Wondering where to grab a latte to go, hook up to free wifi, or people watch over an after-dinner cappuccino? We’ve rounded up all the best coffee shops in New York City to help you out!
For most New Yorkers, getting your caffeine fix is about so much more than grabbing a quick wake me up in the morning. Whether you go for the people watching or you’re looking for a quiet, cozy spot to get some work done (Hello, free wifi!), going for coffee in NYC is a ritual locals and visitors alike take very seriously!
Sure, you can find a Starbucks on every corner, but that’s not what we’re into at Be Your Own Barista. We want it all: amazing coffee, friendly and knowledgeable baristas, and an unforgettable atmosphere! And, New York City is a coffee lover’s paradise of amazing coffee shops, with each one being a unique experience all its own.
The Best Coffee Shops in NYC
We’ve rounded up all the best NYC coffee shops for grabbing a morning latte on the go, settling in to cram for that big test, or for people watching over an after-dinner espresso with your friends. Be sure to let us know which one is your favorite!
Happy Bones NYC | 394 Broome Street; New York, NY
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Inspired by the creativity and energy of New York City, Happy Bones is one of the best coffee shops in New York City for escaping the hustle and bustle of NYC life. This tiny, quiet coffee shop in Little Italy has amazing baristas and it’s the place to go if you want the best Flat White in NYC (it’s their specialty!) They have a variety of sweeteners and dairy-free milk options on hand, as well. Happy Bones has an artsy, minimalistic decor with stark white exposed brick walls, local art, and global publications to browse while you relax and enjoy your coffee. It’s the perfect spot for people-watching in downtown New York City as creatives and locals come and go all day.
Birch Coffee | 10 Convenient Locations throughout New York City
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Birch has 10 convenient NYC locations:
- 27th & Madison in the Flatiron District
- 96th & Columbus on the Upper West Side
- 30th & 3rd Ave. in Murray Hill
- 8 Spruce St. in the Financial District
- 14th & 7th Ave in the West Village
- 62nd & Lex on the Upper East Side
- 48th Ave. & 38th St. in Long Island City
- East 88th St. on the Upper East Side
- 884 Ninth Ave on Columbus Circle
- 111th & 5th Ave in South Harlem
- and their Puma Flagship location at 609 5th Ave
With 10 locations throughout NYC, you can’t beat Birch Coffee for convenience, but their appeal goes way beyond that. Every location has a laid back, rustic, and cozy atmosphere with free wifi and plenty of space to sit and work. They offer a huge variety of non-dairy milk options, even hemp milk! But, what makes Birch truly unique is their desire to foster community connections in the craziness that is NYC.
We love their “Ignition Initiative” coffee cups that encourage patrons to interact and mingle with “Hello, my name is ____,” printed on the side. They even have little cards that provide conversation topics; simply place one at the center of your table to encourage people to stop by and chat! Birch truly offers the best of both worlds by fostering connections in a fast-paced city alongside spaces to spread out and work on your laptop, all while enjoying some of the best coffee in New York City.
Summers NYC | 169 Thompson Street; New York, NY
Our list of the best coffee shops in New York City wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Summers! When you’re looking for a sunny, cheerful little cafe in SoHo, you want Summers New York. Inside, you’ll find a little bit of California with surfboards and coconuts that make grabbing your morning latte, cold brew, or cold-pressed juice a pure joy, rather than just routine. We love the huge variety of milk and milk-alternatives in palm leaf decorated bottles and the grab and go menu featuring yummy bites like acai bowls and avocado toast. Oh, and their smooth, flavorful coffee is roasted right here at Devocion in Brooklyn!
Maman
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With several locations scattered throughout NYC, Maman has so much more to offer than just amazing coffee in beautiful blue floral to-go coffee cups! Each location has an amazing selection of Instagram worthy French pastries, breakfast, lunch, and brunch items. One of our favorite drinks at Maman is their lavender-infused hot chocolate, but you shouldn’t miss their cappuccino either.
And, if you’re hungry, the pastries and quiches will hit the spot in an oh so satisfying way. Working and chilling among the potted plants, rustic decor, and string lights is a delightful way to spend the day. We’re sure you’ll fall in love with this delightful, cozy NYC coffee shop during your work week and it will likely become your new favorite weekend hotspot, too.
Sant Ambroeus | Multiple Manhatten Locations
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Sant Ambroeus isn’t just a coffee shop! With locations in Manhatten’s West Village, the Upper East Side, and Soho, each ristorante has an authentic Milanese stand-up espresso bar. Sant Ambroeus has some of the most memorable Instagram photo ops and the best cappuccinos in NYC, and the espresso drinks are out of this world! Sant Ambroeus will quickly become one of your favorite spots for a latte to go or to hang out and watch the people come and go. Be on the lookout! Stars like Gigi, Kendall, Emrata, and Bella are all regulars here.
The Rose Bakery at Dover Street Market | 160 Lexington Avenue; New York, NY
Tucked away inside the world-famous Dover Street Market, you’ll find one of the best coffee shops in NYC. The amazing Rose Bakery is a lovely contrast to the store’s eclectic retail experience. While Dover Street is known for its one-of-a-kind and limited edition items, the Rose Bakery’s offerings are much more humble, featuring delicious and rustic coffee, tea, pastry, and brunch items.
Coffee Project | 239 E 5th Street; New York, NY
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If you’re looking for an NYC coffee house that takes their espresso seriously and offers new takes on all the coffee classics, then the Coffee Project is the place for you. Never heard of a deconstructed latte? Try the Project One! It’s a shot of espresso accompanied by a latte cup, a shot of steamed milk and a glass of sparkling water. It even comes with a little waffle cookie! The Coffee Project has the most knowledgable baristas in New York City and they’re happy to guide you through the process of enjoying their artisan coffee drinks just like any cocktail artist would.
La Colombe | Locations Throughout NYC
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La Colombe has three locations throughout NYC, all offering amazing coffee and a clean, minimalistic decor. La Combe coffee shops are definitely a hotspot and they’re always packed, but the baristas are on point and you rarely find yourself waiting in a long line. Even if you do, trust us, it’s worth the wait! All of La Colombe’s espresso drinks are flavorful and complex, but our favorite is the insanely delicious and frothy draft latte paired with their sweet and decadent olive oil cake.
Hi-Collar | 214 East 10th St.; New York, NY
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Hi-Collar is a Western-inspired Japanese cafe by day and a bar at night. Having a coffee here is a one of a kind experience that will leave you feeling like royalty… at least for as long as it takes to enjoy your drink. You’ll find some of the friendliest baristas in the city at High-Collar, and they’re happy to help you choose what to drink and offer advice on how to enjoy it. Our advice? Try the Mizudashi Iced Coffee and order a green tea Rice Crispy Treat on the side!
Hutch & Waldo Café | 247 East 81st St.; New York, NY
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Residents on the Upper East Side love Hutch & Waldo, and we’re sure you will too! While there are tons of Starbucks in this part of town, local coffee shops are few and far between. This Aussie style coffee spot has a cozy feel and it’s a great place to get away from the busy streets of NYC. While the coffee is truly spectacular (especially their cold brews and cappuccinos), we’re also crazy for the “Big Aussie Breakfast” on those days when a croissant just isn’t going to cut.
The Best Coffee Shops in New York City: A Final Request
Let’s face it, New York is a vast and thriving city full of amazing coffee spots. While we’ve listed our top 10 favorite NYC coffee shops here, this article could go on indefinitely if we tried to list them all! We’re sure we’ve missed some great spots, and that’s where you come in. If you know of a truly fantastic coffee place in New York City, please tell us about it in the comments below so we can all check it out!
