NYC has long been admired for its creativity and innovation, and the best coffee shops in New York City are a testament to that. Coffee in America is a part of the routine, but coffee in New York City is a part of the culture and we are all better for it. 

Creating a list of the best coffee shops in New York City is no easy task and there is a handful of criteria to consider. The space has to be clean and welcoming, and delicious pastries are non-negotiable. 

In terms of vibe some of the best New York City coffee shops make great study spots, others transition to clubs after the sun goes down.

As a local this is my attempt at rounding up the best coffee shops New York City has to offer and I hope you find it useful.

Best Coffee New York City

Bakeri

Bakeri has been a neighborhood favorite since opening their original location in Williamsburg in 2009. Started as a traditional bakery churning out breads, it’s gone on to become a full service café. Their success has catapulted this beloved women owned bakery to expand, adding a second location in Greenpoint in 2014.

Thanks to incredible pastries and one of the best cups of coffee in New York City (that they roast in house), Bakeri is a well cemented fan favorite among locals. Both cozy locations ooze an antiquated charm that contribute to the cute New York City coffee shop aesthetic.

Their Williamsburg location has an outdoor garden in the back. The vine filled space is beautiful and even boasts a koi pond, thus making Bakeri one of the best coffee shops in New York City for a date with a friend.

Further reading: 10+ Enjoyable Brooklyn Coffee Shops (You’re Guaranteed to Love)

Address: Freeman St, Brooklyn, NY & 150 Wythe Ave Brooklyn, NY

Cafe Grumpy

Founded in 2005, Cafe Grumpy didn’t start roasting their coffee in house until 2009. That transition helped propel their success. The dedication to their craft is palpable and can be tasted with every sip regardless of your coffee order.

Instantly recognizable thanks to their unique logo, Cafe Grumpy has uncovered marketing gold. A less than thrilled caricature adorns their cups and coffee shops drawing in New Yorkers into their 11 locations throughout the city. Those who originally stopped by for a photo end up coming back thanks to some of the best coffee in New York City.

A no frills, straightforward neighborhood coffee shop Cafe Grumpy has enough locations spread throughout the city that no matter where you find yourself you’ll always know the quality that comes with one of their drinks.

Address: Multiple locations in New York City

Ten Thousand Coffee

Although Ten Thousand Coffee is new to the Big Apple, they hold their own among the best coffee shops in New York City.

The Australian-based cafe derives its name from the 10,000 hour rule, which says that 10,000 hours of practice leads to expertise. After the first sip of coffee I can attest, they’ve put well over 10,000 hours of practice into their coffee.

I’ve had two of Ten Thousand Coffee’s signature drinks. The einspänner and an espresso cream latte, both of which I consider to be “fun” drinks and aren’t traditional coffees. They’re thick and foamy, but mixed in with the coffee make for the perfectly sweet and caffeinated drink.

Ten Thousand Coffee also has a blueberry yogurt croissant that is even more tasty than it sounds. The fluffy croissant is pleasant to bite into, but keep napkins close by or you’ll be taking some of the blueberry puree home with you on your chin.

Address: Multiple locations in New York City

Butler Bake Shop

Ryan Butler blessed New Yorkers when he, along with his co-founders opened Butler in 2016. Being a chef by profession, Butler has curated an exquisite and simple menu that compliments their delicious coffee from Intelligentsia coffee roasters.

Roasted to perfection, the coffee is among the smoothest you’ll find in NYC. Founded in 1995 in Chicago, Intelligentsia has one simple goal, to deliver the highest quality coffee they possibly can. Butler is lucky to have partnered with them.

Whether you pop in first thing in the morning or for an afternoon snack, Butler has the perfect hot (or iced) cup of Joe for you. The sleek and gorgeously designed interiors make customers want to hang out in there.

Their SoHo location at any given time is littered with chatting friends, or folks on laptops working away. With their big and light filled space it’s a great place to hunker down with a book all while enjoying one of the best coffee shops in New York City.

Address: Multiple locations in New York City

Devoción

Devoción means devotion in Spanish, and this café is aptly named because they are devoted to serving the best coffee in New York City. Serving locals with the freshest cup of coffee possible outside of the places where the crop is actually harvested. 

After hand selecting the coffee plantations in Colombia, the folks at Devoción mill their coffee at their warehouse in Bogotá. Using overnight shipping they then transport it to Brooklyn for in house roasting. From there it is prepared to order and finds it’s way into your cup all within roughly 10 days.

