Midtown Lunch

Corso is a month-old Italian coffee bar in the newly renovated Paramount Hotel on 46th street between Times Square and 8th Avenue. It being a coffee bar, breakfast seemed like the logical time to check it out, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that they had an Italian sandwich menu for lunch as well, albeit pricey at $9-$12. While I made a mental note to try them, I walked in very ready for a morning cup of joe.

There was some great looking foccacia ($1.50) displayed as I entered.

But since it was breakfast, I was more interested in the pastry case.

I finally chose a plain croissant ($3.00) and a large coffee ($2.75). My total came to exactly $6.00. The croissant was buttery and flaky, and the coffee was very good as well, but I’m not sure I’d regularly pay $2.75 for it.

While Corso is a nice addition to the neighborhood, its location and price point clearly indicate that it is intended more for the tourists staying in and around the Paramount Hotel than New Yorkers working in the neighborhood. But, if you’re looking for a Starbucks alternative with upscale, fancy coffee and a European vibe, this might be worth checking out!

Corso, 235 W. 46th Street (in the Paramount Hotel)