The Best Coffee Shops in New York City

August 19, 2023

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There is no shortage of cute coffee shops across New York but I definitely play favorites when it comes to getting my caffeine fixes. I personally don’t ever go to Starbucks unless I’m at an airport as I’d personally rather support smaller, more boutique shops on the reg.

That being said I now typically make my own coffee given I work from home but when scheduling coffee catch up dates or meetings, the following locales are those I can’t get enough of.

The Best Coffee Shops in New York City

If you’re looking for a great list of coffee shops in NYC, look no further.

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Ralph’s Coffee

This cute spot used to be nestled in the Ralph Lauren store on Fifth Avenue, but then the store closed, the coffee endeavor shuttered, too. Thankfully the coffee was so popular that Ralph Lauren has now opened shops on Madison Avenue in their Women’s Store, in the Flatiron on Lower Fifth and a semi-permanent coffee cart at Rockefeller Center. Each location is an Instagram dream and remains a favorite spot of mine to meet up with friends for a coffee catch up date.

Coffee Project 

This East Village spot is a great little hole in the wall friendly establishment. They have killer cold brew and one of my favorite almond croissants in the city.

Bluestone Lane

This Aussie cafe popped up all over Brooklyn and Manhattan and is super popular for good reason. They make an awesome flat white and their avocado toast is some of my favorite in the city. People also love the matcha latte served here. This is a favorite spot of mine for breakfast meetings and it doesn’t hurt that everything is super photo worthy, too.

Prodigy Coffee

This spot used to be my go-to when heading into the office at my last job but it’s good I no longer frequent it as much because I couldn’t resist their banana bread. It is to die for! Nestled on a charming street in the West Village their coffee is delicious and I adore their decor.

Partners Coffee

This establishment was – until a few years ago was – called Toby’s and they serve delicious coffee in beautiful spaces. Their West Village location is such a good spot to get a cup and a pastry and sit down to enjoy reading or catching up on email. You’ll also find locations in Williamsburg, Long Island City and other neighborhoods throughout the city.

Bar Pisellino

On a charming corner in the West Village, I love to enjoy the Italian coffees at this spot at one of their outdoor tables. This is a true personal favorite spot of mine to enjoy regularly.

Felix Roasting

When visiting Soho and in need of a good coffee spot to catch up with friends, this bright and airy spot has loads of seating to enjoy. They also have a smaller location near Madison Square Park.

Intelligentsia Coffee

If you’re in Chelsea and looking for a charming, tucked away spot, head to the Highline Hotel and inside you’ll find a little Intelligentsia Coffee coffee bar.

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Mud

An East Village favorite of mine. It’s the only place in New York I take my iced coffee with milk and sugar because it is just so darn good.

The Elk

If you’re looking for a cozy and quaint coffee shop off the beaten path, head to The Elk. It is tucked away on a tree lined street close to the Hudson River in the West Village and I personally love to enjoy their cold brew while parked on one of their cute benches outside.

Maman

I am guilty of over-Instagramming this place but I don’t care. Their cups are just the best! The French inspired cafes in both Soho and Tribeca are cozy and casual and the pastries are not to be missed.

Butler

I love this spot’s strong cold brew. There are a few locations around the city including a popular outpost in Dumbo, Brooklyn.

Fellini Coffee

Meet the cutest new coffee bar in the city! It has the smallest footprint in real estate but makes up for it in charm. They are serving up great coffee and their little corner tables make for the perfect spot to people watch.

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Stumptown Coffee Roasters

This spot’s nitro cold brew may as well be rocket fuel so if I have a big day, I head here. Their Greenwich Village and Cobble Hill locations are favorites of mine. I always love the bustling vibe on weekends at their Greenwich Village location. 

If you visit the Cobble Hill outpost and are looking for other good spots to enjoy in the neighborhood, don’t miss my What To Do in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn guide.

Cafe Kitsune

One of my Paris favorites (via Japan) opened a bright and airy spot in the West Village. They also now have a location in Boreum Hill, Brooklyn. 

Arabica

This Japanese spot finally opened their first stateside location in Dumbo, Brooklyn. They are now working on expanding in other locations in New York City. I saw they recently opened a Soho location on Prince Street and they are also opening a Midtown location as well. 

Their iced lattes are my absolute favorite in the city.

Oslo Coffee

This small craft company serves up artisan brews at a few locations in New York City.

Joe Coffee

Delicious signature coffees and warm, welcome staff, this spot’s Brooklyn Heights location is a favorite for a cup of jo. Their baked goods are pretty reliable as well. 

La Colombe

Great coffee and reliable baked goods, La Colombe has outposts throughout the city including neighborhoods like the Financial District. They are well known for their Draft Lattes. 

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For those of you in New York – have any favorites you can share!?

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comments +

  1. Laurence says:

    Great list! I need to try Prodigy Coffee next time I visit NYC. I like Birch coffee, Café Grumpy, Ground Central and Irving Farm. I wish Boston had more coffee shops that are not chains.

  2. Diana Pearl says:

    I don’t drink coffee, but I think a list of go-to spots is essential for catch ups with friends, working spots. and tea, of course! Love this list and def adding a few new spots to my list. I also love Irving Farm and Woops!

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