In a city that has so many excellent bakeries, there is still something uniquely delightful about a cozy Japanese style cafe. The pastries aren’t perfectly lined up in brightly lit pastry cases, but piled onto trays. The bread comes pre-wrapped in plastic. The menu is a chalkboard. The space is contemporary, with subway tiles and exposed brick. Inoffensive, but not overly designed. The coffee and tea is fine, but hits the spot. There’s a very good grab and go food section for quick meals.

Takahachi has a few different establishments throughout the city, including two bakeries: one in Tribeca and one in Bushwick (the most random set of neighborhoods). It’s perfect, serving the neighborhood in a specific and wonderful way. It sits somewhere between a bakery cafe and a bodega. Breakfast bites, a quick snack, lunch, even a light dinner. You can get in and out quickly. Grab one thing or fill up a whole tray. Stop by on the way to or from work. Come solo or bring the whole team. It’s not quite like the bakeries from the motherland but it more than scratches the itch.