When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Cafe Select
Why Cafe Select is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Cafe Select in Soho, New York City, stands out as a versatile and stylish destination perfect for meeting up with friends at any time of day. The café offers an inviting atmosphere that blends the warmth and conviviality of a European alpine lodge with the sophistication of a trendy New York eatery. Guests can enjoy a full range of dining options—from breakfast pastries and fresh juices to brunch sandwiches and salads, all the way to satisfying lunch and dinner options such as veal schnitzel, burgers, and lobster bisque. The café’s ambience, featuring wood floors and a focus on comfortable, relaxed dining, makes it an excellent place for both quick bites and leisurely meals. For more intimate or festive gatherings, the fondue room in the back offers a unique setting evoking a Swiss mountain retreat experience. Additionally, the beverage program is notable, particularly the expansive and carefully curated wine list overseen by wine director Byron Bates, complemented by herbal teas and specialty coffees. Priced fairly for the quality of ingredients and preparation, Cafe Select provides excellent value without compromising the experience. Located on Lafayette Street, it attracts a fashionable crowd including local patrons, models, and celebrities, making it a lively yet homey spot that balances casual and upscale very well.
Here's what people think of Cafe Select
As of recent, Cafe Select holds a 4.1-star rating based on 1041 reviews.
User reviews for Cafe Select generally reflect a positive dining experience, culminating in an aggregate rating of 4.1 stars from over 1,000 reviewers. Many patrons praise the café for its authentic European flair and the pleasant ambiance that invokes an alpine après-ski atmosphere, which they find refreshing in the urban setting of Soho. Positive reviews frequently mention the quality and variety of the menu, highlighting breakfast staples like croissants, the Croque Monsieur sandwich, and expertly prepared dinner options such as veal schnitzel and lobster bisque. The well-curated wine selection and attentive bar service also receive consistent commendation. Visitors appreciate the flexibility of dining options available throughout the day, from quick coffees to multi-course dinners, which caters to different social occasions. On the other hand, less favorable reviews typically focus on occasional wait times during busy hours and some inconsistencies in service speed. A few diners have reported the environment can get somewhat noisy or crowded, which may diminish the intimate dining experience for some guests. Despite these minor critiques, the consensus view is that Cafe Select offers a high value experience with excellent food, drink, and atmosphere, making it a dependable choice for social meet-ups and casual dining in Soho.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
sachin r
I came here with some friends on a Wednesday and it was a great experience. The menu selection is limited and we ordered a bottle of sancere which was quite nice. I definitely recommend the zucchini chips.
Jessica Sepulveda
My friends and I had a lovely time this Wednesday evening. We ordered a bottled of Sancerre and a delicious cheese platter. The vibes were fun, music was great, loud enough to still enjoy a conversation.
Lance F.
I happened into this place by chance as I was out walking around the city and I am so glad I did. Diego is not only an exceptional bartender, he's also brilliant, kind and engaging. My visit, as it turns out, wasn't so much about the food or beverages as it was about...something else. I needed to hear what Diego had to say even though I didn't know it at the time. I look forward to enjoying more beverages (and a meal) on my next visit to the city. Thank you, Diego, for being at the bar that afternoon. Much appreciated.
Bianca Perez
You kinda pay for the vibes. The staff is amazing and unbelievably kind (maybe that’s just a Latino thing). Food was mid tho? And overpriced, but it’s soho, so MY BAD for wanting affordable food lol! My family is Latino and maybe we just don’t like this type of food but like, there was tinyyyy portions. Latte was fire 🥹🥲 and I forgot to take a pic of the food!
J Y K
Visited to try fondue with my French friend. First time trying fondue for me. Even though I’m not really a cheese person, I really enjoyed the cheese of their classic fondue cause it had that slightly bitter and sour taste in it, which allowed me to not feel too greasy with having the cheese over and over again. In other words, the taste balance of the cheese itself was pretty amazing. However, the bread that came along was so dry and lacked any texture into it, so dipping it into the cheese didn’t necessarily made any synergy, so too bad. They also provided fruits like apple/pear/grape and those sweet flavors went very ugly and weird when dipped into the cheese. My friend said he never saw fruits coming in as part of fondue during his entire life, so I guess it’s not a usual thing?
