The Independent Cafe Introduce
In the bustling heart of New York City, finding a place that feels like a quiet escape while still being at the center of the action is a rare treat. The Independent Cafe, located within the iconic David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, is exactly that. This hidden gem offers a unique blend of a cozy, neighborhood coffee shop and a full-service cafe, serving up delicious food and drinks in a vibrant yet relaxed setting. It's a perfect spot for theater-goers, students, and locals alike who are looking for a reliable, friendly, and welcoming place to dine. The cafe's commitment to quality and community is evident in every detail, from its carefully crafted menu to its warm and inviting atmosphere.
The Independent Cafe stands out for its identity as a women-owned business, adding a layer of purpose and personality to its operation. It's a place that prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming to all, including the LGBTQ+ community, creating a truly safe and comfortable space for everyone. The menu is a delightful mix of healthy options and comforting classics, ensuring there's always something to satisfy your cravings. Whether you're starting your day with a perfectly brewed coffee, grabbing a quick lunch, or enjoying a leisurely afternoon treat, The Independent Cafe offers a consistently high-quality experience that keeps New Yorkers coming back for more. The team's dedication to fast service and a great tea and coffee selection makes it a top choice for a quick and satisfying break.
The Independent Cafe is situated at a prestigious and convenient address: The David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, 61 W 62nd St, New York, NY 10023. This prime location places it just steps away from some of the city's most renowned cultural venues, including the Metropolitan Opera and David Geffen Hall. For anyone attending a performance, visiting the Lincoln Center campus, or simply exploring the Upper West Side, the cafe is an ideal and easily accessible spot.
The location is incredibly well-connected by New York's extensive public transit system, making it easy to reach from any part of the city. The cafe is located near several subway lines and bus stops, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
The Independent Cafe is committed to being accessible to everyone. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring smooth entry for all guests. Inside, the seating and restroom facilities are also wheelchair accessible, making it a comfortable and convenient dining option for people with mobility needs. This focus on accessibility, combined with its central location, makes it a welcoming and inclusive destination for all of New York City's residents and visitors.
The Independent Cafe provides a variety of service options to fit the busy lifestyle of New Yorkers, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable experience no matter how you choose to dine.
- Dine-in: Enjoy a full-service experience in the cafe’s casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere. Seating is available for both individuals and groups.
- Takeout: For those on the go, the cafe offers quick and easy takeout service.
- Delivery: Get your favorite food and drinks delivered right to your door with the no-contact delivery option, perfect for a meal at home or in the office.
- Catering: The cafe offers catering services, making it a great option for office lunches or small events.
- Counter Service: The efficient counter service allows for a quick bite without the wait, ideal for a speedy meal.
These services, combined with their commitment to fast service, make The Independent Cafe a reliable choice for any meal of the day, from a leisurely breakfast to a quick lunch.
The Independent Cafe is much more than just a place to eat; it's a welcoming space with several notable features that make it a standout choice.
- Women-Owned Business: The cafe proudly identifies as a women-owned establishment, a point of pride that resonates with many in the community.
- Great Coffee and Tea Selection: The cafe partners with Irving Farm Coffee, known for its high-quality brews. The tea selection is equally impressive, ensuring a perfect beverage for any preference.
- Fast Service: The staff is known for their efficiency, ensuring you get your order quickly, which is a huge plus for those on a tight schedule.
- Inclusive and Welcoming: The cafe is a transgender-safe space and is LGBTQ+ friendly, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels respected and at ease.
- Diverse Menu: The offerings include comfort food, healthy options, and quick bites, catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs.
- Casual and Cozy Atmosphere: The cafe's vibe is relaxed and inviting, perfect for solo dining, meeting friends, or a family outing.
- Restroom and Amenities: A clean restroom is available, and payments are convenient with credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments accepted.
These highlights make The Independent Cafe a special place to visit, offering more than just food and drink—it provides a sense of community and belonging.
For more information, or to place an order for delivery or takeout, you can contact The Independent Cafe directly.
Address: The David Rubenstein, Atrium at Lincoln Center, 61 W 62nd St, New York, NY 10023, USA
Phone: (212) 875-5263
Mobile Phone: +1 212-875-5263
