When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Café Maud
Why Café Maud is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Cafe Maud is a vibrant and thoughtfully designed café located at 1640 Second Avenue on the Upper East Side of New York City. Known originally for its East Village location, this new venue brings the signature downtown charm and spirit uptown with an inviting, open-air ambiance that encourages socializing and relaxation. The space has been meticulously renovated by Cuan Corp to blend timeless design with modern comforts, featuring custom millwork and handcrafted stone furnishings that echo a sophisticated yet warm European café culture combined with New York's distinctive style. Cafe Maud offers an all-day menu, from lemon ricotta pancakes and acai bowls in the morning to wood-fired pizzas and sophisticated plates such as steak frites and pesto rigatoni into the evening. Its cocktail program, helmed by expert mixologists, includes favorites like frozen Aperol Spritzes and spicy margaritas. The café aims to create a welcoming environment for friends and colleagues to gather across varied occasions — whether for a casual coffee grab-and-go, an indulgent brunch, or an evening meal with craft cocktails. Its blend of quality food, beverage innovation, and thoughtful hospitality inspired by Irish heritage and poetic storytelling make Cafe Maud a distinctive and memorable meeting spot in the Upper East Side.
Here's what people think of Café Maud
As of recent, Café Maud holds a 4.5-star rating based on 271 reviews.
Cafe Maud holds an impressive 4.5-star rating based on 271 reviews, indicating broad customer appreciation. Reviewers often praise the café for its warm and inviting atmosphere that marries downtown New York energy with Upper East Side sophistication. Many highlight the quality and variety of the menu, especially the breakfast offerings such as lemon ricotta pancakes and fresh acai bowls, as well as their wood-fired pizzas and cocktail selections like the frozen Aperol Spritz. The staff regularly receives acclaim for attentive, friendly service that enhances the overall experience. Moreover, its design, blending European café culture with New York style in a thoughtfully renovated space, is frequently mentioned as a highlight. On the more critical side, some reviewers note occasional wait times or inconsistency during peak hours, which could affect the experience. A few mention that pricing is somewhat on the higher side, reflective of its prime location and quality offerings. Despite these minor critiques, the vast majority of feedback remains highly positive, underscoring Cafe Maud as a beloved neighborhood spot for both locals and visitors. In conclusion, the reviews collectively showcase Cafe Maud as a successful expansion from its East Village origins, offering excellent food, a sophisticated atmosphere, and a keen sense of hospitality that makes it a great place to meet friends or enjoy a meal in New York City.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ana C
Went here on a Sunday and it was pretty packed. There is more seating than the outside seating you see in the indoor seating you see if you go through the back there’s more indoor seating and another part of it, but there is a different wait for that, which was kind of weird. Wait wasn't long. Our server and the hosts were both very nice. Service is very courteous and friendly. Food came out in a decent time as tasty. A good brunch spot overall.
Emily Fligel
Really delicious brunch, especially the pancakes and breakfast burrito. The strawberry lemonade was so refreshing, and the matcha drink was interesting and nicely presented. Welcoming staff, quick service, really pretty interior and super comfortable booth seating. Even the bathroom is warm and inviting. Also nice they didn’t rush us as we took some time to order and head out after paying. Would definitely come back!
Michelle
Cute spot for dinner and drinks outdoors. Really bustling spot but great vibes and a really fun drinks menu. The food is actually pretty good too. Got the yellow tail crudo (loved the citrusy sauce and addition of strawberries!), the crispy rice spicy tuna, and the chicken lollipops. All of which were great and super shareable dishes. We also got the lemon meringue pie as well. The servers were super attentive and nice, super chatty if that’s your vibe. Would recommend!
Matthew Frankowski
Awesome spot to come after work and debrief with your coworkers or friends. They have an unbeatable happy hour deal with a $7 pizza and delicious cocktails. Our server Jake took great care of us and helped us with all our questions and requests, even telling us about a great speakeasy next door. Their Good Drive cocktail and frozen Aperol Spritz are a must try!
Dana
Such a good spot for happy hour! They have great deals on pizza and drinks from 3-6 Mon-Fri. The pizza was so fresh and tasty. Outdoor patio is spacious but try to make a reservation for it. They were pretty busy during happy hour. Service was great. I’ll definitely be back here!
How to reach Café Maud
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Why Café Maud may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Café Maud with your friends?
