Espresso 77

5/6/2012

One of the rare places in New York that knows how to do good espresso drinks.  The seating and ambience was nice.

They have a strict hour limit on laptop use and disallow it entirely on weekends.

2/12/2012

My favorite coffee shop in Queens - hallelujah!  Espresso 77 offers delicious coffees, brunch, lunch, and snacks.  Cool community atmosphere with patrons of all ages, families, singulars, computers, I bet well behaved dogs wouldn't be a big deal either.  Local artwork on the walls, sunlight, chalkboard menus, awesome staff - this place is a win!  The best ice coffee I've ever had, and the darlingest latte art I've ever seen.  They've got board games and children's books to read.  I had a grand ole' time the other day with my pal checking out the Eye Spy Christmas book - that sh*t is hard!  Cozy, sweet - check it out nowzers and tell my awesome baristo friend Adam, Amanda sent you.

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  Veggie Breakfast Wrap

  Veggie Breakfast Wrap
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  French Toast with strawberries and bananas + a shot of syrup with whipped cream

  French Toast with strawberries and bananas + a shot of syrup with whipped cream
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  Peppermint Midnight - delicious!!

  Peppermint Midnight - delicious!!

6/7/2013

Love the coffee!!

1/17/2013

i don't like this place, they only offer wifi for one hour, and i cannot get charge either.
when i ordered hot tea, i ask the staffs the passcode for thier wifi, there were three people, one told me they dont have it, obviously, she just didnt want to tell me. and the other person told me you can use your laptop but only one hour. i came here cause starbucks was full.

the hot tea i had was not good either, basically, it was just hot water plus a small tea bag.and all the teacup with no cover!!

10/23/2013

for a non chain coffee shop their coffee is not really that good, but the decor and baked goods are worth a try

9/21/2010

I'm really partial to this place because well, it's a sweet find and it's in QUEENS!  I was scratching my head when this place first opened a couple of years ago because it has a neighborhood vibe, just not this particular neighborhood.  Initially I would glare at it like I was glaring at the other yuppie property like the starbucks and winebar that had opened a few blocks down.  But Espresso 77 completely wins!

From their friendly vibe, christmas light-lantern decor, and yummie teas.. i dig it all.

It has a friggen rotating art gallery and every third Thursday is a chili and jazz night.  Their cork board is full of community happenings like musican circles, readings and all that eccentric energy that characterizes this borough.

Things of note:

1.  Free wifi (hooray for staff not bothering clientele if they want to get some work done)
2.  Really okay lentil soup!
3.  Good music (some folks were talking with the baristas about their love for WFUV, hawhaw)
4.  Two benches outside to make some conversation with local folks or have a ciggie.

The backstory too is it's Bangladeshi owned!  Which is as neighborhood as it gets.  The guy that opened up the cafe is also a painter or something, I think they invite local artists to show their work. Overall the space is a nice effort!

5/1/2013

Great local coffee shop with nice selection of beer and wine too!

4/1/2013

I know some people aren't in love with this place because it seems to draw a certain Park Slope-like "stroller mafia" element. I am generally not a fan of that vibe either, but I must say, the coffee and food here is very good, and was served to me by very attentive and friendly staff on a recent visit. I also love the Mets-themed paint colors and fun and attractive selection of Queens-related merchandise that is hard to find. Represent!

12/6/2011

It's the only coffee house in the area.

Queens sucks.

They charge Manhattan prices. Their coffee, food and sweets are good not great, or worth it.

10/16/2013

Great little oasis with delicious coffee, nice service, and a pretty good amount of seating, including some comfy chairs by the window.

2/9/2011

Good coffee... they brew "gimme" coffee . Haven't had a lot of drinks yet but so far so good.  One thing I don't like... the espresso taste differently depending on who pulls the shot....  

But they have wines and beers . Can't get that from Starbucks

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  Americano

  Americano

10/19/2011

I really like a place where my daughters can sit comfortably and choose from a variety snacks. I prefer to support our local shops rather than starbucks.. this place is very cozy and they also support local artist. You can sit and sip on coffee while looking at art. Very nice if you ask me. The coffee is delicious, the sandwiches are deeelish and the portions are just right!

3/17/2013

To my knowledge, this is the only source of Gimmie Coffee in Queens.  I try to get here every so often to bring some home to the hubs.  It's a fun place for coffee on a warm night sitting on the bench people-watching after stuffing your face with Indian food.  Also, they are kid-friendly.

