Mixed reviews, mostly good..they ban cell phone use, which charms many--but--
WARNING: NO BATHROOM
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“We finished with banana crepes with nutella (i love nutella.”In 24 reviews -
“great decor, charming music, good coffee and delicious quiche.”In 11 reviews -
“I just bought their "famous smoked salmon salad.”In 2 reviews
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- Christine N.
- Manhattan, NY
- 88 friends
- 135 reviews
I've been here too many times to count. I usually get one of their specialty teas (which come in a teapot with strainer and teacup) and an omelette or a crepe though I have also tried their lunch menu and desserts. Everything is good. Not great, but good. I really come more for the European cafe ambience.
This is a very touristy spot as the cafe is European both in decor and with regard to the menu itself. It is a small cafe (almost a hole in the wall), but they always have soccer showing on the screens (but never any other sport) and their menu is very much like being in a European cafe. I have seen European tourists poke their head in and decide to respite here because of the familiar ambience of the cafe to them. To them, this is a real cafe and not that Starbucks nonsense. :)
Some people come here to eat and others to have a cappuccino or tea. This is not really the kind of cafe where you should try to read and/or do work on a laptop given the limited amount of seating and quick turnover, but I have seen people doing both, including just watching a big soccer game on the tv screen.
The service is spotty though. Like you have to ask for milk and sugar for your tea separately (they won't ask you if you would like any) and forget about getting any honey . . . and paying is a hassle (they sometimes insist on ringing you up at the register even after a full sit-down brunch/lunch). Everything is informal and some people just step in to grab a pastry and/or coffee to go on the run here. -
- Stephanie Y.
- Jersey City, NJ
- Elite ’13
- 2331 friends
- 720 reviews
3.5 stars!!! Price point's a bit high.
This is a cafe straight outta Europe. Teeny, crowded, a vintage vibe and a menu filled with both savory and sweet crepes, breakfast like omelettes served all day and a selection of salads and sandwiches. This spot isn't the cheapest option, but has a really unique vibe, especially for the neighborhood; definitely a great escape from midtown.
They have a great variety of tea and I love that they give you the whole pot to enjoy at your own pace. I met up with a friend and enjoyed a pot of green loose leaf tea and quite a delicious Nutella and banana crepe for a mid afternoon break. On a Thursday at 2pm, it was packed.
Service is less then good, but again the place is so small, so the bad service is bearable. Not the best cafe you'll ever go to, but definitely a solid little spot in midtown to enjoy a break from city life. -
- Day B.
- Manhattan, NY
- 5 friends
- 82 reviews
Ugh, it PAINS me to have to do this, but I don't feel I have a choice. Because the issue is so easily manageable yet still happening.
The Pros: This place is really beautiful and adorable. And has wifi.
The Cons: I've been twice in the last week. I do not do well with caffeine so I ordered an iced tea during my first visit. They were out. So I asked for a decaf iced coffee (and I can barely deal with that small amt of caffeine). I realized half way through my drink that it was caffeinated. Not good.
I went back today, it was the same barista, and I asked for an iced decaf coffee...and repeated decaf to make sure he heard me. Turns out it was once again not decaf but regular.
This may seem like a small gripe, but this is too easily fixable and the same thing happened twice. I want to love this place but man... -
Just got off a cross country red eye. Needed coffee...
Found decent coffee in this quaint little cafe.
Then I thought it'd be a good idea to have a small bite too... their full size breakfasts are generous, so I asked if they could do a single pancake, and a side of bacon.
What I failed to check is whether they'd charge 1/2 price for the half portion I ordered. NOPE. I paid $7 for one (very flat & dense) pancake, and $3 for bacon that had sat for awhile (chewy & dry).
Have no hesitation paying for good food - but this ain't.
The coffee was good, however. Just stick with that. -
- Sophia Y.
- New York, NY
- 0 friends
- 3 reviews
I feel like I'm stepping into another world every time I come here - it's great! There's soccer playing on the TVs, and they didn't miss a single spot when decorating this little cafe.
