Café Maud, a delightful all-day eatery in New York City, with a full menu of delish food and specialty drinks, is one of the best neighborhood spots in the Big Apple. From breakfast through dinner, this inviting restaurant transitions throughout the day as a high-octane social hub that’s already attracting heaps of locals and even celebs. With a stylish feel and a buzzy social atmosphere, Café Maud is a destination worth visiting.
Located in the East Village (132 2nd Ave and St. Marks Place) and the Upper East Side (1640 2nd Ave and East 85th Street), Café Maud is an upscale, no-fuss place where you can grab freshly roasted coffee on-the-go in the mornings, socialize with friends over lemon ricotta pancakes for brunch, enjoy comforting meals like wood-fired pizzas for dinner and indulge in late night cocktails at their sexy, dimly lit bar. The possibilities are endless!
Courtesy of Café Maud
The Knockturnal recently visited the Upper East Side location for a dinner tasting and we were mesmerized by the delectable food. The soppressata pizza with tomato, mozzarella, oregano and extra virgin olive oil was excellent and very hearty. The dry-cured pork salami was flavorful and well balanced with the tangy tomato sauce and the chewy pizza crust that had a slightly smoky flavor profile. The 8-oz grass fed steak frites was the highlight and a must-order. Served with lots of crispy homemade fries and velvety peppercorn sauce, their version of the classic bistro dish was well executed and outrageously delicious. The large portion of meat was juicy and tender and the peppercorn sauce perfectly tied the savory steak and salty fries together. Priced at $32, the steak frites is an incredible deal.
Lastly, we recommend ordering the braised short rib ragu fusilli pasta with toasted fennel, burrata and black pepper. The short rib was succulent and melted in our mouth. The portion size was just right—leaving you full and satisfied.
For dessert, the house made key lime pie with toasted marshmallow, and vanilla ice cream was absolutely outstanding—a dish we could eat everyday! It was not overly sweet and the tartness mellowed by the marshmallow filling offered a refreshing and zesty taste. The homemade chocolate mousse with pistachios and wild berry sauce was also fantastic. The decadent chocolate flavor was a sweet experience yet not overly heavy.
The drinks menu is highly extensive offering a plethora of refreshments that will cater to all. Café Maud has smoothies, juices (the matcha lemonade was so good!), teas, beers, wines and lots of cocktails. From a cucumber mojito and lychee martini to a frozen baked apple margarita and Irish coffee, the drinks are abundant here.
Inside Café Maud’s Upper East Side location, the indoor and outdoor space is effortlessly glamorous and welcoming, which is exactly what you want from an all-day eatery. Designed with serene earth tones, vibrant greens, large windows, and plush seating, visitors will have an enjoyable meal with the best vibes. When you want to feel relaxed—with a touch of sophistication—be sure to visit during the day. At night, Café Maud is transformed into a dimly lit party scene with a disco ball—suspended above their large circular bar—that illuminates the entire lower level of the restaurant, creating a shimmering and dynamic light effect.
Courtesy of Café Maud
When we visited on a Saturday night, Café Maud was engulfed with patrons. Every table and every seat at the bar was taken all throughout the evening. The vibe was electric and people were immensely enjoying the food and their surroundings. Guests looking for an even more intimate bar setting can walk up to the second floor of Café Maud and head into The Domino Room, a dark and moody speakeasy. There you can sip on cocktails in the most romantic bar that strikes the perfect mood.
Café Maud really delivers on all fronts: from the food to drinks and the setting. It’s no surprise that the place is already a hotspot. Make a visit now to see for yourself. You won’t regret it.