1/17/2012

Ahh! This place is the bomb!  The atmosphere is so inviting and comforting, that you never want to leave!  Although we were only visitors, we got to see some local art and listen to some fabulous jazz music.  
The espresso roast that was used was beyond perfect, and the barista was very nice.  I think he got the hint that we were out of towners...oh well!
Nice sandwiches and breakfast orders (I stayed healthy and got oatmeal).
Lets just say that if I was to live here...I would be here almost every day.

3/31/2013

I really want to like this place...but...the one who seems to be in charge is rude to customers and employees...not the best coffee and short pour of an inch or so! Too bad...we really need a cool chill coffee hangout in our area that doesn't send bad vibes if you are reaching your 1 hour limit of surfing!!! The owners would have been better to stick with opening a dunkin donuts!

Hopefully, the owners will recognize the need for good customer service by all whom are expressing their concerns on this site and change the way they do business! But in the meanwhile,  I will go back to starbucks!

9/11/2011 Updated review

In response to my prior criticism about uncertainty of closing time, the owner replied about 9 PM being the scheduled (weeknight) close but how they occasionally stay open later if patrons are still there. Lately, though, it seems they aren't even trying to close at 9, and it looks as far as I can see like this is a good thing.

This really is a very good cafe. Besides the coffee being good (better than Starbucks, but that's not saying much), they are also able to serve wine and bottled craft beer, as well as the usual coffee-based beverages. And by the way, I don't know how many in the neighborhood know this but the food they serve there is way way better than what anyone might expect in something that's set up as a coffee shop.

I hope they continue to stay open later than 9; give folks who are busy in the early evenings a chance to come by. I hope this happens and that the owner is financially rewarded. This place really deserves to do prosper.

11/12/2012

It was far from shocking that the trendy young white couple behind me followed me in for scones and chitchat. As a non-coffee drinker, personally found the place (unappealing and contrived pastries/etc) to be pricey and kinda stuffy, toeing the line between filling a gap and forcing a culture upon a neighborhood.

5/5/2011

I was watching my friend's dogs in Jackson Heights for a week. The neighborhood blew me away; all the cliches are true: it is the most diverse neighborhood I've ever been in.

As a coffee enthusiast it didn't take long for me to track down Espresso 77 and start going there on a daily basis. The coffee was good, unremarkable...

But the two stars is because they straight up KICKED ME OUT after less than an hour of quietly writing e-mails on my computer - still drinking my second cup (and tipped a buck each time, by the way). The barista cited a one hour computer limit but there were people who had been there longer than me. I'm guessing those people ordered food, which validating their parking, so to speak.

The place was semi-crowded and I understand they want to make room for other people but they seriously need to hold their horses. Giving the boot to people who are loitering is one thing but as I said, I was still drinking! It was embarrassing and insulting. Not that it matters but there was no internet at my friend's house and there were important things happening in my family. Of course, I shouldn't have to explain myself - I just packed up and left.

Besides that, there was a weird exchange over my re-fill on this fateful day. Every time I went there, (which was everyday for a week) I'd order a large coffee and they would fill a large cup about 80% of the way. I figured they were leaving room for milk, which I don't take. I asked the barista if he'd please tip me off and he put another centimeter of coffee in the cup and said, "I didn't fill it all the way because I charged you for a medium." Hmmm.... alright? So you intentionally over-ruled my order? Whatever, dude.

5/16/2011

This wonderful small cafe is truly a gem hidden in the backstreets of Jackson Heights, I couldve never thought that something like this cozy & sweet stays secret for so long...
There are chairs lining the walls & sides, a clear window covers the front, where you can watch people passing by. The counter is very well decorated, the walls filled with easy to read menu's.
I had the meanest ice cold coffee here, & I'd say it really did woke me up that very instant. lol.... I also had some scone that was really good...sorry kinda forgot what it was made of...
The well made turkey panini was awesome...it made it to my most fave foods of all...& that surely was the highlight of my day.

5/10/2011

I have mixed feelings on so many complicated levels.

First and most important, their drinks. Inconsistent. Specifically, the latte. There have been one or two times I ordered a latte and it was amaaazing - milk foamed just right, etc. Other times it ranged from okay to nearly blech. I'm guessing it depends on the barista? Hot chocolate was nothing to write home about, cap wasn't great, mocha frap was a mite bitter.

Baked goods selection disappointingly small, especially after I learned they source from my beloved Cannelle.