How to reach Cafe Select
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Why Cafe Select may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Cafe Select with your friends?
Gathering with friends or family at Café Select in SoHo is an excellent choice for multiple reasons. First, its unique atmosphere instantly sets the stage for memorable get-togethers. The café combines the cozy, inviting feel of a European alpine lodge with a modern, trendy SoHo vibe, creating a space that feels both intimate and vibrant. The décor is eye-catching with artistic posters, stylish lighting, and even quirky details like a Rolex clock mounted from the ceiling that sparks conversation and lighthearted moments. This ambiance encourages relaxation and connection, making it an ideal backdrop for a casual hangout or special occasion gathering.
Moreover, Café Select offers a diverse menu that caters to varying tastes, with a focus on delicious Swiss-inspired fare and European wines. Whether you meet for brunch, lunch, dinner, or just drinks, there’s something satisfying and different from typical American spots. The food is praised for its genuine flavors—from delicate veal schnitzel to rich lobster bisque and creamy fondue—offering a communal dining experience that naturally encourages sharing and conversation. The friendly and attentive staff enhance the welcoming atmosphere, ensuring groups feel well taken care of.
Another key appeal is its flexibility: open from early morning through late at night, Café Select suits different types of meetups, whether it’s an early brunch after a weekend adventure or a late-night drink after a day in the city. The option to sit at the buzzing bar or reserve a cozy table in the fondue room adds a layer of customization to any group gathering, allowing everyone to feel comfortable and connected. All these qualities combine to make Café Select a hotspot for friends and family looking to enjoy great food, drinks, and company in a stylish yet laid-back setting.
What activities can you enjoy at Café Select with your group?
Café Select stands out not just for its food and ambiance but also for the variety of activities and experiences it offers that enhance any group meetup. Central to the experience is communal dining, especially in the fondue room, designed to evoke the traditional Swiss alpine ski lodge feel. Sharing a pot of fondue encourages interaction and fun among friends or family. It turns the meal into an event, where everyone pitches in to dip bread, vegetables, or other treats, creating a lively, shared moment that brings people closer.
For groups that prefer something lighter or more flexible, the café’s all-day dining and bar seating offer the perfect spots for casual conversation over expertly crafted cocktails or glasses of carefully selected wine. The space’s design lends itself to small talk and catching up without the pressure of a formal sit-down dinner. For those eager to toast a special occasion, the café’s wine list—featuring Alpine-region selections and fine European bottles—makes it an ideal place for wine tasting or savoring a well-paired meal.
In addition to food and drink, the venue’s ambiance is an immersive activity in itself. The décor is full of interesting art and quirky touches that spark conversation, such as yodeling music or the clever use of recycled wine bottles as water carafes. This creates a playful, engaging environment where guests can relax, explore the aesthetics, and even take photos, turning the meetup into a multidimensional experience beyond just dining.
Outdoor seating on the pavement also expands options by allowing groups to enjoy the vibrant SoHo street life while eating or drinking. Particularly during warm weather, this option offers a more open, airy feel that is social and lively. Lastly, Café Select’s opening hours—from morning through late night—make it convenient to plan a meetup at almost any time, whether that’s a brunch gathering or a late-night wrap-up, enhancing its suitability for groups with varying schedules.
Why is Café Select perfect for a group meetup?
Café Select is designed to accommodate groups in ways that maximize comfort and enjoyment, making it a premier spot for meetups with friends or family. The layout includes an inviting bar area for smaller, casual gatherings as well as a private fondue room in the back that offers an exclusive and cozy environment for bigger groups or more intimate occasions. This versatility in space means groups can have either a lively, open social experience or a more secluded and focused gathering, depending on their preferences.
