Not Your Average Coffee House

Everything about The Grey Dog’s Coffee on University Place is kitchy. Twinkle Christmas lights are randomly strewn from the corners of the room and multicolored lanterns hang precariously from the ceiling.  “Family” photos of employees taken at past employee parties graffiti the exposed-brick walls. An armoire that holds silverware, napkins and condiments is also home to a rusting antique rooster weathervane.  Even the ceiling is covered in decorative aluminum plating.

The menu is displayed in multi-colored handwriting on three large chalkboards that hang above the display counter, emphasizing the restaurant’s affinity for the homemade.

Next to the counter a dumbwaiter carries food from the kitchen below to the cafe level; a string is pulled, a bell is rung and a bus boy hustles over to pick up the plate.

Mellow acoustic music lends the small space ambiance, and slows down the pace.

“The vibe is creative, relaxing, enjoyable,” describes Cody Updegrave, a bus boy at Grey Dog’s. “Most people come here looking for a quiet, cool place to chill, talk and meet up with friends.”

The crowd that gathers at the coffee shop is as haphazard as the decorations that clutter the small space. Mid-twenties girls talk about their love lives while sharing granola, alongside young artists silently sipping coffee and doodling.  Meanwhile, a professor holds office hours critiquing a student’s writing.

The tables are collaged with photos and stickers that map out cities.  A girl sits down and points to the MIT sticker on the Boston, Massachusetts table.  “This is where my brother went to school!”

Then she points to the Harvard crest on the table, “This is where his girlfriend went.”  She giggles and exclaims under her breath, “Power couple!”

The employees share a laugh and take a seat with customers during slow periods, while the cooks take the opportunity to run outside for a cigarette break. Dave, the owner, grabs a cup of coffee and chats with the cashier. As he looks out over the small room, he can’t help but smile.

The Grey Dog’s Coffee has three locations in New York City.

This article was originally published on AllMediaNY.com