Where to lounge over coffee in downtown New York

[Flickr/jamiedecesare]

New York may be known for its hopping restaurant and bar scene but what about cafes where you can lazily lounge around without being rushed out? Here’s a trio of such hideaways, all within walking distance of each other. With one in Nolita, another on the Lower East Side, and the third in the East Village, they're great options if you’re staying in any of these East Village hotels.
True boho spirit lives at Pink Pony, a Lower East Side haven for downtown artists, hipsters, and wannabes. The ambiance is shabby chic, the food simple and reliable, and the overall vibe perfect for lingering. 176 Ludlow St.
At Café Gitane in Nolita, you can mingle with fashionistas and trustafarians over French-Moroccan fare, great teas, and mochas. On warm-weather days, snatching a sidewalk table equals winning the lottery. Another branch opened a few months ago at The Jane Hotel. 242 Mott St.
Right across from Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, Café Pick Me Up offers great window seating with views of the park and lots of nice nooks and crannies. It’s an ideal spot to snuggle up with a book and spend a rainy afternoon over a cappuccino. 145 Avenue A.
–Anja Mutić of EverTheNomad.