Maialino

Name: Maialino
Address: 2 Lexington Ave (@21st Street), at Gramercy Park Hotel

The Maialino is a Roman style trattoria with a restaurant section, split by an open trattoria working space, from the cafe section. The space is reflective, and though its well visited throughout the day, by a more upscale clientèle, the atmosphere is laid back and perfect for writing. The staff is not so personable and amicable as in a regular corner cafe, but attentive and friendly enough. The price for a French press coffee that serves two is about $4, but it could certainly be a bit stronger, but they had run out of drip coffee, so that's probably a bit better. Wifi is only available for hotel guests.

Rating: +++
Coffee: - (French press)

Sunburst Espresso Bar

Name: Sunburst Espresso Bar
Address: 206 3rd Avenue (@ 18th St), New York, NY 10003

Sunburst is a busy lunch cafe between 12 and 14 pm, but otherwise a pleasantly visited writer's hangout. The tables are not very inspiring, except for two tables at the window and three stools at a counter placed in the corner window. The coffee is good and a large coffee costs about $2.75.

Rating: +
Coffee: good