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Little River
Master Critic Review
Little River
7.8
Little River is a glass-and-steel daytime cafe in the Alexandria Center complex where seasonal breakfast and lunch plates share space with a bakery counter that includes assorted donuts. It’s a polished option in the far east of 10016 for people working near NYU Langone who want better coffee and pastries than the hospital cafeteria.
Must-Try Dishes:
Assorted donuts, Cranberry scone, Hummus bowl with seasonal toppings
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Design-forward waterfront cafe where house coffee and donuts feel more refined than typical lobby shops.
Who should go: Hospital staff and nearby workers seeking better coffee-and-donut breaks.
When to visit: Weekday mornings for fresh donuts before the lunch rush.
What to order: Assorted donuts, cranberry scone, hummus bowl with coffee.
Insider tip: Grab a donut and coffee to go, then sit by the nearby East River walkway if the weather is good.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is extremely limited near NYU Langone; short-term metered spots exist but fill quickly. Nearby garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual-smart casual — scrubs, jeans, athleisure, and business casual all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate — active cafe hum during peak hours but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — this is primarily a daytime cafe and closes before traditional dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak hospital lunch hours; off-peak is usually no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several breakfast plates, salads, grain bowls, and pastries are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — usually one or two rotating plant-based bowls or bakery items depending on the day.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free bowls and packaged snacks, but no dedicated bakery prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a low-pressure daytime coffee or donut date — bright, relaxed, and easy to talk, but not romantic or intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it is walk-in only and tables turn quickly, especially outside of peak hospital shift changes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick visits — space is clean and stroller-friendly, but the vibe is geared more toward adults and professionals than families.
Best For
Better for: Cleaner ambiance, better coffee program, and more polished pastry experience than nearby grab-and-go hospital cafes or basic delis.
Skip if: Skip if you want a wide dedicated donut selection, late-night hours, or a cozy neighborhood hangout vibe.