With a handful of locations around NYC, I frequent the Williamsburg location most because it feels very cozy with their exposed brick and warm lighting. Fair warning though, this is one of the best coffee shops in New York City so seating at times can be difficult.

Domino Park is a 5 minute walk however, so if it’s packed just take it to go. You can enjoy some of the best coffee in New York City all while taking in one of the best views of New York City.

Address: 69 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Maman

Ask any local about the best cafe in New York City and the honest ones will mention Maman. Offering a whimsical and charming vibe, this is one of the most popular spots to meet an old friend.

Originally started as a French bakery and cafe in SoHo, Maman quickly became renowned for perfectly executed baked goods. But what really put them on the map was Oprah listing their nutty chocolate chip cookie as one of her favorite things.

I never miss an opportunity to order the quiche, chocolate croissant or their famous macadamia nut cookie. Plus, they serve some of the best coffee in New York City (not to be underestimated at a bakery).

Address: Multiple locations in New York City

% Arabica

Located in the trendy DUMBO neighborhood, % Arabica offers stellar views of lower Manhattan. Enormous half-dome windows perfectly frame the iconic Brooklyn Bridge making this one of the most Instagrammable coffee shops in NYC.

The location and epic views are incredibly memorable and help make it one of the best coffee shops in New York City to share with out of town guests. The modern interior fits perfectly with the neighborhood it calls home.

However don’t assume its beautiful design is merely fancy packaging, their coffee holds its own. With in-house state of the art roasting machines you truly get to experience the freshness and boldness of their coffee.

Our dream is to grow % Arabica across unique lands and cultures of the world, so that we can “See the World Through Coffee.”

Kenneth Shoji, Founder

Address: 20 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 1120

PlantShed

All my fellow plant lovers will be in a state of euphoria at PlantShed. Their original Upper West Side location has been an oasis in the concrete jungle for more than 40 years.

The plant craze has been in full swing over the last few years and PlantShed has capitalized by creating a place to enjoy some of the best coffee in New York City all while basking in abundant green foliage. The plants & flowers are also for sale, so it’s not uncommon to see folks walking out with a latte in one hand and a hanging basket in another.

Like the other best coffee shops in New York City, most of their locations have spaces for guests to hang out. Whether it’s to get work done or read a book, PlantShed provides a Garden of Eden like reprieve from the bustling city.

Address: Multiple locations in New York City

Felix Roasting Company

Felix Roasting Company’s dedication to providing the best coffee shop experience in New York City can be appreciated from the moment guests walk through the door.

In a city that has a coffee shop on every corner, the visionaries behind Felix have raised the bar in hospitality, comfort and flavor, bringing the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Their grandiose shops are among the best cafes in New York City. Velvet lined booths and colorful ceiling tiles contribute to their upscale aesthetic. A quick glimpse on their Instagram yields an abundance of girls sipping their coffee and living their dream life.

The menu is also unique, with items like a hickory smoked s’mores latte and espresso tonic among the most popular.

Address: Multiple locations in New York City

Image Courtesy The New York Times

Kobrick Coffee Company

Kobrick Coffee Company has stood the test of time and provided locals with some of the best coffee in New York City for more than 100 years. The 4 generations of Kobrick’s who have run the company have really fine tuned the roasting process, getting it down to a science.

In order to keep optimal freshness Kobrick Coffee Co. hand roasts their coffee in small batches. They serve Fair Trade, organic, and Rainforest Alliance certified drinks so New Yorkers can rest assured knowing their sipping on a sustainable cup of Joe.

A full array of bean juice concoctions can be found on Kobrick Coffee shop’s menu. There’s the regular drinks like cappuccinos and cold brews. However if guests are feeling adventurous there’s also the ability to order a coffee cocktail, judgement free of course.

Address: 24 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014

Masseria Caffe

Masseria Caffe is an unassuming spot for some of the best coffee in New York City. The cafe is filled with natural light and gets decorated with the changing seasons.

The cases are filled with traditional Italian treats that will have you wanting to try everything. I recommend the pumpkin spice mocha and the Nutella bomobloni, especially on chilly mornings. A bomobloni is best described as an airy donut with a delightful filling (so good!).

On top of having some of the best coffee in New York City, Masseria Cafe also has some of the friendliest staff. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations, this way you’re all but assured to get something that suits your fancy.

