Hoptimist
Bar · New York
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About Hoptimist
Hoptimist is a popular bar located in New York, offering a wide selection of beers and food. With a stellar 4.9/5 rating based on 117 reviews, we pride ourselves on fast service and a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy our offerings through dine-in, takeout, or delivery, including no-contact options. We al...
Hoptimist is a popular bar located in New York, offering a wide selection of beers and food. With a stellar 4.9/5 rating based on 117 reviews, we pride ourselves on fast service and a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy our offerings through dine-in, takeout, or delivery, including no-contact options. We also offer outdoor seating. Hoptimist is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and restroom. Find us open from 4PM until midnight Monday through Thursday, with extended hours on weekends. We open earlier on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so check our listed hours for details.
What Customers Say About Hoptimist
Hoptimist (formerly Black Lab Cafe) is a dog-friendly spot loved for its welcoming staff, great coffee, and delicious food. Customers rave about the friendly atmosphere for both humans and dogs. Some were disappointed by the change in dog policy.
Popular Dishes
Best For
Tip: Dog owners should check the current dog policy before visiting, as it may have changed.
Features
What to see nearby
Data from Wikidata
Explore the area around Hoptimist
Hoptimist is located in New York, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.
Historical Heritage
- West End Collegiate Church (A 366m) — church building in Manhattan, United States of America Lugar inscrito en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos
Museums
- Children's Museum of Manhattan (A 210m) — non-profit organization in the USA
Religious Buildings
- All Angel's Church (A 193m) — church building in Manhattan, United States of America
- All Angels' Church (A 193m) — church in Manhattan, New York
- First Baptist Church in the City of New York (A 197m) — church building in Manhattan, United States of America
Parks & Gardens
- Theodore Roosevelt Park (A 443m) — park in Manhattan, New York, United States of America
Other Points of Interest
- Nobel Monument (A 330m) — monument
- Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation (A 384m) — museum annex of the American Museum of Natural History
- Bretton Hall (A 432m) — building in New York City, New York
- Hotel Beacon (A 465m) — edifice in New York City
Data from Wikidata
Frequently asked questions about Hoptimist
Hoptimist New York Reviews
The Black Lab Cafe is more than perfect! Their food is 10/10. I love that I was able to come with my little fur bestie:) the service was more than amazing and the workers are extremely friendly! The food is great please try the quesadillas! The Black Lab is so welcoming to not only individuals but your dog! I have come here a few times and I will definitely keep coming back 🫶🏼
This place is an asset to fabric of the neighborhood. With all the corporate nonsense infiltrating the UWS and buildings being torn down when you find an oasis mom and pop café it’s like mana from heaven. I know this review sounds dramatic but truly - the vibe, the staff, the coffee, the croissants, the food… I come here almost everyday like meditation- and the dog friendly aspect is so wonderful! Love Black Lab!
My dog and I LOVE it here. Fun, low key, the best place for a dog to just wander and make new friends! The food is so great and the dog treats must be incredible because every time we go outside now my dog tries to walk us straight toward the cafe!
I have had the pleasure of eating here a few times and I have to say the food is amazing and the atmosphere is great. Such a treat to come here every time. I had the Bruschetta which was presented very nicely. Service was great. I will be back!
Great cafe with lots of light and a great vibe. The music is wonderful and the service is top notch (should out to the BEST barista Robin). They often have vegan and gluten free pastries and tons of options for drinks. I love the peppermint paws and be on the lookout for their mango matcha (it’s amazing).
This is now my new favorite coffee shop in the area. The drinks and vibe are great, AND my favorite part is that I get to bring my pup with me and pet other cute dogs while I work. Also, my dog 15/10 recommends the puppuccino featured in the photo! There was a previous review mentioning door security - when I was there they had an employee helping people with the two door system so that only one was ever open at a time to prevent any doggos getting loose.
Absolutely fell in love with this coffee shop! I loved being able to sit down and get some work done all in the company of the warmest people and dogs ever. Whenever I'm on the Upper West Side, you'll definitely find me here with an iced mocha and meeting new canine friends!
OBSESSED to say the least! This coffee shop in the upper west side is the perfect place for dog lovers! I brought my pup and he had a blast and loved their dog treats (and i loved the human treats)! If you're visiting NYC this is the perfect spot to go - located right by the museum of natural history!
The location is amazing and the coffee is outstanding! To be able to drink a nice coffee and bring my dog inside was a HUGE PLUS!!! The staff was warm and welcoming and suggested a delicious breakfast sandwich. This is one of the BEST coffee shops on the Upper West Side!
