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Hoptimist

Bar · New York

4.9 · 117 reviews Google

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blacklabcafe.com

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

fish tacos puppy lavender matcha Lemon Square almond croissant breakfast sandwich Bruschetta quesadillas

Best For

Solo Dining Locals Casual Brunch Tourists

Tip: Dog owners should check the current dog policy before visiting, as it may have changed.

Features

🌳 Outdoor 🚗 Delivery Accessible
🎯 Casual 🛋️ Cozy Trendy 👥 Groups

What to see nearby

All Angel's Church
A 193m

All Angel's Church

iglesia

View details
All Angels' Church
A 193m

All Angels' Church

iglesia

View details
First Baptist Church in the City of New York
A 197m

First Baptist Church in the City of New York

iglesia

View details
Children's Museum of Manhattan
A 210m

Children's Museum of Manhattan

museo

View details
Nobel Monument
A 330m

Nobel Monument

monumento

View details
West End Collegiate Church
Heritage
A 366m

West End Collegiate Church

iglesia

View details

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 is located at 422 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024, New York.
Near Hoptimist you can find points of interest such as All Angel's Church, All Angels' Church, First Baptist Church in the City of New York, Children's Museum of Manhattan.
Hoptimist offers bar cuisine.
Hoptimist has regular opening hours. Check their profile for updated schedules.
Hoptimist offers the following services: dine-in, takeaway, delivery.
The most recommended dishes at Hoptimist based on customer reviews are: fish tacos, puppy lavender matcha, Lemon Square, almond croissant, breakfast sandwich.
Hoptimist is ideal for solo dining, locals, casual dining, brunch, tourists.
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.
Dog owners should check the current dog policy before visiting, as it may have changed.
117
Reviews

Hoptimist New York Reviews

4.9
117
5★
91%
4★
8%
3★
0%
2★
0%
1★
2%
Reviews (40)
S
Selena Pimentel

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 🫶🏼

A
Amy Stiller

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!

H
Hannah Brown

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!

T
Tharald Fongaard

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!

D
Danielle Singer

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).

V
Victoria T

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.

T
Tara Bolosan

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!

C
Christina Marcisak

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!

M
Marcus Klotz

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!

N
Nate Cr

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.

C
Cynthia Juco

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.

D
Daisy Wright

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!

N
NYC Live

The food here is amazing! I highly recommend the Lemon Square. It’s not too sour, but you still taste the lemon.

Selena Pimentel
Selena Pimentel

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 🫶🏼

Amy Stiller
Amy Stiller

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!

Hannah Brown
Hannah Brown

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!

Tharald Fongaard
Tharald Fongaard

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!

Danielle Singer
Danielle Singer

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).

Victoria T
Victoria T

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.

Tara Bolosan
Tara Bolosan

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!

Christina Marcisak
Christina Marcisak

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!

Marcus Klotz
Marcus Klotz

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!

Nate Cr
Nate Cr

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.

Cynthia Juco
Cynthia Juco

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.

Daisy Wright
Daisy Wright

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!

NYC Live
NYC Live

The food here is amazing! I highly recommend the Lemon Square. It’s not too sour, but you still taste the lemon.

My
My

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!

C
Clara Jacobs

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!!

a
amber stevens

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.

Clara Jacobs
Clara Jacobs

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!!

amber stevens
amber stevens

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.

N
Nick Felker

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.

E
Elmira Karimova

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.

Elmira Karimova
Elmira Karimova

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.

Nick Felker
Nick Felker

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.

B
Brenden Matthews

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.

B
B P

!!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

B
Bob Gould

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!

Brenden Matthews
Brenden Matthews

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.

B P
B P

!!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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About Hoptimist

How to get there

422 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024

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Highlights

Highly Rated
4.9/5 stars
💬
Many Reviews
117 reviews
💰
Moderate Price
Price level
👨‍🍳
bar
Cuisine type

Services

🥡 Takeout
🚚 Delivery
🍴 Dine-in

Dining Options

🍽️ Dine In
🥡 Takeout
🚚 Delivery

Restaurant Info

Status
Verified by owner
🕐 Hours Today
4PM-12AM
Rating
4.9/5
💬 Reviews
117
💰 Price Level
Moderately expensive
📞 Phone
+1 646-609-1046
🌐 Website
www.hoptimistbar.com

Amenities

🌿 Outdoor Seating
Wheelchair Accessible
🚻 Restroom
💳 Credit Cards
📱 Mobile Payments
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The Neighborhood

Location

422 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024

📍 Explore the Neighborhood

Weather
22°
Weather updated hourly · Jobs and events refreshed daily
All Angel's Church

church building in Manhattan, United States of America

A 193m
All Angels' Church

church in Manhattan, New York

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First Baptist Church in the City of New York

church building in Manhattan, United States of America

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Children's Museum of Manhattan

non-profit organization in the USA

A 210m
Nobel Monument

monument

A 330m
West End Collegiate Church Heritage

church building in Manhattan, United States of America

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Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation

museum annex of the American Museum of Natural History

A 384m
Bretton Hall

building in New York City, New York

A 432m
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