It is hard to find a place in midtown that’s neither corporate nor insanely expensive, and, also not a Starbucks. Fika is one of the rare, a small espresso bar two blocks from Central Park.
Fika is authentically Swedish; it claims to sell the best tasting coffee in NYC. I am no expert on coffee but their latte is honestly the best I’ve ever had, at a price for Starbucks to beat. Their coffee is only $2, I am really impressed.
Fika also offers a menu of food items, from chocolate balls (my favorite $2 dessert) to entrees under $15 that range from sandwiches to meatballs to chicken salads, all Swedish style of course.
I usually just go for a cup of coffee plus a chocolate ball (covered with fresh coconut). It’s really a delicious afternoon snack. Fika alao has free wifi and model-looking waitresses – well, they are Swedish, so they are tall, skinny and blond.
Too bad the place closes as early as 7pm. And the other draw back is that they really need to rethink about building the decor: everything is on a stool and sort of steel-like. I know Swedish people are tall but it is very uncomfortable having to sit high up there all the time. The place is also tiny but not in an inviting way: most people just stand around and leave after they get their drink. Considering the fact that this country invented Ikea, I am disappointed they are not making this place a little bit more homey. At least they got the food part correct.
41 W 58th St
(between Avenue Of The Americas & Grand Army Plz)
New York, NY 10019
(212) 832-0022
www.fikanyc.com
[...] stopped by my favorite coffee shop and chatted with my dad for nearly an hour over coffee and Swedish meatballs. I told him I [...]