Amazing brown sugar latte!

Doughnuts, service, and drinks all top notch

good vibes, good chai, good prices!

Great coffee and teas

probably the best coffee in the area (i haven’t tried the chai yet) and the baristas are so kind!! also the price isn’t bad for the area!

I am too too obsessed with hidden grounds. The sandwiches are so so delicious and the Bombay sandwich specifically is such a nostalgic treat. I love the New Orleans brew (reminds me of the Indian iced coffee I grew up with). I mainly get hidden grounds ordered as delivery since I’m a bit far but it’s completely worth it because it’s the best coffee/quick breakfast spot in the NYC (seriously, like I order from here at least 1-2 times a week). I’m not sure if they got rid of their bagels but the Bombay bagel sandwhich was also so delicious.

Cadence and Aiganym are amazing !!! They make our day every day when we come in before service. New Orleans brew …. MMMM!!!

New coffee shop in the area. It's a small shop, but they do have a side table with four stools. Very unique menu of coffee, including chai, cold brew, and filter coffee. They also sell donuts, which I have yet to try. Maybe on my next visit.

Great chai! I just visited recently and got their Vanilla Chai and immediately went back the next day for another. Staff are friendly. I just wish there was more space inside but I'm always on the go so that's fine!

Can we please bring the chicken tikka sourdough sandwich that we have in Jersey cafes ? Really miss those in the Manhattan location, they are amazing :)

got the chai iced latte, love that its not too sweet, great flavor. super happy with its location so close to office. will go again!

Great coffee very nice staff

The yuzu chai fizz drink is so delicious that I begged one of the employees to bring that to the Brooklyn location. Great drinks!

Carmen at their 3rd Ave store made me a really good masala chai. Thank you!!

my go-to coffee and tea shop in the city, they have such a good variety of drinks

I have been on the search for the best iced chai in the city for months now and have finally found it here. 10/10 would recommend.

Cardamom chai latte, non-dairy was great. Only 4 seats inside, so plan accordingly.

Masala Chai was awesome, I see why it’s one of the more popular drinks!

Best masala chai in the city by far. Queens level legit.

Love the stovetop chai!

Cozy coffee shop. Loved the latte and donuts. Great customer service. Would definitely recommend!

I’ve had a cardamom chai every day since I discovered this place. Obsessed.

Great chai. Up there in my top 5. Def give it a try.

Such unique flavors. So delicious!

Loved the hot cardamom chai! 🩷 A must try!

I rarely write reviews but had such an outstanding chai yesterday and such friendly service, I couldn't not. I got an Adeni Yemeni Chai and it was soooo good. It had a strong cardamom flavor which I love. I shared it with a family member who rarely doles out compliments and he said it was the best chai he'd ever had. This place is my new go-to when I need a fancy hot beverage! Can't wait to try some of their baked goods.

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.

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.

Highly recommend Hidden Grounds! We had the pistachio and rose donuts with the New Orleans Brew. The coffee was smooth and flavorful and the donuts were delicious too. Be sure to stop by this new location if you’re in the area.

This place is a true hidden gem - honestly better than some of the more popular spots like Quahwah House. The coffee and spices are top quality, and their chai latte selection is amazing, from bold masala to beautifully spiced Yemeni chai. They also have a New Orleans–style coffee that’s rich, smooth, and a little sweet - super unique. The pastries are fresh and delicious, and the sandwiches and bagels are really solid too. It’s tucked away downstairs, which makes it feel even more special. Service is great too — Himali was super kind and helpful. Can’t wait to go back.

Love the home-made chai - you can tell it is the real deal because it is given to you full of whole cardamom and other spices that will continue to steep as you drink it. The rose donut was delicious as well, not too sweet and with a great texture. Only complaint was that imho it was pretty pricey for a donut ($6!)

Definitely a great spot ! Very comfy and cozy. I love their caramel chai and the pistachio donut .

