The 15 Best Coffee Shops In NYC

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."

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." 

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!"

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?

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 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)."

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.

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."