Caffe Reggio: An Old Espresso Machine and a Park Five Minutes Away
An old coffee room and the square at its end. Sit under the art first, then cross to the fountain.
Caffe Reggio to Washington Square Park
🎨 Begin at the 1902 espresso machine
Push through the green front at 119 MacDougal Street and take a table under the artwork. The shop dates its espresso machine to 1902 and now keeps it on display, a symbol of the cafe's history rather than a working machine. The shop describes the walls as holding a 16th century painting from the school of Caravaggio and a bench it says came from the Medici family. A cappuccino costs $5 before tax and tip. Brunch runs from 9 AM to 4 PM, dinner after that. Find a seat with a view of the machine and read the room before the first sip.
🌳 One block north to the fountain
Walk out and turn north. One block up, at West 4th Street, the park fence begins, and the fountain sits about 350 meters from the cafe door, five minutes at an easy pace. The arch, the benches and the open paving all sit inside the same low fence, which lets you pick a corner and stay. Cross MacDougal at West 4th and aim for the arch first, then loop the fountain.
🗺️ One loop, two hours
Clear half an afternoon on a weekday, when the room runs quiet and the front windows carry the light. Coffee first, the square second, then back down MacDougal for a slice or a cupcake. The loop suits a pair who would rather talk than plan. Rain shortens the outdoor half, and the room is the part that holds. Caffe Reggio posts its menu and hours at caffereggio.com, so check the current opening times there before you set out.
