The Insider’s Guide to the Best Coffee Shops in NYC

The ultimate New York City coffee shop guide is here!

bluestone lane coffee cafe west village brunch healthy gluten free cortado latte banana bread

 

Where to Find the Best Coffee in NYC

 

New York City has serious coffee in every borough.

I have been popping into new coffee stores on my weekends for years so this is a long list! At first it began as a way to find a seriously good cup of jo (you’d be surprised how ubiquitous Starbucks used to be and how few independent coffee shops were around 4-5 years ago), but I kept it up because it was a great way to explore every part of the city on foot.

I ended up really liking Brooklyn!

Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite spaces, in alphabetical order, for where to find the best coffee in New York.

 

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For my full guide to the best of the city, check out my NYC Guide featuring restaurants, museums, interior design stores and culture.

And for my latest coffee and brunch spots, you can find what I’m up to on Instagram (@shershegoes).

 

 

Best Coffee in New York


NYC Coffee Guide - Abraco
insiders-guide-to-nyc-coffee-shops-bushwick-ap-cafe
nyc coffee and tea guide bellocq atelier greenpoint

 

1. Abraco

A small, counter only spot in the East Village with excellent espressos and baked goods. 86 E 7th St East Village

 

2. AP Cafe

A gorgeous coffee shop in Bushwick founded by a group of artists. The food is almost as good as the design – enjoy an acai bowl and latte in airy open concept space complete with a waterfall and skylight. 253 W 51st St Theatre District

 

3. Bellocq

A charming space selling custom tea blends in beautiful vivid yellow containers. Stop by to pick out some tea and take a seat in their peaceful pink cushion area, where you’ll feel miles away from industrial Greenpoint. 104 West St | Greenpoint, Brooklyn

 

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bibble and sip coffee shop cafe match latte alpaca latte art sher she goes new york coffee manhattan cafe green shershegoes.com
NYC Coffee Guide - Birch Coffee
nyc coffee and tea guide bluebird cafe east village

 

4. Bibble & Sip

A cute alpaca themed cafe with delicious baked goods and matcha & lavender lattees. You can read my interview with founder Gary here253 W 51st St Theatre District Read More

 

5. Birch Coffee

All over the city, but I always stop by the Murray Hill location since it feels like a large, homey neighborhood cafe in the madness of midtown. Perks: free wifi and plenty of seating. Multiple Locations

 

6. Blue Bird Cafe

A tiny coffee shop serving coffee in distinctive blue coffee cups. Great baked goods as well and cute outdoor bar seats. 72 E 1st St | East Village

 

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NYC Coffee guide - Boxkite
NYC Coffee Guide - Budin

 

7. Bluestone Lane NYC

This Aussie import serves up delicious flat whites and a full, seriously healthy ‘brekkie’ menu. My favorites are the avocado toast, hearty sandwiches and chia pudding. Multiple Locations

 

8. Box Kite Cafe

Serious java in a minimalist space. 115 St Marks Pl | East Village

 

9. Budin Cafe

Another Greenpoint joint, this space is large and airy with a central coffee bar and plenty of seating. Go to Budin to try Scandinavian specialty brews and browse the housewares and clothing towards the back. 114 Greenpoint Ave | Greenpoint, Brooklyn

 

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guide to nyc coffee shops cha cha matcha
nyc coffee and tea guide chailait matcha latte chelsea west village
NYC Coffee Guide - El Rey

 

10. Cha Cha Matcha

This adorable pink retro themed shop focuses on of course, matcha. Matcha is a powdered form of concentrated green tea leaves and often served as a refreshing latte. 373 Broome St| Little Italy

 

11. Chailait

A west village spot for matcha beverages. Try the house matcha latte and an avocado toast and people watch with a perfect spot right outside the christopher st. subway station. 224 West 4th St | West Village

 

12. El Rey Cafe

El Rey feels like a true neighborhood cafe. Hidden in the LES, with open window seating, the coffee slash luncheonette shop has a full menu highlighting veggies and Parlor coffee. 100 Stanton St | Lower East Side

 

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NYC Coffee Guide - Fika
NYC Coffee Guide - Gasoline Alley
nyc coffee and tea guide happy bones soho

