Photos via Instagram

Nestled between a ramen restaurant and a Pace University dorm, a new small coffee shop has opened downtown on John Street. At first glance, it looks nothing out of the ordinary. The whole theme of the shop is centered around simplicity, from the limited decor to the smaller menu to the name itself, emphasizing a take-out vibe.

NoPlates Coffee storefront prior to opening.

NoPlates Coffee just opened this past March, with their menu spanning from standard espresso drinks to fun pastries and snacks. They launched their new brand with a grand-opening party, featuring a live D.J. and free goods for guests. 

The coffee itself is good, and it comes in a cute plastic jar with a lid, allowing the option to save for later. They offer a small variety of food items, ranging from sweet pastries, to salads and sandwiches.  I was able to sample their two specialty drinks, the Matcha Kaya, consisting of coconut water and lychee, topped with matcha cream, and the Bridge 12, which is cold brew topped with mango cold foam. Both being very out of my comfort zone, were surprisingly tasty. My standard vanilla latte with oat milk was also very good. This is their first location, and they hope to expand in the future. A great new spot to stop by for a quick coffee run! 12 John Street, noplates.coffee