Ruwan J.
Google
((5 stars outta 5 stars!))
Park at Kims is not a merely a tale of a coffee shop's beginnings on a sleepy block of Elizabeth Street in 2025 but is longer larger book that one can experience the products of its effort, imagination, culture, genuine hospitality, and a lil bit of magic via in a cup of coffee to stay or go. passed by Park at Kims (PaK) during their soft opening a few months ago and saw a line but didn't have time to stop, but thankfully I did not forget this place and have stopped by quite a number of times recently. there is Korean influence in the vibe and feelings evoked in the coffee shop while still navigating the contours of being a coffee experience in NYC and representing both places in obvious and subtle ways. the main takeaway is that Park at Kim's set a high standard for its coffee offerings and potable alchemy, small menu of small bites, and its welcoming nature to guests. the quality of coffee served and how it's prepared is top-notch and represents itself in each brew of coffee. only have tried the drip (Loquat coffee, Los Angeles roaster) as well as Americanos (one of several Korean origin coffee beans served here). coffee is a serious business in Korea, huge consumption by the populace, and coffee shop competition there is insanely high--Park at Kims takes the best of that discipline in terms of coffee without "harshing the vibe" or removing the energy from the fun because ultimately it's about great tasting coffee and a pleasant memory whether it's by a one-time visitor or a regular. the Loquat coffee bean used in the drip coffee has a light fruit notes with a hint of sweetness...honestly, the drip is so consistent here that you don't get that crazy variance that you are often faced with at many other coffee spots...another hat tip to the folks operating PaK and their dedication to coffee-making as a craft as opposed to being a generic "product/service." forgot the blend i asked for in the Americanos i've enjoyed, but it's a smooth medium roast with a mellow flavor of chocolate, nuts, and je-ne-sais-quoi! don't sleep on the small eats here--typically a limited offering of doughnuts, kouign amann (or similar pastries), and the Doenjang jambon beurre sandwich. haven't tried the sweeter options like the doughnuts, but the Doenjang jambon beurre sandwich is a must-have. seriously. thinly sliced ham, compounded butter (butter infused with the savory flavor of Doenjang a soybean paste), a pickled element (maybe radish), all of that is sandwiched is a baguette roll that might be one of the finest breads to be had in lower Manhattan (not sure where PaK sources the baguette, but keep it a secret!)... the sandwich is really good bc that baguette takes it to the next level. the interior is medium-sized with seating options spread on either side for solos, pairs, small groups and a couple of seats at the counter bar. the vibe is modern and friendly with a light warm clean-to-the-eyes aesthetic for those staying for a coffee or two. seating is frequently occupied during prime time hours or like the weekends. the service is excellent--friendly, authentic, and clearly focused on making a cup of coffee a bright spot to the day as opposed to a commodified one. whenever i have had q's about what coffee or brew to get (even when the shop is superbusy and I appreciate that), the kindness in the answers goes above and beyond what's typically doled out elsewhere. in fact, have had several fun chats with
Sojan (sp?), one of the owner-operators about some of the coffee beans that they sell by the bag as well as ones they use in-house. he's a cool dude along with his fellow owners and staff who understand how a customer experience is not just a transaction for tangible product that ends once the coffee is made, but in making a connection with the coffee that lasts beyond the last drip. looking forward to eventually having a cortado, a flat white, and a pour over there...when there's a seat to snag--heh. highly encourage anyone who enjoys coffee to head here for the excellent coffee vibes and beyond.