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Published March 28, 2024

25 Cafés In New York You Need To Try

In the city that never sleeps, it’s no wonder everyone is constantly running on caffeine. ☕

by New York Bucket List

 

With the most coffee shops per capita, it's easy for New Yorkers to get their java fix at any hour of the day – and for various purposes.

Whether you’re looking for a quick cup along your morning commute, a place to alleviate the 3pm work slump, or an excuse to mix coffee and cocktails at happy hour, we’ve rounded up over 25 of our favorite coffee shops throughout NYC.


The Best Cafés in NYC

Birch Coffee | Various Locations

With 14 locations across the greater Manhattan area, the common thread among all Birch Coffee shops is shelves of books, games, conversation starters, and—gasp—no Wi-Fi. Focusing on human connection over internet connection, these cozy cafés scattered across NYC will transport you to a literary haven with wooden nooks surrounded by dogeared classics.

WiFi: No
Where: Various Locations
More information

Sip & Play | Park Slope

Sip & Play is a cozy board game cafe in Park Slope serving coffee, boba tea, beer, wine and more. If you can gather some friends in advance, reservations are open for any party size but aren’t required. It’s just $8 a person for 3 hours of gameplay, plus they have indoor and outdoor seating!

Wifi: Yes
Where: 471 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY
More information

 

Rosecrans | West Village

Question: What do you prefer: a coffee shop or a flower shop? Answer: Both! Rosecrans in the West Village lets you sip your cup of jo and shop for your newest house plant at the same time. In addition to coffee staples, the menu includes floral delicacies like matcha made with rose water and lemon elderflower vegan yogurt.

WiFi: No, but its sister shop around the corner, Ad Hoc, does.
Where: 7 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY
More information

 

Crispy Heaven Bakery & Restaurant | SoHo

This cafe and restaurant might just be the cutest spot in SoHo. You'll find exposed brick, framed black and white photos lining the walls, a super friendly staff, and full-length windows perfect for people-watching. Stop in for a caffeinated beverage, but don't leave without helping yourself to a selection of their bread and housemade butter. The cozy cafe also serves lunch and brunch items (think thick-sliced Cinnamon French Toast and Italian Ham Baguette sandwiches), and they're open for dinner Thursday through Sunday!

WiFi: No
Where:
38 Grand St, New York, NY
More information

 

The Monkey Cup | Harlem

We’re going totally bananas over the monkey-inspired Monkey Cup. Serving up pastries and lattes — the latter of which may come garnished with monkey latte art — this Harlem haven transports you to the treehouse of your childhood dreams. The ceiling is carpeted with a blanket of greenery and adorned with scattered Edison bulbs while their tree-turned-bookshelf invites you to put away your phone and pick up a book.

WiFi: No
Where: 1965 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd, New York, NY
More information

 

Ralph’s | Various Locations

At the intersection of fashion and function, we have Ralph’s. Oh, and by function, we mean functioning — thanks to Ralph’s Special Blend, brewed exclusively from La Colombe. Whether you pop by their converted truck in Rockefeller Plaza (and trust us, Rockefeller is an extremely caffeine-inducing place) or you grab a seat at one of their emerald-accented locales, you’ll be welcomed by smiling waitstaff in striped Ralph Lauren shirts, signature green knit ties and butchers’ aprons, and an array of fresh baked goods.

Wifi: Yes
Where: 888 Madison Avenue, 10021 (UES); 160 Fifth Avenue, 10010 (Flatiron)
More information

Butler | Various Locations

Serving up Michelin-starred pastries, all-day breakfast, lunch after 11 am, and some of the finest espressos on this side of the Hudson River, this bakery-café is an ideal spot to rest, relax and repeat.

WiFi: Yes
Where: 95 S 5th St, 11249 (Williamsburg); 101 N 8th St, 11249 (Williamsburg), 40 Water St, 11201 (DUMBO), 1149 Broadway, 10001 (SoHo)
More information

 

Cafe-Flor | Chelsea

This refined, eclectic cafe in Chelsea is filled with greenery, chandeliers, and mix-and-match seating. During the day, people work, read, and sip coffee. By night, however, the space is transformed into a moody wine bar.

