Old Kids, Second Block: Interlude Murray

The folks from Interlude Coffee & Tea, the exceptional and very Zen-like coffee and tea house on Hudson and Hubert, have opened their second shop in the neighborhood — in a space on the Westside Highway that I never thought would be charming but it totally is. The storefront is raised off grade by enough to literally make you feel above it all: above the traffic, the noise, the rush of the city on that corner. The landscaping at 111 Murray is also better than expected, making the vibe of the outdoor plaza just south of the storefront green and lush.

(NB: they are only open Monday to Friday on Murray.)

Josh Kim opened the first shop nine years ago and even since then, his partner, Seara Yu, has been involved in nearly every detail of the stores — design, menu, vibe. On all three visits lately, I have seen them together behind the counter on West Street. “We’ve visited every potential space together, talked through every design detail, and shaped the vision side by side. Interlude is a reflection of our shared values, style, and approach to hospitality,” Josh said.

So to the goods: they have worked with George Howell Coffee based out of Massachusetts since the beginning — Josh had discovered the brand while working at the Joe Coffee Pro Shop, a multi-roaster café that sources some of the best coffees in the world. “Even among an impressive lineup, George Howell’s coffees stood out to me for their clarity and character,” Josh said. “He is considered a pioneer in the specialty coffee, known for his dedication to quality, and ability to showcase the unique characteristics of single-origin coffees.”

The teas are from Tea Dealers and Ceramics, which is now based in Tribeca. Read all about them here. But the tea service is what I love at Interlude. You get a ceramic cup — no bag dunked in a paper cup of sort-of hot water — and you have to wait five minutes for the tea to steep. It’s a real cup of tea, made the old-fashioned way.

Their baked goods are exceptional. We tried everything. I am devoted to the malted chocolate cookie. I am a new fan of the gruyere & onion scone. Their croissants are excellent.

Interlude Murray
111 Murray on West Street
info@interludenyc.com
212-219-2067
Monday through Friday, 8a to 3p
Closed Saturday & Sunday

 

8 Comments

  1. Josh and Seara are two of my favorite people in the neighborhood. And the new shop, as expected, is nothing short of perfection. We love those guys.

    Thanks for posting this.

  2. Happy to support them and their support for the neighborhood.

  3. I love this for the neighborhood, but any reason why the hours are so limited?

  4. Best coffee shop and people!

  5. Josh and Seara have given us a haven with their 2 serene coffee shops. We get our coffee and matcha there most days for the last 9 years. Aside from the insanely good coffee and matcha, and delicious pastries, Josh and Seara are super kind people with an artists’ feel for creating spaces where you want to meet a friend, stop by, or hang out. Their shops are filled with local artists, families, and people who work in the neighborhood. A perfect day for me begins with greeting them, (or any of the lovely people that work there), then walking to work with a the most delicious almond milk latte in hand. With Interlude, Josh and Seara have made Tribeca an even better place to live.

  6. Love Interlude! Happy for Josh & Seara on opening a second location. Well deserved!

  7. Truly fortunate to have these two gems. Both shops are warm and welcoming, yet still feel elevated. We have plenty of options in the neighborhood, but there’s a reason I’ve stayed loyal for 7 years – the coffee is the real star. Congrats!

  8. Beyond excited that Interlude is expanding to its second location. Their original shop was an instant neighborhood staple. So glad we can now enjoy what is probably the best coffee in NYC two times over!

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