Sweetleaf

Well, Sweetleaf doesn't actually serve tea. It's a vintage specialty coffee shop located in Long Island City, Queens, right off of the 7 at Vernon-Jackson. It's literally right off the subway. As soon as I walk in the door, I'm directed to the counter by ornamental cast iron black fencing. I order an espresso for 2.75 and take a window seat on a bench against the wall. The place is almost empty.

A London clock overlooks the bar, hanging from a beige molded wall.  A shiny espresso machine sits atop the coffee counter made of a rich dark stained wood. Rectangular hanging lanterns of yore swing slightly over the counter. Vintage signs direct laptop users to a section off the shop slightly out of the main room, demarcated by a large threshold. I get up and stroll through a doorway at the back of the store, enticed by a comfy looking armchair peeking through a doorway. The back room is a completely different vibe. It's purple, poster-plastered walls encase a small room for about 6 people. There's a couch against one wall and two upholstered armchairs against the other. There's also a crate of old records on a table.

The espresso was good, from what I can tell. The crema looked a little burnt, but the taste wasn't too bitter. Pardon me, but my espresso reviews will remain mediocre until I get to taste two espressos side by side. I enjoyed it, that's what matters.

The vintage style hints at extravagance and refinement, but is subdued by the self-consciousness that such an age has already passed. In a true post modern fashion, Sweetleaf uses cultural artifacts to evoke beauty, but prevents them from placing any real claims on the shop or it's patrons.

It's probably one of the only decent coffee shops in Queens. Give it a shot, pun intended.

sweetleaflic.com