Buddies Coffee, forced out of Williamsburg with a rent hike, still on track to open East Village location

Photos by Stacie Joy

Buddies Coffee is still in the works for 226 E. Third St. between Avenue B and Avenue C. 

We spotted co-owner Taylor Nawrocki in the space the other day...

He hopes to have the shop open soon. 

Nawrocki, a pro skater, and his partner Rachel Nieves launched Buddies in Williamsburg in December 2020. 

The shop became a hit for its signature drinks, including the coquito latte, a family recipe that swaps out rum for espresso.

An emotional TikTok post from Nieves went viral in February when she tearfully shared that their landlord was asking for an unsustainable rent increase, not to mention another coffee shop was opening next door. 

Despite an outpouring of support, Buddies closed on May 17. 

The EV Buddies had been in the works for several months before the news of the rent hike. We reported on the pending arrival on Dec. 23.

Coming attractions: Buddies Coffee on 3rd Street

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

A popular Williamsburg coffee shop is opening an East Village outpost. (TradedNY confirmed the new lease.) 

Buddies Coffee is coming soon to 226 E. Third St. between Avenue B and Avenue C. Taylor Nawrocki, a pro skater, and his partner Rachel Nieves opened the Williamsburg shop in December 2020 and became a hit for signature drinks. One is the coquito latte, a family recipe that swaps out rum for espresso.

We've heard good things about Buddies and are looking forward to trying it. 

Gaia Italian Cafe was the last tenant at No. 226.