I almost always order the Italian omelette, and my boyfriend gets the crepes. Coffee is amazing, and service is good. Not great, not speedy, but when you come into a place like this you don't necessarily want it to be fast. It's nice to not be rushed and enjoy some breakfast. I recommend! -
This place is super cute but unfortunately their food isn't so great. The teas aren't great either. The only allure is in it's appearance but that quickly fades after you try their food.
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Cute place in an unexpected region of Manhattan. Great, light smoothies, and a warm/woody/cozy vibe.
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- Tony W.
- New York, NY
- 0 friends
- 14 reviews
You have no idea who I am, I wrote the review months after my poor experience...you think everyone is below you.
Not sure how you are still in business?3/19/2013 we don't serve rood peoples like you at keko it is better for you to escape keko from your thoughts
Comment from Said A. of Keko Café
Business Owner -
Quaint little cafe with a decent breakfast, coffee, and tea selection. Convenient to the Armory, where the Coffee & Tea Festival was being held. My friend and I were unfortunate enough to arrive when all the seats were filled, and had to sit at the cramped counter near the front entrance. It is not an ideal place if you're a party of 4 or more. I had the Keko Special Plate and dark French Roast coffee. The only thing I did not eat was one of the merguez sausages, which was shriveled from overcooking. Not a deal breaker as it was a satisfying meal and decent coffee. Service was good. When the bill came, it seemed a bit high, so I brought it to the attention of our server. He said he had calculated the tip for us. It was more or less the amount we would have left, but it's a good thing I asked!
Please note: no restrooms -
- Christie Y.
- New York, NY
- Elite ’13
- 47 friends
- 158 reviews
3.5 stars.
CUTEEE hidden gem in the busy nyc. I love the decor. I was a bit shocked at how the whole process of ordering/paying works. since you first get your coffee/food then once you finish then you pay. odd.. but works for me.
the music is a bit loud and there are no restrooms.
I ldefinitely want to come back here for brunch as well as teir desserts. Cute place to meet up with friends but its a bit in the unknown streets of nyc. -
- Jessika M.
- Manhattan, NY
- 6 friends
- 11 reviews
Strolled in last night half hour before close time and the staff was very nice. We started off with two lattes which was really good and prepared quickly. There was another group seated near by and everyone was pleasant. I really liked seeing the "no cell phones sign." We also ordered food, I got a french onion soup and half sandwich tomato, pesto and mozzarella . Very light and simple. Will come back, enjoyed it! -
- Kitana Q.
- Manhattan, NY
- 0 friends
- 113 reviews
An oasis of charm and peace in Manhattan.
1. Food: Great sandwiches, bread perfectly toasted and crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. Ordered the turkey and Brie sandwich, which was subtly flavored and delicious, light and healthy tasting. Went for lunch, and sandwiches were priced in the general $10 range. Sizable crepe menu, both savory and sweet - need to check it out again!
2: Service: Efficient and unobtrusive.
3. Atmosphere: Charming cafe, in warm yellow tones, and quirky birdcages hanging around. Love love love the ambiance. -
- Adya S.
- New York, NY
- 21 friends
- 68 reviews
3 stars for poor service and no restrooms!
Their tiramisu cake is one of the better ones I've had in Manhattan. I like the fact that they give equal importance to their teas and coffees. That means, they have those set tea menus per person (for $15, which is quite reasonable as compared to Alice's Tea Cup. But then again, the food that they offer alongside is much simpler and even less in quantity.) The crepes looked delicious, but I haven't had a chance to try them yet. Next time I'm around, I plan to pop by for the set tea menus and the crepes! -
- Ben V.
- Bruxelles, Belgium
- 2 friends
- 35 reviews
Cant believe this place dropped to 3 1/2 stars. I see some reviews complaining about the service. They don't come to your table asking if everything is alright, but this is a French style place. Not Denny's. It comes with the territory. Last time they were playing Charles Aznavour. Honestly, I don't think that actually happens in Paris anymore. And then there's the big flat screen TV above the door showing nothing but football (translation: soccer). Saw some great champions league games I would have missed otherwise.
