There was one girl working there. This is a very popular place. It's in a real hip spot in the neighborhood. I ordered a breakfast, my other friends ordered breakfast.. it took almost 45 minutes to get our breakfast. I understand fully why it took 45 minutes as every time someone walked in the door she had to stop and make them coffee or tea. Then sometime around 10 it was a group of three that were working there. It's a nice cozy place don't get me wrong, but they should never have one person opening like that.

Came here on a sunday to read and hang out with a friend, breakfast sandwiches were solid and so was the coffee. We got an oat latte and a cappuccino. As far as service goes…Eli was the only one working and was absolutely swamped the whole 1-1.5hrs we were there, and he did a FANTASTIC job managing the varying levels of impatience and complicated customers. He’s a rockstar. He either needs a raise or some help on Sundays.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Bagel

Cute little coffee shop, awesome staff who are efficient with their service with a warm and friendly demeanor. Seating is varied, from couches to chairs. I wouldn't come here to do work, but rather have a great time with friends. Had the Nutella latte and it was absolutely delicious. Seating can be limited during peak hours, but that should also be an indicator of how excellent of a coffee joint it is! Will come back in the future.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I came here for a nice cup of tea. Black Cat's website, not to mention Google, say this place is known for good quality loose leaf tea. But the tea menu on their wall is "out of stock," and all they serve now are bagged Stash teas you can get at any grocery store. So I got my dusty-tasting bag of oolong and sat down, hoping to at least get some work done ... but their wifi is really slow! Worse, it doesn't work at all for some websites and apps. I ended up just leaving. I'm really sad because it seems so charming inside. But I won't be coming back.

To the racist female barista ( brunette, European accent) who shouted, did not provide any help and gave the worst attitude for a simple question on the printer, I hope your day gets better! The color of someone’s skin should not mean you treat one person completely differently to another. Please be aware that not everyone is out to get you and if you dislike your job so much that may be a sign to find something else that fulfills you in life (: Other than that love the overall vibe and character of the establishment. Change up the Barista please!

I hate to leave this review because the owner seemed really nice, but I will never get back to this place. The baristas where so freaking rude, like they made an effort to be mean. Other than that, the place seems like great spot to hang out and work online but I honestly felt the atmosphere and vibe of the place got ruined by the baristas. Would go again if it's self serviced
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Recommended dishes
Bagel

Definitely a bit of a hipster joint, but all in all this place is great. They've got good coffee and tea, a solid beer selection, and a decent food menu that's quite cheap. The place is full of comfy mismatched chairs, tables and antiques, with plenty of outlets for electronics. The wifi is pretty fast, and there's even a little bit of fenced-in outdoor seating. It's nice and quiet (but not too quiet), and they've got excellent taste in low-key music. Combined with friendly staff and free board games, this place is really hard to beat.

Black Cat LES - "Home of the Joyless Barista". Ordered a bagel, the response was, "No food today, all bread is frozen." I was staring at a toaster. Got my coffee, asked if they had any half-and-half or cream, answer was, "No." Customer after us asked what the drink called "Dirty Kitty" was. Barista said,  "It's a chocolate chai." Customer ordered it, barista responded, "We don't have any chocolate". Coffee was average and the experience left us entertained.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 3

LOVED IT!!!! I went around 8 a.m. and spent all morning there. Their Wi-Fi is fast, had great coffee and a muffin. There was various space to sit down, and very comfortable couches and chairs. You can go sit and read a book. The music was nice, not overwhelming or annoying. I looked around and saw that no one had headphones on, a good sign. I also didn't get the feeling that I over stayed my welcome, like it has happened in some cafes. Had a great productive morning thanks to Black Cat Coffee.

Man this place was cool. I walked in and it was very quiet inside for the middle of a Saturday. It was dimly light but not in a dark why, more of a warm and inviting way. Everyone seemed to be sitting and reading or having quiet conversations. I saw something on the wall about "let us be your living room" and this place 100% gave me that feel. I wished I had time and a book with me to sit and read and drink my coffee. Which, being the most important part of a coffee shop, was excellent.

