"With its old-style big booths, giant pictures of food on the walls, and a relaxed staff that's in no hurry to take your order, VIP Coffee and Cakeshop is like stepping into an 80s Hong Kong cafe. Since opening in 1985, this spot has served as a gathering spot for egg tarts, pineapple buns, and macaroni soup, and a healthy dose of neighborhood gossip. Sure, it’ll take about 10 minutes to flag down a server, but your patience will lead to the best Hong Kong-style milk tea in the city. It's rich, creamy, and has an intense black tea taste. Plus, you can hang out for hours without anyone asking you to leave." - ricky rodriguez, julia chen 1