Our next stop brings us to Citizens of SoHo, where the warmth and charm of an Aussie neighborhood cafe meld seamlessly with the bustling energy of New York City. Open for brunch all day, Citizen’s embodies the feeling of a close-knit community amidst the sprawling metropolis, where locals gather over steaming cups of coffee and delightful meals.
Citizens first opened its doors in Chelsea in 2016, born from the shared vision of co-founders Justin Giuffrida and Andrew Geisel. Justin, from Melbourne (the world’s cafe capital), and Andrew, from the sunny Gold Coast, dreamt of bringing an authentic Australian cafe experience to the Big Apple while working together in an NYC coffee shop.
For food recommendations, I urge you to try their Famous Smashing Avo, a gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly dish that features avocado tossed with feta and lime, served on a thick-cut multigrain toast and garnished with pickled onion, radish, pumpkin seeds, and beetroot hummus.
If you’re in the mood for a sweet indulgence, their Banana Bread French Toast is a must-try. It’s an elevated take on the classic, featuring maple banana bread French toast adorned with caramelized bananas and mascarpone. Drizzles of miso butterscotch and sprinkles of black sesame soy powder add a unique flavor twist, and a garnish of fresh mint leaves provides the perfect finishing touch.
