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Local blogger Alisa shares the very best coffee shops in NYC, whether you’re looking for a quick coffee break, a boozy brunch or a great place to work remotely!
In a city as big as New York, with so much to do and see, it can be hard to find the best places to stop for a coffee break!
Whether you’re looking for a place to work, a quick caffeine fix, or a cosy environment to simply relax, these are some of the best places to explore the NYC coffee scene…
- What Are The Best Coffee Shops in NYC?
- 1) Best for Working Remotely: Cafe Grumpy, Greenpoint
- 2) Best for Speciality Coffee: Stumptown Coffee Roasters
- 3) Best-designed Coffee Shop: Blue Bottle
- 4) Best Coffee Shop in the Financial District: Black Fox
- 5) Best Nicaraguan Coffee: Cafe Integral
- 6) Best Place to Also Have Brunch: Vineapple Cafe
- 7) Best for on-the-go Coffee: La Colombe
- 8) Best for Social Impact: Laughing Man Cafe (Tribeca)
- 9) Best for Getting a Pastry With Your Coffee: Fabrique Bakery
- 10) Best for Outdoor/ Indoor Seating: Irving Farm New York
- Final Thoughts
- More on NYC
What Are The Best Coffee Shops in NYC?
1) Best for Working Remotely: Cafe Grumpy, Greenpoint
Café Grumpy is a cosy and inviting coffee shop located in the heart of Greenpoint, Brooklyn. It’s been around since 2005 and is a favourite among locals. Although there are multiple locations throughout NYC, the Greenpoint shop is my favourite!
The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, with plenty of seating options. The walls are covered with artwork from local artists, giving the cafe an eclectic vibe that reflects its neighborhood. Plus, there are plenty of outlets, and free WiFi, so it’s a great spot for working remotely!
Address: 193 Meserole Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222
2) Best for Speciality Coffee: Stumptown Coffee Roasters
If you’re looking for a quality cup of coffee, Stumptown Coffee Roasters is the place to go. My favorite location is in the Ace Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.
Founded in 2009, Stumptown Coffee Roaster has been at the forefront of the speciality coffee movement, producing high-quality coffees sourced directly from sustainable growers across the world.
Aside from their signature espresso drinks, you can also enjoy delicious food. These include pastries from Ovenly and Pain D’Avignon and Austin-style breakfast tacos from King David Tacos.
Ace Hotel location: 18 West 29th Street, New York, NY 10001
3) Best-designed Coffee Shop: Blue Bottle
Blue Bottle Coffee shop in NYC is a beautifully designed cafe chain that takes coffee seriously. The atmosphere here is serene and inviting, with chic modern decor. It’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
The menu is full of delicious coffee drinks made with freshly sourced beans from around the world. From light-roasted single origins to bold blends, there’s something for everyone. They also offer an array of specialty drinks to choose from. And if you’re looking for a nice gift, they sell travel mugs and roasted coffee.
Address: Blue Bottle has multiple locations across NYC
4) Best Coffee Shop in the Financial District: Black Fox
Black Fox Coffee is a speciality coffee shop located in the Financial District of New York City. The cafe was founded by Daniel Murphy and Gary Hardwick, two passionate coffee lovers who wanted to bring a better, more meaningful cafe experience to their local community.
The interior of Black Fox was designed as an homage to the traditional European espresso bar. Upon entering, you’ll find a warm and welcoming atmosphere that invites conversation, engagement, and community. The seating areas offer plenty of space for gatherings, while the carefully curated selection of global coffees appeals to both novices and experts alike.
Address: 70 Pine St, New York, NY 10005
5) Best Nicaraguan Coffee: Cafe Integral
Café Integral is a small but impactful coffee shop located in New York City’s Soho district. It was founded in 2012 with the mission of bringing exceptional Nicaraguan coffees to American culture. Café Integral has earned a reputation for its high-quality, carefully sourced beans from four of Nicaragua’s finest regions.