WiFi: Yes
Where: 218 8th Avenue, New York, NY
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Maman | Various Locations

It’s not a regular maman; it’s a cool maman. Inspired by savory and sweet flavors from the south of France, the ever-changing menu at Maman offers twists on childhood favorites and a wide selection of baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch, and brunch. Select locations include a full bar, and all NYC locations offer their famous nutty chocolate chip cookie.

WiFi: Varies per location
Where: Various locations
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Gertrude | Upper West Side

Gertrude is a small but mighty cafe with a lot to love. This Upper West Side spot is understated, but the food and drink are anything but. They serve Australian coffee and offer excellent bites like a citrus almond cake and spinach egg cheddar croissants.

WiFi: No
Where:
204 W 96th St, New York, NY
More information

Split Eights | Financial District

With one step into this sleek Financial District coffee shop, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the city’s best. It’s a dimly lit, split-level space where they expertly pour espresso shots by day, and by night, it converts into a cocktail bar. Truly the best of both worlds.

Wifi: No
Where:
40 Exchange Place, New York, NY
More information

Kobrick Coffee | Meatpacking

Transforming the way we look at "all-day café," Kobrick occupies two adjacent shops – a bright and airy, palm-printed coffeehouse juxtaposed with the intimate bar next door. The baristas here double as bartenders, offering a smooth transition from work to play and blurring the line between brews and booze with libations such as The Goblet of Fire, blending absinthe with espresso, and the Mexican Jumping Bean, uniting tequila with ristretto.

WiFi: Yes
Where: 24 9th Ave, New York, NY
More information

 

Drip Coffee | Bushwick

Drip in Bushwick has been a hit since its opening. From the moment you walk into the clean, modern space, you can expect quality service paired with quality drinks. Stop in for a morning or mid-afternoon jolt and enjoy an espresso or cold brew—both of which have been steeped for 48 hours, creating an undeniably rich taste and much-needed energy boost.

Wifi: Yes
Where:
12 Belvidere St, Brooklyn, NY
More information

 

Blank Street Coffee | Various Locations

If you’ve been in NYC for longer than a New York minute, you’ve probably noticed Blank Street Coffee shops popping up across the boroughs. The small-format coffee shop is founded on the idea that great coffee should be as accessible as possible, from the price tag to the distance from your apartment. Grab a pastry and coffee on the go, or beat the afternoon slump and stop by for a quick pick-me-up to go.

Wifi: No
Where:
Various locations
More information

 

Flat Iron Plate Café

If you really want to soak up the city, head to Flat Iron Plate. This outpost next to Madison Square Park offers a totally unique New York experience, with views of the Flatiron, Empire State, and New York Life Buildings. Get yourself an iced coffee and a bagel and take it all in at one of the outdoor tables.

Wifi: Yes
Where:
Broadway & W, E 23rd St
More information

 

Felix Roasting Co. | Midtown East

Felix Roasting Co. is a masterclass in finery and aesthetics, with a patterned terrazzo floor and takeaway cups to match. Sip classic coffees or divulge in a more creative brew, like the Hickory-Smoked S'mores Latte, with steamed graham-cracker-infused milk, 70% dark chocolate, and cinnamon—garnished with a torched salted caramel marshmallow and served in a gold-rimmed coupe cocktail glass, no less.

WiFi: Yes
Where: 450 Park Ave South, New York, NY
More information

 

Sey Coffee | Bushwick

Sey brings an airy, West Coast vibe to Bushwick, but don't let its minimalist aesthetic fool you. While the space is stunning, their coffee is up to par, too—they’re often considered one of the best micro-roasters in NYC, and their coffee is well-loved for its light and clean taste.

Wifi: Yes
Where:
18 Grattan St, Brooklyn, NY
More information

 

Remi Flower & Coffee | Midtown East

If you've read this far, you've probably noticed a theme: New Yorkers love their coffee and plant combination shops. Remi is another example of a one-stop shop for cut flowers, plants, and coffee. Grab a pastry and cafe drinks (their lattes are some of the prettiest we've ever laid eyes on) nestled among an array of plants and flowers for sale, and take home a hand-tie bouquet on your way out.

WiFi: Yes
Where: 906 2nd Ave, New York, NY
More information

 

Devoción | Various Locations 

For true coffee devotees, there's Devoción. Though Devoción’s farm-fresh Colombian coffee can be found in cafés across NYC, there’s nothing quite as cozy as sinking into one of their signature leather couches with a warm croissant and steaming cup of coffee at one of their brick-and-mortar outposts engulfed in lush greenery and natural sunlight.

