All Photos Courtesy of Teagan Durkin
I made a mistake.
Receiving a Writers House micro-grant to explore and report back on several NYC cafes sent me spiraling on a research rabbit hole. As this research primarily consisted of endless scrolling through cafe reels, I was quickly flooded with heaps upon heaps of croissant cracking content, tea brewing spectacles, and exorbitant amounts of deceptively disguised pastries.
Like pigeons dive-bombing a hotdog at the slightest hint of weakness, the reels attacked.
Fortunately, these reels led to Salswee Cafe.
Located just a twenty-minute walk from Penn Station, at 180 5th Avenue, Salswee Cafe is a whimsical blend of Instagrammable desserts and cozy interior design. A sleek white exterior is made approachable with baguette-themed door knobs, and the interior, while narrow with stretching marbled and glass pastry display cases on one end and single file line of wooden table and seat sets on the other, is nevertheless welcoming.
Salswee Cafe’s most striking feature is its neat but eye-catching colorful rows of cakes, pastries, and confectionery creations. Beneath an illuminated display case lie croissants, ranging from delectably indulgent with chocolate, cream, and strawberries, to a savory ham and cheese sandwiched between flaky layers. Sculpted mousse cakes, with everything from mangos to toadstools to avant-garde black clouds, rest alongside a variety of Mont Blanc cakes. A standard coffee menu is available. Prices tend to range from $6.00-$20.00, and portions are generally standard, though the cakes are petite but substantial enough to be shared amongst three to four individuals.
The cafe’s atmosphere screams influencer – kudos to the one girl spotted with a tripod and lighting set-up when I visited – but is also comfortable enough to stop and enjoy a quick coffee and sweet treat. Salswee Cafe is trendy enough for the latest pressed croissant craze, but also dependable enough for a buttery pain au chocolat. Some outdoor seating is available, as the interior can get crowded when several people order at once.
And again, who can beat the baguette-themed door knobs?
Pictured: Exterior for Salswee Cafe
Pictured: Dessert Display Cafe of Salswee Cafe
Pictured: Dessert Display Cafe of Salswee Cafe
Pictured: Dessert Display Cafe of Salswee Cafe
Pictured: Dessert Display Cafe of Salswee Cafe
Pictured: Pain au Chocolat and Pressed Chocolate Dipped in Chocolate
Junior Teagan Durkin is the opinions editor. Her email is tdurkin@fandm.edu