Matcha Cafe Maiko

At many cafes, matcha is just a backup option for people who don't drink coffee after 11am, but at Matcha Cafe Maiko it’s the headlining act. The chain, which imports its ingredients from Japan, sells intensely flavored matcha lattes and floats, as well as shaved ice and soft serve. If you're around one of their NYC locations and the sun seems to have a personal vendetta against you, the refreshing shaved ice is the right move. The dark green syrup that’s poured over the ice is stronger than most, so get one with Calpico soft serve to balance things out, and add toppings like cheese foam or a waffle cone. This Chinatown location only has a small ledge, but you’ll inhale your order within minutes, so there’s really no reason to linger.