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Joey Bats Café at The Essex MarketB+Worth Trying
88 Essex St Kiosk #36, New York, NY 10002
· Cafe, Pastry shop
· 4.8/5 Google (551 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Destination for Portuguese pasteis de nata inside Essex Market with quick, friendly counter service and budget-friendly prices; excellent tarts, occasional heat/consistency hiccups, strong value overall.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Joey Bats Café delivers exceptional pasteis de nata with flaky crust and balanced custard at budget-friendly prices, supported by friendly, efficient counter service. However, occasional burnt or temperature-inconsistent batches and the functional kiosk setting prevent a higher grade. For pastry enthusiasts seeking authentic Portuguese tarts without premium pricing, this represents solid neighborhood quality.
Restaurant Summary
Inside Essex Market, this kiosk hums with warm market energy and the smell of caramelized custard. Service skews friendly and fast, and more than a few locals call these the city’s go-to tarts, noting that the crust “shatters just right.” The culinary approach leans classic and focused: traditional pasteis de nata with a few riffs like passion fruit and chocolate. Savories and simple sandwiches round things out, but the natas are the headliner—ideal for dessert lovers, snack hunters, and anyone chasing a Lisbon memory without the flight. For families, this is easy and approachable. Kids tend to love the sweet tarts and chocolate croissants, and sandwiches like the Mista keep things simple. Portions are petite, so plan on more than one pastry per person if appetites are big.
At a Glance
- Benchmark pasteis de nata with flaky crust and balanced custard
- Budget-friendly pricing for specialty pastries
- Friendly, efficient counter service
- Occasional burnt or too-hot batches reported
- Small portions may feel pricey to some
What Sets It Apart
- Portuguese nata specialist
- Frozen take-home baking option
- Inside Essex Market with ample shared seating
What People Love
- Flaky, caramelized crust that feels authentic
- Balanced sweetness with cinnamon dusting option
- Fun flavors like passion fruit and chocolate
- Frozen take-home packs that bake up nicely
Points of Concern
- Heat management can be uneven; some tarts served too hot or slightly burnt (isolated but notable)
- Small pastry size may feel expensive compared to Lisbon pricing
- Opening batches can run late, causing 10-20 minute waits
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$10-16 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a tasting: one traditional, one passion fruit, one chocolate
- Pair a Mista sandwich with a traditional nata for a light lunch
- Consider frozen six-pack for best per-piece value
Perfect For
- A quick sweet stop in Essex Market
- Coffee and dessert after the Tenement Museum
- Treat run to bring a 6-pack home
- Introducing friends to Portuguese pastries
Location Insights
Area: Trendy Lower East Side market hall drawing locals, food lovers, and visitors; casual, buzzy environment suited to quick bites.
Safety: Well-trafficked indoor market with steady footfall and lighting; generally feels safe during operating hours.
Nearby: Inside Essex Market near Tenement Museum, galleries, bars, and eateries; convenient for food-hall hopping.
Lower East SideThe Lower East Side offers a dynamic dining scene ranging from trendy eateries and casual street food to classic delis and ethnic restaurants. The social atmosphere is lively and diverse, attracting a mix of locals and visitors seeking authentic and innovative culinary experiences.
Essex MarketEssex Market is a historic public market space featuring a variety of food vendors and kiosks, known for its casual, bustling environment and wide range of affordable, high-quality food options.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–19:00
Tuesday11:00–19:00
Wednesday11:00–19:00
Thursday11:00–19:00
Friday11:00–19:00
Saturday11:00–19:00
Sunday11:00–19:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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