"Whenever you need a premium cold brew or single-origin coffee in Harlem, 9Tails is the place to go. Korean-American owner John Cho decided on the name as a nod to the nine-tailed fox spirit in East Asian folklore, a benevolent shapeshifting creature that's considered a good omen as a result of great longevity. The menu includes seasonal drinks like calpico frescas or yuzu citron iced tea during warmer months along with a selection of baked goods, including a homemade Bourbon apple cake—make sure to get there early before it runs out. The shop is located on a quiet residential street and recently expanded within the adjacent hardware and supply store, Mushtari. Pleasantly distracted by the abundance of plants for sale, it’s impossible not to smile here, especially after you spot the framed portrait of Cookie Monster sitting by the register." - esther cho, with warm welcome, kenny yang