Stopped by for some coffee on my way to a CPR/AED class, looked it up on my phone. If id seen it from the outside I would have walked passed without realizing what it is (its pretty shabby looking from the outside). This place very much feels like a college coffee shop: small, quiet & filled to the brim with young adults on their laptops in a shamble of chairs & sofas. Feels like a place where you would go to write your lit paper. Would come back when there 's space to sit.

Black cat serves a strong latte. Im an avid espresso drinker and I think they put two to three shots of espresso in there house coffee. They also have cool art. I went there on a Wednesday and stayed for a great free comedy show. The cafe boasts itself as a community cafe for like minded intellects and lives up to it. They could charge admission for the shows, but the owner informed us that all the shows are free for customers to connect with each other.

I came here with a group of 10 to get coffee and had a great time. It's probably a much better place to just get some work done without being bothered. There's ample seating and light jazz music playing in the background. As for the staff, the guys who tended to us were pretty sweet and the coffee was well-made. My personal recommendation would be to get the "Shot in the Dark". A welcome addition to the list of glowing places in the neighborhood

I came to this place late one evening not knowing what to expect and was immediately charmed. From outside it looks unassuming, but the wooden interior is friendly, nicely decorated, and smells great. I had a chai, not what I normally order, and it was quite good. They have a good tea selection for casual tea drinkers, but they're lacking any single-origin and high-quality teas. It's worth going here for the calm and pleasant atmosphere.

Very FRIENDS/Phoebe Buffet vibe in here. Coffee is good but the best thing they have on the menu is the LES toast. Guacamole base, fried egg in the middle and crispy bacon on top. Incredible. Small business family run, expect to be patient. Took like 30 minutes to get my toast but it’s worth it.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Black Cat is a small coffee shop in lower East Side. It has a really good hangout vibe with couches and an almost cozy basement look. The staff were super friendly, and gave great and quick service even when there was a line. The cold brew I got was really good at a pretty good price for Manhattan.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I love BC LES! I go often for their Friday night comedy show. It's FREE, and a fun way to begin a night or end a work week. The space is rustic, the cookies are huge and delicious. The weekly comedy show is worth the trip, man. The comedians are friendly and awesome. Sure they are working new material, trying out bits. It falsely makes me feel like I'm a part of their process, lol! Just Go! Laugh and have a good time.

The barista that is here on Wednesday but is usually here is so angry at life, and projects it on to her customers. She’s incredibly rude, and racist. She has turned away serval customers just because she is lazy!!! When I asked for water she looked at me like I had 10 heads. Good vibe in the cafe, but not friendly staff. RBF alll morning !!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

The drinks were good, but unfortunately, the mood of the servers was very bad. I felt like I was not welcome and my order (iced latte/espresso tonic) was an inconvenience. I am not sure why this was the case, but it's a shame as the cafe seems like a nice hangout spot otherwise.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 4
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 2

The space itself is really cool. Nice design, comfy seating, quiet. The Danish I got was quite good, too. The coffee is entirely inoffensive simply because it lacks sufficient flavor to make much of an impression. If what you want is a quiet space to eat a pastry and drink hot watery coffee, then this is the space for you. If, however, you actually want some coffee, I suggest trying someplace else.

Very cozy neighborhood spot. We live around the corner and come in fairly often, one morning we ordered breakfast sammiches and there was something wrong with our order and we were charged a little extra. Sent an email to management and they responded very quickly and were very apologetic, and treated us to a whole extra breakfast the next time we went in. Great spot for a snack and a coffee

Too small and overcrowded. No place to sit after ordering. The muffins were old not fresh. Your coffee was put to the side without telling you it was ready. When you finally found a place to sit it was with a stranger. Other people came and crowded in on your space. Loud noise from the workers and people around you. Reading hard to concentrate on. Would not go again. Would not recommend.

Great vibes and awesome to find a coffee shop open late. I got into the city before my friends and was able to enjoy myself here at 9pm with a delicious mocha. A comedy show started as a walked in and I had some laughs. Cool spot for sure.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Nice cozy cafe. They had decaf latte and I was able to stay for 30 min or so without feeling like I have to rush or anything. It was a Wednesday night, last day of July in 2019 around 2030 and the place was about 1/3 full. It has a free WiFi too, no password needed. The AC was the right temperature and the music volume was low so you can talk without screaming.