Still, it's them over "you-know-who" any effin' day of the year, thanks. Oh, and I'm happy they're open relatively late so I can take evening strolls there.

Now, on to the "vibe" and all that jazz. One part of me is cool with what they're going for - all that artsy, local, independent, yuppie-tasticness. It makes you feel warm and fuzzy.

But I'm also repulsed by it on another level. Sorry. The JH born and bred portion of me feels as if this place is pushing a whole new identity for the nabe at me. From *all* directions. And hard. It feels like overkill. It feels like a yuppie just threw up on me a little.

Honestly, I'm a little violated. My ghetto fab, earthy JH of olde is changing!

2/4/2012

Solid coffee, irregular service, decent food, nice atmosphere.

The Pros: An important addition to the neighborhood. The space features the work of artists on their wall and do what they can to support the arts and civic organizing in Jackson Heights. They are good people. The coffee blend here is heartier that Starbucks, so if you grew up in a culture that takes coffee seriously you may feel more at home with this blend. The atmosphere is generally warm and welcoming, a nice place to sit and chat or read. It can get a bit crowded during day hours (note to moms: please watch your kids) but at night they light candles, sell beer and you can linger comfortably. The food is good given how sparse the "kitchen" is. A perfectly acceptable place to lunch.

The cons: Prices are high (think Soho range) and service fluctuates between competent and disastrous, largely determined by whether the owner is there. When the owner isn't there: beware. Most recently I waited *twenty* minutes for my coffee. And not because the place was even crowded, it wasn't. Because the young staff was chattering on about their social lives, wandering back and forth from the backroom to the espresso machine with a vacant look on their faces and bickering about the correct way to write down orders. There was a couple sitting at a table who asked for a fresh cup of hot coffee after waiting even longer for their food so the problem not an isolated one on this day. No apologies from the staff, no admission that something was wrong. I had already paid and so was stuck. My advice: if you walk in and the owner isn't there turn around and go to either the Starbucks (mild blend, fast service, soulless atmosphere) or Juju's Bagel Cafe (friendly folks, much cheaper, generally less crowded).

1/24/2011

I've never given a specialty coffeehouse anything but 4 stars or above.
But Espresso 77 - you hurt me.
It was such an unfortunate experience.

My coffee snob friend and I had to meet one of my friends who was coming all the way from Long Island, so we chose Espresso 77 instead of Gimme! Coffee, or Grumpy based on its location.

The coffee here is decent - but the service was ridiculous.
Ridiculously BAD.

We were in there for about 30 minutes, bought about $20 bucks of coffee/ pastries and was in the process of having our conversations about planning our epic trip to the west coast for coffee when one of the guy [manager or whatever] came up to us and asked if we were done?

We were entirely confused, as our coffee was half way thru, and there wasn't even a line at the coffee shop since it was off hours.

I've never had this happen before.

So, Espresso 77 - maybe you're a little too buzzed and forgot that you're still in a hospitality business.

7/5/2012

I love stopping by this place--they've got really great coffee from gimme! coffee and AWESOME scones from Alice's Teacup, but I like the vibe of the place more than anything. It's a small, locally owned business that looks to support similar suppliers. The staff is friendly, the owner himself is often in, and they make a real effort to be a part of the community.

6/8/2011 Updated review

Espresso 77 has been a vital part of my early mornings for the past couple of months.  However, I realized they never ever fill my cup of coffee to the top.  Even when I have been asked if I want room for milk I tell them, "No" but I still get the same 2 inches or more from the top.  I get that a local business is trying to maximize profits and I  support that but filling a cup to the top once in a while would be appreciated.
Other than that it is still most solid place for coffee in Jackson Heights.  Haven't eaten in so can't comment on being kicked out, but I mean the place is pretty small so I can understand where both sides are coming from.  I guess they will just have to expand next door and take over the barber shop and cell phone shop.
By the way, pick up a pumpkin scone when it is available for some sweet memories of Fall.

2/6/2011

I'm actually shocked this place gets a paltry 3.5 stars, especially because of its locale.

I went here after touring 74th street a bit, and I was very impressed. I had a double espresso that was pulled perfectly. Later, when my girlfriend asked if the croissant & pain au chocolat came from Canelle (they do), we proceeded to have a really nice and long chat about Jackson Heights with the barista. It was great. We joked about being tourists, all the way from Astoria. She laughed. We smiled. We talked more about the area, it was actually super pleasant.