Love this spot they made the best cardamom latte ever

such a lovely little shop i ran into! i had the iced brown sugar chai with oatmilk and i think i'll be craving that every morning it was soooo good i can't wait to go back !! and the rose donut was just as flavorful and delicious !!

I will think about this coffee every day for the rest of my life. I got the new orleans cold brew and it was perfect

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

this place is great!, i've tried the masala chai and the ginger chai, but the ginger is my favorite, it has that extra hit of spice!, i love how chill the place is, the staff is friendly and they prepare your chai with care, and priced just right! :)

Love everything about Hidden Grounds. This is my favorite place for chai in the city. They also have some unique chai options that others don’t have (like a rose chai latte). I also recommend the donuts, they are so good!

Had the stovetop masala chai, Bombay bagel, sandwich, pistachio donut (even the next day!) and onion cheese pastry. All were delicious.

Happy to see they opened a location here. Their Chai flavor is always one of the best in the city. Pastries are also good, I specifically recommend the donut which is kinda unique. 🥛🫖✨Chai latte was creamy even it was iced. The flavor was rich with depth. 💛🧡Cardamom bun was dense, moist, and pliable. The flavor was well balanced! One of the outstanding cardamom buns.

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.

Love Hidden Grounds since their sample hour back in Jersey a few summers ago. I visited this new location and the service was amazing and the Rose Chai was just as I remembered it. I decided to try the pastry and it was very interesting, love the spices. Keep up the good work Hidden Grounds!

My absolute favorite Chai shop in NYC just opened up a new location in the East Village/NoHo area on 36 Third ave. They are serving up fresh, homemade CHAI and some wildly unique drinks. The GULAB JAMUN DONUTS are a must try item, totally unique to this spot! It comes in pistachio, Rose, blueberry, tiramisu and my fave was Blueberry. Here’s all the drinks you must try!!: 🐝 Honey Bee Latte 🍵 Chai Matcha (too good tbh) ☕️ NEW ORLEANS COLD BREW 🌹 Rose Chai 🔥 Stove Top Masala Chai

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.

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.

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.

Ever since stumbling upon Hidden Grounds last year I have been HOOKED. I am slowly working my way through the menu but my favorites are the iced rose, classic masala, and cardamom chais. The chai drinks have that perfect spice taste that majority of the other "chais" I've had in the city are missing. Hidden Grounds is the best. I wish I could buy a bigger size than the one offered and I also wish there could be a location right next to my school but honestly that may not be good for my wallet. The apple cider donut is also so delicious and pairs so well with the spiced flavor you get from the drinks. I'm looking forward to trying the new food and snacks I've been seeing :D The vibe in this location is very cozy, it is a very snug fit and there is very limited seating but every time I'm able to grab a seat at the window it's the best thing ever. It's so lovely to sit and people watch and whoever is choosing the music is doing a really good job. i love you hidden grounds

Great service and a perfectly balanced ginger chai. The flavor was rich without being overly sweet, and the ginger was just right—not too overpowering. Our barista was excellent, taking the time to explain the brewing process and making us feel welcome. The spot also seems to be a local favorite, with a steady stream of customers coming in.

The Masala chai latte is rich and flavorful. It is made by simmering tea leaves, milk, and star anise together.

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

Lovely flavors in all the drinks! The New Orleans brew was amazing!

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

Gunjan Amarnani

Great service and a perfectly balanced ginger chai. The flavor was rich without being overly sweet, and the ginger was just right—not too overpowering. Our barista was excellent, taking the time to explain the brewing process and making us feel welcome. The spot also seems to be a local favorite, with a steady stream of customers coming in.

STR

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

Julia S

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

Seungna Choi

The Masala chai latte is rich and flavorful. It is made by simmering tea leaves, milk, and star anise together.

Sophie

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.)

Lyds R.

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.

Julia H

Happy to see they opened a location here. Their Chai flavor is always one of the best in the city. Pastries are also good, I specifically recommend the donut which is kinda unique. 🥛🫖✨Chai latte was creamy even it was iced. The flavor was rich with depth. 💛🧡Cardamom bun was dense, moist, and pliable. The flavor was well balanced! One of the outstanding cardamom buns.

