I’ve never had a bad cup of coffee at Antique Café, located right on the FIT campus at 27th between 7th and 8th aves. It’s my go-to coffee shop before those brutal AM classes and a perfect detour while strolling around Chelsea. Though Antique café has a larger, more sleek shop on 26th and 6th, I personally love the cozy, familiar feeling that the 27th street shop exudes.

The narrow café reminds me of an old house- perhaps someone’s den- with mismatched upholstered furniture, dark wood and quirky decorations throughout. Antique café is packed with both students and local residents during the semester, so the place is prone to long lines- but it’s worth it. They have a zillion delicious well-priced baked goods and their homemade croissants are perfection. I’ve relaxed there plenty of times on a comfy chair with my laptop (free WiFi) and found it to be a far better study environment than the school library. And although the café does serve lunch and dinner entrees, I’d steer clear- only because that’s where things start getting pricy. But if you’re in the neighborhood and need a yummy pick-me-up, the 27th street Antique Café is the place to go.   

After hitting the Eggnog a bit too hard last night, you’re probably in need of some good ol’ carbohydrates to soak up that excess rum and get on with your day. Enter: Amy’s Bread. Founded in 1992 in a brightly painted shop in Hell’s Kitchen (9th between 46th & 47th), Amy’s Bread bakes up outstandingly tasty breads and pastries at terrifically affordable prices. And with locations in Chelsea Market and the West Village, nearly everyone can snatch up some hearty Potato Onion Dill bread or perfectly tangy Sourdough. 

But don’t just come for the Challah (theirs makes a mean French Toast, by the way)- Amy’s Bread prepares everything from Orange Butter Cookies to gooey Cinnamon Raisin Twists. And such variety! The chefs seem to do no wrong as they concoct what they please each day…