Address: 891 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10019 & 235 West 48th Street, New York, NY 10036

Qahwah House

Qahwah is the Arabic word for coffee, and Qahwah House is a Yemeni coffee shop in Brooklyn. Serving authentic and organically sourced coffee directly from Yemen, this coffee shop provides a change of pace to the usual cafe’s that line New York City streets. 

The smell of freshly roasted coffee is guaranteed to embrace you the moment you walk through the door at this charming Brooklyn coffee shop.

The aroma isn’t the only welcome sign though. The staff behind the counter are extremely friendly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, most employees are eager to share their traditional drinks and pastries with their neighbors.

The Yemeni Latte is one of the best coffees in New York City. On top of being extremely unique, the latte is delightful. It’s sweet, but not too sweet, and the honey is a great addition.

Qahwah House offers traditional Yemeni delights, as well as your comforting coffee shop staples. Ordering the Khaliat Alnahl, (a cheese filled buttery roll with honey) is non-negotiable. I honestly could not tell you how I lived life this long without it. 

Address: 162 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 1121

Hungry Ghost

Hungry Ghost came to grace us as one of the best coffee shops in New York City by way of Turkish founder Murat Uyaroglu. Recently having celebrated their 10 year anniversary, it’s safe to say New Yorkers love them. 

Serving exceptional Stumptown coffee, Hungry Ghost has 12 locations in the Big Apple with more than half of them in Brooklyn.

In terms of cozy NYC coffee shops it doesn’t get more charming than the Hungry Ghost. All their cafés are sun drenched and exude an airy feel, but I’m partial to the Park Slope location (those arches!). 

“I saw the game changing, coffee started being treated like wine; it’s special. It’s important where you get it, how you roast it, how you brew it.”

MURAT UYAROGLU, THE BRIDGE BROOKLYN BUSINESS NEWS

Locations: Multiple locations in New York City

Hungry Ghost Coffee in New York City

Ralph’s Coffee

Ralph’s Coffee in the Upper East Side is clad with opulence and gives off a very charming retro vibe. This is one of the most popular coffee shops in the New York City, as evidenced by the long lines. 

But it’s not hard to see why both locals and visitors enjoy this cafe so much. Between the elegant decor and knock-out coffee (using La Colombe beans), you’ll feel like a million bucks. There’s a handful of outdoor tables to lounge at, but don’t expect to find any open seats easily because they fill up. 

Feel free to order a delicious baked good to accompany your coffee and spend a few slow moments watching the world go by. This is one of the best places to get coffee in NYC, especially during a warm summer day.

Address: 888 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021

Stumptown Coffee

Stumptown Coffee Roasters are national coffee favorites with locations all across America. Simply stop by one of their many locations in NYC and see for yourself why they are so widespread and popular. They make one of the best cups of coffee in New York City.

Their dedication to sourcing, roasting, and serving great coffee can be appreciated with every sip.

I find myself returning for their seasonal lavender matcha latte more than any other drink on the menu. The presentation is stellar and the drink itself is even better.

My favorite location is their Cobble Hill shop. How much more New York does it get than cobblestone streets and a mid 1800’s firehouse? The Portland-based coffee brand serves some of the best coffee in New York City out of a repurposed fire house.

Address: Multiple locations in New York City

Stumptown Coffee | Best Coffee New York City

Partners Coffee

It didn’t take long for Partners Coffee to become a NYC staple. In 10 years the brand has gone from a single cafe in Williamsburg to 5 across the Big Apple. The success is due to them serving the best coffee in New York City.

Roasting all their coffee out of their flagship Williamsburg location New Yorkers are guaranteed a fresh cup of Joe whether they order it from one of their cafes or order coffee to be brewed at home. Sourced sustainably through long term partnerships the quality is among the best you’ll find in the city.

It’s top tier, quality coffee and after one sip it’s easy to taste why it stands out above the rest.

Address: Multiple locations in New York City

Partner’s Coffee in Brooklyn

Blue Bottle Coffee

Blue Bottle Coffee hails from San Francisco, a city well respected for its mastery of coffee. However that doesn’t stop it from being one of the best cafes in the New York City. 

You’ll find Blue Bottle all over the city because New Yorkers can’t get enough of their coffee. The cafe in the UWS is located within a charming century-old building that oozes an irresistible charm.