Choosing the perfect spot to gather with friends or family hinges on atmosphere, food quality, drink options, and overall vibe—Café Maud delivers on all these fronts with a solid 4.5-star rating from over 270 reviews. Located in the vibrant East Village and Upper East Side of New York City, Café Maud is the quintessential all-day café and bar, making it ideal for any meetup, whether morning coffee or a lively evening outing. Its warm, rustic ambiance feels cozy and welcoming, creating the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations or casual catch-ups. The menu caters to a variety of tastes, serving fresh, flavorful breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with handcrafted cocktails that elevate the social experience. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee to-go from their charming coffee window or settling in for a leisurely meal with your group, Café Maud’s versatility accommodates all styles of gatherings. The staff’s friendly and attentive service rounds out the experience, ensuring everyone feels pampered and comfortable. If you want a place where your group can relax, enjoy excellent food and drinks, and feel at home amidst the energy of New York’s neighborhood scene, Café Maud should be at the top of your list.
What dining and drinking experiences can your group enjoy at Café Maud?
Café Maud specializes in all-day dining that fits smoothly into various group plans. From early risers to night owls, your meetup can begin with breakfast or coffee and extend into evening cocktails without needing to change venues. Their breakfast offerings are fresh and invigorating, perfect for kick-starting a weekend brunch with friends or a productive morning gathering. Moving on to lunch and dinner, the menu features a variety of “healthy-ish” bites and hearty plates that aim to satisfy a broad range of preferences without compromising quality or flavor. The smash burger and Malibu bowl with crispy chicken, popular among patrons, show the diversity and appeal of their food. Meanwhile, the bar offers a full complement of cocktails crafted by experts, adding an element of sophistication and fun to the occasion. This mix of well-balanced food and innovative drinks ensures your group can enjoy a full culinary experience together, making Café Maud a one-stop dining destination suited for groups large and small.
What makes the atmosphere at Café Maud ideal for group meetups?
Atmosphere plays a crucial role when deciding on a spot to host a gathering, and Café Maud’s lively yet laid-back environment strikes the perfect balance. Designed with a warm, rustic vibe, the café exudes a cozy charm—offering a relaxed space where conversations can flow freely without the distractions of a traditional noisy bar or the formality of upscale restaurants. The venue manages to maintain an inviting neighborhood café feel while being chic enough to make the occasion feel special. This duality is great for groups who want a comfortable yet vibrant setting to share meals, catch up, and celebrate milestones or just enjoy time together. Additionally, the café is connected to an Irish speakeasy, providing an exciting option for groups wishing to extend their meetup into a more intimate or festive setting afterward. This seamless transition between spaces gives any gathering versatility and an element of discovery, making your meetup at Café Maud memorable and multifaceted.
Which activities can you engage in at Café Maud for a lively group outing?
Beyond enjoying food and drinks, Café Maud encourages social and leisurely activities that enhance group dynamics. Starting with the energetic coffee window, groups can casually drop by for a quality coffee fix on the go, promoting spur-of-the-moment meetups or timed gatherings. Dining together here means more than sharing meals—it's about bonding over fresh flavors and culinary creativity, which can be a catalyst for conversation and relaxation. The presence of a full bar with handcrafted cocktails naturally invites cocktail tastings or themed drinks nights, ideal for building group camaraderie and creating shared memories. Moreover, given Café Maud’s connection to an Irish speakeasy, groups can partake in an adventurous venue-hopping experience without leaving the premises. Whether it’s a birthday party, casual hangout, or weekend brunch, the venue supports a range of social vibes, from chilled conversations to celebratory vibes. Its lively yet comfortable setting makes it easy for participants to linger, chat, and enjoy each other’s company, making it a perfect place for extended group interactions.
Why is Café Maud a convenient and versatile location for different group sizes and occasions?
One of Café Maud’s biggest strengths is its ability to cater to diverse group sizes and types of meetups, making it a practical choice for family gatherings, friend reunions, or even casual business meetups. The café's layout and ambiance can accommodate intimate groups looking for cozy corners or larger parties that want space to spread out. Its all-day operation—from morning coffee to late-night drinks—means you can plan gatherings around any schedule, whether early breakfast catch-ups or late dinners. The menu’s variety satisfies different dietary tastes, which is often a challenge in group venues, ensuring everyone can find something appealing. Furthermore, the dual café and bar setup allows groups to shift gears during meetups, from food-focused brunches to cocktail-centric evening toasts, all without changing venues. This flexibility is invaluable when hosting mixed-activity gatherings and helps maximize convenience and enjoyment for everyone involved. In essence, Café Maud’s combination of accessibility, service, and menu diversity makes it an excellent hub for any group meetup.
How does Café Maud’s location enhance your meetup experience?