 

13. FIKA Cafe

Fika, meaning coffee break in Swedish, has a full coffee centric menu and delicious desserts. Try to hit up a location where they make chocolates in house. Especially noteworthy: chocolate truffles, semlor, a swedish sweet bun, and the Swedish meatball platter. Multiple Locations

 

14. Gasoline Alley

A tiny spot just off Soho to get your java fix. Standing room early so best for a quick pop in – they also have dough donuts. There are two entrances but the line forms out on Lafayette street. 331 Lafayette St | NoHo

 

15. Happy Bones

A small but well lit white brick coffee shop in Soho serving espresso and Donut Plant doughnuts. 394 Broome St SoHo

 

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NYC Coffee Guide - Hi Collar
NYC Coffee Guide - Hungry Ghost
nyc coffee and tea guide kaffe 1668 tribeca

 

16. Hi-Collar Cafe

This Japanese kissaten has an eclectic feel to it. A long bar serves siphon-brew coffee and fluffy pancakes by day…and sake and beer by night! 214 E 10th St | East Village

 

17. Hungry Ghost Cafe

A brooklyn cafe dedicated to single origin coffees and cold brews. Perfect if you’re looking for coffee done right while in Brooklyn. 781 Fulton St | Fort Greene, Brooklyn

 

18. KAFFE 1668

A Tribeca favorite, Kaffe 1668 operates airy and industrial coffee shops filled with cute sheep. I used to come everyday for an afternoon pick me up – they have pressed juices, matcha lattes delicious chocolates/ baked goods along with a healthy full lunch menu. 401 Greenwich St (I prefer this location) | Tribeca

 

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NYC Coffee Guide - La Colombe
NYC Coffee Guide - Little Collins
NYC Coffee Guide - McNally Jacksons

 

19. La Colombe Cafe

A craft coffee company all over the city. I always get a cortado and two chocolate chip cookies and people watch for a bit at the cute almond shaped tables. Multiple Locations

 

20. Little Collins

A cute but tiny espresso bar in Midtown East. If you can snag a seat, get the avocado on toast or an almond croissant in addition to your latte – they add pepitas, chili flakes and feta to the former! 667 Lexington Ave | Midtown East

 

21. McNally Jacksons

A bookstore with a side coffee shop filled to the brim with people reading. Come for a cup of coffee or a pot of tea and get some work done. I especially like to browse the cookbook section and latest magazines. 52 Prince St | SoHo

 

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NYC Coffee Guide - Ralphs
guide to nyc coffee shops ramini espresso bar
NYC Coffee Guide - Saturday Surf

 

22. Ralph’s Coffee 

Hidden on the airy, light filled second floor of the Ralph Lauren clothing store. Come here to get a brief break from the shopping crazed hoards and have a cup of coffee while looking down over 5th ave. I love the clean white and green theme, present in the store and the cups! 711 5th Ave | Midtown

 

23. Ramini Espresso Bar

This cozy spot has excellent pastries in addition to great coffee. Latte varieties include green tea and lavender. 265 W 37th St | Times Square See More

 

24. Saturday Surf

Tucked inside this hip surf store is a small but impactful coffee bar. Get an iced mocha and then chill out in the back garden and escape the crowded SoHo streets. 31 Crosby St | SoHo

 

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NYC Coffee Guide - Stumptown
NYC Coffee Guide - The Elk
NYC Coffee Guide - Tobys Estate

 

25. Stumptown Coffee Roasters

A Portland coffee roaster with a small standing room shop next to the Ace Hotel. I prefer the larger, newer store at the NW edge of Washington Square Park, which has ample seating and pastries. 30 West 8th St | Washington Sq Park (pc @lydiahudgens)

 

26. The Elk

A calming, indie-esque coffee shop serving a delectable brunch in the village. Try the avocado toast, market rice bowl or just a chocolate chip cookie with your espresso. 128 Charles St | West Village (pc: @forevervanny)

 

27. Toby’s Estate

This Brooklyn based roasting company is a mecca for all things espresso. Stop by for a home brew lesson, cup tasting or to get some work done in the light filled space. 125 North 6th Street | Williamsburg, Brooklyn

 

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28. Two Hands Coffee

Another Aussie cafe with the usual avo smash and flat whites. Also good here: healthy smoothies and acai bowls. Take a seat and catch up with friends or grab and go to explore – this spot intersects chinatown, little italy and soho nicely. 164 Mott St | Chinatown Read More

 


And there you have it, my list of coffee in NYC that make a great shot of espresso.

