New York City Nolita

Calm Nolita's offerings aren't as interesting as Little Italy's delicious kitsch or Chinatown's mouth-watering sprawl, but the cafes and coffeeshops here make a great afternoon stop. The clientele is young and fashionable without being pushy about it.

Cafe Habana, 17 Prince St. (at Elizabeth St.) (www.cafehabana.com), This corner cafe epitomizes Nolita's effortless cool without being frustratingly upscale. Mexican and Cuban favorites like huevos rancheros and Cuban sandwiches attract crowds of 20-somethings eating lunch and dinner. Try their famous corn dishes. You can either sit down in the corner restaurant or take out from their stand one door away on Elizabeth St. Entrees $6.50-12. Open daily 9am-midnight. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Has air conditioning. Has outdoor seating.
Cafe Gitane, 242 Mott St. (at Prince St.) Another one of Nolita's foreign-influenced cafes, Gitane draws on Moroccan influences to create an edgy but comfortable vibe in its spare corner space. Youngish crowds gather for Moroccan couscous, hachi parmentier, and generous salad options. Pastel walls add just enough flavor to the place, creating a Mediterranean feel. There's also outdoor seating. Entrees $8-13. Open M-Th 8am-midnight, F-Sa 9am-12:30pm, Su 8am-midnight. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Ciao Bella Gelato, 285 Mott St. (www.ciaobellagelato.com), There's plenty of gelato to be had a few blocks south in Little Italy, but the clean, small, and untrammeled Ciao Bella is a delicious and quieter alternative. Get in, order a gelato (unique and irresistible flavors like maple ginger snap and Turkish pistachio abound), sundae, or float, and make your exit. Try for the shaded benches just outside. Perfect for nomads on hot days. 1 scoop $3.25, 2 $4.75, 3 $6. Open M-Sa 11-9, Su 11-7. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Gimme! Coffee, 225 Mott St. (www.gimmecoffee.com), This small takeout coffee outpost, one of several around the city and even the state, has a growing reputation among caffeine lovers. A unique crowd congregates in its red, claustrophobic interior rich with the scents of well made espresso and cappuccino. There's no seating, so grab something for the road or find a nearby bench. Espresso $2.25, cappuccino $3.50, latte $3.75-4.50. Open M-F 7am-9pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Nolita House, 47 East Houston St. (www.nolitahouse.com), Nolita House's aesthetic is unique enough: its logo is a red schoolhouse, and its walls are appropriately lined with chalkboards and old black-and-white school photos. A varied menu offering cheap tacos ($4) alongside more expensive American entrees like pizzas and burgers keeps the dust away. You can also come for their weekend bluegrass brunches and well-stocked bar. Entrees $8-22. Open M-W 11:30am-3:30pm and 5-11pm; Th-Sa 11:30am-3:30pm and 5pm-2am; Su 11:30am-3:30pm and 5-11pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.