The next time I'm in Jackson Heights (which will be soon - I need cardamom and cumin from Patel Bros. stat), I will stop by and have a cup of joe and linger for a little conversation. I wish there was an espresso shop like this on Steinway!

8/19/2012

Great food and excellent coffee in a small, colorful space. They serve wine and beer but skip the chai as its made from a powder mix (that's made with dairy, as my lactose intolerant wife discovered). Unfortunately the cafe has a 'no laptops on the weekend policy' means I'm going to find another cafe. You can sit and read a book for hours or work on your iPad but laptops are banned. Too bad, it's so close to being a great cafe.

12/25/2011

never been kicked out of a coffee shop, was rudely kicked out by this passive aggressive owner.

went to this place 3x in a short span of time.  didn't linger except for the 3rd time--

i was actually still eating my scone when he growled at me, asking if i needed anything else; it was a threat.  i was a little ruffled, but continued eating my scone at my leisurely pace, and working on my non-plugged-in computer.  empty tables were all around.  across from me sat a lady w/out coffee or food, who had been there as long as i.  i had a cup of coffee on the table.  he came around (territorially) again & told me to leave if i wasn't going to buy anything else bc i was taking up a table for other customers.  what the f?  the day before when i had stopped by i had struck up a somewhat friendly convo w/ him about pastries.  anyway, it was very upsetting.

i went up to him to let him know that i was disappointed bc the way he spoke to me was rude and surprising/embarrassing (i mean, he kicked me out!), and i explained that i had bought items, been there frequently in a short time, and that i actually really liked the place, etc etc, and that i would have wanted to come back--and he told me, well, don't come back then.  He actually told me not to come back.  Psychoanalysis aside, this guy has some macho/feelings issues.

Thank you for saving me, what, $500+/year on coffee/pastries.  Seriously, this place is a handicap anyway for the much more interesting places in the neighborhood.

5/3/2012

Espresso 77... seriously... the epitome of perfection! I love this place! A place where I can study, gather with friends, go for a glass of wine, enjoy some relaxing music, go on a date, and drink THE BEST vanilla chi latte! I love it!

8/22/2012

This little place is great! Great coffee, tea, beer and wine sipped while listening to some jazz or reggae music and eyeing the art on the walls. They also have live music some nights.

4/22/2011

Espresso 77 is one of my favorite places in Jackson Heights to sit down, relax and enjoy a great cup of coffee.  The owners, as well as the baristas are awesome and offer friendly service.  The food, ranging from the egg wraps, panini sandwiches, to my favorite, the chicken curry sandwich, are all delicious.  The chocolate chip/butterscotch and berry scones are fabulous accompanied by a cappuccino or latte.  And before I forget, there's a richly dense and moist chocolate brownie that's to die for!

Espresso 77 is also a cool place because it's neighborhood friendly.  They give back to the community in various ways.  Check them out and you'll see them trying to help build a park or also trying to help promote the work of local artists.  Overall, a great business to have in the neighborhood.  Justing wishing it was a bit larger to accommodate more fans.

2/4/2011

They let a bunch of us in even as they were shutting down the register for closing time, and reopened seats for us. We may have been just extra cash in the bank for them, but at least it was a warm and welcome refuge from the blistering cold night in a neighborhood that had already fallen asleep.

2/3/2011

Very cute place with tiny tables and 2 outdoor benches! I've always like independent coffee/pastry shop and this one serves just as well as I thought! The coffee is reallly strong and good at the same time. The pastries are limited because it was not bake at the site but delievered early in the morning by the local sources. I've tried almond crossaint and the brownie, crossaint was really good, cripy and soft at the same time, brownie was abit too sweet.  There are also wraps, soup, salad, and other things on the menu that I'll definitely try in the future!  Services were friendly! I love the fact that they utilize local sources!

1/17/2012

If you're reading these reviews for the first time you might notice some glaring inconsistencies -- some people love it, while others have been turned away due to poor hospitality and bad service.

I, regrettably, have experienced the latter. Tear.

Both my roommate and I discovered the place when we moved to the neighborhood a few months ago, hoping that it'll be our little place of refuge and sustenance.

Unfortunately, I was told after buying a latte and breakfast that tables had usage time limits (the owner's logic: we're a small business), and I was obviously over my limit. The owner asked rather rudely if I was going to order any more. Wanting to be in his good graces, I packed up my laptop and decided to order lunch as well -- even though I was on my way out.

