Doma (CLOSED)

had always known Doma was a great neighborhood coffee shop but when a friend brought me here for lunch I was truly blown away. We ordered the cured meat and cheese plate which was fresh and the cheese was extremely well chosen. I ordered grilled chicken as my main plate and I'm a huge chicken fan, so my standards aren't exactly low. I was delighted when my chicken was juicy, perfectly cooked, and topped with crispy skin. My friend ordered a salad which she seemed to love since she scarfed it down in seconds (can't remember which one now...). The other thing I noticed is that the wine was really delicious and very reasonably priced which was great for anyone going on a date but not wanting to overspend on wine. I finished the meal with chocolate cake which had an amazing pistachio sauce. Honestly I ate my entire piece as well as my friends- that's how good it was. I would recommend this to low key out of towners who want to stop by for coffee, as well as snobby foodies. I would also recommend this for small-medium parties, definitely a date, or even a potentially awkward meeting with a friend you haven't seen in years (you'll have plenty of talk about when your food is served).

Pros: The food is good. Location is in a perfect little nook in the village. Cons: Where do I start? Am I the only New Yorker who is simply tired of the pretentious little corner cafe that should be so much better than you-know-who but is uberly populated by stay-in-your-seat for-four-hours-with-half-a-cup-of-coffee types? Plus, I don't know if it's the layout of the place or what, but it's sort of a "scene," when really it has a lot of potential to be a cool hangout. And the service? Excuse me, is this a coffee joint or the DMV, because all I really asked for is a cup of your (albeit good) coffee. Finally about the service: I have to say, the kitchen people in the back always seem to be working super hard and fast, but the counter service is truly lacking. I know you're a restaurant, too, but if you have a coffee counter at least have it tended to by someone who doesn't hate their job and everyone around them, especially during the busy a.m. hours. I see that they started delivery, but to be honest my experiences there have left such a bad taste in my mouth and can't even bring myself to calling in an order.

In accordance with all the other reivews, the service in Doma is just horrendous. I went to the counter to order and the girl working there was writing the specials on the chalk board. She ignored me, then when I told her I was ready to order, she went into the back room for an eternity, only to re-emerge and finish writing on the chalk board. When the line forming behind me to order grew significantly, she finally decided to take my order. I ordered a latte and the vanilla steamed milk. She overcharged me. The mugs were dirty, the steamed milk had so much vanilla in it, it tasted alcoholic. It was hot as an oven inside too.

Agreed with most reviewers, the service is, by local customs, inordinately unfriendly. This seems to be due to cultural difference - the staff at the counter is former east bloc in origin - been there, it's typical of that area. The food is certainly fun; hard to find places like this - well-made comfort food, tasty but plenty of healthy items, i'd have to aver moderate in price - atmosphere and all considering - it's the same as the better places in the area re: cost (think Chat 'n Chew type prices but lest touristy). Great place to go late at night as the tables open up a bit, but there are still enough "diners" to make for an eclectic social stop. Overall: I'd recommend this place and although it doesn't hit high numbers for anything in particular, the way it's put together fills a gap that's covered by a small set of spots.

Doma is an excellent cafe for meeting and chatting if you can get over the lack of common courtesy, like a hello or a thank you...I've never encountered such unfriendly staff in a place that ought to be really comfortable and neighborly. The food is great, everything I've ever had has been delicious or I simply would never go there, but I can't believe anyone would call it cheap - it's $2.80 for a small cup of tea and $8+ for a sandwich.

Fantastic atmosphere and food. Place is always bustling with studiers, dog-walkers, and general West Village energy.

I moved to the neighborhood last year and accidentally found this place. It's delicious, light, and cheap. Very crowded though, precisely because it is so good and affordable.