America's Oldest Operating Coffee Shop Is In This US State

Humankind has been drinking coffee for more than a thousand years, but America's love affair with java really began after the Boston Tea Party in 1773, when folks switched out their morning cups of tea for coffee to snub British rule over the New World. If you can believe it, there were established coffeehouses in Boston, Massachusetts around even prior to this historic event. But, if you want to visit the oldest coffeehouse in America that's still open for business, head to the Empire State, where Caffe Reggio has been open in Manhattan's South Village since 1927.

With the heavy influx of European immigrants to New York City at the turn of the 20th century, it should come as no surprise that Italian style coffee arrived in the city as well, and that's just what Caffe Reggio specializes in. In fact, the company claims that the founder, Domenico Parisi, introduced cappuccinos to New York. That's why they're always on the menu at Caffe Reggio, even though in Italy, you never order a  cappuccino after 11:00 am. 

The story goes that Parisi spent his life savings on a gorgeous, ornate, Italian bronze and chrome espresso machine that was built in 1902, and  is still in the coffeehouse today, although it's no longer used to make espresso drinks. Caffe Reggio gave locals a chance to experience what coffee was like in Europe, namely Italy, and its staying power is a testament to how popular it has remained in Greenwich Village over the decades. 

Caffe Reggio draws you in before you even step over the threshold with its vivid green storefront and awnings, one of which still boasts "Original Cappuccino," the way it did in 1927. Although it's unclear how exactly the cafe looked when it opened, it currently has a very old world feel. It is dimly lit, with moody but cozy dark walls, ornate furniture, and even original, Renaissance-era artwork on the walls. 

Arguably, the most stunning piece of history in Caffe Reggio is a bench that was once owned by the Medici family of Florence, who happened to influence the creation of gelato in Italy. And yes, customers are welcome to sit and enjoy their coffee on it. 

Several films have been shot here, including a scene from "The Godfather Part II." This place has everything you'd expect from a neighborhood coffee house, like hot and cold beverages, and plenty of (mostly) Italian desserts. But, like so many bars or cafes you'd see in Italy, you can also stop in for an afternoon cocktail or glass of wine. If you're hungry, Caffe Reggio offers bites for brunch and dinner including salads, pastas, sandwiches, and soups. This is a coffee shop that you want to sit and relax in, and take in the gorgeous atmosphere around you, that probably is very similar to how it looked almost a century ago. And don't forget to order a cappuccino.