The 15 Best Coffee Shops In NYC

New York City has no shortage of iconic symbols: pizza slices, yellow taxi cabs, bustling crowds, and coffee shops. While it may feel like there is a Starbucks on every corner, locals and visitors alike have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to smaller coffee shop options. Step into any one of New York's specialty cafes and you will soon realize how special these businesses truly are. Suddenly, those major chains fade into the background. If you want to enjoy a more exciting New York coffee experience, seek out these independent cafes instead.

But even when you eliminate those major chains, there is still a plethora of options to choose from. It would take forever to work your way through New York City's coffee scene. How does one choose where to visit? This list of over one dozen coffee shops is a good place to start. From Manhattan to Queens, it covers some of New York's most beloved cafes. In no particular order, here are the best coffee shops in New York City today.

Abraço claims that its business has been more or less the same since it opened its doors in 2007. Frankly, the East Village coffee shop has not needed to change much of anything since then. Locals frequent Abraço for its coffee and pastries, though it is worth pointing out that it somewhat famously does not offer dairy-free milk alternatives. That said, if you prefer your coffee to come with whole milk or half and half, you will find yourself right at home.

If you are hungry, Abraço also sells a variety of foods, like quiche, that are just as beloved as its drinks. One of Abraço's signature offerings is its olive oil cake, which many customers call a can't-miss menu item. Another happy customer, who was in town visiting a friend, summarized on Tripadvisor: "We tried quite a few items and all were perfection. I wish I could pack this place up and take it home in my pocket. I would make the trip from anywhere in the city for this coffee."

With its flagship location found on Park Avenue South, Felix Roasting Co. has a distinct aesthetic inspired by the late 19th century. Even if you are not a coffee drinker, it may be worth it to stop by one of its locations. A visit is as much of a visual treat, as it is a caffeinated one. Murals of individually-laid tiles adorn its New York City cafes, with other spots found in NoHo and SoHo. While some coffee shops may be hard to distinguish from the rest, Felix Roasting Co.'s outposts are not. Each location is distinctly its own.

The attention to detail extends to the coffee itself. One Yelp reviewer noted: "Even the cold coffee cups are aesthetically pleasing and the coffee itself is delicious." Another Yelp reviewer mentioned that of all of the coffee shops in New York City, of which there are many, Felix Roasting Co. is their top choice. They added, "The drinks are amazing. I usually go for a matcha latte, but their freshly roasted coffee is delicious as well." There is no doubt that if you are in the mood for a cup of coffee, but want a memorable visit to go along with it, Felix Roasting Co. is the place to be.

Sey Coffee offers online ordering, as well as a subscription service. This way, you can enjoy brewing your own cup of Sey Coffee at home. But if you are on the go, Sey Coffee also has a brick-and-mortar cafe in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. However, don't expect to have Sey Coffee become your next go-to remote office. The cafe has limited laptop usage during the week and a strict no-laptop policy on Saturdays and Sundays.

Customers who leave reviews on Yelp are quick to point out how busy it often is at Sey Coffee, which could explain the limitations on laptop usage — tables are hard to come by. But it is well worth the trip for many, with one Yelp reviewer noting "Wow, just wow. It may look just like any Brooklyn coffee shop but this spot isn't just any Brooklyn coffee shop, here you will find some of the finest pour overs with a rotating selection and some of the most well made lattes you will have." 

If there is anything that Devoción prides itself on, it is speed. No, it is not the speed at which its tables are turned over — in fact, many Yelp reviewers note the difficulty in finding a table. Rather, Devoción is proud of the speed at which its freshly harvested beans reach your coffee cup. While the industry standard is measured in months, Devoción's turn-around time from harvesting to brewing is less than two weeks. Those beans are brought to Devoción's several locations around New York City. This includes shops in Manhattan neighborhoods like Flatiron and Midtown, as well as several across Brooklyn.

Coffee aficionados often note the high caliber of offerings at Devoción. One Yelp reviewer said: "The quality of the beans is great. Easily one of the best tasting coffees in the city." Many reviewers also emphasized how informed and friendly the staff is at Devoción, stating that these employees really seem to know coffee. The croissants are also a big hit — especially the guava croissants.

Culture Espresso is a top pick among coffee drinkers strolling through Manhattan, of which there are many. The coffee shop has been in business since 2009, with three cafes in relatively close proximity to one another. Its focus is simple: brewing a great cup of coffee. But its customers will tell you that a trip to Culture Espresso is also well worth it for its freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies.

