Kuro Kuma: Hidden gem of a coffee shop in Morningside Heights, NYC

A food blogger friend had blogged about Kuro Kuma as soon as it had opened in 2012, but I had to check it out for myself and when he suggested we meet there, I was thrilled to be able to go there. Kuro Kuma is a hidden gem of a coffee shop in Morningside Heights, NYC. Kuro Kuma serves Counter Culture Coffee and pastries from Balthazar Bakery (NYC). The baristas at Kuro Kuma are friendly although not too conversational (with me the day I went). There is limited seating (about 6 – 8 seats) in Kuro Kuma and the seats are really stools with no back support. If you get the coffee, to-go might be a good option if you want comfortable seats.

I do not drink coffee and so, I can’t comment on the coffee, but I can refer readers to Yelp reviews and Inside Food Pro’s blog post.

The pastry (similar to an apple pie) that I had was perfect – with the right combination of sugar and apples, baked golden brown!! I would not expect any less from Balthazar Bakery in NYC.

Apple tart (?) from Balthazar Bakery served at Kuro Kuma in NYC

Wish I could say superlative things about the chai tea latte that I had. The chai was super sweet, with thick foam on top, and too much cinnamon in it – not good enough for me. Wish I had ordered something else! But wait, I am not sure they had tea bags for chamomile or mint tea – my other go-to drinks at coffee places.