Did I miss your favorite coffee shop? I’m always looking for new cafes and neighborhoods to explore, let me know in the comments below!

 

Visiting NYC – Travel Checklist

New York City has 3 airports: John F Kennedy (JFK), the bustling international hub; LaGuardia (LGA), the run down smaller airport near Astoria Queens; and Newark Airport (EWR) which is actually in New Jersey. You can check for flight deals here for your upcoming trip – for better rates, make sure you include all 3 airports.

Be sure to visit New York with travel insurance. Whether you get injured and need to be hospitalized, or your phone gets stolen, or a delayed flight leaves you with nothing but the clothes on your back, travel insurance will help when you need it most. Get a quote for your trip here.

Everything about the city is expensive (sorry). From food to accommodation to sights, try to save up a healthy vacation fund and then enjoy the entire visit. I do recommend booking hotels in NYC – Airbnb is illegal in the city, so only book an Airbnb for nearby New Jersey. You can check here for last minute accommodation deals.

Getting around, on the other hand, is easy! The subway system is extensive and follows a North South grid (for the most part). If you want to avoid the grime, use Uber and Lyft on your phone or hail a cab by sticking out an arm. Cabs with lights on the roofs mean they're open and available!

 

 You Might Also Enjoy: 

 

Planning a Trip to New York City

A Neighborhood Guide to New York

Affordable NYC Hotels Under $200 / Night

The Best NYC Furniture Stores for Every Budget

 

Cultural Things to Do in NYC

An Insider's Guide to New York City Museums

The Most Photogenic Locations in Central Park

Cherry Blossoms on New York's Roosevelt Island

NY Botanical Garden: Orchid Evenings

Art After Dark at the Guggenheim Museum

Boating in Central Park for Kids

 

Fun Activities & Events

Institute of Culinary Education Class Review (+ Promo Code)

 

Seasonal Things to Do in NYC

The Best Fall Activities to Try in NYC

 

Holiday & Christmas Things to Do

Riding New York City's Holiday Train

 

New York City Eats & Restaurant Reviews

Guide to the Best Coffee Shops and Acai Bowls in NYC

Asian: Cha-An, Hatushana Sushi, Mihoko's 21 Grams, Jinya Ramen

Brunch: The Wren, The Meatball Shop, Brooklyn's Smorgasburg

Dinner: The Wayfarer, L'Artusi, Racines, Tamarind, Sociale

Fine Dining: Musket Room, River Café, The Modern, Annisa, Benoit

 

Getaways from New York City

Fun Summer Day Trips from NYC

The Best Small Towns Upstate

 

Follow me @Sher She Goes on

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45 Comments

  1. Erica
    February 17, 2016 / 9:39 pm

    Ah this is the ultimate guide! You nailed it, soooo many solid places :) Cheers to more happy coffee dates! x

  2. Sher
    Author
    February 18, 2016 / 1:39 pm

    Thanks Erica! Glad you found it helpful :)

  3. Tiffany
    February 18, 2016 / 5:37 pm

    oh wow, this is amazing, I’m actually visiting NYC this summer, so I can’t wait to try this places out :) thanks for sharing!

    • Sher
      Author
      February 18, 2016 / 10:14 pm

      Hi Tiffany – thanks, I’m glad you love it!! I hope you check out as many as possible and enjoy your visit! :)

  4. Annie Abbey
    February 19, 2016 / 7:22 am

    Love this post! Saturday Surf is so good and so is Hungry Ghost! I have to check out the other guys! I also love grey dog cafes for food and bomb coffee!

  5. Joyce
    February 19, 2016 / 12:46 pm

    Ahh, so many places I love and other places that I haven’t been to yet! I’ve been wanting to go to AP cafe forever. Love all your pics :D

    • Sher
      Author
      February 19, 2016 / 1:10 pm

      yess we should do some bushwick adventures! also i just found this tea place that does like cotton candy on top of them!!

