Cheers Cafe Cannal

By Amy Deneson

4/20 was a grand day for the opening of New York’s first CBD café and lounge. Led by the BIPOCwomen powered team Chef Anwuli Obidi and Maya Hayashi, Café Cannal began with a mission to curate a more open, social spot for the cannabis community. They’re right on time to welcome all cannabinoid consumers to enjoy an elevated, inclusive experience in the newly legalized state.

On the corner of Canal and Broadway, the DJ spun a chill vibe as treats infused with Delta-8 circled. The spring menu offered organic Gourmet Munchies, including “Enhanced Nutella” Tartines and Avocado Toast with cannabinoid rich hemp oil in sourdough baked daily. Flatbreads with housemade dough, garlic confit, and herb hemp oil ranged from a vegetarian Heirloom ‘Shoom to their Homemade Sausage. For a sweet pick-me-up, it was an impossible choice between Vegan Pecan Coconut cookies and a Slutty Brownie; so we tried both.

The first 420 post-Prohibition called for a specialty drink. So we enjoyed the Kohii Zerii or “Coffee Jelly” made with espresso jelly bubbles and sweetened milk, along with added doses of CBD for $1 each. The artisanal coffee beans were ethically sourced by Afficionado Roasters and intentionally crafted to produce rare and limited batches of high-grade coffees from Colombia and Brazil. One sip and we knew this was our new go-to Chinatown coffee shop.

Life is better buzzed, proclaims their sidewalk sign. We agree! So BYOC to Café Cannal at 416 Broadway at the corner of Canal Street. Open Monday - Sunday 10am - 7pm. Visit their website for a virtual tour of the café’s outdoor sesh spot: cafecannal.com.