There’s good news for all of Hell’s Kitchen’s caffeine fiends — Matto Espresso has expanded into the neighborhood.
The new kosher storefront was previously home to Cosmic Fischer Locks on 9th Avenue (between W45/46th St). It opened last Friday — and every item on the coffee or pastry menu is the same price. Whether it’s a small cappuccino, a large macchiato, a croissant, or a brownie, it’ll only cost $3.50 (not including tax). Customers are also encouraged to download the Matto app, where they will be eligible for additional discounts on items.
Matto Espresso has been giving out free coffee since they opened — and will continue to do so until July 11. Franchisee Jonathan Brenner says it’s their way of ingratiating themselves into the community, and the reception so far has been everything they could have asked for.
“I have people coming over to me at the store daily, telling me that they’re happy we finally came to Hell’s Kitchen,” said Brenner. “The community is great. I mean it truly is a community-feeling neighborhood and it is a small community right outside of Times Square.”
In response to customers who asked for more lunchtime options, Matto Espresso has introduced a sandwich menu that includes tasty treats at various prices, like the avocado croissant, tomato and mozzarella or homemade egg salad sandwich.
More Hell’s Kitchen Newcomers
“Our menu is constantly evolving,” said Brenner. “We listen to what our customers have to say and we try to give them exactly what they want.”
Despite its relatively small size, the Italian-style cafe packs a lot of options on its menu and has something for everyone. Matto Espresso also has a walk-up window where customers can quickly order all their favorites.
Hell’s Kitchen has lost a number of popular coffee shops recently — so this low-cost store is a welcome addition. In January this year, award-winning Kahve shuttered on W51st Street, and at the start of the pandemic in April 2020, Empire Coffee and Tea Co closed its doors after 112 years on 9th Avenue.
Matto Espresso is located at 646 9th Avenue and is open Monday-Friday from 7am-5pm.
*In the original version of the story, we said items on the menu cost $2.50 in store. This has been corrected to $3.50.
Yes, many of us who like to make our own coffee mourn the leaving of Empire but our very own MATTO here is GREAT news! Excellent coffee and European-style pastries like boureks. Welcome, Mr. Brenner!
I love this coffee shop! So glad they are in the neighborhood.
Boureks are yummy!