Choosing The Independent Cafe is a decision to support a local, women-owned business that genuinely cares about its customers and community. One of the main reasons to visit is the quality of the food and drinks. The menu strikes a perfect balance between satisfying comfort food and fresh, healthy options. A standout choice is the buttermilk chicken sandwich, praised in a customer review for being "tasty." Pair it with a side salad like the Seasonal Kale Salad or the Italian Salad for a well-rounded and delicious meal. The Grilled Cheese is a simple but perfect classic, and the Avocado Sandwich is a great healthy option.
For breakfast lovers, the menu is filled with excellent choices. The Bacon Egg Sandwich is a hearty way to start your day, while the Yogurt & Granola offers a lighter, healthier alternative. A customer review mentioned enjoying a "breakfast sandwich" which speaks to the quality of these morning options. Don't forget to try their coffee. As a cafe that highlights its "Great coffee" and partnerships with Irving Farm, a coffee from The Independent Cafe is a must. Whether it's a classic Cappuccino or a comforting Chai Latte, you're sure to find a beverage to love.
Beyond the food and drink, the service at The Independent Cafe is top tier. A customer review highlights this, saying, "The service is top tier. There was a slight issue with my order and the manager, who is very sweet and professional, handled it perfectly." This level of attentiveness and professionalism ensures a positive dining experience every time, even when issues arise. Another reviewer mentioned the "attentive service and nice atrium atmosphere," reinforcing the idea that this is a place where customers feel valued and comfortable.
The unique location inside the David Rubenstein Atrium is another reason to choose this cafe. It provides a bright, open, and pleasant atmosphere that is ideal for a break from the city's hustle and bustle. The convenience of being able to grab a bite right after getting theater tickets, as mentioned in a customer review, is a huge benefit. The combination of great food, excellent service, and a truly welcoming environment makes The Independent Cafe a great choice for any occasion, from a solo lunch to a gathering with friends or family.
The Independent Cafe Food & drink
Coffee & Tea
- Cappuccino $5.00
- Espresso $4.00
- Hot Chocolate $6.00
- Latte $6.00
- Macchiato $4.00
- Cortado $4.00
- Chai Latte $7.00
- Matcha Latte $7.00
- Hot Tea $4.00
- Irving Farm Coffee
- Mocha $7.00
- Hot water
- Dirty Chai Latte $8.00
Food
- Mixed Combo $16.00
choose 2 - half salad, half sandwich, cup of soup
- Half Salad/Sandwich $8.00
Soft Drinks
- Arnold Palmer $4.00
- Coke $3.00
- Diet Coke $3.00
- Gingerale $3.00
- Grapefruit Juice
- Sparkling Water $4.00
- Orange Juice
- Iced Tea $4.00
- Lemonade
- Still Water $4.00
Open Items (Untaxes)
- Chow Delivery fee $2.99
Salads
- Noodle Salad $15.00
ramen noodles, roasted eggplant, carrots,sundried tomatoes, red onions, spinach, soy balsamic vinaigrette
- Italian Salad $15.00
arugula, house mozzarella, olives, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, croutons, red wine vinaigrette
- Seasonal Kale Salad $15.00
quinoa, French feta, pickled red onion, reduced balsamic, seasonal fruit or vegetable, sherry vinaigrette
- Arugula Salad $15.00
sweet peas, mint, pecorino, creamy lemon vinaigrette
Sandwiches
- The Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich $15.00
house made basil pesto, arugula, Vermont cheddar, on ciabatta
- Avocado Sandwich $15.00
house made hummus, tomatoes, sprouts, garlic-chili paste, on multigrain
- BLT $15.00
bacon, bibb lettuce, tomatoes, Vermont cheddar, mayo, on multigrain
- Grilled Cheese $7.00
- House Roast Beef Sandwich $15.00
Vermont cheddar, sautéed sweet peppers and onions, chipotle mayo, arugula, on ciabatta
Sides
- Soup of the Day $7.00
- Sweet Potatoes $7.00
roasted and spiced sweet potatoes
- Side of Bread $2.00
- Side Chicken $4.00
- Side Avocado $4.00
- Side Bacon $4.00
- Cucumber Salad $7.00
Cucumber and red onion salad
Desserts
- Bread Pudding $8.00
warm bread pudding with caramel sauce
- Lemon Tart $8.00
lemon tart with crème fraîche
Plates
- Yogi Bowl $16.00
- Confit Duck Leg $17.00
- Eggplant Parmigiano $15.00
Snacks
- Cheese Plate $12.00
Nancy’s Camembert, Grana Padano, Grafton Cheddar, olives, honey, bread
- Mac & Cheese $10.00
scallions and spicy breadcrumbs
- Hummus & Seasonal Vegetables $9.00
house made hummus, preserved eggplant, seasonal vegetables, bread
Breakfast
- Yogurt & Granola $8.00
Greek yogurt, house made granola, seasonal fruits, honey
- Mozzarella Toast $10.00
melty house made mozzarella, on ciabatta, with arugula salad
- Oatmeal $7.00
- Frittata $9.00
changes daily, with arugula salad
- Side of Fruit $5.00
- Bacon Egg Sandwich $10.00
fried egg, bacon, cheddar, avocado, tomatoes, mayo, on kaiser
- Avocado Toast $9.00
avocado, sprouts, creamy lemon vinaigrette, sea salt, on multigrain
- Sausage Egg sandwich $9.00
fried egg, pork sausage, cheddar, chipotle mayo, on kaiser
Pastries
- Chocolate Chip Cookie $3.00
- Croissant $4.00
Merch
- Canvas Tote Bag $20.00
High quality canvas tote bag with The Indepdent Cafe logo
- T-shirt - Pink $25.00
High quality Alternative Apparel t-shirt featuring original art created for The Independent Cafe
- T-shirt - Terra Cotta $25.00
High quality Alternative Apparel t-shirt featuring original art created for The Independent Cafe
- T-shirt - Yellow $25.00
High quality Alternative Apparel t-shirt featuring original art created for The Independent Cafe
The Independent Cafe Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Assistive hearing loop
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
The Independent Cafe Photos










