by Cavan Reilly
After six months of renovations, the newest coffee shop in the center of Irvington opened on April 27, 2024. The authentic Dominican coffee is making itself known with lines out the door and regulars, including Yankees right fielder Juan Soto and actor Michael Douglas.
Hector Carvajal, the founder and CEO of Don Carvajal Cafe, says “I think the community likes the space and they enjoy the coffee and food offerings. It has been going better than expected.”
Since December 2019, Hector Carvajal has been involved with the Irvington Farmers Market every Sunday. “It was a pretty good place to be because I got to know a lot of people and I feel like a good chunk of people that come here, we met there, and we got to experience the brand.”
And after five years at the farmer’s market, Don Carvajal Cafe was opened. For Hector, it’s not just about the coffee but about the relationships he has with the customers and the community.
Carvajal said the best experience with the cafe is “To be able to give people an experience, be able to host and welcome them in, be able to show my world and my world of coffee and have everyone be comfortable.”
The menu ranges from an espresso to chai lattes and hot cocoa and a breakfast and lunch menu with fifteen items to choose from. But most people come for the coffee.
“The Dominican medium roast is the number one item because people just enjoy that coffee but people also love the lattes. Hot and iced.”
The new cafe has captured the attention of Irvington residents far and wide. Make sure to stop by next time you’re heading down Main Street!