Specializing in pour-overs, Blue Bottle Coffee has mastered every drink you can conceive of. From foamy lattes, airy cappuccinos to vibrant iced Americanos, everything is exceptional. If you find yourself in need of a strong cup, make a beeline towards Blue Bottle Coffee for the best coffee in NYC. 

The atmosphere is airy, minimalist and clean. You’ll notice patrons lingering at the few outside tables as folks queue up inside. While this isn’t a great spot for studying, it is a great New York City cafe to catch up with a friend.

Address: Multiple in New York City

Sey Coffee

A list of the best coffee shops in New York City wouldn’t be complete without Sey Coffee. Airy and bright with an an abundance of greenery – this Brooklyn café is a true breath of fresh air.

And the captivating presentation doesn’t just apply to their physical shop, Sey Coffee (by their own admission) strive to produce a beautiful coffee. After recently being listed as Food & Wine‘s best coffee shop in New York state, Sey Coffee’s popularity is growing far and wide. 

This is why Sey Coffee is offering a popular subscription program. This program is one I subscribe to personally. It enables me to try new coffee from one of the best coffee shops in New York City, all from the comfort of my own apartment.

Address: 18 Grattan St, Brooklyn, NY 11206

image courtesy Sey Coffee

La Cabra

La Cabra’s name translates to “the goat” in Spanish, and after beginning to source and roast their own coffee in 2013 it’s safe to say they’re well on their way achieving GOAT status. As a wholesaler their coffee is sold and enjoyed the world over, and they have one of the best cafe’s in New York City.

Based out of Denmark, they also boast locations in Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. It’s safe to say they’re on the up. By putting an emphasis on simple, ethically sourced ingredients they’ve managed to grow quickly and I don’t anticipate that’ll change anytime soon.

Their East Village coffee shop is the first in the U.S. It has a clean and airy design and is usually sprinkled with locals clicking away on laptops. Thanks to serving some of the best coffee in New York City their popularity isn’t going anywhere but up.

Address: 152 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Amano

The West Village boasts one of the best coffee shops in New York City in Amano Cafe. An airy, light filled shop illuminates the day and makes the start of New Yorkers day a little brighter.

They also handpick the harvests they purchase before bringing them to New York to be roasted in house. That’s actually how they chose their name, in spanish “a mano” means by hand, a nod to the simplest way to ensure quality and some of the best coffee in New York City.

The boldness of their coffee can be tasted both through simple drip coffee or fun drinks alike. The best coffee in New York City is memorable by taste, and Amano definitely falls under that category.

Address: 172 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10014

Remi Flower + Coffee

Remi Flower & coffee is a place where cozy meets comfort. This coffee shop also doubles as a floral shop making this one of the best cafes in New York City. Specializing in the most beautiful hand-tied flower arrangements, their coffee follows in tow.

The latte art alone is worth writing home about. New York City doesn’t cut corners when it comes to coffee and Remi flower & coffee proves to be true.  There is something so posh about drinking your coffee, taking in views of the city and being surrounded by gorgeous flowers.

It’s easy to be a dreamer in this cafe while sipping on some of the best coffee in New York City. 

Address: 906 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10017

Image Courtesy Remi Flower + Coffee

Cafe Leon Dore

Cafe Leon Dore is a game changer when it comes to coffee in New York City. This charming coffee shop makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Parisian cafe and any drink or treat you order is guaranteed to satisfy.

Their iconic freddo cappuccino is what keeps New Yorkers crawling back for more. One sip of their cloud-like foam and you’ll understand the hype. After many lattes, cappuccinos and americanos, Cafe Leon Dore is one of the best cafes in New York City. 

Address: 214 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012

Image Courtesy Hypebeast

Best cafes in New York City (Post Summary)

In sum, these are the top spots to enjoy the best coffee in New York City.

1. Bakeri
2. Cafe Grumpy
3. Butler Bakeshop
4. Devoción
5. Maman
6. % Arabica
7. PlantShed
8. Felix Roasting Company
9. Kobrick
10. Masseria Caffe
11. Qahwah House
12. Hungry Ghost
13. Ralph’s Coffee
14. Stumptown Coffee
15. Partner’s Coffee
16. Blue Bottle Coffee
17. Sey Coffee
18. La Cabra
19. Amano
20. Remi Flowers + Coffee
21. Cafe Leon Dore

Map of the best coffee shops in New York City

And there you have it my friends – a quick roundup of the 20 best coffee shops in New York City. I hope you enjoyed the post!

Until next time.