New York City is probably one of the best cities we’ve visited in the U.S. for coffee, and we know our stuff, having visited over 21 states and grown up in Australia (a country famed for its coffee culture). In the Big Apple, we found neighbourhood espresso bars tucked beneath brownstones, bustling cafés that cater to remote workers, and quirky coffee bars with unique vibes that can only be found in Manhattan.
In a city where every block is as diverse as the next, it can be difficult to know where to stop for the perfect roasted brew or flat white. So we’ve done the hard work for you and listed our personal best coffee shops in New York City for a welcoming atmosphere, good vibes, and a truly exceptional cup of coffee.
To my extreme pleasure, there’s been an influx of Australian-run coffee shops in NYC in the last few years. You can read my full guide on my fav Aussie coffee shops in NYC here!
- NYC at a glance 🔍
- 1. La Colombe (Tribeca, SoH0, Wall Street, N0H0)
- 2. In Common NYC Cafe
- 3. Devoción, Brooklyn
- 4. Ost Cafe, East Village
- 5. Oslo Coffee Roasters, Brooklyn
- 6. Intelligentsia Coffee High Line Hotel Coffeebar, Chelsea
- 7. Stonefruit Espresso + Kitchen, Brooklyn
- 8. Toby’s Estate Coffee (Manhattan, West Village, Brooklyn)
- 9. Blue Bottle
- 10. Blind Barber, 10th Street
- 11. Birch Coffee, Manhattan
- 12. Bluestone Lane
- 13. Culture Espresso
- 14. Ariston Flowers & Cafe, Union Square
- 15. Cafe Grumpy
- More NYC Travel Tips
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NYC at a glance 🔍
- Accommodation options: NYC has a lot of accommodation options, though it’s famously expensive, and rooms are small. The most budget-friendly hostels, boutique hotels, and vacation rentals go for a minimum of $100 USD per night, and luxurious hotels for a minimum of $300 USD per night.
- Getting around: NYC is well serviced by the metro. The Subway connects most attractions and neighborhoods.
- Unmissable sights: Bike around Central Park, watch a show on Broadway, and do a food tour of the Greenwich neighborhood.
- Money saving tip: You can save money on attractions in NYC by getting yourself an NYC Explorer Pass. This can give you discounts to many of NYC’s top attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options.
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1. La Colombe (Tribeca, SoH0, Wall Street, N0H0)
There are two things that I love most about La Colombe. In the summer, they have lattes and iced coffee on draft—they’ll combine both to do a coffee version of a Black and Tan, which is to die for. And in the winter—aka cappuccino season!—the selection of colorfully designed porcelain mugs and plates always brightens my morning coffee and croissant.
2. In Common NYC Cafe
This Coffee shop near the Javitz Center and new Hudson Yards area is my favorite cafe in New York. In Common NYC Cafe was my morning coffee stop on my way to the IMM conference in NYC, and it was the first place I took Craig and the girls when they joined me a few days later.
They balance out proper Aussie coffee with soul food you’ll find on most menus at beach cafes in Australia. Their breakfast and lunch menu takes the simple, yet delicious, approach with locally sourced and seasonal produce. I can highly recommend the Avocado toast, shakshuka sourdough, and a granola bowl so big it’s hard to finish, but so tasty you keep trying.
Australian owner, Tass, is the kind of guy you want to meet in your local coffee shop: attentive, friendly, and front of shop. I certainly had a lot in common with this NYC cafe.
3. Devoción, Brooklyn
Over in Brooklyn’s coffee scene, Devocion’s understated black exterior gives no hints to the sunny oasis that lies within. A vertical green garden covers the back wall and an enormous skylight lets in enough sun to require daffodil-yellow umbrellas over the tables in the afternoon.
Spend a leisurely day in the sunshine with a coffee, newspaper, and croissant. Enjoy the cozy and welcoming atmosphere at Ost Cafe in East Village, where you can people-watch while sipping on your coffee. For a Scandinavian vibe, head to Oslo Coffee Roasters in Brooklyn, where you can read the New York Times and chat with locals. Intelligentsia Coffee High Line Hotel Coffeebar in Chelsea offers a unique experience with its old-world design and LA-roasted coffee. Stonefruit Espresso + Kitchen in Brooklyn is a sun-soaked gem with a travel nook and apple cider in the fall. Toby’s Estate Coffee has multiple locations in Manhattan, West Village, and Brooklyn, offering avocado toast and granola bowls in a stylish setting.
Blue Bottle, a San Francisco favorite, now has locations all over NYC, known for its New Orleans iced coffee and pour-over options. Blind Barber on 10th Street is a trendy spot for coffee in the morning and beer in the evening, with a no-laptops-on-the-weekends policy. Birch Coffee in Manhattan offers loyalty cards, book exchanges, and trivia games for a fun and interactive coffee experience. When it comes to Manhattan, my favorite spot for that neighborhood vibe is 7th Avenue and 14th Street, where you’ll find a few scattered locations that exude that local feel. The high tables are always bustling with activity.
Bluestone Lane, an Australian-owned cafe influenced by Melbourne’s coffee culture, is a must-visit for those craving a premium coffee experience. From flat whites to golden spice lattes, their menu is top-notch. With locations in Bryant Park, Times Square, and other key areas, Bluestone Lane has become our go-to cafe not only in NYC but across the USA.
Culture Espresso, an independent and privately owned gem, is known for its exceptional coffee and delicious baked goods. While slightly pricier than other cafes, their quality makes it worth it. Located in the heart of several spots in NYC, it’s a favorite among locals.
Ariston Flowers & Cafe in Union Square may fool you with its flower shop facade, but beyond that lies a colorful cafe serving up tasty pastries and coffee. With a cozy seating area upstairs and downstairs, it’s a perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring the city.
Cafe Grumpy, known for its artisanal brewed coffee, offers a sustainable and locally sourced menu that pairs perfectly with their pastries. This Brooklyn-born cafe has expanded across NYC, making it a convenient stop near Bryant Park or Rockefeller Center.
Planning to visit any of these coffee shops in NYC? Share your excitement in the comments below. And don’t forget to save this article for your next trip to the city! Transform the following:
“The weather was cold and rainy, making it a perfect day to stay indoors and cozy up with a good book.”
to
“With the cold and rainy weather outside, it was the ideal day to stay indoors and snuggle up with a great book.” Transform the following:
Original: “I love going for walks in the park.”
Transformed: “Going for walks in the park is something I love.”
