Not As Bitter

Coffee shop · East Village

Not As Bitter

Coffee shop · East Village

5

241 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003

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Highlights

Specialty coffee shop with unique fruit-infused lattes  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

241 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003 Get directions

notasbitter.com
@notasbitter

$1–10 · Menu

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241 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003 Get directions

+1 646 939 3129
notasbitter.com
@notasbitter

$1–10 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 11, 2025

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@infatuation

NYC’s New Restaurant Openings

"If it’s simply too much to drink your coffee and get your dose of fresh fruit every morning, at Not As Bitter, you can get a combo of the two. The East Village coffee shop specializes in lattes with fresh fruit and coconut milk. They have a durian latte that’s on our summer to-do list." - will hartman

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/new-nyc-restaurants-openings
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@eater

D.T. Restaurant Opens in Flushing With Durian Pizza - Eater NY

"The coffee shop Not as Bitter started pouring durian lattes earlier this year." - Luke Fortney

https://ny.eater.com/2024/6/4/24170381/durian-pizza-dt-restaurant-flushing-queens
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@eater

East Village Coffee Shop Not as Bitter Serves Durian Lattes - Eater NY

"A small cafe in East Village offers unique coffee drinks, including a durian latte made with espresso and fruit puree." - Luke Fortney

https://ny.eater.com/2024/5/10/24152744/new-coffee-shop-not-as-bitter-durian-coffee-east-village-manhattan
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@daltonprendergast
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@davidcho

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5CllQjNW0E/?igsh=MTI3ZnVvenIwOGU2OQ==

Things I want to eat in New York
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Johanna

Google
Cool spot with an original menu but some of the baristas acted like they were doing us a favor by serving us. When we entered the coffee shop around 5pm, they looked at us like they were upset to have more customers. When the coffee shop was about to close, instead of directly letting us know it was time to leave, one of the male baristas thought it was more appropriate to turn the lights off on everyone and not saying anything. We all looked at each other wondering what was going on. Nonetheless, we loved the mango matcha latte with coconut milk and half & half! Not too sweet, very creamy and super refreshing!

Mandy Kuo

Google
Tried the papaya fruit latte which was one of the few drinks that could be made vegan. It was rather strong with two shots of espresso. Overall decent and the papaya wasn't too sweet. The other options I was interested in such as double pistachio mostly had dairy. So don't think it's for me personally. Lovely interior with a clean bathroom.

Michael Sturmer

Google
Oh well…I had much higher hopes for this place as it’s sort of hiding in plain sight and has an interesting, dark atmosphere. But despite the namesake, my flat white was very bitter and served in this tall cup. Since their pricing reflects a premium coffee experience, the incorrect cup size doesn’t show well. There are many, much better coffee options in the east village, in my opinion, so I won’t be returning to Not as Bitter.

Brian Chan

Google
This trendy cafe tucked away in the East Village provides a very unique menu and design. We ordered the banana split, and service was quick and friendly. The drink was not my favorite, but it was an interesting combination. Overall worth a visit if you’re nearby!

KATE

Google
Not as interesting as it appears. Not as cool as it seems. Not as tasty as it looks. I got the iced double pistachio latte, which came out to be $9.25 with tax. Apparently, if you want no ice, they will charge you extra & this latte doesn't come in a hot version. Taste was okay, which is super underwhelming considering the hefty price tag for an iced coffee that is half filled with ice (I did ask for light ice). Barely tasted like pistachio & barely taste the coffee, more like a hint of something in milk. The person that took my order seemed too cool to work there that they weren't that friendly. I've passed by this place a few times & when it first opened there was so much hype around it that there would be a line outside but since I went when the hype died down, there was no line. It's a cool, hip, dark space that has a moody cafe vibe, but what's the point if the most popular drink is just mediocre. Maybe I'll come back to give it a 2nd chance & try something else on the menu, but maybe not. Also random note, but the tables are very awkwardly low compared to the seating.