I was weirded out, for sure. But it was more simply disappointing. Where shall I go now for a decent cup of coffee in Jackson Heights?!

Nowadays, I walk by the shop with a tinge of sadness , I would never feel comfortable going back there again. I hope the owner will wake up and never treat any other customers this way.

10/14/2012

I don't often review, but I can't help myself but tell you like it is at this coffee shop. Yes there intention is to be cool and indie, and that's genuinely the first thing that people like and remember in Jackson Heights simply because there are not any cafes that look like this one and have the dedicated coffee menu like this one. But once you get over the local art on the walls, you realize the vibe of the staff honestly sucks.  
They have this elitest vibe like their *&^% don't stink because they know the whole neighborhood wants their ''coffee''. I feel like I greet them more than they greet me and whomever I come in with. It's never a Hi Good Morning what can i get for you? It's more like a blank stare that says "god, what do you want from me?" There are also plenty of poor reviews amidst the rave reviews (which focus on the coffee itself and not the staff). Check out the poor reviews about them kicking out patrons who they felt were sitting down too long. Pretty ridiculous.  
When your food is ready (this happened every time) they just put it on the counter and barely let you know it's there. I was sitting waiting various times, and barely got the notice my food was ready and waiting. I don't know if they are all poor multi taskers there, but the food takes forever. This could mean it's frozen and their heating device is cheap and takes forever or they just aren't well suited to work behind the counter. Either way why doesn't management fix this?
When I used to live in Astoria we fell in love with Cafe Espresso. They rock. Their coffee is amazing but more importantly Renee the owner and his staff are just plain sweet, nice, normal people. If you're in that area, check them out. I'm waiting for someone to do the right thing and open a real coffee shop up in Jackson Heights. I mean REAL spot- not a glorified one. =)

So in short: Coffee is a pastime and serving it should come with warmth. Espresso 77 will struggle to smile at you, make you feel like they are doing you a favor by existing, and they will take forrreverrr.

6/4/2012

Ordered the limeade and didn't particularly like it. That said, the shop was adorable and low key. Enjoyed that and my friend liked his coffee.

2/22/2011

Good coffee and espressos! Baristas were kind and polite and the pastries were good.
A bit small and hard to get a seat sometimes, but I think its the best place to get coffee in the area!

7/13/2012 Updated review

I walked in one morning right before lunch and hadn't realized the time and I wanted some breakfast food..and the gentleman behind the counter recommended a breakfast burrito!  OMG.  It was seasoned just right..had peppers, onions bacon and scrambled egg on a whole wheat wrap accompanied by a green, mesculin salad.  Delicious.  I also had my coconut kiss iced coffee and it was a very satisfying breakfast.  I went on a Monday and was the third person there..if you get a chance go on a weekday as I'm sure weekends are crowded!! Highly recommend this place...always!!

7/29/2010

Drove past this place for three weeks while working in Jackson Heights before realizing what exactly it was between the scaffolding around it and the odd location on a residential block.  

The place is small, and the two times I stopped in around 7:30 in the morning there was only one gentleman working which made it a very very slow moving line, especially when people were ordering baked goods, and all sorts of coffee drinks.  

The iced coffee was weak but was cold brewed and tasted pretty good for those who don't like a bold taste.  The Americano was a step up, but still lacked a certain something.  

Certainly a place with a lot of potential.  There are no coffee shops in the area unless you are Ecuadorian or Columbian and want 'cafe frio negro no leche o sucre' or whatever.  

A few metered parking spots in front and around the corner on 37th Avenue.

7/18/2010

Oh, if only they could expand! It gets so crowded sometimes. (sadface)

But I do love Espresso 77. The espresso's always done right. The staff gets to know you. There's pastries from Cannelle, so I don't hafto haul my butt across Jackson Heights for French Carbs.

Try their summery drinks, like the minty limeade thing. It's reminiscent of a mojito.

Yes, there are times of the day when the place is overrun by youngins, but the children are our future, let them laugh, let them lead the way. If the children want coffee, let them. I'm getting carried away here. Point is, sometimes there are children, sometimes there are babies, sometimes there are writers and journalists. That's the beauty of this coffee place. It draws out our community. And the owners support other local businesses as much as possible, cuz they're sweet.

Conclusion: go here.

4/12/2013

Very friendly staff, nice owner, good variety of drinks, and great quality food :)  I'm a fan.