It is a must to have a good cup of coffee in New York City, one of the most dynamic cities in the world. It’s constantly evolving, with new businesses popping up and old ones closing their doors every day. And while there are so many things to love about it, there’s also something to hate about almost any corner you turn. The cost of living here is through the roof and the competition for housing is cutthroat. That being said, there are some wonderful places that make living in this city worth it—and coffee shops are chief among them!
If you love coffee as much as we do, then you’ll be thrilled to know that New York has some of the best coffee shops around! From hidden gems to classic favorites, here are some of our favorite spots to grab a good cup of coffee in New York City—and where you can grab another one!
Coffee 1668: Coffee channel for the senses
Cafe Orgasmic Organic Coffee and Dessert Bar
The Best Coffee Shops in NYC
Blue Bottle Blue Bottle claims that their coffee is “roasted daily.” While they wouldn’t be the first roaster to put this claim, it’s true. They roast their beans every day. How can a roaster adhere to a schedule like that and still make money? They can’t. Blue Bottle only roasts enough coffee for the day. They do this to ensure that every cup of coffee is as fresh as it can be.
Cafe Frittata is located in the heart of SoHo and is a great place to stop for a bite to eat, a cup of coffee, or both. There’s no espresso machine here, though. This cafe is strictly for drip coffee. They have other drinks, too, of course, but their coffee is what separates them from the rest. They use beans that are sourced from different countries around the world. These roast beans in a nearby facility.
Cafe Katani owners care deeply about their beans. They’ve partnered with a handful of roasters to get the beans they need to create their lattes, cappuccinos, etc., and they’ve built relationships with farmers to ensure that the beans are harvested ethically. And it’s not just coffee they’ve got going on here; they’ve also got an extensive menu of tea and kombucha.
##hummingbird
Hummingbird is a coffee shop chain with locations in New York, Boston, and Washington, DC. They’re known for their smooth coffee blends, and their “Just Good Coffee” motto is evident in each cup. They’re a great option for those looking for a reliable cup of coffee, no matter which of their locations they visit. Joe’s Cafe Joe’s Cafe is a classic New York City coffee shop. They’ve been open since the 1930s, and their “Counter Culture” has been serving up caffeinated beverages for decades. They source their beans from a number of roasters, but they usually go with a blend from Cafe Bustelo. If you’re looking for a classic New York City coffee shop, you can’t go wrong with Joe’s.
Kabuki Cafe
Kabuki Cafe is a chill little coffee shop in Midtown. They’ve got a fairly standard menu, but their coffee is what makes them special. They’ve partnered with a company called Big Shoulders Coffee to create their blends. And Big Shoulders doesn’t just buy coffee beans and grind them; they also hire and train farmers in Central America to grow the beans.
Coffee 1668: Coffee channel for the senses
Coffee 1668 calls themselves a “coffee channel” because they’ve dedicated themselves to bringing you the best coffee experience possible. Their menu features both hot and iced coffee, and they’ve got a selection of food to go along with it, too. They offer a number of different espresso drinks and varieties of brewed coffee. They even have a selection of milkshakes if you’re in the mood for something sweet.
La Colombe Coffee Roasters is a coffee shop that’s truly dedicated to the bean. They source their beans from all over the world, and they’ve even started their own farm in Costa Rica. Their coffee is roasted in a nearby facility, ensuring that you’re always getting the freshest brew. La Colombe has a handful of shops around New York City, and they’re always pushing the boundaries with new specials, like their “beer and espresso” nights. They have a very unique and special menu that includes coffee cocktails and coffee desserts too! They have a wide variety of hot and cold drinks and even have a special machine that makes coffee cocktails. The cafe also serves a single origin coffee that comes straight from the farm and freshly roasted right in front of you. Coffee 1668, 19 W 21st Street
Nederlander Café and Theatre
You can grab a good cup of coffee in New York City’s Nederlander Café and Theatre. It is a Broadway cafe located on 44th Street. They’ve got a number of different espresso drinks, including a hot chocolate that’s made with melted chocolate sauce and topped with whipped cream and sea salt, but they’ve also got some non-coffee beverages for those who aren’t fans of the bean. And, of course, they’ve got plenty of sweet treats, too. The best part, though, is that they’re open late. They’re open from 8AM to 2AM daily.
