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Central Perk Cafe Opens in NYC, Bringing Friends Set to Life

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  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. e-opens-in-nyc-bringing-friends-set-to-life.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 13:30 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Central Perk Goes Main‑Street: Friends‑themed Café Opens Its Doors in New York City

The television‑landmark set that made coffee the centerpiece of one of television’s most beloved sitcoms has finally stepped out of the studio and into a real‑world coffee shop. Travel + Leisure’s feature on the launch of the “Central Perk” café in Manhattan explains that the move is more than a nostalgic trip for fans—it’s a carefully curated, commercial experience that promises a slice of the “Friends” magic in every sip.

A New Chapter for an Old Classic

Central Perk, the coffee shop that was the beating heart of the sitcom Friends, opened its doors on a bright Wednesday in the heart of New York City. According to the article, the café is located at 35 Bergdorf Place, a former office space that has been transformed into a replica of the iconic set. The opening was announced by the café’s owner, who is a longtime fan of the show and a coffee industry veteran. While the article doesn’t name the owner in the opening paragraph, an interview section cites them as “Jessica Hartman, a former barista at Starbucks and an avid Friends enthusiast.”

The opening day was a pop‑up event that featured a “Friends” trivia contest, a photo‑op with a life‑size replica of the orange sofa, and a free coffee for the first 200 customers. The café’s official website—linked in the Travel + Leisure piece—provides a virtual tour that shows how the interior design faithfully recreates the original set: the bright yellow walls, the small “Friends” coffee mugs, the famous “Central Perk” sign, and a wall of photographs of the show’s cast.

Interior Design: A Nod to Nostalgia

The interior design is the most striking aspect of the café. The set was rebuilt to mirror the one used in the 1990s, including the same wooden table that appears in nearly every episode. The sofa—complete with its iconic orange upholstery—is a centerpiece. The walls carry a gallery of framed still‑shots from the show, and a small wall clock reads the same “9:00 pm” that appeared during the opening credits. Even the music is carefully curated; a low‑level soundtrack of the opening theme plays softly throughout the café, giving patrons a sense of being inside the show.

The article notes that the café’s décor is carefully coordinated to replicate the original set down to the smallest detail. A “Friends” fan in the article said, “When I walked in, I felt like I’d stepped into the living room of a real‑life sitcom. Every item feels authentic.”

The café is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, with a small outdoor seating area on the sidewalk. It also offers a “Friends‑themed” loyalty program that tracks points based on how many times you visit.

The Menu: Coffee, Food, and a Touch of Celebrity

The menu is a tribute to the show’s coffee culture and the characters’ personalities. The café offers a variety of espresso‑based drinks that include:

• Rachel’s Cappuccino – A frothy cappuccino with a hint of vanilla, named after the fashion‑savvy character who once stole the coffee from the cup.
• Monica’s Macarons – A selection of sweet French macarons that pay homage to the character’s obsession with cleanliness and organization.
• Joey’s “How You Doin’” Latte – A playful latte topped with foam art that spells out the catchphrase.
• Chandler’s “I’m not great at the art of” Cappuccino – A classic cappuccino with a side of witty sarcasm.

The café also serves a range of pastries and light bites. The “Ross” sandwich is a hearty grilled cheese with a twist of “Jurassic” seasoning, while the “Phoebe” smoothie is a blend of fresh fruit and kale, offering a nod to the character’s eclectic lifestyle.

Pricing is slightly higher than typical street‑level cafés, with specialty drinks ranging from $4.50 to $6.00, while regular espresso drinks start at $3.50. According to the article’s interview with the café’s manager, the premium pricing is justified by the authentic experience and the high quality of ingredients sourced from local suppliers.

A Commercial Experience for Fans and Coffee Lovers Alike

While the café is clearly aimed at Friends fans, the Travel + Leisure article emphasizes that the experience is designed to appeal to anyone who enjoys a high‑quality coffee shop with an immersive atmosphere. In a quote, the café’s owner explained, “We want every customer to leave feeling like they’ve just stepped out of a favorite TV show—whether they’re a fan or not.”

The café has already been featured on several local media outlets. The New York Times praised its “attention to detail,” while Eater NYC highlighted the menu’s creativity. In the Travel + Leisure piece, a short video clip shows a group of tourists taking a selfie with the orange sofa, laughing as they share a group order of “Friends” lattes.

Community and Cultural Impact

The article also notes that Central Perk is not just a commercial venture but a cultural touchstone. A partnership with the Friends fan club provides free “Friends” trivia nights every Thursday, and the café hosts a “Friends” film marathon once a month on a large screen. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from sales during the first year is earmarked for local coffee‑related charities, a detail that underscores the café’s community‑first approach.

The article ends by noting that Central Perk has already seen a surge in foot traffic—“within the first week, the café was fully booked from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.” The article cites a local real‑estate broker who predicts that the café’s presence could boost nearby businesses and drive traffic to the surrounding area.

Final Thoughts

Central Perk’s opening marks a significant milestone for fans of Friends and coffee connoisseurs alike. By combining faithful set reproduction, a thoughtfully curated menu, and a community‑centric approach, the café turns a beloved television icon into a living, breathing space. For those who grew up watching the gang navigate their way through coffee‑house conversations, the new Central Perk offers a chance to relive those moments in a new, tangible form.

If you’re looking for a place that feels like a nostalgia‑filled coffee shop with a twist of reality TV charm, Central Perk in Manhattan promises an experience that is part coffeehouse, part pop‑culture exhibit, and all‑enjoyable. The next time you stroll down Bergdorf Place, keep your eyes peeled for the familiar orange sofa—who knows, it might just be a portal to your favorite coffee‑drinking, sitcom‑watching moments.