Calling all muggles! If you're still waiting for your Hogwarts acceptance letter and are dreaming of grabbing a drink at the Three Broomsticks or The Leaky Cauldron (and can't make it to Universal Studios in Orlando or LA), you're in luck! It just got a little more magical right here in NYC's East Village.
Steamy Hallows, a Harry Potter themed cafe located at 514 3/4 (how fun!) E Sixth Street, is currently serving up drinks and snacks inspired by the famed series. While the passion project is unaffiliated, its influences can be seen in the spooky, authentic decor, and the potions the staff brew up at the bar. A product of founder Zach Neil's appreciation for the magical world of J.K. Rowling, the shop is crammed full of both references to the books and movies (a 9 and 3/4 sign, mandrakes, 'floating' candles, quotes, etc.) and also to more general elements of witchcraft and wizardry (potion bottles, cauldrons, pumpkins etc.). The cafe is notably not a recreation of an actual place from the series; Steamy Hallows is instead intended to feel like one of the shops tucked away in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade.
The shop is thoughtfully designed; the door is intentionally darkened in order to maximize the element of surprise, and many of the decorations are sourced from antique stores in the area.
Much of the charm comes from the friendly and spirited staff, who ask you what your 'house' is when you walk in and challenge you to some Potter-themed trivia. If you're lucky, they'll even perform a 'spell' for you, complete with wands and sparks!
Pictured: An Irish cauldron from the 1600s used to brew other concoctions.
The Drinks
Butter Beer
This Butter Beer was perfectly buttery and rich (thankfully, offset by the bitterness of the espresso). The butterscotch flavor was bold and reminiscent of the original version. This drink is a classic (and by far the most popular choice), but be prepared to walk around for the rest of the day with a full glitter mustache!
Basic Witch: a sea-salt and caramel latte
I'm usually not a big fan of salted caramel, as more often than not the caramel is either sickly sweet, or the use of salt is too heavy-handed, leaving the drink/dessert simply too salty and having an oddly disruptive crystalline texture. The 'Basic Witch' latte, however, was surprisingly well-balanced, and a good alternative to the Butter Beer.
Love Potion #9 3/4: a classic mocha with rose and raspberry
El Diablo: a classic mocha with a dusting of cayenne
We recommend you try and go during the off hours, as the shop has only four bar stools, so the space can be a little cramped, and you'll definitely want to take some time to sip your drink and enjoy the atmosphere.
So, make sure to Slytherin to that special someone's DMs and invite them to Steamy Hallows to grab a drink before the pop-up closes! As it is still relatively new, the shop is still testing certain drinks, so be prepared for some surprise menu items. Personally, my fingers are crossed for new items named 'Hex on the Beach' or 'Knock Back a Brew,' but I'll still definitely be back just to try the Butter Beer cookie.
P.S. Can't make it to the East Village? Check out our recommendations on how to hack the Starbucks menu for your favorite HP-inspired drinks.