Aushim

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.

M O

Love Hidden Grounds since their sample hour back in Jersey a few summers ago. I visited this new location and the service was amazing and the Rose Chai was just as I remembered it. I decided to try the pastry and it was very interesting, love the spices. Keep up the good work Hidden Grounds!

Tenzin Rigden

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.

Anjali Pulim

Ever since stumbling upon Hidden Grounds last year I have been HOOKED. I am slowly working my way through the menu but my favorites are the iced rose, classic masala, and cardamom chais. The chai drinks have that perfect spice taste that majority of the other "chais" I've had in the city are missing. Hidden Grounds is the best. I wish I could buy a bigger size than the one offered and I also wish there could be a location right next to my school but honestly that may not be good for my wallet. The apple cider donut is also so delicious and pairs so well with the spiced flavor you get from the drinks. I'm looking forward to trying the new food and snacks I've been seeing :D The vibe in this location is very cozy, it is a very snug fit and there is very limited seating but every time I'm able to grab a seat at the window it's the best thing ever. It's so lovely to sit and people watch and whoever is choosing the music is doing a really good job. i love you hidden grounds

Alexandra Tillapaugh

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.

Adam Giladi

My absolute favorite Chai shop in NYC just opened up a new location in the East Village/NoHo area on 36 Third ave. They are serving up fresh, homemade CHAI and some wildly unique drinks. The GULAB JAMUN DONUTS are a must try item, totally unique to this spot! It comes in pistachio, Rose, blueberry, tiramisu and my fave was Blueberry. Here’s all the drinks you must try!!: 🐝 Honey Bee Latte 🍵 Chai Matcha (too good tbh) ☕️ NEW ORLEANS COLD BREW 🌹 Rose Chai 🔥 Stove Top Masala Chai

Service is incredible everyone is so kind and makes the best Iced honey bee latte in the whole world! Also whoever is on aux is always on point!! Thank you Hidden grounds!!!

Great cup of coffee. The Pastachio bun is delicious. The staff was very warm and welcoming. The shop itself is very clean with minimal but impactful decor. I did not try it but it seems that they are well known for their Chai. I will return to try more of the menu. They were listed by multiple influences as one of the best coffee shops in the city.

Shamone Dunn

Great cup of coffee. The Pastachio bun is delicious. The staff was very warm and welcoming. The shop itself is very clean with minimal but impactful decor. I did not try it but it seems that they are well known for their Chai. I will return to try more of the menu. They were listed by multiple influences as one of the best coffee shops in the city.

Nirmal L

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.

Great coffee and good service. However, it’s not an ideal place to chill because of how small the space is and they allow dogs. So you’ll definitely hear some barking.

Great coffee and chais, but overpriced

Large is small here.

Amazing hot vanilla chai latte. Different flavor from other cafes with a spice and kick at the end. Perfect amount of sugar and spice ✨

I had the cardamom chai. it was a little sweet for me, and a little one note. I think I would try the masala chai next time.

Multiple delicious chai options! Essentially no seating and no public restrooms but a great place to grab a drink and go

Cool spot with great chai options. Masala filter coffee was mixed, loved mine but fiance didn't. Will come back to try their other chais

Masala chai was tasty but really strong! Or maybe a large quantity, like drinking 2 cups? I drank it around 11 am and got the shakes a couple hours later, now here I am at 3 am still wide awake o.O way more caffeine than the chai I routinely make for myself at home—as strong as coffee! O.o

very small modern coffee + chai shop. there are a couple seats by the window and standing room for a few people. this Hidden Grounds is very much a grab-n-go location for your chai, coffee, and small bites needs. there's a touchscreen to order, i didn't use it and ordered directly with the barista...i find touchscreens in a place to be impersonal and weird especially in a coffee spot. if i was going the whole "minimum contact"--i'd just order via an app if available. however, i get why there is a touchscreen especially if there's a line or busy, but coffee is personal and requires some interaction like asking what the coffee roast is or extra water in an Americano etc. stopped in, recently. ordered a black Americano hot and it was solidly good and warmed me up on one of the cool Fall afternoons. the coffee was a medium roast, I believe. pretty smooth and does the job of caffeine + warmth in 12 oz. there's also a few small food items like a variety of donuts and a cheddar biscuit--definitely will be back to try one of those at some point. the staffer was personable and friendly. worth a stop by if you're in the Astor Place vicinity and needs some caffeine or calories OR both.

