By Patrick Hedlund
DNAinfo News Editor
EAST VIILAGE — A new coffee shop is entering the neighborhood’s crowded caffeine market on Second Avenue.
Roastown Coffee recently unfurled a "Coming Soon" banner at the recently vacated restaurant space at the corner of St. Mark’s Place, planning to compete with the ubiquitous chain Starbucks and local favorite Mud Coffee a block away.
The Flushing, Queens-based Roastown landed in the address most recently occupied by a pizza shop, and before that a Gap clothing store that spent more than a decade at the high-traffic corner.
Roastown's owner declined to comment on any details to do with the cafe, but a source familiar with the shop said it would grind its own beans and offer plenty of seating to compete with the neighborhood’s other popular roasters.
A block north on Second Avenue, Starbucks has become a go-to for the East Village’s many college students and those looking for free Internet or a bathroom break.
"It’s just a habit," said local resident Kam, 32, a frequent Starbucks customer, who refused to give his last name. "You can come hang out for awhile. They got a place to sit outside, which is nice."
He said he would test the waters at Roastown when it opens, and that a nicer setting could lure him away.
At Mud Coffee on Ninth Street near Second Avenue — the neighborhood’s family-owned "anti-establishment" coffee shop — workers said that patrons prefer the scene there because of its independent charm and original roasts.
"Everyone’s got their own niche, and ours is original New York street coffee," said Mud employee Miles Debas, 25. "Most of the people who come in are here just to enjoy the atmosphere."
That atmosphere is the main reason Upper West Sider Greg Wong, 34, visits Mud when he’s in the neighborhood.
"For me, it’s not the coffee," he said. "I think if the prices aren’t too crazy expensive, I like a casual place I can hang out."
Workers at Roastown noted that could be more than a month before the shop opens, and Wong said he’s willing to give it a try when the new addition gets to grinding.
"I love trying new places," he said.
