Caffe Reggio: Where NYC’s First Cappuccino Was Born

Nestled on a cozy corner of MacDougal Street in Greenwich Village, Caffe Reggio is more than just a coffee shop, it’s a living piece of New York City history. Opened in 1927, this iconic café proudly holds the title of serving the first cappuccino in New York, and nearly a century later, it remains a timeless, charming escape from the city’s fast-paced rhythm. If you’re looking for a cup of coffee with a side of European nostalgia, this is your place.

A Taste of History

Caffe Reggio was founded by Domenico Parisi, an Italian immigrant who introduced something New Yorkers had never tasted before: the cappuccino. Using a beautiful chrome espresso machine from 1902, Parisi brewed authentic Italian coffee the way it was meant to be made. This machine, still on display in the café, today is a gleaming reminder of the shop’s pioneering roots.

At a time when drip coffee dominated the American scene, the arrival of espresso and steamed milk was groundbreaking. Parisi offered locals a taste of Europe, and they kept coming back. The café became a cornerstone of cultural exchange, offering a sophisticated experience that was previously exclusive to European salons.

Stepping Into Another World

What makes Caffe Reggio truly special isn’t just the coffee, it’s the atmosphere. The moment you walk in, you feel like you’ve stepped back in time or wandered into an old-world European café. The walls are covered with Renaissance-style oil paintings, and the rich velvet booths, carved wood accents, and antique furniture add to its museum-like ambiance.

One of the most impressive pieces is an actual bench from a 16th-century Italian cathedral, proudly sitting among the café’s mix of eclectic decor. The lighting is dim and warm, creating an intimate, almost cinematic experience. It’s no wonder filmmakers have chosen this space for movies like The Godfather Part II, Inside Llewyn Davis, and Shaft.

There’s a certain romance and intellectual charm here that’s hard to find elsewhere. It feels lived-in, storied, and unapologetically unmodern in the best way possible.

A Hub for Artists, Writers, and Dreamers

Over the years, Caffe Reggio has attracted a loyal following of artists, musicians, writers, and political thinkers. In the mid-20th century, it was a popular hangout for Beat poets and bohemians, a symbol of counterculture and creative resistance.

Even today, you’ll find people scribbling in notebooks, sketching, reading, or deep in philosophical conversation over a cappuccino. It’s the kind of place where you can linger for hours and no one will rush you out, a rarity in today’s café scene.

What to Order

Since they have the first cappuccino machine in New York, I had to order a cappuccino. It felt like sipping a piece of history. It was rich, smooth, and beautifully frothed exactly what you’d hope for from a place that introduced the drink to the city.

While the cappuccino is the clear highlight, Caffe Reggio also serves a variety of other espresso-based drinks, teas, and pastries. Their espresso macchiato is strong and balanced, and their hot chocolate hits the spot during colder months.

If you’re a little hungry, they offer light café fare like paninis, sweet pastries, and small desserts. It’s not a full brunch stop, but it’s perfect for a cozy afternoon break or late-night bite.

Open Hours

Caffe Reggio is typically open daily from morning until late at night, often until 2 or 3 a.m. This makes it one of the few historic cafés in the city where you can get a late-night cappuccino surrounded by oil paintings and candlelight. Whether you’re starting your day early or winding down after a night out, it’s a reliable stop.

Tip: Always check their updated hours online or call ahead, especially during holidays or off-season weeks, as closing times can vary.

A Hidden Gem That’s Not So Hidden

Although it’s located in the heart of Greenwich Village, Caffe Reggio doesn’t rely on flashy signage or viral TikToks to bring in customers. Word-of-mouth, nostalgia, and pure character have kept it going for nearly 100 years.

Sure, you might spot a few tourists snapping photos of the espresso machine or the Renaissance portraits. But you’ll also find lifelong locals who’ve been coming here since the 1970s. It’s one of those rare places where both history buffs and casual coffee drinkers can feel at home.

Why It Still Matters

In an era of sleek, minimalist cafés and fast-paced coffee culture, Caffe Reggio reminds us that some things don’t need to change to stay relevant. There’s something powerful about a place that has stuck to its roots that serves coffee not just as a beverage, but as an experience.

It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down. You sip instead of scroll. You observe instead of rush. You feel connected, not just to the city, but to a century of stories, people, and conversations that happened right there in that same velvet seat.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a coffee lover, a history enthusiast, or just someone looking for a cozy corner to write your next novel, Caffe Reggio is one of those rare spots in New York that truly lives up to the phrase “if these walls could talk.”

Stop by for the cappuccino that started it all, and stay for the magic that hasn’t faded since 1927.

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📍 Location

Caffe Reggio
119 MacDougal St
New York, NY 10012

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Have you visited Caffe Reggio? Let us know what you ordered or what your favorite coffee shop in NYC is.