How many times do people say beige is their favorite color? Never. Beige is bland. Beige is boring. How to break free from this standardized coffee hue? Go to Café Clave. Walking through the entrance on 43rd and Locust, the colors strike you immediately. With its blue, yellow and green walls and utterly delightful ambiance, complete with old maps of Cuba and album covers by Cuban musicians, Café Clave is the place to be.
Taking over where the “other” Green Line used to be, this new Cuban hot spot boasts bright and cozy vibes, cheap food, free coffee refills and, if you’re lucky, delectable free samples. The family atmosphere will keep you coming back for more, not to mention the tasty homemade Chai lattes, solid gold Torreo coffee, heavily spiced café cubano, Cuban sandwiches, empanadas and excellent pastries. A must is the Bruce Bogtrotter homemade chocolate cake (and it comes sans Trunchbull!). Free wireless makes it work friendly.
Can’t find a seat? The lovely owner will whip out a table from the back just to show what real customer service means (ahem, Green Line). The prices are cheap, ranging from $2 bagels and coffee to $4 granola soy smoothies and the music is always saucy but calm with a steady playlist of Cuban beats. For those West siders out there, Café Clave is quite the local gem.
Café Clave 4305 Locust Street (215) 386-3436
