Hidden Grounds Chai & Coffee House - Manhattan

Love the stovetop chai!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I just popped into this cafe to get an iced latte. Payed around $7 for it and payed in cash. $10 bill. I got $2 and some change back. I tipped $1 and all the change that I got. The two white baristas there today immediately started making jokes about how rich they were now. they said wooo I can do laundry now. and when they divided the change, they asked a customer if they wanted a penny. who wants the penny. How incredibly rude for these people to do that to my face as I added my lid to my coffee. I am unemployed and barely have money for a coffee and this was a treat for me- to be disrespected like this is unacceptable. I have worked as a barista for two years and I ALWAYS tip. Ive never had anyone make a joke to my face about me tipping. That dollar and change for me is a potential subway ride I just wasted on tipping ungrateful rude employees at this shop. I wish I never tipped now. I wish I never went here and just went to La Colombe.

Service: 1

If you love to chai & chill, this is it! Quiet, quaint, and super cute! Will be back next time I’m in town 🤎🤎🤎

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Came here for a hot tea on a rainy day. The cardamom chai was AMAZING. It tastes so similar to what you would get in India, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a hot, sweet, and slightly spicy drink.

My only complaint was that the employees were acting as if I was personally ruining their day by ordering. Not sure what that was about; I was the only customer in the store, so I can't imagine my single-drink order was going to trouble them that much. Other than the unfriendly vibes, everything else was nice.

Will visit again and hopefully the service is better next time!

Edit: Better service the second time!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 2

I've always loved their coffee. I've been there a few times. I got a cardamom cold brew which on the menu says $6. I got it with almond milk which they charge 85 cents for. I understand charging for an alternative milk for a latte because the whole drink is milk. But a cold brew is all coffee with a splash of milk. I've never had a place charge like this for a cold brew. The drink somehow went to $8. $2 more than what it says on the menu. When I've been there before they didn't charge for almond milk because why would you for a cold brew!

I really enjoyed visiting Hidden Grounds today, a hidden gem! Such a friendly business to collaborate with. I truly enjoyed sitting in their cozy environment and relaxing while having my taro matcha dream and salmon bagel sandwich. I was in heaven! Great prices and extremely friendly staff. Loved the aesthetics as well. I also tried the plain matcha, iced tea, and i definitely recommend the rose chai (as well as the taro matcha and salmon bagel sandwich.)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Bagel Sandwich, Taro Latte

I had a very nice time here. Stove top masala chai is very refreshing and energising. Chocolate chip cookie was rich and superb and chocolate croissant was also nice. Was served by Saya and Sam very well. Very friendly and courteous staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

One of the few places where you can get authentic chai. The Adani Yemeni chai is absolutely amazing and authentic, cooked over the stove and fresh. The Bombay Bagel is an underrated gem of a sandwich, too. Himali and Saya were both amazing, gave great suggestions, and were very knowledgable.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Bombay Bagel Sandwich

Seriously one of the best coffees. I had the rose chai latte, it was phenomenal, they need to open more locations in NYC.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

New Orleans coffee is insanely good, like drinking a cloud. Also loved the Bombay breakfast bagel, so refreshing

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had an iced dirty chai, and it was the best one I've ever had. The spice notes of the chai really came through, and there was depth. The bartista was working hard by myself. Very friendly, kind, a good barista. He asked a few questions about what I like and kind of guided me through, which I really appreciate. I will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This was my first time going to Hidden Grounds! We stopped by for something to eat but I was impressed with the drink menu variety, especially all the rose and lavender drinks. The premise is small with limited seating but the service was great and I got my food very quickly! I tried the Bombay Bagel Sandwich which was amazing and reminds me of the real thing, the flavors were perfect.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

we've been on a quest to find the best and most authentic chai in nyc. after trying multiple different ones, hidden grounds has been the best one! also a cold new orleans blend is an ideal drink for summer weather.

Food: 5

Service: 5

The cardamom chai is the best chai I've had in NYC that actually reminded me of the chaiwalas back in India.
They actually make it on a stove top to order.

The gulab jamun donut was also quite good too.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great coffee very nice staff

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5