TLDR
A nostalgic French-inspired haunt long celebrated for its iconic atmosphere and cozy, time-honored counter service. The go-to spot for classic cafe vibes and simple, reliable staples.
Details
Once a cornerstone of the New York City café scene, this French-inspired staple was long celebrated for its nostalgic atmosphere and iconic counter service [2]. Patrons frequently gathered here for years to enjoy coffee and simple fare, forming a sentimental connection to the establishment's storied past [3], [4]. Following recent news of its closures, the community has reflected on both the restaurant's charm and its varied reputation regarding quality [8], [10].
Food Overview
The menu featured classic, straightforward cafe fare that drew mixed reviews from diners. While some patrons fondly recalled specific favorites like the avocado toast and a breakfast sandwich served with chipotle mayo [4], [11], others dismissed the offerings as overpriced or of poor quality [7], [8].
Patrons particularly enjoyed the avocado toast and the breakfast sandwich, the latter noted for its chipotle mayo [4], [11].
Public reception was deeply polarized, ranging from intense nostalgia and sadness over its recent closures to harsh criticism regarding food quality, pricing, and hygiene [6], [7], [8], [10]. Despite the detractors, many long-time visitors maintained a strong emotional attachment to the brand as a defining part of the city's culture [3], [4], [9].
Caveats
The restaurant has faced criticism regarding its food quality and pricing, with some patrons describing the menu as overpriced and the food as lacking [7], [8]. Additionally, there has been a concerning report of pest issues at the establishment [10].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About CAFE GITANE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Cafe Gitane Closes Both Locations With No Notice
"The user stated that the second location of Cafe Gitane at Vinegar Hill was still open."
NeutralFrom post: Cafe Gitane Closes Both Locations With No Notice
"The user expressed strong sadness about the closure using an emoji."
NeutralFrom post: Cafe Gitane Closes Both Locations With No Notice
"The user commented that the establishment was 'mice infested'."
NegativeFrom post: Cafe Gitane Closes Both Locations With No Notice
"The user reminisced about spending hours at the cafe's counter, smoking and drinking coffee in 1999, recalling it as a significant spot from that era alongside Milano's."
NeutralFrom post: Cafe Gitane Closes Both Locations With No Notice
"The user described Cafe Gitane as 'trendy' with 'crummy food', suggesting it was a perfect fit for Greenpoint."
Negative