It's hard not to read the Harry Potter books or watch the movies without wanting to try out the infamous Butterbeers the characters indulge in - and now you can, as long as you're in New York City.
A new Harry Potter-inspired cafe has opened in the big apple, located in the East Village. Steamy Hallows is from the same team that brought the wildly-popular Beetle House bar in 2016, and it looks like they're onto a winner again.
The cafe is described by its owner, Zach Neil, as "grab and go" given its quaint size. Unlike the Beetle House bar, this is an unassuming little place, with only four stools inside for customers. It makes up for the size with its intricate decor, which Neil says is meant to be close to what a cafe might look like in Diagon Alley.
There was an attempt to not go "over the top," according to Insider, so that the cafe felt more immersive. Along with a cauldron billowing smoke at the window, there's some screaming mandrake, candles, and plenty of vintage antiques lining the walls.
As for their drinks, two of the favourite items on the menu are the Butterbrew and the Love Potion #9 3/4.
Love Potion #9 3/4 is a "glittery latte" that is made up of chocolate mocha syrup, raspberry syrup, rosewater and espresso - an unlikely mix that has nonetheless been a customer favourite.
Butterbrew is their take on the same beverage served in the Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter - but with a twist. Neil isn't a fan of their concoction, so made his latte to draw from recipes from the 1500s, with the inclusion of real butter and ginger.
"The result is a delicious balance of buttery smooth sweetness and a slightly savory flavor that tastes delightful," Insider writes.
They currently have another location opening in Kingston, Pennsylvania, which is apparently more elaborate. The New York City location is a limited-time pop-up for the moment - but so was the Beetle House bar when it first started, so we may see them stick around a while longer.