Olga NYC

Google
Their matcha latte with house-made coconut milk keeps me coming back. It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and far better than anything made with store-bought coconut milk. I do wish they offered a smaller size; it only comes in a tall cup. The drink menu is creative and interesting — I’m curious to try more. The staff tends to come off as a bit unfriendly, which seems to be a common experience. Just a heads-up: the cafe can be a bit hard to find.

Yan Hong

Google
I visited Not as bitter twice during my trip to New York and honestly, every drink I tried was amazing. It’s like a creative fusion between a coffee shop and a bubble tea place — super unique, super refreshing. I loved the Lychee Rose Cold Brew — light, floral, and perfect after a workout. The Osmanthus Coco Americano was another standout — subtle coconut and floral notes that somehow pair beautifully with black coffee. Also tried the Mango Matcha Latte (made with real mango purée!) and the Coco Matcha Latte — both smooth, fragrant, and not too sweet. If you’re into creative flavors, try the Not Beer Americano — it’s non-alcoholic but has a strong beer aroma, definitely a fun surprise. The Butter Beer Foam Latte reminded me of the drink at Universal Studios, but with espresso and much less sugar — super cozy and well-balanced. Oh, and don’t skip the cookie! I got the classic flavor and it was soft, buttery, and not overly sweet — perfect with coffee. Highly recommend for anyone looking to try something different from the usual coffee shop fare!

Sakina Huzefa

Google
Drinks were ok. We tried the rose coffeetea and the double pistachio latte. I didn’t feel like there was much of a rose flavor in the rose drink and the pistachio latte was ok. Nothing I would go back for. We also tried the espresso cacao cookie which was chewy and crispy - and very good.

elizabeth s.

Yelp
This is one of the best matchas I've ever had! I ordered the coconut iced matcha latte, and it had an authentic matcha flavor--not overly sweet or syrupy like many other places. Definitely recommend!
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Crystal Z.

Yelp
Ambiance - super small space, offers tables for guests, would not recommend if you're going as a big group planning to stay/chat Service - baristas were speedy, got my coffee within 5 min Food - the coconut matcha + shot of espresso had the right amount of sweetness
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Renata G.

Yelp
Such an innovative coffee shop! They have combos you didn't imagine were possible. Banana coffee, strawberry coffee, pistachio matcha, you name it. It sounds weird but their baristas are top notch and really perfected their craft. I highly recommend to try something you've never had before. People at the register are lovely and can guide you in the right direction. With that said, all their drinks are caffeinated so if you're with a friend and taking a day off from caffeine, there's no options there without. The space itself is very small and you have to shimmy sideways to get inside or to the seating. That doesn't scare people away and sometimes there's a small line to order.
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Leah O.

Yelp
I love a coffee shop that has a bunch of specialty coffees - something that makes it stand out against other coffee shops. I also love coconut flavored coffees.... which is why I got the coconut cloud latte. I liked that it was sweet but not too sweet, if you order online you can even decide what level of sweetness you want. My only complaint and I think this was a personal preference but there were too many coconut chunks. My partner got the Butter Beer Foam that was inspired by a trip to Universal in 2022 which was so cute that they added that on the cup. My partner went it while I was waiting in line for Apollos (iykyk) but he said the staff was super nice and that it didn't take long at all to order and get his drink.
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Jacquelyn C.

Yelp
I got the double pistachio latte and it was more heavy on the coffee rather than the pistachio. It was still yummy, just make sure to mix well!
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Nevin J.

Yelp
I really like the concept of a fruit puree latte. But the issue when me and my friends got here was their espresso machine was down and they offered to add matcha or milk as a replacement. Things happen so it wasn't too much of an issue but then we realized we got charged extra for matcha when we came in for a latte. Overall think it's a good but that situation just threw me off.
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Joyce K.