The Swiss-inspired menu adds to the social appeal because many dishes encourage sharing, like the cheese fondue, schnitzel, and spätzle. This style of dining is inherently communal and conversational, elevating the experience from a simple meal to an event that bonds people. Combined with the café's carefully curated wine list and unique drinks such as Swiss Rivella soda or Emmi latte, guests have plenty to explore together, making the meal feel special and memorable.
Service quality also plays a crucial role. The staff are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, wearing distinctive aqua uniforms that fit the café’s European aesthetic. Their wine and food pairings demonstrate expertise that helps groups make the most of their meal, enhancing the overall comfort and enjoyment. This professionalism, alongside the trendy but approachable atmosphere, reduces stress and lets groups simply focus on having a good time.
Additionally, Café Select’s location in SoHo places it amid a vibrant neighborhood full of art, shopping, and culture, which makes it a perfect starting or ending point for day-long excursions with friends or family. The convenience of being open from early morning to late night increases its appeal as a flexible spot that fits a wide range of plans and group dynamics. Whether your group is seeking an energetic dinner, a relaxed brunch, or a chic place for late cocktails, Café Select delivers on all fronts.
What makes the atmosphere at Café Select ideal for socializing?
The atmosphere at Café Select is one of its greatest assets for social meetups. It seamlessly blends the charm of a European alpine bar with the urban sophistication of SoHo’s trendy dining scene. This results in an environment that is comfortable, fun, and visually intriguing. The interior features stylish European-style décor, including unique artistic posters and creative design details, complemented by warm lighting that fosters a cozy yet lively setting.
The fondue room in particular exudes an inviting alpine lodge feel, transporting guests to the Swiss mountains without leaving New York City. This thematic consistency makes the dining experience feel immersive and special, perfect for groups who want more than just a meal but a shared experience. It also naturally encourages interaction as guests pass around pots of melted cheese or chocolate, strengthening bonds in a playful way.
The main bar area offers a bustling, energetic spot where smaller groups or friends can enjoy vibrant conversation paired with great drinks. The juxtaposition between this lively front part and the more private, intimate back room offers options depending on group mood and size. The staff's friendly, approachable nature and the subtle musical ambiance (sometimes including yodeling serenades) add to the charm, making it easier to relax and engage in conversation.
Outdoor seating further enhances the social vibe by letting guests mingle while enjoying the dynamic SoHo street scene. This option is especially inviting on pleasant days, combining the best of people-watching with delightful dining. Together, these elements create an experience that feels both unique and conducive to spending quality time with friends or family.
How does the menu at Café Select enhance group experiences?
Café Select’s menu is thoughtfully crafted to enhance group dining by offering shareable, flavorful dishes inspired by Swiss and European cuisine. The focus on traditional Alpine favorites like fondue, schnitzel, and spätzle creates opportunities for communal eating, which naturally encourages interaction and enjoyment. Sharing these dishes can turn a simple meal into a fun social event where conversation flows as easily as the food.
Brunch options, such as the uovo ticinese—poached eggs over polenta with tomatoes and pancetta—provide a perfect, flavorful start for groups meeting earlier in the day. This diversity ensures that groups can find something satisfying no matter the time they visit. For dinner, heavier dishes like veal schnitzel or lobster bisque offer hearty, comforting flavors that appeal to a wide range of tastes.
The dessert menu is also designed to be shared, with choices such as smooth burnt cream topped with crunchy meringue kisses providing a delightful finish to the meal. Paired with unique local beverages like Swiss Rivella soda or an authentic Emmi latte, the culinary experience feels special and distinctly European.
The careful curation of Alpine-region wines and the staff’s expertise in pairing drinks with dishes further elevates the dining experience. These details help groups explore new flavors and make the occasion feel celebratory. The combination of varied shareable dishes, unique drink options, and attentive service ensures every group meal at Café Select is both delicious and memorable.