This is one of the few coffee places around Union Square that knows what they they are doing. The coffee is superb, the baristas are friendly and experienced, and the pastries are excellent. This is where you go if you know and love coffee--not if you're looking for iced low-fat decaf pumpkin-spiced candy drinks.  While the coffee is great, the options for sitting and enjoying it there are limited. Only a few stools inside, and a few cafe chairs out in the not-always-pleasant Maiden Lane alley (when the weather is good enough). Doesn't keep me from buying my coffee there, just wish it were a little more comfortable to hang out.