Hilltop Perk

Small store, but they have what you need. Staff is very pleasant and nice. I hope they do good business.

Quaint coffee shop by NYU with beat décor. The staff was friendly. Went there to try their DOUGH donuts but they’re only served Friday through Saturday. Interesting selection from muffins to Danishes. I’ll be back to try the donuts from DOUGH.

Grabbed from Hilltop the other day and was quite impressed. The salad bar is great. Salmon was moist and tasty. Brussel sprouts were perfect. So far, I’m liking it a lot.

It’s kind of funny that, after roughly six and a half years of working at NYP, I still discover new things. Recently, some co-​workers were gushing about the Stumptown cold brew that they got on draught at the «secret café in the Black Building». Say whaaaat? I had no idea what they were talking about until one co-​worker brought me over one day a couple of weeks ago to treat me to an iced tea after a stressful workday. (Awwww, the kindness my department exudes!)
Upon arriving at Hilltop Perk, I had very vague memories of discovering this same place many years ago at the word of an old co-​worker; it was more of a run — of — the — mill place to grab a quick generic cup of coffee or granola bar. Well, this renovation is certainly significant. The space is still quite cramped, but what they have stocked is pretty good: Health Ade Kombucha, Siggi yogurt, pre-​packed sushi boxes, and Harney iced teas are among the many items sold. In my opinion, this suites the dietary needs of the Columbia University medical student population QUITE well. ;-)
In addition, I was witness to the super special Stumptown Cold Brew Draught; it looks like a beer tap handle, spitting out that lovely dark coffee. I may not be a coffee drinker, but ’tis a thing of beauty!
This place is a nice little secret haven inside the puzzle of the Columbia University Medical Center. Though, I’m not sure I necessary want to share this secret… haha…

After much tempestuousness and gnashing of teeth (Columbia students’ teeth, that is, after all of our food options were mysteriously revoked at the same time about 6 months ago), the bodega previously known as Haven on Haven has reopened as Hilltop Perk. The new space is nicely decorated with the same clean white tiles and soothing lighting as the other new café spots on campus. The coffee is delicious and reasonably priced, with a discount if you bring your own mug/​thermos. There’s also a good selection of grocery staples, including fruits and cheeses. Although some of the decisions re: what to stock seem a bit random (pineapples? really?), and some of the snack foods are on the pricy side, it’s overall a great and convenient option. An eat-​in section with hot food, sandwiches, etc. is allegedly coming soon.