Parisian-style café Madame Bonté has been a neighborhood favorite since launching in the midst of the pandemic in 2020. The sibling-owned business opened its second location in September 2021, and on Friday, a soft-opening was held at its third location 205 East 66th Street between Second and Third avenues.
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Madame Bonté was initially known as an afternoon destination for coffee, croissants, sandwiches and Kouign-amann (a buttery French delicacy). But then the 84th Street location expanded into the evening hours, serving light dinner options and Thursday “wine flight nights” on the lower level. And speaking of the lower level, the substantial space is decked out with trendy decor and a neon sign begging to be Instagrammed — but it’s also home of Madame Bonté’s slightly controversial “no screens” rule. While laptops are perfectly welcome upstairs and on the backyard patio, once you descend the steps, it’s time to shut down the computer and engage in actual conversation. “Daydreaming” is encouraged as well, for what it’s worth.
Co-owner Deniz Karafazli tells us the menu at 205 East 66th Street is the same as the 84th Street location, and they may add beer and wine to the menu in the coming months. “The concept will be an updated version of our 84th St. location but at a smaller and cozier space,” Karafazli said.
Regarding the screen policy, Karafazli says “We are planning to install a high-top for those who want to use their laptops during the week in a designated area. We will ask that there are no laptops on the weekends since we will be serving brunch.”
The new location’s hours are weekdays from 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and weekends from 8:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.
