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COPPER MUG COFFEE

Updated

Phone: (718) 640-0811

Address: 38 WEST 30 STREET 10001

TLDR

At the heart of a branding controversy, accused of imitating a popular pastel de nata shop. Patrons question business practices and originality.

Reddit Sentiment for COPPER MUG COFFEE(based on 25 Reddit opinions)

24% Neutral76% Negative

Tags

portuguese 25chinese 3macau 3pastel de nata 23pastry 11business 9View All

Neighborhoods

Midtown

Details

This establishment is at the center of a controversy regarding alleged brand and product imitation. Multiple patrons have voiced strong opinions, with many accusing the restaurant of copying the branding and concept of another popular pastel de nata bakery, Lisbonata. Concerns have been raised about the business practices of Nata NYC, with accusations of deception and potential VC involvement.

Food Overview

The primary focus is on pastel de nata, with significant controversy surrounding its branding and presentation. While some defend the concept of pastel de nata itself, many customers are boycotting due to perceived unethical business practices and imitation of another established bakery.

Highlights / Recommended

"No specific dishes are recommended due to the overwhelming focus on the controversy surrounding the restaurant's business practices and branding."

Customer Sentiment

Customer sentiment is largely negative, with widespread accusations of brand and product imitation, leading to distrust and avoidance of the establishment.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About COPPER MUG COFFEE

This thread discusses allegations that Nata NYC has copied the branding and concept of Lisbonata, another popular pastel de nata shop. Many users express disappointment and call for boycotting Nata NYC due to these accusations.
Commenters noted that Nata NYC's Instagram account appears to have been removed following the controversy, suggesting they are facing negative attention and attempting to distance themselves.
Users pointed out the identical packaging used by Nata NYC and Lisbonata as further evidence of copying. The owner of Lisbonata is also mentioned for putting significant effort into their original packaging design.
Concerns are raised about Nata NYC leasing expensive storefronts before selling any product, seen as evidence of VC backing and potentially unsustainable business practices.
A user reported their comment on Nata NYC's page was removed quickly, indicating active comment moderation possibly to suppress discussion of the controversy.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"This user contrasts Lisbonata's high-quality ingredients with the likely factory-made nature of products from places like Joey Bats and Nata NYC, warning against the latter."

Negative
Jan 20, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"This user argues that while Lisbonata's concept isn't entirely unique, Nata NYC copied their branding significantly and lacked transparency, failing to embody Portuguese culture."

Negative
Jan 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"The commenter acknowledges the unethical behavior of Nata NYC but feels that the concept of pastel de nata isn't highly original, and the owner's claims of originality might be overstated."

Neutral
Jan 14, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"This user explains that the individuals behind Nata NYC initially posed as potential partners to gain information about Lisbonata's business operations before opening their own competing shop."

Negative
Jan 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"The commenter dismisses the idea that Lisbonata's concept is particularly original or traditional, implying that the situation is not as dramatic as presented."

Neutral
Jan 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"This commenter criticizes real estate professionals as greedy and exploitative, aligning with a negative perception of Nata NYC's business practices."

Negative
Jan 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"The user expresses disgust at real estate agents, finding them untrustworthy, and relates this feeling to the appearance of the Nata NYC representatives."

Negative
Jan 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"The commenter acknowledges that while the concept of selling pastel de nata in a box might not be entirely original, Nata NYC's branding and name are a clear and obvious imitation of Lisbonata."

Negative
Jan 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"The commenter provides a quote from Nata's representatives describing their 'modern grab-and-go concept' and plans for expansion, which they see as corporate."

Negative
Jan 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"This user believes Lisbonata's product is not good and suggests that the owner's claims of originality are questionable."

Negative
Jan 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"The commenter questions Lisbonata's originality and criticizes the owner for complaining about a Portuguese person making pasteis de nata in NYC, suggesting it's a common pastry."

Negative
Jan 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"This user concedes that the Lisbonata owner might have been misled about the intentions of the individuals who copied him, but dismisses the situation as 'silly'."

Neutral
Jan 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"This user questions the 'break of trust' argument, suggesting the Lisbonata owner was naive to share business details with a customer and that market research is normal."

Negative
Jan 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"The commenter criticizes Lisbonata's owner for being pretentious about originality, stating that neither his concept nor branding is unique, and that others have sold similar items for longer."

Negative
Jan 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"This user differentiates Portuguese pastel de nata from Chinese style 'po tarts,' noting differences in sweetness and custard, while acknowledging the original Lisbonata owner was wronged."

Neutral
Jan 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"The commenter reported that their comment on Nata NYC's page was removed within 15 minutes, indicating comment moderation."

Negative
Jan 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"The commenter argues that while the deception is unethical, the concept of pastel de nata in a box isn't original, citing other establishments that have done similar things."

Neutral
Jan 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"The commenter expresses that the owner of Lisbonata put significant effort into designing their packaging, calling Nata NYC 'vultures' for copying it."

Negative
Jan 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"The commenter notes that Nata NYC appears to be deleting comments referencing the Lisbonata situation from their social media posts."

Negative
Jan 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lisbonata Ripoff Nata Nyc

"This commenter highlights Nata NYC leasing expensive storefronts before selling any product as evidence of VC backing and possibly unsustainable business practices."

Negative
Jan 13, 2026View Comment →

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