R.I.P. to the Mudtruck (For Now)

Mudtruck at Astor Place, 2012.

Any current Cooper Union, New School or New York University student can tell you a few things about the landmarks of New York City's Astor Place. One will likely involve Tony Rosenthal's cube – Alamo, as the rotating sculpture is officially titled. For coffee-loving students, the other is the Mudtruck.

In my four undergraduate years at NYU, I have adored the Astor Place Mudtruck for a quick coffee on the way to journalism class. A mobile version of the coffee and pastry fares served at nearby Mudspot (307 East 9th St.), this orange or chrome (its Summer 2014 look) converted ConEd truck was reborn as coffee cart in 2008. Large coffees go for $2 and espresso drinks for $3 to $5. Mudtruck parks daily outside the Uptown 6 train subway entrance, across the street from Starbucks. Shade.

At least, it used to.

A thriving truck in Greenwich Village this summer, with a new chrome vinyl wrap.

Sadly, the truck disappeared from Astor Place in September. In October, Rosenthal's cube was boxed up and vanished, too.


Astor Place is currently undergoing a major transformation by the New York City Department of Transit. The site is all construction and noise now, but will soon be an improved streetscape for
pedestrian safety and increased green park space. And a more attractive home for the cube.

But, what about the Mudtruck? I was ready to (reluctantly) say "rest in peace" to my favorite on-the-go-coffee spot until a little website snooping bred good news. The truck has planned a return to Astor Place next spring – hopefully to a reinvigorated urban hub there.

For now, all you Villagers (and commuters) can console yourself with coffee from another East Village option.

Here are a few suggestions.