International Rank: #409 out of 821
Ranking is based on a combination of reviews and popularity on CoffeeRoast.com
United States Rank: #243 out of 465
Ranking is based on a combination of reviews and popularity on CoffeeRoast.com
New York Rank: #23 out of 47
Ranking is based on a combination of reviews and popularity on CoffeeRoast.com
Zabar’s
New York City, New York
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4.33(3)
3
ratings
Ratings here are based on aggregated user reviews of individual roasts
from Zabar’s.
5 star
0%
4 star
100%
3 star
0%
2 star
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1 star
0%
Zabar’s is a coffee roaster from New York City, NY United States. We have 1 cataloged roasts with 3 total reviews with a score of 4.33.
| Name | Roast Level | Bean Source |
|---|---|---|
|
4.33(3) |
Medium | International Blend |
Top Reviews(3)
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Theodore (Ted) Chan, Managing Editor1106 roasts rated, avg score of 4.28
4.50 - Average
4.00 - Aroma
5.00 - Value
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
I didn't mean to write such a long review here, but I spent the better part of the morning exploring this coffee and now I've quite wired. :)
Zabar's is a trippy place for a bagel and coffee person to visit. In the back there's just barrel of coffee, as well as all sort of bags with crazy combos and names. Poked around and needing some espresso for this week, I grabbed their Jamaica Blue Mountain Style Blend.
Zabar's Jamaica Blue Mountain Style Blend presents an exciting and affordable option for coffee enthusiasts, particularly those who frequent the Upper West Side of New York. At $14 for a 16-oz bag, this coffee offers good value, especially considering the generally high cost of products in the area and the store's upscale reputation.
The blend is described as an attempt to replicate the characteristics of authentic Jamaican Blue Mountain (JBM) coffee, known for its smooth, mildly spicy, and creamy taste. JBM typically carries flavors of warm nuttiness, chocolate, and a balance of medium acidity, enhanced by rich herbal and floral aromas. While Zabar's blend doesn't quite reach the complexity and richness that real JBM coffee is famed for, it offers a satisfying experience with its own merits.
In terms of brewing methods, Zabar's blend shows versatility as an omniroast. Both my wife and I liked JBM style as pourover, with a balanced profile with chocolate notes and hints of citrus and blueberry. As an espresso, it delivers a pleasing mid-palate chocolate/nutty hit, and in iced Americano form, it surpasses expectations set by offerings from other coffee shops. Including the Blank St. iced Americano I had yesterday. The espresso had a lovely medium crema with good persistence.
Although the blend may not fully encapsulate the unique and harmonious flavor profile of genuine Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee (especially on the aroma front, where JBM is incredible), it stands out for its affordability and enjoyable taste. The coffee's ability to perform well across various brewing methods makes it a versatile choice for many coffee drinkers.
Overall, Zabar's Jamaica Blue Mountain Style Blend provides a commendable coffee experience that, while not entirely matching the esteemed qualities of true JBM, offers a pleasing and cost-effective alternative for those seeking a taste reminiscent of the Jamaican Blue Mountains.Cupping Method:Espresso, iced Americano, pourover. Worked well in all three (espresso is pictured)
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D K2 roasts rated, avg score of 4.50
4.00 - Average
3.00 - Aroma
5.00 - Value
4.50 - Finish
3.00 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
4.00 - Balance
It's quite surprising that this coffee is roasted in the Jamaica Blue Mountain style. The aroma of the dry powder indeed evokes the deep, dark, and rich scent characteristic of that region. However, despite not being able to extract a robust flavor profile, it doesn't taste like it's from dark roasted beans. The balance is impressive, especially considering its full body. The aftertaste is notably sweet and very pleasant.Cupping Method:Pouring over
Editor's Overview
Zabar's, a famous gourmet delicatessen in New York City, has a rich history as a coffee roaster. The store was founded in 1934 by Louis Zabar, an immigrant from Ukraine. Initially, Zabar's focused on smoked fish, cheese, and other specialty foods, but over time, it expanded its offerings to include a wide range of gourmet products, including coffee.
Coffee became a significant part of Zabar's identity in the latter half of the 20th century. Zabar's approach to coffee roasting was distinct in that they were one of the early adopters of selling freshly roasted coffee beans in New York City. They emphasized quality and freshness, roasting their beans in-house to ensure they could provide the freshest possible coffee to their customers, with Saul Zabar personally supervising the roasting for over 40 years.
Over the years, Zabar's has become well-known for its selection of high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans. The store offers a variety of beans sourced from around the world, catering to a range of tastes and preferences. Their commitment to quality and freshness and expertise in selecting and roasting beans has made them a beloved institution among coffee enthusiasts in New York City and beyond.
Zabar's approach to coffee roasting and sales has been crucial to its success and has helped establish it as a landmark in New York City's culinary scene. The store's dedication to providing gourmet products, including freshly roasted coffee, continues to draw locals and tourists alike, contributing to its enduring reputation as a destination for delicate foods.
It's a little kooky inside of Zabar's. In the back, there's barrels and bags all over the place. But for bagel and coffee aficionados, a visit to Zabar's in New York City is an absolute must. Alongside this, Zabar's bagels are a true New York staple; perfectly chewy, with a crisp exterior, these bagels are the ideal canvas for their array of rich, flavorful cream cheeses and smoked fish. The combination of a warm, freshly-toasted bagel paired with a meticulously brewed cup of coffee is a quintessential New York experience, making Zabar's a beloved destination for both locals and visitors seeking the authentic taste of the city. I thought the everything bagels and Jamaican Blue Mountain style coffee we got were very good on our last visit, and hope to try more flavors of both!
-Ted Chan, Managing Editor
Coffee became a significant part of Zabar's identity in the latter half of the 20th century. Zabar's approach to coffee roasting was distinct in that they were one of the early adopters of selling freshly roasted coffee beans in New York City. They emphasized quality and freshness, roasting their beans in-house to ensure they could provide the freshest possible coffee to their customers, with Saul Zabar personally supervising the roasting for over 40 years.
Over the years, Zabar's has become well-known for its selection of high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans. The store offers a variety of beans sourced from around the world, catering to a range of tastes and preferences. Their commitment to quality and freshness and expertise in selecting and roasting beans has made them a beloved institution among coffee enthusiasts in New York City and beyond.
Zabar's approach to coffee roasting and sales has been crucial to its success and has helped establish it as a landmark in New York City's culinary scene. The store's dedication to providing gourmet products, including freshly roasted coffee, continues to draw locals and tourists alike, contributing to its enduring reputation as a destination for delicate foods.
It's a little kooky inside of Zabar's. In the back, there's barrels and bags all over the place. But for bagel and coffee aficionados, a visit to Zabar's in New York City is an absolute must. Alongside this, Zabar's bagels are a true New York staple; perfectly chewy, with a crisp exterior, these bagels are the ideal canvas for their array of rich, flavorful cream cheeses and smoked fish. The combination of a warm, freshly-toasted bagel paired with a meticulously brewed cup of coffee is a quintessential New York experience, making Zabar's a beloved destination for both locals and visitors seeking the authentic taste of the city. I thought the everything bagels and Jamaican Blue Mountain style coffee we got were very good on our last visit, and hope to try more flavors of both!
-Ted Chan, Managing Editor
