Best Coffee Shops in New York City: A Caffeine Lover’s Guide

New York City’s dynamic coffee scene offers an array of caffeine havens, each with its unique charm and flavor. From the pioneers at Variety Coffee Roasters to the hidden gems that define the city’s coffee culture, we present a curated guide to the best coffee shops in the city that never sleeps.

Coffee Shops: Variety Coffee Roasters: A Taste of Excellence

New York City is known for many things – its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and diverse culture. However, another thing that makes this city truly remarkable is its thriving coffee culture. Among the plethora of coffee shops that dot the cityscape, Variety Coffee Roasters stands out as a pioneer and a true gem for coffee aficionados.

Variety Coffee Roasters, with its impeccable blend of quality and ambiance, has been a beloved fixture in New York City since its inception. Founded in 2014, this coffee shop quickly gained recognition for its nutty, chocolatey roasts. With multiple locations scattered across the city, including the Upper East Side, Chelsea, Park Slope, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Bushwick, Variety Coffee Roasters has become a household name for coffee enthusiasts.

Variety Coffee Roasters’ Upper East Side location exudes sophistication, with wood paneling and tasteful lighting. The Chelsea and Park Slope branches equally embrace urbane aesthetics, ensuring that wherever you are in the city, you can savor the exceptional coffee they offer. Additionally, Variety Coffee Roasters has expanded its presence beyond its own cafes, as its coffee is now available in various other coffee shops throughout the city. You can also enjoy their coffee at Three Decker, a diner owned by Variety’s founder, Gavin Compton, located in Greenpoint.

Location:

• Address: 1269 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10028
• Phone: (212) 289-2104

Little Flower Cafe: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

In 2022, the family behind Sami’s Kabab House opened the Little Flower Cafe, an exciting addition to Astoria’s coffee scene. This cafe offers a modern take on the classic New York coffee shop, with a special focus on halal options. Apart from delicious coffee, you can indulge in an array of pastries, sandwiches, and frequent pop-up events.

Location:

• Address: 25-35 36th Ave, Queens, NY 11106

Gumption Coffee: From Sydney to NYC

Originally founded in Sydney, Australia under the name Coffee Alchemy, Gumption Coffee has made a significant impact on the coffee scene in New York City. The coffee shop, owned by Hazel de los Reyes and Clare Lim, opened its 6,000-square-foot Industry City roastery and cafe in 2018, followed by a retail location in Manhattan in 2021 and another in Flatiron in the subsequent year. Gumption Coffee prides itself on offering an array of coffee options, with a particular preference for drip coffee to bring out the unique flavors of the beans.

Location:

• Address: 106 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
• Phone: (845) 605-6218

Do Not Feed Alligators: A Cozy Hangout

Do Not Feed Alligators, a small coffee shop, wine bar, and bookstore in the heart of the city, is a hidden gem. Founded by Swiss photographer David Shama, this coffee shop is known for its excellent coffee, with a rotating pour-over menu that highlights the origin and flavor profile of the beans. The warm and welcoming ambiance makes it a perfect spot for a casual hangout or some quiet reading time.

Location:

• Address: 337 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014

La Cabra: A Taste of Denmark in NYC

Is La Cabra the best coffee shop in New York City? Many locals seem to think so. With lines snaking out the door during rush hours, this Danish import has captured the hearts of coffee enthusiasts. La Cabra offers excellent coffee, exquisite pastries, table service, and a Scandinavian style that’s as appealing as the brew itself. If you’re lucky, your day could start with a perfect cappuccino in an earthenware cup and a delectable cardamom bun. La Cabra also has a second location in Soho, which boasts a slightly more upscale feel.

Location:

• Address: 152 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Abraço: Where Personality Meets Coffee

Abraço, situated in the vibrant East Village, is a coffee shops with a personality that’s hard to ignore. The coffee, known for its distinct character, is often served by the wild-haired co-owner, Jamie McCormick. However, the experience doesn’t end with coffee. Abraço offers mouthwatering pastries, including the famous orange-scented olive oil cake, crafted by co-owner Liz Quijada. It’s not just the coffee; it’s the lively atmosphere and the chatty locals that make Abraço a top choice for coffee lovers.

Location:

• Address: 81 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003
• Phone: (212) 388-9731

Devoción: Freshness at Its Best

Devoción, a sprawling Williamsburg roastery and cafe, is a unique addition to the city’s coffee scene. As an outpost of a coffee roaster in Bogota, Colombia, Devoción sets itself apart by receiving raw beans directly from Colombia, just days after harvesting. This ensures that their coffee is among the freshest in the city. While the space offers plenty of seating, the abundance of plants gives it a distinct natural feel. Devoción also has locations in Downtown Brooklyn, Dumbo, and Flatiron.

