Best Coffee Shops in NYC and Where to Find Them

Guest Post by Jassica Mendez

Finding a coffee shop in NYC is a fairly easy task. Coffee culture is very prominent, and coffee shops are pretty much everywhere. Sure, your small neighborhood corner spot might work for a quick morning pick-me-up. However, some places have taken the experience of enjoying coffee to a whole new level. Specialty coffee, great atmosphere, and fantastic service are what make them the best coffee shops in NYC. If you’re wondering where to start your coffee journey, check out this guide I’ve put together.

Abraço

Abraço opened in 2007, and since then, it has held the title of one of the best coffee shops in NYC. This multicultural coffee shop situated in the East Village incorporates a mix of Middle Eastern, Spanish, and Italian coffee customs. All of their coffee originates from South America, and they roast it in-store. Apart from coffee, they’re famous for their unique olive oil cake, so make sure to give it a taste while you’re there!

Little Collins

If you’re looking for a coffee shop that doubles as a brunch spot, this is it. With so many different pastries, sandwiches, and other breakfast foods, there’s no way you’re leaving this place hungry. Their specialty, Australian-style coffee, is what makes them stand out among all the chain coffee shops in Midtown. However, keep in mind that they can get quite busy, so make sure to book your brunch ahead.

Drip Coffee

When things get hectic during the work week, it’s important to slow down a little bit. And what’s a better way to do so than with a cup of drip coffee at Drip Coffee in Brooklyn Heights? While waiting for a cup of this hand-crafted pour-over will take a few minutes out of your day, I promise it’s completely worth it

Sey Coffee

Bushwick residents take their coffee very seriously, and this microbrewery is good proof of that. Tucked inside a spacious warehouse, they offer different types of coffee depending on the season. If you’re moving to this NYC neighborhood, this is a great place to meet new people.

Hi-Collar

As another one of East Village’s coffee attractions, this kissaten-style coffee shop is bound to leave an impression. It gets the best from American and Japanese coffee-drinking cultures and combines it into a fully immersive experience. If you visit during the day, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy one of their specialty siphon brews. However, at night, this place serves all sorts of Japanese foods named after Japanese spirits.

La Cabra

Apart from being one of the best coffee shops in NYC, La Cabra is also one of the busiest. The wait times during rush hour can be quite long, but there’s a good reason for that. Apart from amazing coffee, this Scandinavian-style place serves out-of-this-world pastries and bread. It’s tucked between East Village and NoHo, so definitely stop by if you’re in the area.

Devoción

NYC can get quite chaotic at times. When that happens, you need a calm, pleasant space to relax and clear out your thoughts, and Devoción is the place for that. This beautiful coffee spot in Williamsburg feels like a tropical paradise, so it’s perfect during the colder months. As the owner wanted to embrace his Colombian heritage, Devoción serves exclusively Colombian coffee, and all their customers absolutely love it.

Black Fox Coffee Co.

If you’re looking for a place to take a mid-day break from work in Financial District, make sure to check out one of the two Black Fox Coffee Co. locations. Such a calm atmosphere is rare in a neighborhood this busy, so it’s a perfect spot to relax and unwind with a latte or a shot of espresso. They also have two locations in Midtown.

Lê Phin

Sometimes your good old espresso shots can get a little boring. When that happens, it’s a good idea to try something new, and this Vietnamese place in East Village is everything but ordinary. Phin-brewed coffee and pandan syrup instead of regular sweeteners might come as a positive surprise to your taste buds, so they’re definitely worth trying.

El Condor

Even though this place only opened in 2022, it has already gained a great reputation in the West Village. Their coffee philosophy consists of brewing coffee in a way that removes its acidic taste, so you can truly enjoy all the other taste notes. The food menu is diverse, with different pastries and also some Italian dishes. It’s a great option if you don’t like drinking your coffee on an empty stomach.

Ground Support

SoHo is a pretty touristy area, so big coffee shops get very busy. Ground Support is a closely-guarded secret among the locals, and I get why. This cozy coffee shop is great for meeting friends and doing work.

St. Kilda Coffee

If you’re looking for a good cup of Australian coffee in Hell’s Kitchen, head straight to St. Kilda. Their specialties are cold, filtered, and espresso coffees brewed from a variety of international beans. They are very precise with the coffee preparation procedure, so you’re bound to enjoy a perfect drink every single time you visit.

% Arabica

This spacious cafe with a lovely atmosphere is adored by many Dumbo residents. It has a very industrial vibe, with sleek furniture and exposed brick. Apart from a few different types of beans, they have a small but mighty offer of pastries and snacks to go with your coffee. As it is situated just next to Brooklyn Bridge, you can enjoy stunning views while enjoying your cup of joy.

Final words

If I was to list every great coffee shop in New York City, this guide would be pages long. However, when looking for the best coffee shops in NYC, consider what it is that matters most to you. For some people, it’s the interiors, while others pay attention to the variety of coffee beans offered and the perfect preparation techniques. No matter what it is, you’re guaranteed to find something to your liking here.