Yelp
After seeing Not as Bitter several times on TikTok, I decided to stop by when I was in the area. Surprisingly, it wasn't crowded and I was greeted by a couple rightfully having a photoshoot with their drinks outside. As expected, the menu had many unique coffee flavors and fruit lattes, so it was difficult to choose what I wanted. I ended up ordering the strawberry fields latte and was not disappointed. The drink came out quickly and it was beautiful! The layering of the espresso, milk, and strawberry at the bottom was definitely photo-worthy. My only critique is that I wish there was more espresso or that the espresso was stronger, but I do understand that the concept is for coffee to be "not as bitter." Although the coffee is pricey, I would definitely come back to try another drink!
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Ruby C.

Yelp
Not As Bitter is my recent favorite coffee shop as I'm obsessed with their creative drink menu. While my go-to drink is their Banana Split, they also have some interesting coffee options like Strawberry Split, Double Pistachio, Durian Latte, Papaya Latte etc. If you like Asian-inspired and fruit-infused flavors and sweetened coffee, make sure to check them out. Suggested itinerary: Stop by Apollo's Bagels to get bagels, and grab a drink at Not As Bitter across the street. *Banana Split According to the drink label, it is a drink inspired by a trip to Hawaii. It is composed of espresso, coconut milk, whole milk and banana. What really surprises me is they actually blend REAL BANANA into the drink, instead of simply adding store bought banana milk. You can drink mashed banana, and it goes perfectly well with coconut milk and coffee. Very creamy with a hint of bitterness from espresso to balance out the sweetness.
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Tuan H.

Yelp
This charming coffee shop is easily overlooked if you're just passing by. Despite the occasional line, their fast and efficient service ensures a pleasant experience. They're renowned for their diverse range of fruit lattes. I couldn't resist trying the Freshly Durian Latte, which featured fresh Durian fruit and was an absolute delight! The Lychee Rose Latte was equally refreshing and bursting with flavor. We highly recommend trying their coffee; they have something to suit every taste bud!
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Alex M.

Yelp
(Overall: B) - Not as Bitter is a very catchy concept for foodies, specializing in fruit flavored coffee. I tried the papaya coffee which felt like there was slight misalignment there in terms of flavor, but was nevertheless intrigued by the rest of the menu for a future return. The staff are knowledgable and kind which is an added bonus as well. (Papaya Latte: B) - I was intrigued by this drink as papaya is not a common flavor found in drinks; the concept is interesting and I think it could work much better with more mild teas as espresso is a very dominant flavor that overpowers the subtleness of the papaya. -- Food: E Presentation: +1 Price: E Atmosphere: E Service: +1 Menu: +1 Overall: +3 B Insta/Beli/TikTok: @amei_eats
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Theresa L.

Yelp
Wow. Impeccable coffee! As the name of the shop describes, my drink was super smooth and not bitter at all. I had the Durian Latte with no modifications, and it was very creamy. I saw some buzz about the Durian Latte on social media, which is why I opted for it. Super different than any other fruit-flavored coffee I've ever had, and it worked really well! The staff is super friendly and there's ample seating as well:-) i love the dark marble vibe of the entire shop. My friend had the Persimmon Latte, and that was delicious as well! One of my favorite and most unique coffee spots I've been to recently, and I'm looking forward to trying more of the menu.
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Carmen U.

Yelp
This was my favorite coffee shop during my trip to NY. I love the Asian fusion concept and the espresso in the latte has the notes that I really like. It's hard to describe but it's very full bodied and smooth. The persimmon and papaya flavors weren't very strong flavors to change the taste of the latte. It was more like a fruit topping, but still very unique choices that you don't find elsewhere. I'm looking forward to my next trip to try other drinks next!
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Sophia W.

Yelp
I really enjoyed the fruit lattes! Very interesting concept, and a flavor combination I haven't had before. I had the Strawberry Fields drink, and I loved the sweet strawberry puree with my latte. The interior is dark, with many seats quite close together, giving a very intimate vibe. The service was quite fast, and the staff are friendly. The one thing for me is that the fruit lattes are on the pricier side, but the regular drinks are a decent price.
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Ken W.