Situated in the bustling East Village and Upper East Side neighborhood, Café Maud benefits from an energetic urban environment conducive to social outings. This location means your group can easily combine the café visit with other neighborhood experiences like gallery visits, boutique shopping, or strolls in nearby parks, enriching the overall meetup day. The café itself functions as a local hub, providing a familiar and comfortable setting that feels like a home away from home for city dwellers and visitors alike. Its accessibility via public transit and pedestrian-friendly streets ensures that groups can arrive and leave without hassle, which is important for event logistics. The East Village neighborhood is known for its creative vibe and diverse crowd, reflecting in Café Maud’s energetic atmosphere. The café's presence adds a layer of warmth and community feel amidst the urban buzz, making your gathering feel connected to the city pulse without losing intimacy. Ultimately, Café Maud’s location is a strategic advantage that enhances the social and experiential value of any meetup.
Why does the quality of service make Café Maud stand out for group meetups?
Service quality can make or break a group experience, and Café Maud earns high marks on this front. The staff is described as warm, attentive, and professional, ensuring that group needs are promptly met, from special dietary requests to drink refills and coordinated ordering for larger tables. This attentiveness allows groups to focus on their social interactions without disruption or frustration. Friendly service also promotes a welcoming environment where guests feel valued, encouraging longer visits and repeat meetups. Because the café handles the dynamics of groups so well, it lessens the usual logistical challenges people face when coordinating meals out together. The confidence in reliable service is especially important for special occasions or busy times when expectations are higher. By providing consistently excellent hospitality, Café Maud layers an important intangible value onto its already impressive food and ambiance offering.
What makes the food and drink menu of Café Maud suited for group preferences?
Café Maud’s menu is thoughtfully designed to appeal broadly yet retain a focus on quality and freshness, an essential factor when catering to groups with different tastes and dietary considerations. The offerings include “healthy-ish” options, satisfying indulgent cravings while keeping meals balanced—a smart approach that resonates with today’s health-conscious diners without alienating those seeking comfort foods. Popular dishes like the smash burger and Malibu bowl with crispy chicken have broad appeal, ensuring there are reliable crowd favorites for groups to share and discuss. Complementing the food is a full bar with handcrafted cocktails, giving groups the option to celebrate with expertly made drinks or simply enjoy a refreshing beverage alongside their meal. The all-day dining concept means menus are flexible and can accommodate varied meal timings and appetites within a single meetup, ensuring no one is left out. The emphasis on fresh, flavorful preparations elevates the group dining experience from routine to memorable.
How can the connection to the Irish speakeasy add value to a group meetup?
Uniquely, Café Maud is linked to an Irish speakeasy, which is an exciting feature for groups seeking variety and a sense of discovery in their venue. This connection allows meetups to evolve seamlessly from casual café conversations to more intimate or lively bar scenes without relocating. Groups can start with brunch or casual drinks in the café and then venture into a cozy, atmospheric speakeasy setting for cocktails, live music, or more private socializing. This flexibility is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply extending the meetup into the evening with a new vibe. The speakeasy’s charm and exclusivity add an element of novelty that can make group gatherings feel special and out of the ordinary. It supports different moods and energy levels within the same event, enhancing the overall social experience.
What amenities at Café Maud support comfortable and enjoyable group gatherings?
Café Maud provides amenities that contribute to a smooth and comfortable group experience. Its layout includes seating arrangements conducive to conversations and group interaction, with options that range from communal tables for larger parties to more intimate spots for smaller groups. The café’s coffee window offers quick, convenient service for those who prefer a faster meetup or want to include passersby in informal gatherings. The full bar enhances the social aspect with expertly prepared drinks, and the kitchen’s all-day service provides meal flexibility. Additionally, the welcoming staff assists with tailored recommendations and arranging accommodations for group needs, such as dietary preferences or special occasions. Overall, these amenities create an environment where group members can relax, linger, and enjoy their time without logistical hassles.
What do reviewers say about the overall Café Maud experience from a group perspective?
Reviewers frequently highlight Café Maud’s lively, fun atmosphere and delicious, well-prepared food as major draws for social outings. The café’s balanced vibe—equal parts bustling and cozy—helps groups feel at ease and engaged, perfect for a variety of occasions from casual meetups to celebrations. Popular menu items like the smash burger receive enthusiastic praise, noted alongside the quality of their coffee and cocktails. Many mention the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff, which adds to the positive group experience. Overall, the café’s strong ratings reflect consistent satisfaction among patrons, indicating that it reliably meets the expectations of groups seeking a welcoming, versatile, and high-quality venue for their gatherings.
In summary, Café Maud offers an exceptional combination of a warm atmosphere, versatile dining and drinking options, a convenient location, and thoughtful amenities. Its ability to adapt to different times of day and group needs, topped with excellent service, makes it stand out as an ideal place to rally with friends or family in New York City.