NYCSightseeing
NYC slang

Regular Coffee

In New York diner and cart language, a coffee with milk and two sugars, not a plain black coffee.

Example

Ask a street cart for a regular and you get coffee already light and sweet, handed over in the blue and white Anthora cup.

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Frequently asked questions

Where does regular coffee still mean milk and sugar?
Street carts, bodegas and Greek diners. At third wave cafes just order an espresso drink like anywhere else.
Is street cart coffee worth trying?
Yes, once, for the ritual and the Anthora cup. It costs little and comes fast. Manage flavor expectations accordingly.
What do I say if I want black coffee?
Say coffee, black. At a cart or diner the unqualified word regular means milk and sugar, so naming what you want avoids a sweet surprise.

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