Rex, Midtown NYC | No Latte Art, Disappointment ☕️
Rex was recommended by a friend who works in New York. I saw some beautifully done latte art photos on Google and decided to check it out. Before ordering, I asked if they could make the drink look like the photos—but the barista told me straight up that she doesn’t do latte art.
Disappointed, but since I was already there, I went with the most basic option: a Drip Coffee. No latte art, just plain hot coffee. To be fair, the coffee itself was clean and smooth—on the bitter side but not astringent. It’s the kind of coffee that works well for sipping while walking or sitting inside zoning out for a few minutes.
🏬 The shop is actually very small, with only two tables. After a quick coffee chat, we were on our way.
📌 In my opinion, Rex is only really suitable if you:
Are in a rush in the morning
Just need a quick caffeine fix
Don’t want to think too much about what to order
But if you’re a visitor or a coffee lover looking to check out great cafés, New York definitely has many better options to choose from.
... Read moreWhile my first visit to Rex Coffee in Midtown NYC was largely about a specific coffee experience, I've since had a chance to reflect and dig a bit deeper into what makes this spot unique, especially for those navigating the busy Midtown streets. It turns out, there's more to Rex than just a quick cup of coffee.
Beyond the simple drip coffee I tried, Rex actually offers a fairly comprehensive menu of hot and iced coffee drinks. I noticed they have everything from classic Espresso and Americano to Cappuccino, Cortado, and even a 'REX LATTE' (though, as I learned, still without the fancy art!). For non-coffee drinkers or those looking for something different, they also list Chai, Matcha, and Hot Chocolate. It’s definitely not just a drip-coffee-only kind of place, which is great for variety when you need that caffeine boost or a warm drink.
What truly surprised me, looking at their menu more closely (and even seeing some items on display), is their extensive food selection. My initial visit was so focused on coffee, I almost missed it! They seem to cater really well to the breakfast and lunch crowd, offering a range of options perfect for a quick grab-and-go. I saw listings for hearty 'Breakfast Sandwiches,' 'Chorizo Breakfast Burrito,' and classic 'Egg Sandwiches.' For lunch, the menu expands to include much more substantial fare like a 'Cubano,' 'STEAK SACKICH,' 'BARBECUE CHICHEN,' and even a 'CHOPPED CHEESE SANDWICH' – classic New York deli vibes! If you're looking for lighter options, they also have 'SALMON SANDWICH,' 'EMALENTIL SOUP,' '3-CHEESE PANINI,' and even a 'QUINOA KALE SALAD.' This completely changes my perspective on Rex, making it much more than just a quick coffee stop; it's a solid contender for a fast, delicious meal in Midtown.
The shop itself, as I mentioned, is quite small, with just a couple of tables. This isn't your 'set up your laptop and work for hours' kind of place, nor is it ideal for a long, leisurely chat. It's truly designed for efficiency – think quick pickups and rapid turnover. The location at 864 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019, right in Midtown, makes it super convenient for commuters or anyone needing a swift break. They even have options like seamless GRUBHUB mentioned, highlighting their focus on speed and convenience. It really embodies the fast-paced New York lifestyle, providing quality sustenance without the fuss.
So, who is Rex Coffee really for? If you're like me, rushing to work, or just passing through Midtown and need a reliable, clean cup of coffee – or even a substantial breakfast or lunch – without a long wait, Rex is definitely a place to consider. Don't go expecting an elaborate café experience or Instagram-worthy latte art, but do expect efficient service and a solid selection of quick bites and drinks. It’s a pragmatic choice for the practical New Yorker or visitor who values speed and substance over elaborate aesthetics. Maybe next time I'll try one of their breakfast sandwiches to go with my drip coffee!