If you’re in the mood for a premium cup of coffee, Nederlander Café and Theatre has you covered. They’ve partnered with La Colombe Coffee Roasters to create a selection of premium espresso drinks. After you finish your drink, you can take a look at their free art exhibit. They’ve got paintings, sculptures, and photographs on display. After that, you can catch a Broadway show. Nederlander Café and Theatre is open late and features live entertainment.
Blue Bottle
Blue Bottle has been a major player in the coffee scene for over a decade, and for good reason. The company’s New York City location has been a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Blue Bottle has two locations: 1) 77 West 77th Street and 2) 181 Fifth Avenue. The former boasts spectacular views of Central Park from its terrace and the latter is located in an old, brick-walled building with vaulted ceilings. What makes Blue Bottle so special is the meticulous care that goes into every cup. They only use the best quality beans and roast them daily. The result is a smooth, rich, and almost creamy taste. A good cup of coffee in New York City’s Blue Bottle is truly a treat for all the senses, especially when accompanied by their delicious pastries, cookies, and sandwiches!
Cafe Frittata
Cafe Frittata is a little nook of a place that serves up some big flavors. This Brooklyn coffee shop is a neighborhood favorite that’s perfect for those who like to keep it low-key. The menu is small but mighty, and everything on it is prepared with care. The Frittata Sandwich—made with escarole and broccoli rabe, roast pork loin, and provolone cheese—is a real treat. The coffee is also great and comes in a variety of flavors, including hazelnut and vanilla.
Cafe Frittata 522 Atlantic Ave.
Cafe Katani
Cafe Katani is another Brooklyn favorite. It’s one of the most popular spots on the Atlantic Avenue strip, so expect to wait in line (but it’ll be worth it). Katani offers a variety of different drinks, both hot and cold, including lattes, espresso, and iced coffee. The iced coffee, in particular, is amazing. It’s iced and sweetened, making it perfect for a hot day. One of Katani’s best drinks is Sambuca Coffee. It’s iced coffee with Sambuca liquor added to it, making it a sweet, bold, and festive drink.
Cafe Katani, 626 Atlantic Ave.
Cafe Orgasmic Organic Coffee and Dessert Bar
Cafe Orgasmic is a coffee shop with a twist. It sells coffee, of course, but it also serves up a variety of delicious desserts. The coffee is excellent, and they have a variety of flavors to choose from. You can get any drink hot or iced, and you can also get it blended or as a latte. Cafe Orgasmic also serves a variety of baked goods, including scones, muffins, cookies, and brownies. If you’re not in the mood for coffee or dessert, you can also get a smoothie or a bagel.
Cafe Orgasmic, 869 Broadway
Joe’s Cafe
Joe’s Café is a New York City classic. It’s been around since the 1930s, so you know it’s good. Joe’s is a perfect place to go to get away from the city and relax. It’s quiet and unassuming, with a small but decent menu. It’s also a great place to go if you’re looking for a cheap meal. Coffee at Joe’s is cheap, and the food is also reasonably priced.
Joe’s Cafe, 9 E 15th St.
La Colombe Coffee Roasters
La Colombe is a stylish coffee shop with a focus on quality. It roasts their own beans in the back of the shop, and they source their coffee from farmers who are paid a premium to ensure that they receive a fair wage. This is one of the reasons why the coffee is a little more expensive than what you would find at your average coffee shop. However, the quality of the coffee is worth it. La Colombe has two locations in New York City. One is in SoHo, and the other is in Midtown East. You can also get La Colombe coffee at select grocery stores and cafes.
La Colombe Coffee Roasters, 55 W 13th St, 120 E 29th St.
Conclusion
New York City has long been a mecca of creativity and culture. It’s one of the most diverse and interesting places on Earth, and it’s no different when it comes to coffee shops. From hidden gems to classic favorites, there are so many different spots to grab a good cup of coffee in New York City. Whether you like your coffee light and sweet or dark and rich, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste at any of these excellent establishments!
