"Tucked away in the West Village, Do Not Feed Alligators is the kind of coffee shop that makes you slow down and appreciate good taste. The name catches your attention first — but it’s the atmosphere that keeps you there. Warm lighting, thoughtful playlist, and a cozy layout that makes it perfect for reading, working, or just people-watching. Their espresso was smooth with a naturally sweet finish, and the latte had great milk texture with no bitterness at all. The baristas were kind and genuinely passionate about the coffee, not just going through motions. It feels like a hidden gem that deserves more buzz — a great spot for solo mornings or quiet catch-ups. If you find yourself wandering the West Village, this is a stop worth making. And yes — you still shouldn’t feed the alligators. 🐊"

"Do Not Feed The Alligators is one of those spots that is fun to say you’ve tried, and I’d call it a solid 4 stars. The vibe is quirky and playful, with decor that makes you smile and a space that feels relaxed enough to camp out with a book. My drink was good, not mind blowing, but definitely enjoyable. You can tell they care about presentation and the staff is friendly and patient, even when it gets a bit busy. That said, it falls just short of being a true four star for me. The coffee could use a bit more depth and consistency, and the pastries and food feel more “does the job” than memorable. If you are nearby and want a cute, low key place to grab a drink and hang out, it is worth a stop. It is just not a destination coffee shop I would go out of my way for, which is why it lands at a comfortable 4."

"Renovated chic meets elevated earthy casual at this down to earth specialty coffee spot. Great natural light as you enter from the expansive glass storefront. Grab a seat by the window if you’re lucky (prime for people watching). Or if it’s a nice day peep a place in the hidden back patio. Vibes inside are approachable for West Village: casual clientele with some trendy types trickling in. Mosaic tiles line the interior alongside mixed material from stone seats to modern concrete counter to plastic bodega seats. The plastic seats could be swapped for a more cohesive earthy experience. Groovy Kendrick Lamar beats bop the background. Drip coffee: unique, floral, grapefruit on the nose. Light roast. Thin body, which surprises a bit, but is delicate with a short finish. Not as robust as a medium roast tends to be, which may be surprising for day-to-day coffee drinkers. Ownership could consider grinding finer for the drip to extract more flavor from the bean. Espresso: Same bean used as drip. Grapefruity. Not super long finish, but you definitely get more complex tasting notes vs. the drip. Ownership should consider a red eye offering to be add the espresso thickness and add some richness to a drip. Pourover: solid! I got the Geisha. Smells of lavender, rose, and strawberry coconut. Tasting notes of cantaloupe and kiwi. Medium body. Baristas were friendly and professional. Drink rec: grab a pourover! And if you see an alligator, just admire and do not engage. Drip coffee score: 3.5/5. Everything else score: 4.5/5. Overall score: 4/5."

"A welcoming and inviting environment. I got a plain croissant and a pour over of paradise, coffee was so tasteful and well made. I love the information card that describe the taste notes and was able to taste and enjoy myself. Planning to come back to buy those beans to recreate the great coffee at home !"

"Went on a Monday morning, not crowded, which was nice. Service was friendly and quick. I ordered a matcha latte and a croissant, both were good! I wanted to try the raspberry cheesecake but it wasn’t available when I arrived (it came out later). One thing to note: laptops and tablets aren’t allowed. But overall, it’s was a pleasant visit."