Yelp
Cofftea with Jasmine was pleasant; the reduction in espresso shots from 3 to 2 was necessary, as the caffeine boost was immediate and prominent.
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Victoria K.

Yelp
I'm an actual certified sucker for a cafe with specialty drinks, especially ones with Asian flavors, so when I saw this floating around socials, I knew I'd have to stop by. The inside is trendy, but, and this doesn't actually matter in regard to the actual drinks, I found the decor somewhat offputting. You're surrounded by black surfaces, and I just like something a little more bright, especially at a cafe. I ended up trying the iced coconut matcha. It was my first time having a shot of espresso in a matcha drink, and I don't actually think I like it? There's something about expecting a regular matcha drink then getting hit with a bit of the bitterness of the coffee that I didn't quite enjoy. I thought they did a good job blending the flavors together, and I can see how matcha and coffee lovers might enjoy it, but it didn't work for my personal taste. My cousin had their osmanthus latte, which she thought could have also used a stronger osmanthus flavor.
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Whitney D.

Yelp
This is a coffee shop that is kinda hidden. You walk through a curtain and the outside of it is not like your regular coffee shop. I did have to wait a few min before someone acknowledged me that I was waiting to place my order. There were three people working there. Anyway, I ordered the not beer americano which is: Americano, seltzer and a syrup that gives it like a beer taste to it. I know it sounds gross but, It was actually pretty good and refreshing on this hot day. Alot of people on the street that saw me with it said how good it looked too. They have many flavors and some use fruit. Odd mixtures but interesting as well. I did not have the cookies or anything to eat here. This shop is on the smaller side and they have indoor seating and also a bench outside. Cool place to go. I will be back to either try another speciality drink or just a regular coffee drink.
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Emily T.

Yelp
I love this place. It's a good place to have a boba tea in New York. The drink is new to me and it tastes good as well. The staff is friendly and no rush. The place is nice and clean (even restroom). I would love to cone back and try something else.
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Megana V.

Yelp
3.5/5 heard mixed things but overall liked their creative drinks!! got the seasonal persimmon latte and it was quite good! the fruit paired well with the coffee and made the drink creamy. also tried my friends butter beer foam latte and honestly thought it was too bitter. this is def a fun spot to check out but the drinks aren't super consistent.
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Serenity G.

Yelp
Innovative coffee spot in Manhattan. My husband and I stopped by around 2pm on Sunday and there was no wait! There is a good amount of seating inside but be warned, it can get packed. We ordered the durian latte and banana split. The staffs were able to make the banana split dairy free (my husband is lactose) and my husband loved his drink. I'm a big durian fan and thoroughly enjoyed my durian latte. All the drinks were inspired trips, which was pretty interesting. I did enjoyed reading about the trips that inspired the drinks. Can't wait to go back to try their other drinks!
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Glenn C.

Yelp
It could be seen by a good amount of my reviews but I love durian. From the slight sweetness to the funk to the texture, it's one of my favorite fruits as I like almost all fruits which taste overripened. All me aside, I stopped here in the afternoon on a Tuesday and it was pretty crowded but I was able to get a seat with the inside being dark but with good enough lighting for photos. I presume around other times of the day, it's probably quite crowded in here. The staff here was very friendly with the female barista patiently going through my order as well as everyone else and giving some people recommendations or describing what's in their rather unique drinks as there isn't descriptions for their drinks. I personally stopped here around a week ago. Of course, I got the Freshly Durian which is listed as one of their fresh fruits latte. This has espresso (two shots,) coconut milk, whole milk, and fresh durian. The drink was $8.50 which is expensive but hey it's basically the exact same price as one of the fancier fruit teas (especially the ones with durian or dragon fruit) and the same as some other fancier coffee drinks so I think it's worth it as long as the flavors are good. You can also compare it to most durian desserts and it definitely falls into the reasonably priced category as well. There was a good chunk of said fruit that bottom with layers of the coconut milk/milk, and then the espresso. The flavor had a good mix of sweetness from the durian/coconut milk, a bit of richness, some funk, and some bitterness from the coffee which was good quality. I'm unsure the beans that are used here but the coffee was good (apparently the beans are from Guangzhou, China according to NYP.) I would honestly prefer not to have coconut milk in there but it worked. I wouldn't mind going back and trying to hawthorn or some other drink and I'm kind of happy honestly that they're nowhere nearby or else I'd be spending a good amount of money here. Would go back (obviously.)
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Taylor W.