  6. Sher
    February 19, 2016 / 1:00 pm

    This is awesome! I have to follow your blog just because your name is also Sher and you live in NYC just like me :) Definitely will try some of these places!

    • Sher
      Author
      February 19, 2016 / 1:10 pm

      haha no way, what a coincidence! great to meet you virtually :)

  7. Karen
    February 19, 2016 / 6:27 pm

    Nice guide. I”m not a big coffee drinker, but I see some friends’ favorites here. You should do a tea list!

    • Sher
      Author
      February 22, 2016 / 10:55 am

      Hey wanderlusting! thanks for stopping by. i am definitely more of a coffee person but i included a couple tea favorites on the list :) bellocq is great for tea blends and mcnallys does a simple but cozy tea pot brew :)

  8. Rochelle Fox
    February 21, 2016 / 12:08 pm

    This is amazing! Can’t even wait to taste all of them. ;)

    • Sher
      Author
      February 22, 2016 / 10:56 am

      Thanks Rochelle! Hope you get a chance to check them all out

  9. mainou
    February 24, 2016 / 4:11 pm

    Loved this! Very helpful, will definitely check some out when I visit NY

    • Sher
      Author
      February 24, 2016 / 7:13 pm

      Hi Mainou – glad you enjoyed! Hope you have a great trip

  10. Sybil
    March 1, 2016 / 8:16 pm

    OMG!!! Im putting this post in my favourites!!!! I WANT TO VISIT ALL THESE CAFES!!!

    Happy March!

    • Sher
      Author
      March 1, 2016 / 8:34 pm

      Hi Sibyl! Aw so glad you love it. I hope you make it to them all!

  11. Cielo
    March 1, 2016 / 11:06 pm

    I love this guide!!! Can’t wait to visit these places on my next NYC trip! =)

  12. Ashley
    March 2, 2016 / 1:43 pm

    Love the green tea lattes at Chalait! I’ll have to add all these other places to my list!

  13. Kara
    March 7, 2016 / 6:39 pm

    Wow this was so helpful! I’m definitely going to check out some of the places you listed. I just tried Bluestone Lane not too long ago and the flat white was delicious!

    • Sher
      Author
      March 7, 2016 / 9:14 pm

      Hey Kara – i absolutely love bluestone lane. hope you enjoy the others on this list!

  14. Chanel
    March 11, 2016 / 6:05 pm

    I love this cute little guide to coffee in NYC and so happy I discovered another NYC-based blogger! :D

  15. Suza
    September 5, 2016 / 9:38 pm

    You forgot Gorilla Coffee in Park Slope on 5th Ave. The best!

  16. Elaine
    November 27, 2016 / 3:10 pm

    I love going to Culture Espresso on 38th street! Super cute atmosphere and the quality of coffee is delicious!

    • Sher
      Author
      November 29, 2016 / 7:43 am

      Thanks for the tip Elaine! I’ll have to check it out

  17. Olivia
    December 19, 2016 / 11:11 pm

    I’ve just discovered St Kilda coffee on w 44th, (not sure if that’s technically Hell’s Kitchen or not) but they have the best dang cold brew I’ve ever had in my life.

    • Sher
      Author
      December 19, 2016 / 11:20 pm

      ooh thanks Olivia – I’ll check it out! I love cold brew but man I just got back to NYC and this weather is COLD. I might save st kilda for the spring… :)

  18. Lily Bell
    November 4, 2017 / 2:02 pm

    PROOF Coffee Roasters is by far my favorite coffee. They just opened a 3rd location at 27th and 1st that has sit down spots (the other two are grab and go types). Amazing espresso!

  19. Eben
    November 13, 2017 / 11:03 pm

    Whoa! You reviewed so many so fast! Thank you for these reviews!

    • Sher
      Author
      November 13, 2017 / 11:17 pm

      Ha nah, this is the result of yearsss of exploring NYC coffee. I actually havent updated it for all the new places which popped up!

  20. java coffee
    February 7, 2018 / 9:21 am

    very helpful list about coffee. thanks

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