FIKA

I was travelling in New York with a discerning colleague, and he set me the unenviable challenge of trying to find somewhere near our hotel that was decent for breakfast. I only agreed to this over a couple of Monday night cocktails in the hotel bar, otherwise I’d have had more common sense.
Fortunately, there’s FIKA. I’d been to the small chain’s Bryant Park location last year with a client and had been really impressed. The W 58 Street location is tiny in comparison — just a handful of high bar seats and a small counter, but it more than makes up for it with excellent coffee and a great array of breakfast options. My colleague is something of a coffee connoisseur, and the Americano he had was greeted with an enthusiastic response, as was his naked oatmeal (this was, admittedly, after he’d tried — unsuccessfully — to customise it by asking for the chia seeds from their pumpkin chia variant that they also do). I settled for a perfect almond croissant that was unmistakably the best I’ve ever eaten, anywhere.
We always intended to visit here again on our trip, if only to buy some of the fancy chocolates and truffles they sell, but we never did. Something for next time.

Whether it’s manufactured by Hershey’s, Mars, or whatnot, chocolate is a true luxury product. period. I was walking towards the train station when out of the corner of my eye, I saw a display of chocolates beckoning to me from the glass window. Soon after, I found myself swinging the door open, like I was on a mission.
A lot of the chocolates have alcoholic content, but depending on the strength, it’s not strong enough to get you drunk. Maybe a little tipsy, but that’s just about it. I was excited because I’ve tried Dark Chocolate Irish Whiskey Bars from a supermarket before, – it’s not sold there anymore – so I was hoping that these alcoholic FIKA truffles could fill up the emptiness in my soul. Most of them were priced between $ 2-​$ 3 and were just a little bigger than the size of my thumbnail.
Meanwhile, I managed to select five different truffles (a chocoholic needs to satisfy her cravings): Strawberry Lime, Mackmyra, Swedish Whiskey, Passionfruit Raspberry, & Burnt Caramel. I love how the chocolates melt in the mouth and it doesn’t feel overwhelming because the portion size is just right. My favorites were Strawberry Lime and Passionfruit Raspberry. Both were tangy and suited for more delicate tastes. As for the others, the flavors were bolder, and – I can’t find another word to describe it exactly – risqué. It’s not like a normal foodgasm. It’s more gradual, and then it hits with a bang… It’s a very sensual experience.

Great spot, Scandinavian chic but not pretentious. Perfect and proper espresso, my newfound favorite UES cafes

This location is not like the other Fika shops I’ve been to.
The space by the register is very crammed since there are tables that back right up to it.
My latte was wayyyy too hot. I could t taste the espresso at all. I’m pretty bummed I just spent $ 5.75 to treat myself for a gross cup of scalded milk.
The place is pretty dirty, event though I sat at a table for a half hour it was never bussed. The dishes from the previous folks remained. The floor was also very dirty.

I tried the matcha latte with almond milk. It was completely unsweetened FYI. Good matcha taste but I had to add some sugar (personal preference of course). Nice store with a modern feel.
I didn’t try the coffee so can’t comment! There was also a small selection of pastries
I’ll return only if convenient and if I’m passing by since there are plenty of good cafes in nyc. Fika was good but nothing crazy special

Best latte I’ve had in five years.
Correction: best latteS. I had one at 10:30, and then was back at 2:30 for another.
(Nice GF salty chocolate cookies, too.)

It’s a cute small café, maybe with like 7 – 8 tables. I went to read a book and and do a little work on Saturday but since it closes at 5PM on weekends, I had to leave after staying for an hour or so. A very good latte, not bitter, smooth and tasty. I tried a couple of chocolate truffles and they are yummy, too.

I had a small coffee and a blueberry muffin from here and both were really, really exceptionally good. The barista was friendly too — I was having a bit of a weird day, so I was somewhat cold myself, but he was very obliging and engaging.

I tried fika cold brew on the uws and it was so smooth and amazing. So I was really excited when fika opened on ues. I ordered a cappuccino and a latte with soy milk. First off you can’t choose your size. That’s fine. The cappuccino was alright nothing special. But my latte tasted like salted watery coffee wash. It was insanely expensive for a terrible latte. I understand it cannot taste as good as a latte with regular milk but I had soy lattes before and nothing was more disgusting than fika soy latte. So disappointing.

Overpriced, but stellar service. Beautiful atmosphere. Great quality chocolate. *note I was there during off-​peak when this location was brand new

Free WiFi and another new spot on the UES to get in your caffeine fix and avoid Starbucks.
This new location on the way to the 86^th street subway stop might be my salvation when I need a coffee and want to avoid the long lines at the Starbucks Borg station close by.
They do make a tasty cup of cappuccino! I totally love that this testament to Swedish caffeine perfection. Friendly baristas, tasty treats, some seating, modern looking but kind of bland. This one is way too whitewashed looking. Like it lacks personality or character. Kind of like the Republican nominees running for President right now.
I had been walking by this place every morning since they recently opened, and had it bookmarked to drop in and check it out. Dang good cup of joe. Super creamy and rich cappuccino’s. Mouth watering Swiss chocolates, cookies, and other pastry treats too. Staff is still in that learning phase it seems so hopefully the kinks will be worked out.
True, it is not on the cheap side, but worth it to avoid Starbucks if I can. Open 7am — 7pm Mon to Fri, and 9am — 5pm Sat and Sun.

Have always loved Fika’s coffee, truffles, and pastries. This place stays quiet, while the Starbucks (es) down the street stay packed and loud. I’d rather have the chill vibe.

I continue to be underwhelmed by this chain. Although this brand-​new location is convenient and relatively spacious, it’s also stark, quiet, and lacking in personality.
Maybe it’s just growing pains, but the payment system is sluggish, and the barista needed to help with every step of the process.
And considering the nearly $ 5 for a perfectly average latte (I was instructed to carry my full cup to another counter to find a to-​go lid!), this location won’t become a habit anytime soon.