I like a good cup of coffee, I like my personal space, and I like a pre-set list of options I can choose from. Yes, I’m a New Yorker. And as a New Yorker I was very surprised to see these options show up right on my doorstep in Staten Island.

The Full Cup is not a new endeavor, for sure. It occupies the space formerly known as The Muddy Cup, one-time coffee mecca, most recently salacious hangout for the more “crunchy” residents that walk these fair streets. So, I entered Full Cup hastily and prepared myself for the worst. I really should have known better, and pity on me, since the new ownership is the husband of a very chic friend who has made a mark in the PR world; the new ‘Cup registers this at first glance.

The place is cleaned up, sparkling, shiny, and new, with more hints of Spring Street cafe than crunchy meetinghouse. They’ve only been open for less than a month, as a sign proudly displays over a napkin holder, “Serving coffee for 24 days!” so there was no food to aid my aching belly. I took the boy with me and ordered up two simple hot chocolates, doused in whip cream and served in no nonsense, no branding paper cups. We sat at one of the adorable tables while I looked around. The location has most of the hallmarks of a new business: attentive fans, shiny-eyed staff, and sparkly vintage furniture I can only guess was purchased around the corner at the Everything Goes Thrift Shop. There are also vastly new things I wish more Islanders made note of.

This was a quiet space, and has their been wifi, I could imagine myself working away for hours. There was also a chalkboard mentioning a Foursquare deal- coffee for the mayor. As someone who deals with Foursquare and location-based marketing every day, this gave me a silly thrill.

Back to the coffee: for such a small and cozy space, the list of flavors were tremendous. I won’t give this away because I know coffee drinkers love the thrill of the chase and I’d like you all to go to the Full Cup and see for yourself, but I was happy.

Sandwiches between gorgeous Victorian homes and a modern wine shop, I think Full Cup is going to be one of the staples of the new Van Duzer Street and the new Staten Island: a mix of vintage and modern art; cozy and warm; unique from what you can find elsewhere. I’m happy to welcome this new addition to the borough and expect to see much, much more from new businesses in the downtown area. Full Cup sets a pretty high bar for itself and others to meet.