The Independent Cafe Location
The Independent Cafe
The David Rubenstein, Atrium at Lincoln Center, 61 W 62nd St, New York, NY 10023, USA
The Independent Cafe Reviews
coffeesandwichpriceslincoln centerchocolate chip cookiesbuttermilkTKTSatriumindietickets
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Great place to grab a bite after getting some theater tickets from TKTS (they share the same lobby area). Had a tasty combo with the buttermilk chicken sw and a spinach salad and later went back for bread pudding dessert. Everything tasted great. Attentive service and nice atrium atmosphere. Good value, as well; they even give you a free cup or water (without buying bottled water).
July 29 · Corrie DeCampGood food. My friend and I got two lunch specials, soup, breakfast sandwich. The service is top tier. There was a slight issue with my order and the manager, who is very sweet and professional, handled it perfectly.
June 28 · Valerie WangSarah and Lina are so kind and gentle…they stole our heart…we’ll return and advice to other people that arrive in NY City.The food and beverage are so tasty ❤️So perfect
July 17 · Luca RuggieroGreat value for money. The food was excellent. Liked their combo options , which give guests a lot of variety. Coffee was decent . Hummus, Granola and Egg sandwiches all of a high quality.
June 02 · Anand PandeStopped into the TKTS booth and planned to go to a neighborhood restaurant but this place in the atrium had some of the highest ratings in the area. It was wonderful. The arugula, mint, and pea salad was so fresh it tasted like spring. Order at the counter but they deliver and bus to table. The service could not be friendlier. Prices are reasonable and an extra 10 percent off for TKTS customers. Definitely skip chain salad and sandwich places and come here for much better food and service at comparable or better prices.
February 01 · Shannon Rudisill
More Best Restaurants Near Me

61 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA

44 W 63rd St, New York, NY 10023, USA

1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, USA

1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, USA

1886 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, USA

1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, USA

20 W 64th St, New York, NY 10023, USA

1870 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, USA

49 W 64th St, New York, NY 10023, USA

1857 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, USA

10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA

113 W 60th St, New York, NY 10023, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending Bites & Banter Posts





