Happy Medium - New York, New York

Selina L.

I discovered this unique cafe while searching for something different to do in New York and visited last weekend after making a reservation through Instagram. The cozy two-story space had a charming workshop-style atmosphere that I really enjoyed.

We opted for the Paint-A-Pot activity in the Art Cafe. It was $28 per person, plus the cost of the pot you choose. The pots were pricier than expected, so we went with simple cups. The supplies provided were decent - a nice selection of paint colors, a pencil for sketching, three different-sized brushes, a towel, and a water cup.

If you're looking for a unique cafe experience, I'd recommend this as a fun date spot! Just a tip: you might want to bring your own water or drinks.

MJ W.

No food. This is a literal art café where you make art in a restaurant style setting. They wait on your table and provide exceptional service. Please note there is no food. We came here thinking we would grab a coffee and a small breakfast and that’s just not what’s happening. Everyone was very kind and if I had more time, I would have loved to create some art. However, we were after food and that is not what is being served.

J E.

I had a great experience here! Love the vibes of the place and the snack bar upstairs. My first pottery experience. My instructor was extremely friendly, encouraging, and she even encouraged me to keep the unique piece that I thought was ugly, but ended up liking in the end😄. I will definitely be back for the painting class offered upstairs.

I’m giving a four-star rating because, although we were supposed to have two people assisting, only one person was actively walking around to help. It would have been better to have both available so we could be reminded of the proper hand positions for molding the clay more quickly.

One suggestion: take pictures of the instructors’ hands in the key positions needed and place them at each station. This way, customers wouldn’t need to keep asking for guidance and could spend more time creating. Waiting for the one instructor to walk around and assist everyone took away from my time, and having visual aids would have been really helpful.

Additionally, charging $25 for each additional pot you want to keep seems a bit expensive, especially considering the class is already $130+. Perhaps you could offer an option to keep an extra pot for $5-$7, without paint, just as is.

Mayumi V.

What a delightful experience! There was thankfully space for us even after arriving midway into the session. The hosts were kind enough to seat us quickly and were attentive and sweet throughout it all. I went with the paint a pot activity and had a lot of fun! I do wish there were more color options though because I wanted a hot pink color that was difficult to produce using the light colors available. My box/pot was $40 and the activity was $28. You have to return in ~2 weeks to pick up your glazed pot.

Kiariladyboss

You basically oder an art experience instead of food. Happy Medium is a cool art cafè in Two Bridges close to Lower East Side and Chinatown. I picked the Collage Buffet and that’s $28, reservations are recommended and you’ll have your table for 2h

Angelina C.

I had a great time here! The space is loft-like- really open, soft lighting, lovely but not loud. I notice a lot of reviewers not understanding what this place is- there aren’t classes, this is a very DIY affair. Depending on what you order, you’ll get cards with guidance, but otherwise it’s up to you and your creativity- isn’t that the fun part?!

One thing I could t find before I got there- they’ve got snacks the likes of popcorn, nuts, M&Ms, fig bars. The drink selection was amazing- sodas, teas, cbd/thc drinks (Cann for example), kin, ghia, a good selection of non alcoholic choices.

Anastasiya M.

I recently attended a figure drawing session at Happy Medium, and it was a remarkable experience. As an artist, finding a conducive environment to hone my skills is crucial, and this studio exceeded my expectations.

The space itself is spacious and well-lit, providing ample room for artists to work comfortably. The atmosphere was both professional and welcoming, which made it easy to focus and be inspired.

The session was well-organized, starting with short warm-up poses and gradually moving to longer, more detailed ones. The models were professional, maintaining interesting and challenging poses that pushed my creative boundaries. They were also very approachable and open to feedback, enhancing the overall experience.

The facilitators were knowledgeable and offered constructive critiques without being overbearing. It was clear they were passionate about art and dedicated to helping artists grow.

What stood out to me was the sense of community. Artists of all levels attended, from beginners to professionals, creating a diverse and supportive environment. We were encouraged to share our work and techniques, fostering a collaborative spirit.

Additionally, the studio provided quality materials, which was a nice touch for those who might not have brought their own. The refreshments and comfortable seating added to the overall positive experience.

In summary, HM is a fantastic place for any artist looking to improve their figure drawing skills. The professional yet friendly environment, skilled models, and supportive community make it a top choice. I highly recommend it and look forward to my next session there.

Deysi V.

When I think of a happy medium, I envision an oasis to escape from city life and immerse myself in a realm of calmness and creativity. The atmosphere exudes an artistic vibe, which drew me in for a figure drawing class. While it might not suit everyone's tastes, it proved invaluable for me as a creative person navigating through a block. Witnessing people engrossed in their own creative pursuits was inspiring, and the staff were both professional and laid-back. Arriving early, I was warmly welcomed by friendly faces. I would definitely return here; whether alone, as I did, or with friends and colleagues, the experience was truly worth it.