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Slate Cafe - Nomad
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Slate Cafe - Nomad
7.5
Slate Cafe is a counter-service coffee shop just off Madison Avenue where breakfast sandwiches, toasts, and bowls rotate alongside strong espresso. It’s ideal for quick weekday breakfasts or laptop-friendly solo mornings that still feel more polished than a grab-and-go chain.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avocado Toast, Rose Berry Waffles, Breakfast Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 6
What makes it special: Stylish coffee bar with better-than-average toasts, waffles, and bowls.
Who should go: Solo diners or remote workers needing breakfast and Wi-Fi.
When to visit: Weekday mornings before the commuter rush hits hard.
What to order: Avocado Toast, Breakfast Bowl, Rose Berry Waffles.
Insider tip: Grab a back table if you need an outlet and longer laptop time.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited in NoMad; nearby paid garages on 27th–29th Streets are the most reliable option. Expect $20–$30 for short stays.
Dress code: Casual-polished — athleisure, jeans, and work-casual all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate — espresso machine and steady foot traffic create background buzz, but conversation is easy at tables.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — breakfast and daytime café service only.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak noon rush, otherwise typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian toasts, bowls, and breakfast sandwich options.
Vegan options: Limited but available — a few plant-based toasts and bowls can be customized.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some bowls can be made gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for coffee-first dates — it’s relaxed, polished, and low-pressure, though better for daytime meetups than romantic lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating, but mid-morning weekday rush may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids — there’s no kids menu, but waffles and simple bowls work well for families with children over 6.
Best For
Better for: Quick healthy breakfasts, solo work sessions, and polished grab-and-go mornings compared to heavier sit-down brunch spots.
Skip if: Skip if you want a full-service brunch experience, bottomless drinks, or long, leisurely table service.
Slate Cafe - Nomad
8.3
Slate Cafe NoMad is a counter-service coffee bar where strong espresso, toasts, waffles, and bowls make it a reliable weekday or low-key weekend brunch stop. With high review volume and steady crowds, it balances quick service with a slightly more polished feel than a typical grab-and-go chain.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avocado Toast, Breakfast Bowl, Rose Berry Waffles
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume specialty café with better-than-average brunch plates and coffee.
Who should go: Solo diners or remote workers needing brunch and Wi-Fi.
When to visit: Weekday mornings before commuter and laptop crowds peak.
What to order: Avocado toast, grain-based breakfast bowl, Rose Berry waffles.
Insider tip: Head for the back tables if you need outlets and longer laptop time.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; paid garages nearby are the most reliable option, especially on weekdays.
Dress code: Casual and practical — athleisure, jeans, and work-from-café outfits all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — background coffee shop buzz but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: N/A — this is primarily a daytime brunch and coffee spot.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute line during peak lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple toast, bowl, and waffle options are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — a few toast and bowl builds can be made vegan with adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some bowls can be customized, but breads and waffles are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual coffee or daytime getting-to-know-you meet than a traditional sit-down date — conversation-friendly and low pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with open seating, so you just order and grab any available table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — waffles, toast, and simple breakfast plates work well for kids, though seating is tighter for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, high-quality brunch with strong coffee where you don’t need to commit to a long sit-down meal.
Skip if: You want full table service, bottomless brunch, or a more leisurely, celebratory brunch experience.