Yelp
I got a Strawberry Fields with a matcha shot instead of the espresso ($10). Honestly, I thought this place was overhyped. The drink wasn't that sweet and I was able to taste the bitterness of the matcha. The coconut milk and half and half give it a rich texture. They also have several seats and tables, but it gets pretty crowded.
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Kelly L.

Yelp
After lunch, my friend and I came to Not As Bitter to try their fruit lattes and specialty drinks. We ordered the Freshly Durian ($8.50) and No Sour Grapes Here ($6.75). When you order, the staff lets you know what type of milk is used in your drink and if you want an espresso shot based on your order. Freshly Durian is a latte with fresh chunks of durian, expresso, coconut milk, and whole milk. It is an interesting combination, but I'm not sure if I like it. No Sour Grapes Here is a cold brew with grape, orange, espresso, and sparkling water. We were not a fan of this one because it tasted like a sour coffee. The cafe is dim, with around 7 tables (of 2 ppl) for seating indoors and a bench outdoors. There is a bathroom in the back.
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Rebecca P.

Yelp
Loved it! Very cute, and different. I had the strawberry fields and it was really good. My mom got the matcha without the the coffee (that is usually added) and it was also really good. Coming back!!
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Elliana T.

Yelp
Stopped here for a midday pick me up and wow is this coffee strong! The inside is dark, which is different from a normal coffee shop but it has a cool vibe. The baristas were nice. We got the iced strawberry fields latte with one espresso shot and the white peach oolong cofftea. The strawberry fields was delicious! The white peach was actually kind of bitter and I don't know if its because the tea was really strong or two shots of espresso was too many. I'd come back again to try it with one shot and I've heard good things about their coconut coffee!
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Michael C.

Yelp
We came here recently because we've seen this place all over social media. Super trendy spot, from the cup design and the flavors to the interior. I don't think this spot quite lives up to the hype. The jasmine tea and coffee mix had a light jasmine flavor which was good, but the combo of the two just didn't work that well together. The coffee being on the darker side didn't help, as it was a bit too bitter overall. The hawthorn tree drink also had strange flavors. The fruitiness comes through faintly, so only provides a tinge of tartness. Almost tastes like the milk has gone a bit bad. Not super pleasant either. Their flavors are super innovative and exciting, but I don't think they necessarily work that well together.
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Wendy Z.

Yelp
This place def not as bitter cuz it was sweet asf Their coconut coffee is very good tho, fruit puree ones (strawberry and pineapple were the ones I got) were very sweet, but if you like sweet this is a good place. Very solid shop
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Nav S.

Yelp
After seeing it all over social media, finally got a chance to visit this place. It's an absolutly lovely spot with amazing variety of coffee and unique types like coffee mixed with tea which was amazing. I got the jasmine tea with coffee latte and it was super refreshing. The service deserves a 100/5 the barista was absolutely the sweetest person ever, she explained the drinks and what her favorites were and they were stunning drinks
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Sandy D.