Cozy spot that would live up to its potential if the wifi actually worked. They don’t tell you when the wifi is not working. Everyone around me has been using hotspots instead. Defeats the purpose of having a work friendly cafe. It’s fine if you don’t need wifi to get your work done. It took almost an hour of me being here for the wifi to start working.

This is the best coffee shop I have ever been to. One of the employees seemed very wound up and was pacing around and laughing hysterically and then was running around outside picking up garbage in the street. Lots of seating, free fast wifi, and excellent affordable drinks.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–10

The place itself is wonderful! Great interior, nice worn chairs and sofas with huge pillows and generally a very chill mood. People were sitting there working. I'll only give it three stars, though, because they didn't have half of what was on the menu. The person behind the counter didn't even know what 'gluten free' was. Disappointing.

Very dark and dungeon atmosphere, nothing good about it. Food was disgusting and service, was horrible needed napkins, and the service people were outside smoking.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Recommended dishes
Avocado Sandwich

The staff is VERY rude and clearly unhappy at this job. No effort with customers. The man wearing glasses burst out and used the F words multiple times, yelling for no reason. The woman was just nonchalant and couldn’t care less of what she was doing. The coffee was cold ans the avo toast over priced ! Oh and the wifi does not work !

Really cozy and comfy place with a relaxing ambiance. A nice place to get work done while sipping on delicious coffee and munching on great treats and sandwiches. Their ham and cheese sandwich was amazing and the staff is really kind. Definitely a nice place to chill or relax on a cold winter day or a blazing summer afternoon.

My FAVORITE cafe on the east side of Manhattan, HANDS DOWN. I'd make the daily 15-minute trek there (even in a heavy blizzard ) from mine and my boyfriends place on E. 12th St. & Avenue A in the East Village JUST to hang there for awhile in the ambience. I live in California now, and HORRIBLY miss the Black Cat LES. …

The baristas always offer amazing service along with smiles, making you feel at him no matter how long it has been since your last visit. Depending on the day it can get crowded, however there’s always seating space. Music selection is great along with the lighting. Ordered their avocado egg pesto sandwich....delish!

Came in one chilly Monday morning. And the place was nice and quiet. With lovely ambience, cozy chairs, and amazing music. If I would have one complaint, is that the barista was a tad bit rude. But hey. It’s Monday, and 9AM at that. I can let that slide. Overall, would recommend if you are in the area

Not what I expected - everything was sticky, the coffee was okay, didn't purchase any food. However, the service was fantastic, friendly and efficient. I can see why this is an attractive spot for the locals.
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 2

Black Cat Cafe is a hidden gem. Already an institution in the Lower East Side. Always loosely packed with comedians sharpening their craft on life, polite tourists, and locals. A laid back, comfortable spot. Coffee brewed the way you want it to be. Free Wifi too, free Comedy/ Open Mic.

The coziest coffee shop!!! I want this place to stay in business forever because this is what we need. Good prices, loads of drinks, ample seating, good customer service, an events calendar and a bunch of vintage board games to play with your friends. Long live Black Cat LES.

I liked the place and the people very much but their outdoor dining space was a such a monstrous FU to the neighborhood. It looked like garbage, had exposed nails and attracted more garbage. I just don't understand why they did it. Generally, they have been good neighbors.

Good coffee with a cozy layout and feel. Leather couches and seating to do your own thing or bring some friends, play games, and enjoy the AC.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Lovely space, reminiscent of college common rooms or friends’ basement rec rooms. Very good coffee, though the espresso drinks with milk are not exactly prepared according to tradition. Food is always fresh and portions are more generous than at many other cafes in NYC.

The atmosphere is what makes it special. It's the kind of place that feels as comfortable as your living room, though they could stand to turn down the heat.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Features
Dine in: Yes

Great place w/ WIFI if you want to work out of your laptop. Very comfy, well lit, with nice background instrumental music and awesome coffee. Not too many places like this around. The decoration inside is simply beautiful. I´ll rate this 6-stars if I could!

