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The Independent Cafe ico

The Independent Cafe
- The David Rubenstein, Atrium at Lincoln Center, 61 W 62nd St, New York, NY 10023

Restaurant ★4.0 (32)·$10–20

The David Rubenstein, Atrium at Lincoln Center, 61 W 62nd St, New York, NY 10023, USA

4.0
Great 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). - Corrie DeCamp
The Independent Cafe Overview Intro Food & drink Detail Photos Location Reviews
$10–20 per person Reported by 32 people$1–10$10–20$20–30

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.


Location and Accessibility

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.


Services Offered

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.


Features and Highlights

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.


Contact Information

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


What is Worth Choosing

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 Picture 1The Independent Cafe Picture 2The Independent Cafe Picture 3The Independent Cafe Picture 4The Independent Cafe Picture 5The Independent Cafe Picture 6The Independent Cafe Picture 7The Independent Cafe Picture 8The Independent Cafe Picture 9The Independent Cafe Picture 10

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

An average rating of ★4.8 from 53 user reviews.

coffeesandwichpriceslincoln centerchocolate chip cookiesbuttermilkTKTSatriumindietickets

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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