This tiny cafe positions themselves as “coffee and vibes” and I can attest that both are there. The coffee is obvious, but it’s the huge smiles on the employees’ faces, local artwork, and handwritten Hebrew signs for flowers and drinks that ensure the vibes at Mellow Yellow. I stopped in to get some work done while I got caffeinated and was definitely digging it. The coffee was good, the staff was super pleasant, and the mismatched-ness of it all made me feel relaxed. I had just eaten lunch so I wasn’t ready to order real food, but the sandwich at the table next to me looked pretty unreal. I did get a small piece of baklava on my way out and it was delicious-melt-in-your-mouth so I can only imagine the sandwich tasted as good as it looked.
With Lashevet, Park East Kosher, Michaeli Bakery, Hummus Kitchen, Effy’s and Mellow Yellow all in a 5-block stretch (along with two bagel spots), this part of the UES is turning into Little Israel, and I’m NOT mad about it. It not always easy to find real deal shakshuka or burkekas – and Israeli pickles just hit different. Whether you want date night, delivery, a sweet treat, a caffeine fix, or a place to do a little work, there’s an Israeli spot for you – and if you’re looking at Mellow Yellow, you just might be able to check nearly all those boxes at once.
Peaches to Apples 