Metal-inspired coffee shop haunts Waldo
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On the left, the outside of Apparition. On the right, my order with the ghost art behind it. Photos: Abbey Higginbotham/Axios
A metal music-themed coffee shop, Apparition Coffee, opened late last month in the former Second Best space, bringing signature drinks and breakfast burritos to Waldo.
Why it matters: Second Best closed unexpectedly in November after more than a decade, and the neighborhood has waited months for someone to bring the spot back to life.
Zoom in: Brian Denman designed the shop around the metal bands he grew up playing in, from the ghost logo on the wall to menus lettered like an album cover.
- He originally co-owned Waterbird Coffee Company for more than three years before stepping away to start his own business.
- He rehired several Second Best employees and revived the space's beloved breakfast burritos ($9.50).
What to try: The Beetdown ($8), poured in pink ombre layers with a fresh mint garnish, and the Tarragon Lie ($8), a cold brew with coconut, tarragon, lemon and coconut cream, were my top picks. Herbal, creamy and unlike anything else in my local coffee rotation.
- The blueberry hand pie held up, too — flaky with a jammy center.
- I grabbed one of the shop's cute ghost stickers at the register on my way out. Nice laptop decor!
💭 Abbey's thought bubble: I expected a heavy metal coffee shop to feel dark. Instead, I found a bright, friendly space with a cartoon ghost painted on the wall beside my table and drinks that arrived looking like art.
- If only I could add all the rock and metal music I heard in this newsletter.
If you go: The shop sits at 328 W. 85th St. and opens 7 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday and 8 am to 2 pm Saturday. The shop closes on Sundays.