In the alley behind the Hamilton Hotel, prices are high, people are many, and the eats are a mixed bag. But if you’re looking for respite from the hubbub, look no further than Ikovox Coffee. The tiny first floor space has low ceilings, is dimly lit, and is outfitted with brass accents, stained woods, and olive green highlights—the aesthetic is both turn-of-the-century classic and utilitarian.
Thankfully, Ikovox is not all show. They roast their own coffee daily in their Sinsa facility, which you can purchase in cans. Their cappuccino foam is consistently tight and smooth but latte art is not a given (when asked, the barista smiled and said, “if we feel like it”). Instead, the focus is on the coffee. Pour-over aficionados will appreciate the generously-sized individual Chemex pots, and those of you with a sweet tooth will be happy to hear that they serve Glamorous Penguin’s moist and dense layer cakes.