Dublin (my Irish Setter) and I had the best time meeting the friendliest dogs in Manhattan. He played until he dropped (pictured here). How can you help but get happy when the pups are all playing and the delicious coffee is flowing.
Stopped in with my pup so excited to check this out. Exceeded my expectations. Elegant space, cool vibe, welcoming adorable owners and baristas. And btw I’d go for the perfect cappuccino and their almond croissant even if I didn’t have a dog. But I do. So basically now we may never go anywhere else.
I mean really, what more can a girl ask for than a coffee shop that also has an endless supply of dogs walking through the door? I love the outdoor space here at Black Lab Cafe, it's the perfect spot to both people *and* dog watch on the Upper West Side!
The food here is amazing! I highly recommend the Lemon Square. It’s not too sour, but you still taste the lemon.
The Black Lab Cafe is more than perfect! Their food is 10/10. I love that I was able to come with my little fur bestie:) the service was more than amazing and the workers are extremely friendly! The food is great please try the quesadillas! The Black Lab is so welcoming to not only individuals but your dog! I have come here a few times and I will definitely keep coming back 🫶🏼
This place is an asset to fabric of the neighborhood. With all the corporate nonsense infiltrating the UWS and buildings being torn down when you find an oasis mom and pop café it’s like mana from heaven. I know this review sounds dramatic but truly - the vibe, the staff, the coffee, the croissants, the food… I come here almost everyday like meditation- and the dog friendly aspect is so wonderful! Love Black Lab!
My dog and I LOVE it here. Fun, low key, the best place for a dog to just wander and make new friends! The food is so great and the dog treats must be incredible because every time we go outside now my dog tries to walk us straight toward the cafe!
I have had the pleasure of eating here a few times and I have to say the food is amazing and the atmosphere is great. Such a treat to come here every time. I had the Bruschetta which was presented very nicely. Service was great. I will be back!
Great cafe with lots of light and a great vibe. The music is wonderful and the service is top notch (should out to the BEST barista Robin). They often have vegan and gluten free pastries and tons of options for drinks. I love the peppermint paws and be on the lookout for their mango matcha (it’s amazing).
This is now my new favorite coffee shop in the area. The drinks and vibe are great, AND my favorite part is that I get to bring my pup with me and pet other cute dogs while I work. Also, my dog 15/10 recommends the puppuccino featured in the photo! There was a previous review mentioning door security - when I was there they had an employee helping people with the two door system so that only one was ever open at a time to prevent any doggos getting loose.
Absolutely fell in love with this coffee shop! I loved being able to sit down and get some work done all in the company of the warmest people and dogs ever. Whenever I'm on the Upper West Side, you'll definitely find me here with an iced mocha and meeting new canine friends!
OBSESSED to say the least! This coffee shop in the upper west side is the perfect place for dog lovers! I brought my pup and he had a blast and loved their dog treats (and i loved the human treats)! If you're visiting NYC this is the perfect spot to go - located right by the museum of natural history!
The location is amazing and the coffee is outstanding! To be able to drink a nice coffee and bring my dog inside was a HUGE PLUS!!! The staff was warm and welcoming and suggested a delicious breakfast sandwich. This is one of the BEST coffee shops on the Upper West Side!
Dublin (my Irish Setter) and I had the best time meeting the friendliest dogs in Manhattan. He played until he dropped (pictured here). How can you help but get happy when the pups are all playing and the delicious coffee is flowing.
Stopped in with my pup so excited to check this out. Exceeded my expectations. Elegant space, cool vibe, welcoming adorable owners and baristas. And btw I’d go for the perfect cappuccino and their almond croissant even if I didn’t have a dog. But I do. So basically now we may never go anywhere else.
I mean really, what more can a girl ask for than a coffee shop that also has an endless supply of dogs walking through the door? I love the outdoor space here at Black Lab Cafe, it's the perfect spot to both people *and* dog watch on the Upper West Side!
The food here is amazing! I highly recommend the Lemon Square. It’s not too sour, but you still taste the lemon.
Looks like Black Lab closed as of 2/17 according to the sign on their door. This is so disappointing and sad. I truly loved my experiences there — the food, service, and coffee were all really great. This was an amazing part of the neighborhood — so sorry that it had to be closed!
My favorite coffee shop in NY. Definitely a go to place either to have a coffee or a matcha (puppy lavender matcha is very good) while you work, or have a nice lunch (their fish tacos are super good). Staff is SO nice and helpful. Great customer experience. Also there are always so many dogs to pet!!
We were running late for the coffee plans and ended up having dinner- so glad we did! Everything was delicious! We ordered several dishes and all exceeded expectations. I highly recommend both salmon options - the salad was perfect. Service was above and beyond with friendly welcoming staff and timely service. Canine companion rates this place 100 stars.