The tea is really great...and you get a lot. I always have one of their sandwiches. I like the fact that their not overly stuffed with meat, like in most places. Had the omelette before and wasn't too crazy about it. Everybody's raving about the pancakes, so probably try some next time. -
Pros:
All of their tea is from Harney & Sons. You get a whole teapot to yourself. Cozy.
Cons:
NO BATHROOM. What kind of restaurant does that??? Especially a tea place! Hello? Tea is a diuretic! -
- Mirlange D.
- Hyde Park, Boston, MA
- 4 friends
- 17 reviews
very cozy and layback -
Had a simple brunch here. Fresh fruit crepe with a cup of their Colombian supremo coffee. The crepe was warm, creamy, and had plenty of fresh strawberries, blueberries and banana chunks. The coffee, with steamed frothy milk, was incredibly delicious. I'd go back again just for coffee!
The place is pretty small, with maybe a total of half dozen tables, very cozy. Our waiter was very laid back and cordial. He lets you enjoy your food and coffee without any pushiness at all. -
Get to the Chase (UPDATED REVIEW)
New Cons (Demoted from 5 stars):
1) Asked for Tiramisu as a dessert and logically to be brought after the main courses... the waiter doesn't bring it after, nor does he bring it at the same time...no no he thinks the tiramisu is an appetizer! I informed the waiter of the mistake, buthe did not pcik it up, instead I had to return it and then ask for it again when I had finished my meal (change the staff)
2) Waiter brings the main meal and only brings one set of fork and knives for a table of 3....something must have been really distracting today
3) Staff deliberately opens the cafe door and leaves it open when my parents were sitting right next to it on a cold WINTER day...didn't even bother to ask if it was ok
A place I love has now lost 2 of its 5 stars :( sad day -
- Maritess Z.
- Seattle, WA
- 603 friends
- 279 reviews
I love this place. I used to live a couple blocks away, in the horrible corporate rug secion of Madison Ave and it sucked. A vacuum of culture, a dearth of trees, art, anything interesting and human. Not even a grocery store. But Keko....wow. I have drunk the best cappuccino in my life at that place. They have this huge machine from Italy and they guy that makes it, I forgot his name, sorry! He was from Africa but he made the meanest silkiest foam on that Cap and it was unlike any other. It made Starbucks seem like sewer water in comparison. It is a cozy Italian cafe with few amounts of seating, but if you are unforuntate enough to be in that area, go and experience an oasis.
Only 4 stars because of limited seating. -
Something happened on the way to my 99 cent 2 eggs on a roll place.
I got sidetracked and said, "Jim, you have a window of time that will allow a more leisurely breakfast."
Cozy, and quaint, you will be transported to a Parisian cafe, with the foreign love music, and French waiter.
This place could easily be 5 stars, but is a little pricey at $10 for a simple fried egg on a bagel, and coffee.
If you don't want cheese, make sure you specify, because they gave me cheese I didn't ask for, and then a little attitude to boot. Not really a deal breaker, because you can't let stuff like that ruin your day, but just be aware.
The coffee was stellar. - Stopped in here to have a refreshing cup with my college mates after scarfing down some Num Pang.
Midtown East is kind of dreary to me, so I was happy that we stumbled upon this cute French cafe. While the owner bargled in French in the back while he watched the soccer game, we sat down to some coffee and cappucinos.
The coffee was rather delicious, smooth, served with a dollop of thick foam!
They also had croissants, pastries, sandwiches and crepes.
I like that the service didn't loiter or pester excessively. They really let you sit (for as long as you'd like...I would say we were there for 2-3 hours) and really enjoy yourself. There are few places in New York that allow you to do this.
A sign prohibited cell phone usage, which I appreciated. Although, there was a large flat screen tv above the main doorway...playing the soccer game.
Very cute, comfy cafe. Small, so I can imagine it filling up rather quickly.
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