Location:

• Address: 69 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
• Phone: (718) 285-6180

Freehold: Work and Relax in Style

Freehold, located in Williamsburg, is more than just a coffee shop. It offers an expansive space that includes a coffee shop, a lobby, and a courtyard. It’s the perfect place to work, socialize, or simply enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere. What makes Freehold even more special is its partnership with Regina’s Grocery, which serves sandwiches and salads that have garnered popularity since the shop’s opening on the Lower East Side in 2018.

Location:

• Address: 45 S 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
• Phone: (718) 388-7591

Suited: A Hub for Coffee Connoisseurs

Suited, nestled in the Financial District, has established itself as a hub for coffee connoisseurs. It collaborates with some of the biggest names in New York roasting, including Sey and Little Wolf, as well as international roasters. The coffee menu features a selection of obligatory drinks, but it’s recommended to stick with a cup of espresso or drip coffee to fully appreciate the thoughtful sourcing that goes into each cup.

Location:

• Address: 45 John St, New York, NY 10038

Black Fox Coffee: An International Journey

Black Fox Coffee, located on Pine Street, boasts an impressive selection of coffee from esteemed roasters around the world. One standout offering is the iced matcha latte, best enjoyed with the coffee shop’s housemade nut milk. Black Fox Coffee has expanded to include another coffee bar in the Financial District, a cafe in Midtown, and a coffee shop in the Pendry Hotel behind the new

Penn Station build-out at Moynihan Hall.

Location:

• Address: 70 Pine St, New York, NY 10005
• Phone: (917) 742-0133

Honey Moon Coffee Shop: Where Coffee Meets Literature

Honey Moon Coffee Shop in Ridgewood not only sells coffee but also uses its own house blend of beans to craft delicious coffee drinks. It doubles as a bookstore, in collaboration with nearby Molasses Books, with shelves lined with both new and old titles. The cozy corner space also offers ample outdoor seating, making it an excellent spot for both work and relaxation.

Location:

• Address: 517 Onderdonk Ave, Queens, NY 11385

Sey Coffee: A Beacon of Light in Bushwick

Sey Coffee, located in Bushwick, is a bright and airy warehouse adorned with potted plants. It stands out as one of the top micro roasters in NYC, thanks to the efforts of its founders, Tobin Polk and Lance Schnorenberg. Sey Coffee is known for its light, clean Nordic-style flavor profile, a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.

Location:

• Address: 18 Grattan St, New York, NY 11206
• Phone: (347) 871-1611

% Arabica: The Freshest Coffee Beans in Brooklyn

For the freshest roasted coffee beans in town, % Arabica is the place to be. This Kyoto-based import opened its first U.S. location in Brooklyn, offering an extensive coffee selection, a souped-up espresso machine, and baked goods from the renowned Balthazar bakery. What sets % Arabica apart is its “green bean corner,” where customers can purchase beans to be roasted on the spot in just seven minutes.

Location:

• Address: 20 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
• Phone: (718) 865-2551

Villager: Ambition Meets Coziness

Villager, although appearing as a laid-back neighborhood cafe, is an ambitious coffee shop that has garnered a dedicated following. Located on a quiet side street at the border of Prospect and Crown Heights, Villager offers a thoughtful selection of coffee beans sourced from renowned roasters like Sey and Dayglow, a Los Angeles coffee company soon to open in Brooklyn.

Location:

• Address: 841 Classon Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Yafa Cafe: Yemeni Coffee Culture in Sunset Park

Yafa Cafe, established in 2019 by cousins Ali Suliman and Hakim Sulaimani, shines a light on Yemeni coffee culture in Sunset Park. This cafe has grown into a neighborhood cornerstone, offering a delightful blend of Yemeni-rooted food and a diverse assortment of coffees. The cousins have also ventured into roasting their in-house line of coffee, available for purchase at the shop and online.

Location:

• Address: 4415 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220
• Phone: (347) 464-3999

In a city where coffee is more than just a beverage but a way of life, these coffee shops stand out for their unique offerings, dedicated roasters, and inviting atmospheres. Whether you’re seeking the perfect cappuccino, a cozy corner to read, or a place to work, these coffee shops in New York City have it all. So, make sure to visit them and savor the delightful world of coffee that the city has to offer.