My favorite coffee shop in NY. Definitely a go to place either to have a coffee or a matcha (puppy lavender matcha is very good) while you work, or have a nice lunch (their fish tacos are super good). Staff is SO nice and helpful. Great customer experience. Also there are always so many dogs to pet!!
We were running late for the coffee plans and ended up having dinner- so glad we did! Everything was delicious! We ordered several dishes and all exceeded expectations. I highly recommend both salmon options - the salad was perfect. Service was above and beyond with friendly welcoming staff and timely service. Canine companion rates this place 100 stars.
This corner coffee shop has a cool vibe inside. After ordering an iced latte I was accosted by two happy dogs, not something I was upset about. There is a nice outdoor patio to sit at. The cafe just opened, so their kitchen isn't open yet. Once they have some food to buy I will be sure to return.
Came here because I used to have a Black Lab and miss her terribly, so hoped for some Black Lab related theme. I'm surprised that they don't even have a pic of black labs on their walls while having some other smaller sized breeds. No tennis balls, nothing Black Lab related, really... The food was ok, but not to come back for. Cappuccino was alright.
Came here because I used to have a Black Lab and miss her terribly, so hoped for some Black Lab related theme. I'm surprised that they don't even have a pic of black labs on their walls while having some other smaller sized breeds. No tennis balls, nothing Black Lab related, really... The food was ok, but not to come back for. Cappuccino was alright.
This corner coffee shop has a cool vibe inside. After ordering an iced latte I was accosted by two happy dogs, not something I was upset about. There is a nice outdoor patio to sit at. The cafe just opened, so their kitchen isn't open yet. Once they have some food to buy I will be sure to return.
My recent experience at Black Lab Cafe in New York City was far from what I expected. Despite its name hinting at a pet-friendly vibe, I was surprised to find out that pets weren't allowed inside. This decision took away from the cozy atmosphere I was hoping for. Walking in, I immediately noticed the lack of warmth. Instead of the lively presence of pets, the space felt cold and unwelcoming. This absence definitely dampened the mood. On top of that, the service was mediocre. The staff didn't seem very engaged or interested in making the experience enjoyable. It felt like they were just going through the motions. The food and drinks also left a lot to be desired. The coffee was stale, and the pastries were dry. It seemed like attention to detail was lacking across the board. Overall, my visit to Black Lab Cafe was disappointing. It's unfortunate that such potential is being held back by their no-pet policy and lackluster execution. Unless they reconsider their stance and improve their overall experience, I'll be looking for other cafes that prioritize hospitality and inclusivity.
!!No longer dog friendly!! Should have been open and communicated this or tried for partial hours that were dog friendly. Instead just showed up one day (with the pup) and can no longer go in. There were many many other problems with the business that should have been addressed first before banning dogs…strange move. I know the team tries hard but have to be honest here, food is nowhere near good enough to survive as cafe alone. Coffee is fine but not worth going out of your way when there are other great options in the neighborhood
All these one star reviews are completely correct. This place was such a great addition to the Upper West Side. But now that they don’t allow dogs anymore, why bother? There are plenty of places to get coffee and such. Why couldn’t the owners just leave well enough alone? They will certainly my not make more money as a no dogs allowed cafe! That was the whole point in going there!
My recent experience at Black Lab Cafe in New York City was far from what I expected. Despite its name hinting at a pet-friendly vibe, I was surprised to find out that pets weren't allowed inside. This decision took away from the cozy atmosphere I was hoping for. Walking in, I immediately noticed the lack of warmth. Instead of the lively presence of pets, the space felt cold and unwelcoming. This absence definitely dampened the mood. On top of that, the service was mediocre. The staff didn't seem very engaged or interested in making the experience enjoyable. It felt like they were just going through the motions. The food and drinks also left a lot to be desired. The coffee was stale, and the pastries were dry. It seemed like attention to detail was lacking across the board. Overall, my visit to Black Lab Cafe was disappointing. It's unfortunate that such potential is being held back by their no-pet policy and lackluster execution. Unless they reconsider their stance and improve their overall experience, I'll be looking for other cafes that prioritize hospitality and inclusivity.
!!No longer dog friendly!! Should have been open and communicated this or tried for partial hours that were dog friendly. Instead just showed up one day (with the pup) and can no longer go in. There were many many other problems with the business that should have been addressed first before banning dogs…strange move. I know the team tries hard but have to be honest here, food is nowhere near good enough to survive as cafe alone. Coffee is fine but not worth going out of your way when there are other great options in the neighborhood
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422 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
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422 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
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