Magnolia Bakery alums Debbie Weiner and Peggy Williams run this laid back cupcake cafe on Rivington Street. The pistachio and red velvet varieties are our personal favorites. Cupcakes cost $1.50 each.
126 Rivington, near Essex
212-995-1960
Web site
A network of clear tubes instantaneously transplants raw beans to a roaster, resulting in a supremely fresh cup of java. A former Starbucks exec dreamed up the idea in his basement. The original store is on Orchard Street.
81 Orchard,...