Overall Rating: 9.0/10

With the rise of matcha lovers and inquirers comes the question: Where can Harrisites find authentic matcha after school? The Q44 or Q20, both popular commute choices, guided my friend and I to the outskirts of Flushing on 36-20 Main Street. Just 17 minutes from Townsend Harris High School, a woman-owned coffee bar sells a variety of flavored teas, coffees, refreshers, desserts, and quality matcha. From their osmanthus sweet fermented latte and pineapple americano to marukyu matcha, this café soon became a favorite spot.

On a chance Tuesday afternoon, my friend Vanessa and I ventured to Flushing in search of refuge from the heat. We arrived at The Duo Coffee Bar at 5pm—just 30 minutes before closing time. Still, the atmosphere was calm, productive, and welcoming.

Walking in, leafy plants and flowers stood at the entrance before a tall ceiling. There was a spacious seating area, furnished with couches and low tables where people worked on their laptops. An extensive menu presented itself above a long counter paired with numerous bar-height stools. Despite having arrived at the end of the day, the cashiers were patient and warmly greeted us.

I ordered the mango matcha for $7.50 while Vanessa ordered the classic iced matcha latte for $6.75. The Duo accepted both cash and card, making the place a good choice for an unplanned visit. Additionally, we found the prices comparable to other Flushing cafés we tried in the past. Sitting at the counter, we watched as the barista prepared our drinks within minutes.

The first thing we noticed was the vibrancy of our matchas. When we were given our drinks, I asked about the quality of their matcha compared to other stores’. The barista revealed that they use a ceremonial-grade matcha brand—the highest level on a traditional Japanese scale. This determines the quality of matcha, characterized by a refined and light palette suited for drinking. Surprisingly, while The Duo uses notably high-quality ingredients, they still uphold reasonable prices.

Mango Matcha Latte

Rating: 9.2/10

I’ve personally tried a variety of fruit matchas, which tend to be overly sugared or heavy to drink due to the amount of syrup used. Yet, I found this one surprisingly delicate and refreshing, perfect after a day of walking in the heat. The mango milk had a mellow, creamy fruit flavor that accompanied well with the nutty profile of the matcha. I had asked for “less sweet”, and while it was sweeter than other matchas I have tried from more mainstream cafés in Flushing, it hit a level of sweetness that was enjoyable and not overpowering.

Iced Matcha Latte

Rating: 9.5/10

I asked Vanessa Lee for her opinion on their iced matcha latte. She shared how the texture was “very smooth: the barista made sure to blend the drink well.” Typically, it is easy for matcha to clump up when it comes in contact with liquid. Using a traditional bamboo whisk helps to separate those chunks with a swift back-and-forth motion. We noted that our drinks had been whisked to the point of having a surprisingly fluffy effect. Overall, The Duo Coffee Bar aced the traditional matcha flavor.

I thanked the barista, Aria, for the drinks and asked for her personal recommendations, to which she replied thoughtfully, “If you like coffee, I would recommend our signature salted cream jasmine latte or our double pistachio latte; we make our pistachio cream homemade… If you like matcha, I would recommend our strawberry matcha latte.” The options are approachable while offering new customers a special experience. Vanessa adds, “I would recommend The Duo Coffee Bar’s matcha to anyone who is looking for something refreshing and enjoyable without being overwhelming.”

To get a better picture of the café experience, I then asked the barista how busy the shop gets on a usual day. She shared, “If it’s Friday to Saturday–on the weekends–it would be really busy, and we [would] run out of seating. But on the weekdays, there’s a steadier flow of customers.” While the atmosphere initially seemed perfect for an after-school study session, I concluded that the shop’s bustling nature during regular hours would be better suited towards hanging out with friends. Our trip to The Duo Coffee Bar left my friend and I with high hopes for the café. We highly recommend visiting, especially for their truly quality matcha and original flavor fusions: all one bus ride away.