The best hotspots in Tarrytown have been covered, but what about the next town over? Irvington is about a 10-minute drive from the Hackley campus and contains more than one hidden gem. Don Carvajal, a cafe that embraces rich Dominican culture, will truly uplift your day through engaging workers, and of course delicious coffee and food.
This is the official Don Carvajal Cafe menu. The menu has an assortment of breakfast meals, lunches, and small bites (pastries).
Dominican culture is what sets this cafe apart from others. Don Carvajal is based in the Bronx and is Afro-Latino-owned.
Don Carvajal is centered around the ‘3 C’s’ — coffee, community, and culture. They believe coffee serves as a bridge between the rural landscapes in the Dominican Republic to the bustling urban streets of New York City. Not only do baristas craft deliciously made coffee, but they also foster a sense of belonging and drive equity within the industry.
Their website says, “We’re not just roasting coffee; we’re brewing change, one cup at a time.”
Upon arrival, Don Carvajal surprises you with a mostly grey modern interior. Similar to most cafes, calming instrumental music and the occasional Dominican song plays in the background.
“The vibes inside were fun, it was relatively crowded so that means the cafe must have been well regarded,” said junior Leila Dillow. The good vibes, warm lighting, and the inviting staff create a mood lifting spirit.
I went to the cafe on a bustling Saturday morning. Many students were home from college, congregating at tables to catch up with each other, which made the cafe more crowded than usual.
“At first I was worried the line would move by slowly due to the number of people, but the customer service was amazing, and the various food and drink options kept me busy while I waited,” said Leila.
The drink menu was front and center, featuring a wide variety of beverages, which allowed customers to quickly select
On the left is the BEC on brioche bread. As a side, I chose home fries and a spicy mayo sauce. On the right is the avocado toast accompanied by a green salad. We ordered a hot matcha, a warm chai, and an iced vanilla latte as our drinks.
their drinks, helping the line flow more quickly.
Leila, freshman Vivian Beaton, and I made it a priority to order different dining options so we had a variety to choose from. Vivian ordered avocado toast and a matcha latte. I ordered a classic bacon, egg, and cheese on brioche and an iced vanilla latte. Leila ordered the Dominican breakfast and a hot chai. The drinks were smooth and creamy, I could taste they were made with love. My one complaint about my bacon, egg, and cheese would be the fact that the brioche did not hold very well.
Vivian reported that her avocado toast was flavorful and filling, but the extra toppings like tomatoes, cheese, onions, and a side salad were a little overwhelming. Lastly, the star of the show was the Dominican breakfast also known as Tres Golpes, which means ‘Traditional Dominican Breakfast,’ consisting of salami, fried cheese, and eggs. Leila was not disappointed. The flavors made it a breakfast to remember.
As customers, we could definitely feel the vibrant community, which is a central part of Don Carvajal’s mission. “Everyone seemed super sweet, and nothing felt like a burden to ask,” said Leila. The service was delightful and communication was a priority. You could tell the workers had a genuine interest in the food and culture but also upheld a positive vibe.
If you are looking to dive into Dominican culture and enjoy community, Don Carvajal should be a must-try on your list.