WiFi: Yes
Where: Various locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan
More information

 

Ludlow Coffee Supply | Lower East Side

Delve beyond the double wooden doors and enter Ludlow Coffee Supply’s cozy parlor. The snug shop is divided into two distinct areas, balancing labor and lounge. As you enter, you’ll approach a procession of laptops and the melody of computer keyboard clacking — thanks partly to an extensive coffee menu including everything from Bourbon Vanilla Lattes to Vietnamese Iced Coffee (read: legal speed). Snag a rich leather loveseat in the mid-century living room and catch up on emails while you sip.

Wi-Fi: Yes
Where: 176 Ludlow St, New York, NY
More information

 

Guevara’s | Clinton Hill, Williamsburg

Step out of the concrete jungle and into the oasis that is Guevara’s. This Cuban-owned vegan café is bursting with lush greenery, blooming flowers, and, of course, delicious sips and bites inspired by the owner’s native country. Pop in for a mid-morning pick-me-up (think hibiscus donuts and guava cinnamon lattes), or decompress after work with a specialty cocktail and an order of coconut ceviche. Or, simply grab an aqua fresca and peruse this plant palace for a quick reprieve from the city.

Wifi: Yes
Where: 39 Clinton Place 11238 (Clinton Hill); 319 Kent Avenue 11249 (Domino Park)
More information

 

Mud | East Village

For the days you need an IV of caffeine injected straight into your veins, look no further than Mud (no actual IVs provided). With a roving coffee truck and a home base brick-and-mortar shop (Mudspot) in the East Village, you’ll have a different experience depending on where you pick up your morning Joe, but it will be consistently strong and delightful regardless. Need to pick up a pick-me-up on your morning commute? Mudspot also offers all-day brunch, lunch, and dinner and has a charming outdoor patio for al fresco dining.

WiFi: No
Where: 307 E 9th St, New York, NY
More information

 

Supermoon Bakehouse | Lower East Side

We're over the moon about Supermoon Bakehouse. Their unique display concept lines up every available menu item with a distinctive IG-worthy aesthetic (think holographic boxes and neon signs). While their coffee flows smoothly, it's the baked goods that truly take the cake. With creative pastries like Mango Matcha Passionfruit Maritozzo and Lemon Poppyseed Cruffins, you'll be coming back on repeat to try all the flavors.

WiFi: No
Where: 120 Rivington St, New York, NY
More information

 

Shop | Williamsburg

Small but mighty (much like a cortado), is Brooklyn’s bodega-turned-stylish café, Shop. Part café, part design studio, Shop appeals to the Williamsburg masses with its Australian-inspired refreshments and bites. Though the small space (with retractable windows perfect for those sunny summer mornings) is WiFi-friendly, there are minimal power outlets; just charge up with some espresso instead.

WiFi: Yes
Where: 232 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, New York
More information

 

Ten Thousand Coffee | Various Locations

This high-end coffee shop deliberately put in 10,000 hours of practice to come up with the best cup of specialty coffee possible. They even have a pairing menu so you can experience the best combination of flavors. See if their work paid off at any of their three Manhattan locations.

Wifi: No
Where: Various locations
More information

 

Hibiscus Brew | Prospect Lefferts Gardens

Just steps from Prospect Park in Prospect Lefferts Gardens is Hibiscus Brew, a lively cafe that promises to nourish mind, body, and spirit. Inspired by the vibes and flavors of the owner's home country of Jamaica, you'll find fresh cafe drinks like Rose Hibiscus Lattes alongside refreshing smoothies, cold-pressed juices, sorrels, and more.

Wifi: Yes
Where:
546 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY
More information

 

Sugar Miss Tea & Coffee | Sunset Park

Located in Brooklyn, Sugar Miss Tea boasts a wide variety of tea and coffee options as well as an incredible dessert menu (matcha crepe cake, anyone?). Their tea selection includes fresh fruit, milk, and bubble teas, flavors like brown sugar bubble milk and fresh orange tea with passion fruit. You can also grab an assortment of coffee from a latte to an americano, and they offer a lunch menu, so feel free to stay and sit a while.

Wifi: No
Where: 5309 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY
More information

 

EXPLORE MORE:
The Best Places to Work Remotely in NYC
12 of New York's Most Iconic Museums
25 BYOB Restaurants in New York

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