The drinks are a standout in a competitive coffee field around New York. One Yelp reviewer shared "I got their iced mocha and added vanilla. One of the best mochas I've had! Tasted amazing and was made well." As for those cookies? It turns out they are also beloved by customers, perhaps even more than the already-loved coffee. One Yelp reviewer shared, "I am very picky with my sweets. If I am going to have a cookie, it better be a good one. I am usually indifferent with chocolate chip cookies, but I decided to try theirs for the first time. And I have to agree. It is one of the top chocolate chip cookies out there!"

With locations in Queens and Brooklyn, Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters is not along the main thoroughfare if you are visiting New York City and sticking to Manhattan. Locals, however, are likely just fine with that. These residents seem to have a real gem of a coffee shop on their hands. Its menu has all of the usual suspects, along with signature drinks like Rocket Fuel, a cold brew coffee made with chicory, Vermont maple, and milk. Its Maple Leaf Latte, made with maple syrup and nutmeg, is a standout as well. If you are visiting later in the day, a rotating selection of beer and wine is available.

It can be hard to pry casual coffee drinkers away from the safety of major chains like Dunkin' or Starbucks, but at least one Yelp reviewer has become a loyal customer. They shared, "I work in the area and this spot has replaced my daily Starbucks runs. They have plenty of regular and unique drink options, from coffee to specialty lattes and herbal teas. Also amazing pastries that are also gluten free which is always a win for me!" Many customers also made special note of the impeccable latte art, making Sweetleaf's coffee a treat for your taste buds — as well as your eyes.

Variety Coffee Roasters has grown from its original Williamsburg location that opened in 2008 to now having several cafes across New York City, including Manhattan locations in Chelsea and the Upper East Side. Variety's emphasis is all on freshly brewed coffee, with a menu that can change to reflect beans that are currently in season. For customers who cannot get enough, Variety also sells its coffee to brew at home. 

Not only is the coffee from Variety noteworthy, but so are the pastries. One Yelp reviewer shared, "Variety Coffee Roasters is a great coffee shop in NYC that offers a wide range of coffee drinks and baked goods. I recently ordered the pumpkin bread, which is vegan, and an iced vanilla latte, and I was impressed with the quality of both items." The little details also stand out to Yelp reviewers, like its quick turnaround time from when you order to when you receive your coffee. Customers also show their appreciation for how Variety does not charge extra for special substitutions, like oat milk or almond milk. What else could you ask for in your neighborhood coffee shop?

Hi-Collar is a cafe that specializes in a wide selection of coffee beverages, Japanese cuisine, and alcoholic beverages. Customers can stop by in the morning for a hot coffee brewed from one of its many international roasts, then return in the afternoon for some sake and some light bites. It is all about authenticity at Hi-Collar, with one Yelp reviewer sharing "The restaurant is so well decorated and feels like you're stepping into a restaurant in Japan — even the bathrooms are beautiful and have proper Japanese style toilets!"

While lunch seems to be a popular choice among customers, one Yelp reviewer points out, "My favorite part of the entire lunch was the coffee! I couldn't believe how [many] delicious flavors of coffee they have." It is nice to know that there is a spot in New York City that delivers both a morning cup of coffee, as well as an afternoon cocktail.

Odds are high that, if you know a thing or two about coffee brands, then you have likely heard of Stumptown Coffee Roasters. You do not even have to be anywhere near New York City to come across Stumptown, as its coffee products are widely available for purchase in grocery stores like Whole Foods. But around New York, you can find a few Stumptown Coffee shops, including spots in Greenwich Village and at the Ace Hotel New York.

Is a trip to Stumptown Coffee Roasters worth it, given that its products are readily available nationwide? We think so. On Yelp, one reviewer stated: "This is the Mecca for our coffee addiction and we love to make a pilgrimage every time we come to NYC either by booking the ACE hotel as a hotel to stay even when it is not the hotel closest to our functions." It resonates with international visitors as well, with one sharing on Tripadvisor "Found on trip advisor just down the street from our hotel, finally, after two trips to the US, on the second last day, we found a coffee shop that can make espresso based coffee, properly!" 

If you ever see New Yorkers strolling down the street, or sitting on a bench in Central Park with a cup of coffee with a blue bottle on it, it is easy to discern that it came from the aptly-named Blue Bottle. It is actually an internationally-recognized brand, with cafes located not just in New York City, but around the world, including other major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. Fans who do not live near a Blue Bottle location can also order whole beans online.