Ruwan J.

very small modern coffee + chai shop. there are a couple seats by the window and standing room for a few people. this Hidden Grounds is very much a grab-n-go location for your chai, coffee, and small bites needs. there's a touchscreen to order, i didn't use it and ordered directly with the barista...i find touchscreens in a place to be impersonal and weird especially in a coffee spot. if i was going the whole "minimum contact"--i'd just order via an app if available. however, i get why there is a touchscreen especially if there's a line or busy, but coffee is personal and requires some interaction like asking what the coffee roast is or extra water in an Americano etc. stopped in, recently. ordered a black Americano hot and it was solidly good and warmed me up on one of the cool Fall afternoons. the coffee was a medium roast, I believe. pretty smooth and does the job of caffeine + warmth in 12 oz. there's also a few small food items like a variety of donuts and a cheddar biscuit--definitely will be back to try one of those at some point. the staffer was personable and friendly. worth a stop by if you're in the Astor Place vicinity and needs some caffeine or calories OR both.

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!

Ariav Misra

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!

Love this place, but recently they haven’t been filling up my drinks all the way every time I’ve been.

Coffee is good but the donuts are kind of nasty… they’re not fluffy at all and feels like ur eating cake..

Excited to try this place. Great range of spiced chai on the menu. No seatings except 3 bar stools. Non dairy milk available. The spiced teas are syrup based which was a disappointment. This cardamom ice latte is actually cardamom syrup. Super sweet and hardly no tea taste. The real good authentic chais are fresh brewed with spiced powders and sugar or syrup to taste. So this isn’t up to high standard of a good chai shop.

very small place. They do have few seats available but it’s basically grab and go place. they only serve in disposable cups even if you stay there. tried their masala chai and it was good . Rose donuts tasted like rooh afza with more sugar! didn’t really like that.

Valerie Lim

Excited to try this place. Great range of spiced chai on the menu. No seatings except 3 bar stools. Non dairy milk available. The spiced teas are syrup based which was a disappointment. This cardamom ice latte is actually cardamom syrup. Super sweet and hardly no tea taste. The real good authentic chais are fresh brewed with spiced powders and sugar or syrup to taste. So this isn’t up to high standard of a good chai shop.

Not fresh croissant, really frustrating when that happens. Crumbly, dry, and not worth eating so I discarded.

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!

Rachel Altman

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!

It’s quiet and limited in space, so not ideal for seating. Super expensive, nearly 12 dollars for a plain coffee with syrup (expensive base cost + the extra the charge for pumps). I don’t get the appeal of the wide range of options when they messed up plain coffee with syrup. It’s not great or awful—it’s mediocre. This area mostly has coffee shops, so I would say you can find a better spot with better prices and quality.

Not what I expected from an Indian style origin cafe. Very weird customer service

$8.50. for a lukewarm cup of drip coffee and a stale croissant .. 2 kids working there more interested in their phones than working .. this is NYC now.. premium prices for awful service and food..

Good place, but quality vs price point is not that great considering there’s a bunch of other shops around with either same or lower price points that properly pull espresso (and fill the cup even with less ice). Maybe once in a while for the donuts but the rest is a pass for other chai spots or coffee. edit: 1 starring for the chat GPT response, first time i ever had this happen, oh my Lord.. and for saying you’re a small business but you have 7 stores open across NJ, NYC and NC… be serious, at least don’t cap.

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.

Judy Sabin

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.