Caffe Reggio, an NYC West Village Institution

Nestled in the vibrant streets of West Village, Caffe Reggio stands as a staple in New York City’s bustling café culture. Known for introducing the “Original Cappuccino” to America, this café has kept its doors open since 1927, steeped in a rich history and backed by the elegance of the Italian Renaissance.

The art of relaxation

The art of relaxation

The heart of Caffe Reggio is its splendid antique chrome espresso machine. Dated back to 1902, this machine not only serves as a symbol of long coffee history but also graces the café with its marriage of engineering and design. It stands as a bronze symbol of heritage, emphasizing the café’s relationship with coffee which dates back to the early 1920s.

A Corner of Italy in the Big Apple

A Corner of Italy in the Big Apple

The ambiance of Caffe Reggio carries the dramatic allure of an Italian coffeehouse, combining a splendid antique bench and a varied array of Café options that include the famous specialty coffee that introduced cappuccino to the United States. It is this original owner, Domenico Parisi, who brought the Florentine crest and memories from Italy to the heart of Caffe Reggio, elevating it from a mere coffee spot to a historical institution where coffee classic introduction meets Manhattan coffee culture.

Celebrity and culture enclave Caffe Reggio

Celebrity and culture enclave Caffe Reggio

Over the decades, from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, Caffe Reggio has become a favorite spot for celebrity sightings and was a staple for anyone looking to experience an original New York City café. As film celebrities and the paparazzi gathered, the café also served as a backdrop in numerous films, enhancing its fame and making it a must-visit for both tourists and locals. The photos displayed around the café capture not only these celebrity moments but also the everyday people watching which adds to the relaxing Grace of Greenwich Village.

A Modern-day Social Hub

A Modern-day Social Hub

Despite its deep history, Caffe Reggio also adapts to the dates, featuring an online store and maintaining a presence on social media platforms like. This allows it to stay connected with its abundant and plentiful community of patrons, ranging from those visited by their parents in yesteryears to new visitors keen to partake in its coffee culture and explore its menu full of yummy cafe options. The café thus not only maintains its rich history but continues to be a home away from home for many, where love and coffee create a perfect marriage, right in the heart of Manhattan.

Conclusion

Caffe Reggio is not just a coffee shop but a landmark rich in cultural and historical significance in the heart of New York City’s Greenwich Village. Since its inception in 1927 by Domenico Parise, it has maintained its stature as a pioneer in introducing the cappuccino to America, becoming a quintessential part of the local coffee scene. The cafe’s enchanting ambiance, highlighted by its historic espresso machine and Renaissance-inspired decor, offers a unique blend of Italian tradition and modern social hub, attracting a diverse array of patrons, from local regulars to international tourists.

Through decades of cinematic appearances and celebrity visits, Caffe Reggio has woven itself into the fabric of Manhattan’s cultural tapestry, standing as a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-crafted coffee experience.


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FAQs

What is Cafe Reggio known for?

Welcome to Caffe Reggio, the home of the “Original Cappuccino.” Caffe Reggio is proud to be the first cafe in the United States to serve Cappuccino. Since 1927, we have been the most popular cafe in Greenwich Village, and once you have visited us, you will understand why.

What movie was filmed in Cafe Reggio?

Besides being the place where the cappuccino was introduced to America, the cafe’s striking interior has made it an ideal filming location for directors. The extensive list of movies shot here includes Greenwich Village, Next Stop, The Next Man, The Sun Is Also A Star, The Godfather Part 2, and more.

Why is the café famous?

This feeling is especially prevalent when you compare coffee shops to other competing locations, such as restaurants, pubs, and fast-food chains. Coffee shops offer a uniquely calm atmosphere where people can gather with family and friends to catch up over a cup of something warm.

Why is Reggio the best?

Some of the benefits of Reggio-inspired environments include: Enables hands-on learning which encourages creative exploration. Ensures children learn at their appropriate developmental level which decreases their level of frustration and boosts their self-confidence.

How old is Cafe Reggio?

Caffe Reggio is a New York City coffeehouse that first opened in 1927 at 119 Macdougal Street in the heart of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. Italian cappuccino was introduced in America by the founder of Caffe Reggio, Domenico Parisi, in the early 1920s.

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