Blue Bottle is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Visitors from outside of the United States were satisfied with their visit to one of the New York locations, writing on Tripadvisor: "For coffee connoisseurs, this is the place to go. Super high quality beans make a velvety, almost bitter chocolate tasting espresso with the milk at perfect temp to drink quickly." They also gave a special shout out to Blue Bottle's pastries.

If there is anything to note about Intelligentsia Coffee's New York City locations, it's that wow factor. There are only two locations in the city, both of which are known for their highly-stylized ambiance. They are located inside The High Line Hotel and the Trans World Airlines Hotel. No matter which you visit, you can expect to find your favorite coffee beverages included on the menu, including lattes, macchiatos, and Americanos. You may think that such eye-grabbing atmospheres make up for an otherwise lacking product, but Intelligentsia delivers quality coffee.

The coffee itself also keeps fans coming back year after year. One Yelp reviewer noted, "Came back 6 years later and it's still the best cold brew I have ever had." Another visitor who left a review on Tripadvisor took note of the loyal customer base, sharing "Amazing to see the locals who evidently are very loyal, as the baristas seemed to know every customer. Also, dog friendly and lots of them came by (with their owners of course)."

The mission at Black Fox Coffee is simple: brew a great cup of coffee. By sticking to the basics, Black Fox Coffee has climbed the ranks of New York City's bustling coffee scene. There are several locations scattered around the city, each modeled after the European espresso bar. Also, the company's most devoted fans can join a Black Fox Coffee club, making it easier than ever to enjoy their favorite cup of coffee at home.

That commitment to a great cup of coffee has paid off, with customers raving in their reviews online. One Yelp reviewer states, "I've tried about 5 or 6 coffee shops in this area in hopes of finding the best one and finally I found this place! I will not be going anywhere else for coffee in the area ever again." Another Yelp reviewer noted that the coffee you can buy at the cafe and bring home with you is also among the best that the city has to offer, adding that "The beans sing in my espresso machine and pour over."

There are currently nine La Colombe Coffee Roasters cafes in New York, but if the name sounds familiar, that is because it exists outside of the city as well. Many major grocery stores carry La Colombe's products. Plus, its cafes are in most major American cities. So, what is it about La Colombe that makes it such a strong contender in New York?

Spend a few minutes scrolling through reviews of La Colombe's New York City cafes and you will immediately see the hype that customers have built for its beverages. One Yelp reviewer summarizes it succinctly: "Sleek, modern, and damn good coffee." Several reviewers highlighted La Colombe's oat milk latte, with another Yelp reviewer sharing: "Whoa. La Colombe served me a sublime oat milk latte the other day that I still cannot get out of my head." If you have tried La Colombe coffee at the grocery store and enjoyed it, make sure to pay homage to your favorite cup of joe the next time you are in New York City.

With several locations around town, Birch Coffee has become one of the most recognizable locally-supported coffee shops in New York City. Despite its growth, Birch Coffee has been able to maintain its small-shop vibes and quality products while becoming a recognizable brand. As it has grown over the years, the quality of its coffee has not been sacrificed, remaining a go-to coffee shop for locals.

Birch Coffee seems to leave a very strong impression on its customers. One Yelp reviewer shared that they thought it was "Definitely one of the best lattes in New York, and maybe of all time. Visiting home and I couldn't wait to come by and grab a cup! It's top-notch." Another fan points out in a Yelp review that the coffee from Birch is worth a slightly longer walk. They shared, "I love Birch Coffee! Even though there is a Starbucks on the same block as my apartment I always make it a point to walk the extra few blocks to go to Birch coffee."

Whether you find yourself in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens, you can find a Coffee Project NY cafe. The coffee shop first opened in 2015 and has grown quickly since then, focusing on sustainability and staff training. Coffee Project NY is the only coffee shop in the state that is certified as a Specialty Coffee Association Premier Training Campus. All of that is to say that the folks behind Coffee Project NY are super passionate about coffee. They want to make sure that its roasting team is just as passionate.

Here, you'll find the chain's signature Deconstructed Latte, which is a plated experience comprised of four elements: a shot of espresso, a glass of either cow's milk or oat milk, a full-sized latte, and a waffle crisp. Whether you order something off the menu that is big on presentation or you want a simple cup of coffee, fans will tell you that it is worth the visit. While you can absolutely go down the fancier route, as one Yelp reviewer notes, "Here's the thing, though: the regular ol' latte was really damned good." One Yelp reviewer also shared "Truly one of my all time favorite coffee shops. I am obsessed with this place and I come here (almost) every day. Their coffee / espresso make me such a happy girl. Properly smooth, refined, and flavorful."