Story by Joce Mintz

Sure, there’s a Starbucks around every corner of the city, but there’s a reason why most larger chains don’t do as well in the heart of NYC. Local businesses create better jobs and benefits for city workers who already struggle with exorbitant real estate costs. But don’t count out these local eateries for their slightly higher prices or their unfamiliar sounding names; they often prepare the finest and most unique meals in the industry. This is definitely the case for “The New York Basics,” a hole in the wall at 1090 Amsterdam Avenue. 

Newly baptized as “Basics,” this restaurant opened in 2007 as a Greek bakery called “Artopolis Patisserie” that changed its name to “Artopolis Espresso” later before settling on “The New York Basics” this January. The recent revamp of the restaurant draws in a larger demographic of customers, and has since become a breakfast must in Morningside Heights. 

“Basics” offers customers a wide variety of breakfast treats: bagels, flatbreads, parfaits, and even crepes (or “crepe’s” on their signage). Hardworking waiters that wake up before dawn prepare the food fresh and serve it steaming hot. Donuts and other pastries fill the glass display by the dozens. These doughy treats burst with unique flavors such as maple, banana, and hibiscus. And of course, there’s coffee.

One of the perks of being located by a college campus is all the tired, disgruntled college students that come for caffeine. There are over a dozen different types of caffeinated beverages on the menu, each with a unique taste. The coffee is smoky and tangy and the tea is just as rich. The caffeine in these drinks will definitely keep you energized and awake for the day.

“Basics” is a wake up call, both figuratively and literally. It’s a delicious way to start the day; the cafe’s cheerful and bright atmosphere makes you feel right at home. The evolution of this restaurant from a small Greek patisserie to a popular breakfast hub is inspiring. After dining there each morning for a few days, the hostess knew my name and my order. There’s no better way to wake up than to New York Basics. 

Dig in! A typical New York Basics breakfast 

may consist of a nutella crepe, iced coffee, 

or a breakfast quesadilla.