Yelp
You would never have known this was a coffee spot from the inconspicuous outside, with the exterior just as dark as the interior. The camouflaged door was cool, but I wish it pulled going in, instead of pushed, because the space inside was very cramp to begin with, with people standing by the cashier, which was also close to the door. The person manning the cashiers was very patient and knowledgable in answering questions and recommending sugar levels for their drinks. They offer sweetening after the drink is made if it's not sweet enough. I got the Freshly Durian ($8.50) with less sweet, and it was just right, true to the cashier's rec. The sweetness of the fresh fruit itself was enough. I was taken aback by the taste at first, of two things I never knew could go together colliding, but I soon grew into liking it. The creaminess of the milk eventually meshes with the unique aromatic flare of the durian. The price is the steepest I will possibly ever pay for coffee. But fruit lattes are here to stay for me, and I would go back to try their other fruit flavors.
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Shirin B.

Yelp
One of the best coffee shops NYC has to offer. I walked right past Not As Bitter but then once I found it, I had to try one of their fresh fruit lattes. Durian and strawberry are their most famous but I didn't want to go too adventurous or too safe so I took a chance on Papaya. Papaya as a fruit is alright but once I had it in coffee my perspective on papaya and coffee changed. First off, the coffee is fantastic. The most delicious espresso paired with high quality cream, I couldn't stop drinking it. Then, add the papaya (or whatever fruit you go with), and its game changing. Note that you need to be okay with pulpy chunks of fruit and fiber in your coffee but if thats not your thing go with a regular coffee. I thought it wasn't but I thoroughly enjoyed this drink. The papaya was so fresh and delicious. Can't wait to come back and try the durian next!
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Steven Z.

Yelp
Not as Bitter is a unique coffee shop that serves a variety of fruity coffee drinks. I got the No Sour Grapes drink, which I expected to be washed out but pleasantly lived up to its name. Drinks are definitely on the pricier side, ranging from $7 - $10. This is normally the price of a fancy pourover. While some of the drinks are good, others are hit or miss and might not be worth it. The interior is all blacked out, as are the cups. Coffee drinks often suffer from the "brown liquid problem", so the black cups help draw out the novel fruit flavors in their drinks. Overall, I would come back but if the line is long I'm going to another shop.
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Isabella B.

Yelp
This spot is a coffee spot destination to try their fruit lattes and speciality drinks. I highly encourage ordering something new and different at this coffee shop. There is a bit of line and waiting outside of the coffee shop before entering and ordering so do be patient on line. Once inside and ready to place your order, the cashier makes sure you know what type of milk is used in your order and if you want an espresso shot based on your order. I ordered the Banana Split Latte which is from their Fruit Latte category. What was great about this drink is that there were bits of banana mixed in the drink and not just a whisper of banana flavor. Another plus is that cup has a lid/cap so you can close and give it a quick swirl/shake to mix the fruit bits and latte. The space was dimly lit and chill space to hang out with a friend. There are limited indoor seatings and a bit tight of a space to navigate from placing your order to waiting while not blocking others who want to exit or find a seat in the coffee shop. But they also have a bench to sit outside their shop and get a photo op with their shop's sign and with your drink. Overall this is a coffee shop that offers an array of speciality drinks to try especially in this NYC heat
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Cecilia L.

Yelp
Mmm soooo very delicious and innovative take on coffee I'm not a big fan of sweet coffee but I'd say their regular strawberry fields and durian latte is not too sweet and just right even though they do add some simple syrup! And I love that they use real fruits to make their coffee
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Connie G.

Yelp
Finally got around to coming here! I dropped by on a weekday afternoon and the place was fairly busy. The girl at the front was super friendly, chatty, and happy to explain what was in all the drinks. I didn't realize until after I ordered but they're very open to customizing your drinks (e.g. adjusting the number of espresso shots or taking them out altogether, milk adjustments (they only have whole milk and coconut), making the drink less sweet etc.). I ended up getting the banana split it and it was delicious! The drink was sweeter than I expected (not sure if that's just the banana or if they added syrup) but the banana flavor paired super well with the coffee. They added two shots of espresso, so the espresso flavor was pretty strong (which I really liked). Their entire menu looks amazing, so I'll definitely be coming back to try their other drinks, but next time I'll definitely request 100% coconut milk since I'm lactose intolerant and maybe less syrup in my drink. Also not a bad place to get some work done: there's wifi (but note it can be pretty spotty), some outlets, and a bathroom!
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Rina D.