Took shelter from the rain here and discovered a fantastic spot to grab coffee while waiting it out. Very homely and cozy, ideal for quiet work or 1-on-1's.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Being a grad student I can not find much to do that is cheap in the city! This is a fine option. The free comedy and comfy seating is awesome of you're willing to be a target for the comedians. This is my new hang out spot for good. Such a great find!

Wifi is garbage. They are aware it doesn’t work and seem uninterested in fixing it. Would be nice to know before sitting down to work there. Lesson learned. The drip coffee is not good. Otherwise it’s a cute cafe with free comedy shows daily.

Nice, cozy ambiance. Ordered an iced chai and chatted with a friend. I have it on their good authority that their smoothies are also good. The music was great as well
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

Went there for the CAFFEINE COMEDY show with comics Rachel Lenihan and Dan Abraham on a Wednesday night and it was awesome. Great comedy and micro brewery beer made it a fun evening. Highly recommended and a very “cozy” setting.

a nice space to meet a friend or get some work done! They have a lot of seating, fast wifi, and friendly staff. Coffee was good (but nothing extraordinary) and reasonably priced. They have a few vegan non-dairy milk options.

Wifi is really bad… like doesn’t connect at all. Music is too loud if you want a good place to read or do work. Otherwise it has cool ambience and is definitely cozy on a rainy day.
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5

Fantastic coffee shop, lots of seating, great food and drink options, games and free events in the evening.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Recommended dishes
Bagel

One of the last true cafes in the area. A relaxed atmosphere and decently priced, Black Cat is always my go to when I need somewhere to grab a coffee and hang out for a bit. Plus! Stand up here is always entertaining!

Place is nice and chill. Usually a lot of people but there is many sitting options. Is a good place to read, do some work or study. Its also very cozy. Coffee is decent and not super expensive like other places.

Coffee shop with board games I could spend hours in, I was sold. They have great bagel combinations that are well made and taste good. Comfy couches to sit on. Refreshing coffee to wake you up. Yes... Go here

The coffee was terrible. There were so many coffee grounds at the bottom of my cup. My friend waited 25 minutes for her drink. Also her matcha latte tasted super artificial
Price per person
$1–10

Best coffee shop in the city for hanging out and getting work done.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Very cool, quiet and laid back environment. The barista pulls espresso through their lever espresso machine, making an excellent latte each morning that I've visited. Friendly and customer barista too.

Love this place. Got an iced caramel macchiato and it was super yummy. Food could be better though. I got a caprese sandwich and it was fine just nothing special. Also they didn’t toast the bread.

I went for the Hack City Comedy Show and had a great time. Be sure to get there early because seating is limited! Free shows pretty much every night here, including comedy open mics on Mondays.

I am a huge coffee drinker and prefer local or new places. This was probably one of the best lattes and cappuccinos I have had in the city.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Such a cool little shop. Place was packed. Must be very popular.
Service
Take out
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

So cozy!!! Love the illumination and abundance of comfy, broken-in chairs and couches.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

It’s so cozy. Very nice couch area. Great for reading or wfh.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

A good place to focus on do some work, with plenty of power outlets and decent wifi. The avocado sandwich was more tasty than the caprese one.

Really cute and warm coffee shop. Roomy and inviting. Try the pretty, healthy and delicious oatmeals (or “oatmeow” haha).

Best Cafè in the city of New York. Customer Service is Phenomenal, while the food and coffee is even better!!

I was searching for a simple breakfast, I found a relaxed atmosphere, friendly waiters and a gorgeous bagel

Cool vibes and good coffee. Lots of seat space though only a few power outlets. Very nice Sunday vibes

Nice vibe, pleasant, many folks working… The coffee isn’t amazing though the attitude is nice.

The best place to work with a laptop and enjoy a quiet environment and an excellent coffee.

No ice for iced drink. Twice in a row. Understand the chilled vibe here, but come on.

Great cute neighborhood coffee shop