0 Followers
Slate Cafe
Master Critic Review
Slate Cafe
8.6
Slate Cafe’s Midtown outpost is a bright, laptop-friendly café that leans hard into modern brunch—think avocado toast, salmon egg sandwiches, grain bowls, and strong coffee. With thousands of recent delivery and in-person reviews, it’s a go-to for locals who want something fresher and more contemporary than a diner breakfast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avocado Toast with chili honey, Salmon Egg + Cheese on focaccia, Berry waffle with cream cheese drizzle
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume neighborhood café marrying specialty coffee with a contemporary brunch menu and strong delivery game.
Who should go: Remote workers and brunchers wanting fresher, lighter cafe fare.
When to visit: Weekday late morning for easier seating and Wi-Fi camping.
What to order: Avocado Toast, Salmon Egg + Cheese sandwich, Vietnamese iced coffee.
Insider tip: Go earlier on weekends if you want a table; the compact space fills quickly with takeaway and laptop traffic.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Turtle Bay, especially after 9am; rely on nearby garages on 2nd/3rd Ave ($20–$30 for 1–2 hours).
Dress code: Casual and café-friendly—athleisure, jeans, and work-from-home attire are all common.
Noise level: Moderate; conversational indoors with occasional peak-hour chatter but still laptop-friendly.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a brunch and daytime café, and evenings are typically walk-in with no wait.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; 0–10 minutes even at peak office-lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—multiple toasts, bowls, salads, and egg dishes are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Moderate—grain bowls and salads can be customized; a few items are vegan by default but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Partial coverage—several bowls and salads qualify; gluten-free bread is available but cross-contamination cannot be fully avoided.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime dates—bright lighting, approachable food, and easy conversation volume. Less ideal for evening ambiance or more formal occasions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only. Weekdays are easy, but weekend late mornings can require a short wait, especially for tables with outlets.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for well-behaved kids 6+; the space is compact with limited stroller room and no dedicated children’s menu.
Best For
Better for: Faster service, healthier brunch options, strong coffee quality, and more reliable delivery than traditional Midtown diners or sit-down brunch spots.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, boozy brunch, or a relaxed large-group setting—space is tight and the café format is more functional than leisurely.