Yelp
I came the day they finally opened to the general public and was able to talk with the staff while they were preparing my drinks. I could see that they put lots of thought and effort into each of the drinks in the menu! Loved the dark ambiance and that there was wifi given here. My favorite was the cofftea and you can really taste the tea flavor with it! Clean, flavorful, and refreshing, I loved the fusion of coffee and tea. The lables on the cups are also so cute and just overall the drinks, service, and ambiance were 5/5 for me. Would definitely come back to try their other drinks!
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Minique D.

Yelp
Perfect spot for caffeine if you're stopping at Apollo Bagels. Definitely get the coconut matcha. You have the option to have a shot of espresso in the matcha (I asked for mine on the side). As a novice Matcha drinker, I say it's a home run. The butter beer foam latte was also good if you're looking for a slightly sweet drink. I would definitely come back.
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Gordon P.

Yelp
If you like specialty lattes you need to try Not As Bitter! Durian Latte (10/10) - I believe the nice cashier lady said there's 2 shots of espresso in this latte so it definitely packs a punch. It's the perfect ratio to me, not too milky which I love but still so creamy and dreamy from the durian. The only place I've tried durian latte other than here is in San Francisco, and I gotta say Not As Bitter takes the cake! Butter Beer Foam (8.7/10) - Note I am not the biggest fan of butter beer but if you are, I think you'll love this! Potent butter beer flavor and this drink is the perfect ratio of milk to espresso as well (not too milky!). Overall, definitely worth the visit! Cute space inside as well, with a good amount of seats along the wall. The lady at cash wrap is also super nice and knowledgeable of all the drinks on the menu so definitely don't hesitate to ask her any questions or for recommendations. Wish I could come here everyday!
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Amy W.

Yelp
This coffee shop has been high on my list of places to try -- and it didn't disappoint! While it is on the pricier side, I do believe it's a lovely treat to try novelty coffee menus, and this spot has a large selection of fun drinks. The durian fruit latte was definitely top of my list and caught my eye, as someone who likes durian a lot. You'd be hard pressed to find something similar. The espresso was veryy strong, and they use a combination of milks (coconut and half and half, I believe), and there is some fresh durian paste at the bottom. The durian worked magically with the espresso, adding nuttiness and sweetness and a particular musk characteristic of durian. I couldn't get enough! It was busy when I came in on a Sunday, but the line was short and the service was very quick. It's a bit depressing inside, though, so I wouldn't necessarily hang out in the shop after and took my drink to go. Would definitely come back to try more of their drinks!
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Colleen M.

Yelp
Overall okay - they were sold out of cold brews, speciality drinks, and a few other items when we stopped by one Sunday just past 1pm, so hit or miss with availability. There are plenty of fruit latte spots similar to Not As Bitter in San Francisco and Los Angeles - and Asia, of course - so I might be extra particular about the drinks at Not As Bitter. It also doesn't help that my social media has been bombarded with videos about this very aesthetic little shop, so my expectations were way too high. I got an iced coconut matcha latte with a shot of espresso. It was OK? The price point was a little surprising but I figured it was worth a try. Nothing to rave about, but nothing I disliked either. Husband grabbed a regular latte as he wanted to taste the coffee, less so the fruity drinks (that were mostly sold out anyway) and said it was so-so. Second attempt: I do love durian but don't feel like the quality of the durian was high enough to complement coffee. I also feel like a robusta coffee roast works better with fruit in drinks like these. We probably won't go out of our way to come back again, but as it's seemingly the only fruit latte spot in the city, give it a try! Temper your expectations for the best experience.
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Brooke K.

