There are plenty of spots in the City that draw lines stretching out the doors. Magnolia Bakery, Ippudo, 5 Leaves, just to name a few. Look closely at the people in line, then you’re recognize that they’re usually tourists, students, or hipsters flocking to the latest dining fad. Old New Yorkers, people living in the Upper East Side, you seldom see line up for anything.
Via Quadronno, flying pig here.
Via Quadronno defies this trend. On any given weekend brunch, Upper East Side locals can usually be seen waiting outside for a table. The crowd includes well dressed old couples, young well-to-do families, and joggers stopping by for a quick latte. In fact at the front of the house, it makes for an interesting bar scene. People standing by the bar, trying to push forward to get a shot of caffeine. Some even eat standing at the bar, looks a bit awkward.
Check out the bar scene.
The espresso creations at Via Quadronno frequently come with some fantastic espresso art, in fact a photo of a twitter friend’s cartoon animals is what originally got my attention to this little cafe. On busy weekends, you just get a neat little swirl. Take a point off for presentation, but the coffee is still excellent.
No fancy art when they’re too busy.
Brunch menu items are mostly light and healthy choices. Salads of asparagus, eggs, tomatoes were flying out of the kitchen. The tuna salad was simpler than I expected at such a charming cafe, and to be honest slightly disappointing compared to the excellent drinks and wonderful selection of sandwiches.
Tuna salad, not too exciting.
Yes, the best part about Via Quadronno are the Paninis. They don’t look like much, but boy do they taste great. In fact I would venture to say that it’s one of the best panini sandwiches I’ve ever eaten. The prosciutto, shrimp, and arugula sandwich was an astonishing combination.
An amazing panini.
Via Quadronno does serve more formal entrees during dinner, where you can find hearty Italian fare. Though I love this place as a cafe in the afternoons. Come for a panini sandwich and a coffee, you really can’t go wrong.
CS
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Via Quadronno
25 E 73rd St
New York, NY 10021
(212) 650-9880
http://www.viaquadronno.com
appealing read, thank you.
[...] fresh tomato purèe and basil was an amazing bargain at $11. I raved about the Panini at Via Quadronno, this is right up there with it. The classic prosciutto [...]