Coffee is never just coffee. Especially in New York. The ambiance and accompanying bites are just as important as the good ol’ cup of Joe. To that intent, we round up some of the top coffee experiences around town. And no, Starbucks did not make the cut.
Best Coffee in NYC
Kaffe 1668
275 Greenwich Street
www.kaffe1668.com
Nestled in the heart of TriBeCa, Kaffe 1668 offers concoctions from all over the world (think Guatemala, Kenya, and Antigua). In addition to splendidly brewed coffees and teas, this place is the perfect spot to get some work done. Not in the mood for coffee? They also have delicious and healthy cold-pressed juices and a solid food menu.
Oren’s Daily Roast
Various locations
www.orensdailyroast.com
With locations throughout the entire city and serving top-notch coffee along with pastries from SoHo’s Balthazar, Oren’s Daily Roast is a personal favorite. If in a rush, try to stay away from the Waverly Place location during the workweek, as swarms of NYU students need their caffeine fix before class.
Bluestone Lane Coffee Shop
805 3rd Avenue Atrium
30 Broad Place
bluestonelaneny.com
Head to Bluestone Lane Coffee Shop for some hand crafted coffee from Sightglass Roasters and artisan organic treats like the signature Avocado Smash on Balthazar Bakery multigrain.
La Colombe Torrefaction
319 Church Street
270 Lafayette Street
400 Lafayette Street
lacolombe.com
Giving special attention to the product itself, La Colombe Torrefaction has three separate New York locations. What unites them? The complete dedication to the art of roasting. But be prepared to wait – there are always masses of La Colombe devotees getting their java fix.
Happy Bones
349 Broome Street
www.happybonesnyc.com
Established in NoHo as the first speakeasy-style coffee shop, Happy Bones is now open on Broome Street. They get their beans from Counter Culture and are all about recycling and composting. Our suggestion? A classic cappuccino.
The Laughing Man Coffee & Tea
184 Duane Street
www.livelaughingman.com
Did you know Hugh Jackman owns a coffee shop in New York? That’s what we thought. Head to TriBeca’s Laughing Man Coffee & Tea and enjoy an authentically Australian flat white and maybe even a sighting of the actor himself.
I Am Coffee
9 Saint Marks Place
www.iamcoffee.it
A hole in the wall. Literally. Probably not a great idea to head there if you are looking to spread out and lounge but certainly a great place to taste some Italian coffee. Try the espresso. Trust us on this one.
Gasoline Alley Coffee
331 Lafayette Street
www.gasolinealleycoffee.cm
Ever tasted Brooklyn’s DOUGH’s doughnuts? Kill two birds with one stone at Gasoline Alley Coffee, where you can have some great coffee along with the famous pastries.
Caffe Reggio
119 MacDougal Street
www.cafereggio.com
A New York staple since 1927, Caffe Reggio’s fame comes by way of its great ambiance and exquisite cappuccino – they even claim to be the first place in NYC to serve the frothy beverage. Tucked in Greenwich Village, the café is visited by the artist type and is the perfect spot to get some work done (while people watching).
Cafe Grumpy
200 West 39th Street
224 West 20th Street
13 Essex Street
383 7th Avenue, Brooklyn
193 Meserole Avenue, Brooklyn
www.cafegrumpy.com
I you never thought it was possible to have artisanal coffee in midtown, think again. Cafe Grumpy is a midtown jewel that begs to be visited. Also head to its Brooklyn, Lower East Side and Chelsea locations.
Whynot Coffee & Wine
14 Christopher Street
Coffee and wine? Yes, sir. Whynot offers Blue Bottle Coffee throughout the day and starts serving wine after 5 p.m. Bonus points: a vintage record player sets the mood with great music.
Ninth Street Espresso
75 9th Avenue
700 East 9th Street
341 East 10th Street
www.ninthstreetespresso.com
With a minimalist approach to the art of coffee making, Ninth Street Espresso is undoubtedly the king of espresso. With a no-frills menu, each espresso is made with precision and comes out just right every time.
Blank Café
25 Broadway, Brooklyn
If in Brooklyn and looking for a great cup of Joe, head to Blank Café. The spot also carries breakfast pastries and sandwiches, making it the ideal location throughout the entire day.
Blue Bottle Coffee
10th Avenue and West 16th Street
450 West 15th Street
1 Rockefeller Plaza, concourse level
600 11th Avenue
160 Berry Street, Brooklyn
www.bluebottlecoffee.com
With a variety of locations throughout the city’s most trafficked areas and an army of devoted fans, Blue Bottle Coffee should be your go-to above-average cup of coffee.
Café Lavazza @ Eataly
200 Fifth Avenue
www.eataly.com/caffe-lavazza
Lavazza is Italy’s coffee. Where else to find it but Mario Batali’s Italian megastore? Bare the crowds and you will be rewarded. A cup of espresso has never tasted this good.
Stumptown Coffee
18 West 29th Street
30 West 8th Street
www.stumptowncoffee.com
Stumptown coffee. Need we say more? Although we love the Ace Hotel location, the one on West 8th Street may give you a more comprehensive experience (sans tourists) of how this Portland, OR transplant has captured the hearts – and taste buds – of the NYC coffee contingent.
Otha’s
297 Broadway, Brooklyn
Also in Brooklyn, Otha’s is your perfect grab-and-go neighborhood coffee shop. What to grab? A DOUGH donut and a cup of coffee, of course.
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