The atmosphere at Café Integral is quite inviting. It’s bright and modern, making it an ideal spot for the perfect cup of coffee or tea accompanied by great conversation or just some quiet time with yourself. If you’re in the Soho / East Village area visiting NYC’s museums or galleries, definitely stop by.
Address: 149 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012
6) Best Place to Also Have Brunch: Vineapple Cafe
Vineapple Cafe has been a popular spot in the Brooklyn Heights / Downtown Brooklyn neighborhood for some time now. The cafe offers delicious and inventive breakfast and brunch offerings, perfect for a lazy Sunday or to catch up with friends during the week. With its cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food you can’t go wrong!
The menu is full of exciting options – including their famous Eggs Benedict, which has a unique twist. Their Shakshuka is also quite popular, though it can be a bit too spicy for some tastes. You must try their Cinnamon Crunch French Toast – this delicious dish will have you coming back again and again. Brunch cocktails are generously portioned and have just the right amount of kick!
Address: 71 Pineapple St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
7) Best for on-the-go Coffee: La Colombe
La Colombe is an iconic coffee shop chain found throughout New York City. These shops are known for their delicious selection of coffees, teas, and pastries. The atmosphere at La Colombe is modern, yet inviting with its clean design and tasteful decor.
The menu at La Colombe offers a wide variety of hot and cold speciality drinks such as their famous draft latte. This smooth, creamy caffeinated drink made with oat milk has become a hit among customers looking for something different. If you’re short on time, you can also grab one of their canned beverages.
Address: Multiple locations throughout NYC
8) Best for Social Impact: Laughing Man Cafe (Tribeca)
Laughing Man Café is a cozy coffee shop tucked in Tribeca, NYC. It opened its doors in 2011 and has since then been a local favorite among coffee lovers and tourists alike.
The Laughing Man Coffee Company also believes in making a difference through its work. They have created the Laughing Man Coffee Foundation which invests its profits into various aspects of the farmers’ life such as health care, education, growth, and success. By shopping at their cafe or online store you are contributing to this cause helping communities around the world be happy.
Address: 184 Duane St, New York, NY 10013
9) Best for Getting a Pastry With Your Coffee: Fabrique Bakery
Fabrique Bakery in NYC is a truly exceptional place. From the warm and cozy atmosphere to the delicious scents and sounds of baking, it’s hard to resist the allure of this traditional bakery. Located in one of Manhattan’s oldest neighborhoods, Fabrique offers customers the perfect combination of classic Swedish pastries, artisanal bread, cakes, tarts, and other treats.
The bread at Fabrique is made using natural ingredients and traditional methods. Their signature sourdough is made with freshly ground flour, water, and natural yeast – no commercial yeast or preservatives are used. The resulting loaves are flavor-packed and deliciously fragrant. They also offer a variety of unique bread including rye, whole wheat, and their scrumptious cardamom rolls.
Address: 348 W 14th St, New York, NY 10014
10) Best for Outdoor/ Indoor Seating: Irving Farm New York
Irving Farm New York on Irving Place is an iconic cafe that has established itself as a leader in NYC’s coffee industry since 1996. Located in the heart of the city, Irving Farm offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with wood panelling on the walls and vintage art pieces dotted around.
In addition to its cafe on Irving Place, Irving Farm also has additional cafes throughout Manhattan and even a 7500 sq/ft roasting facility near the original carriage house in Millerton, New York. Through these facilities, they strive to provide authentic NY coffee while staying true to their hometown roots since 1996.
Address: 71 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003
Final Thoughts
No matter what your preference for coffee is, New York City has got you covered! With its array of classic institutions, modern upstarts, a pour-over bar, and old-fashioned drip coffee, there’s something out there to satisfy any cravings.
So grab your mug and explore the amazing coffee culture that New York City has to offer!
What are your favourite coffee shops in NYC? If there’s one missing from this list, let us know in the comments!
About the Author
Alisa Goz is a digital nomad, travel blogger, and passionate life-long learner. Join Alisa at AlisaGoz.com for the best tips for stress-free travel. Before starting her blog, Alisa worked as a non-profit fundraiser at top New York cultural institutions. She carries her passion for building community through everything she does.
