By Susan Miele

Sep. 23, 2020: One of the architectural gems of downtown Bronxville is the station house, built in 1916 to match the Spanish Mission style of the Hotel Gramatan, 11 years its senior. 

The arguably underutilized space—now property of Metro-North Railroad—has housed a dry cleaner, a bank, and a newsstand among its occupants in recent decades, in addition to the railroad’s ticket office. 

Now, emerging despite the COVID-19 economic downturn is a new, refreshing tenant revivifying the historic building. BXVL Coffeehouse is the product of a heartfelt vision. Owned and operated by local resident Charu Rana and her husband Paul Hugel, BXVL Coffeehouse is like two businesses in one. 

The southern side of the coffeehouse is a fully operational coffee bar and eatery, offering hot and cold beverages and light fare. Baked goods hail from Balthazar Bakery, coffee is by La Colombe, and teas are by Rishi. Simple selections include fresh pressed sandwiches, whole-milk yogurt, and overnight oats. 

Rana busied herself prior to the opening by experimenting with various flavor combinations of her hand-crafted smoothies and ice pops (made with wholesome fruit and molded in espresso cups), seeking input from taste-testing neighbors. A product of Rana’s inventiveness, several standout drinks (such as the iced Spiced Hibiscus Latte and the iced Strawberry Matcha Latte), play with tea and density to create not only a flavorful quaff but also an aesthetic delight with a parfait appearance.

Preserving the train station’s heritage, indoor seating incorporates the wall-mounted waiting-room bench, and there are six bistro-style tables outside. There’s also a large dining table ready for the resumption of book-club meetings and the like. Plans to eventually serve wine, beer, and charcuterie are in the works, pending a liquor license. 

Speakeasy Is In the Works

On the north end of the station house, a separate room is a work in progress, en route to becoming a speakeasy. Having its own entrance, the speakeasy is intended to offer an evening hot spot for locals (eventually open approximately 6:00 pm till 11:00 pm or midnight), offering craft cocktails and small plates.

On the path to landmark status, the building offers untouchable virtues, like marble walls and large, arched windows, well-suited for the throwback vibe of a prohibition-era establishment. While details are being worked out, the owners are keen on playing up the railroad heritage as an asset. 

A tentative opening is anticipated for early 2021.

There’s more, and it may come as a shock: BXVL Coffeehouse has its own dedicated parking spots. These six spaces are located at the north side (drive past the coffeehouse and park on the right). Parking there is free (no meters!) for up to an hour.

For Rana, BXVL Coffeehouse is clearly a labor of love, and her bar is set high. You’ll likely find her in the coffeehouse from early in the morning till well into the night six days a week, with a day “off” to tend to administrative tasks. Her exacting standards ensure high quality, creativity, and customer attentiveness.

Hours are Monday to Friday from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (closed Sunday). Online ordering is available.

BXVL Coffeehouse is locaed at 2 Station Plaza, Bronxville, www.bxvlcoffeehouse.com/ (914) 600-8139