A cafe can be so much more than just a coffee dispensary: in the right hands they are also hubs for community, design, art, and culture. That’s very much the scene here at Same Time Tomorrow on 117th and Malcolm X Boulevard in the heart of Manhattan’s historic Harlem. Let’s take a closer look.
The 2026 Build-outs of Coffee is presented by DONA, Pacific Barista Series, and La Marzocco.
As told to Sprudge by Malika Michaud.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
Same Time Tomorrow is a new independent coffee shop and cultural space opening in Harlem with a mission centered on community, creativity, and meaningful connection. STT was created to serve not only as a place for quality coffee and hospitality, but also as a welcoming gathering space that uplifts local artists, musicians, creatives, and culture.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
Same Time Tomorrow was designed to feel both intimate and communal. It’s a space where people can come for individual focus, but are also naturally encouraged to gather, connect, and share space with one another. The overall environment was intentionally created to foster togetherness, comfort, conversation, and creativity. Included in the space is a central coffee bar, a lounge area in the back with vintage couches, bistro tables, and even a standing bar that encourages interaction and movement throughout the space. The seating layout was thoughtfully designed to feel warm and inviting, allowing creative energy and community to flow naturally.
The space is filled with artwork by Black artists, making the environment deeply intentional and curated. In addition to displaying works, Same Time Tomorrow also helps introduce visitors to the artists and encourages art collecting by providing guidance and visibility around the featured pieces. The cafe also houses a collection of Black literature spanning multiple genres, with books displayed throughout the space for guests to read and engage with while in-house.
What’s your approach to coffee?
Our team comes from both culinary and specialty coffee backgrounds, which allows us to approach the menu with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, balance, and experimentation. As STT continues to evolve, we are gradually building toward a program where many of our syrups, specialty drinks, and food offerings are made in-house, with careful attention to flavor, ingredients, and presentation. We spend time testing and refining recipes so that the menu includes both familiar drinks people already love as well as offerings that feel unique to Same Time Tomorrow.
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
Rather than centering the space around novelty equipment or overly technical coffee culture, our focus has been on creating a thoughtful and welcoming experience rooted in quality, consistency, and atmosphere. We’ve been intentional about building a space that values well-crafted coffee, strong hospitality, and a carefully curated environment where people actually want to spend time.
How is your project considering sustainability?
Same Time Tomorrow approaches sustainability through community investment, cultural preservation, and support of Harlem’s local creative economy. Being the first wholesale partner for some of the local businesses is a major milestone on both ends that encourages for economic growth and financial circulation within the community. We are very neighborhood-centered.
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
Friday, May 22nd.
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
Some artists whose works will hold space are Tariq Oliver and Joseph Evans.
Thank you!
Thank YOU.
The 2026 Build-outs of Coffee is presented by DONA, Pacific Barista Series, and La Marzocco.