Yelp
this coffee shop def is a vibe inside with dark interior and draped door opening. Coffee was good. just ordered an americano with half and half and sugar, but there's a lot of unique options. coffee was very tasty. I also like the cup the iced coffee comes in.
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Sahas G.

Yelp
Interesting concept but missed the mark for me. Not As Bitter is a recently opened spot known for their "fresh fruit lattes", which combine fresh fruit purées into a traditional latte. It has a near permanent 30 minute line outside, and might be worth trying if you're into exploring new coffee flavors. We ordered the strawberry fields, which tasted like a latte with just the barest hint of strawberry. Perhaps something like the durian would be better.
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Nicole L.

Yelp
Low key trendy coffee place with a focus on coffee drinks on the sweeter side, personally I was drawn to it because I wanted to try the durian latte. There were tables inside the dark but luminated room - it was packed. I visited the toilet loved the dark interior with metallic patterned wall paper! The durian coffee was really good I wish I can have it regularly!!
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Hailey K.

Yelp
Not As Bitter in East Village has Asian-inspired tea and coffee drinks in a cozy setting. The cafe has a modern decor, which makes it a great place to hang out with friends over a yummy cup of coffee. I visited on a Sunday morning and it was pretty packed (for good reason). The staff was suuuper friendly and helped me understand the menu items despite the line out the door. Banana Split Latte (9/10): This is a must-try! This unique drink combines the sweetness of banana, creaminess of milk, and boldness of espresso. It's not overly sweet, and I loved how you could taste both the fruit and the coffee.
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Brianna D.

Yelp
Amazing quality, service, variety, and ambiance! I had a delicious cookie and my friends enjoyed their matcha. Perfect cozy afternoon spot. Plenty of seating and clean bathroom.
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Julie M.

Yelp
As a pistachio lover I was extremely excited to try the double pistachio latte. The line was short, about 5-7 min, so no complaints here. The coffee was expensive, $9 for this drink. After my first sip I was automatically disappointed. Didn't taste much like pistachio, besides the chopped up nuts they put on top (why?). The drink was very green so I expected a good pistachio flavor, but I got nothing. Also the nuts kept getting in my straw so it was hard to drink. It also didn't have any sweetness to it so I had to put a bit of simple syrup in it. Honestly the service was good and the presentation of the drink was nice but I wouldn't waste my money here again.
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Olivia L.

Yelp
The description says coconut and whole milk but the barista said it is dairy only. Tasted like a regular latte, not sweet or very nutty tasting like it describes. Still good, just misleading. The inside seating is more interesting than the drink was.
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Jackie K.

Yelp
Pretty good ! Very interesting combinations on the menu. Tried freshly durian and jasmine cofftea. The barista advised jasmine cofftea is 3 shots but we cut it to 2 shots and it's strong enough! Freshly durian is not for everyone tho. But if you like durian you definitely need to try it! It's really good! Cute interior inside as well.
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Megan H.

Yelp
Wanted to try this place after seeing it on TikTok. It was pretty flavorful but very milky so I didn't feel amazing afterwards, but I liked how it wasn't overly sweet yet the flavors still maintained. We got the strawberry field (no half and half), avocado toast and coconut cloud. I really liked the flavor of the coconut cloud one because I'm a big coconut fan but cute spot!
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Michelle T.

Yelp
Not as bitter is good but didn't completely get me craving to go back again and purchase the durian latte. And for the price point as well it's tad on the expensive side.
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Samantha D.

Yelp
Came here to get some work done as well as try their durian latte. The balance between the durian and the coffee was surprisingly very good. The sweetness of the durian with their more mild espresso. The coconut milk sits in the background but allows for a more creamy drink. There's durian pulp in the drink, so it's safe to say that it's not just powder. Not too sweet, a perfect latte for the people who love durian.