10 Best Coffee Shops in NYC: Where to Find the Best Brews in the City
Walking the grid of New York City is an experience like no other, but it can become exhausting. Hitting my daily goal of 8,000 steps on that concrete pavement is easily done, but requires serious fuel, and thankfully, this city delivers – probably even more than anyone can keep up with.
NYC takes its coffee culture very seriously. Almost every block from Manhattan to Brooklyn and everything in between (and outside of these areas) has at least a spot claiming to pour the perfect cup. And many are absolutely amazing – it makes sense, since there are literally thousands of coffee shops in New York City.
Today, I will focus on the best ones you should absolutely try – based on those I’ve been to and enjoyed. While nobody can truly go test the thousands of coffee shops scattered throughout this metropolis, you don’t really have to, because in most cases, you will get at least decent coffee.
But out of them all, these definitely shine. So here are my 10 best coffee shops in New York City, in no particular order!
Still in the planning phase? Here are my recommended hotels in New York City:
- Concorde Hotel (My top pick)
- The Wallace Hotel
- Casablanca Hotel (Solid budget option)
Now, let’s move over to great coffee!
The 10 Best Cafes in New York City
1. Devoción, Williamsburg
Opening Hours: 8:00am-7:00pm Price: $$$ [See on Google Maps]
There are a few Devocion cafes scattered around the city, but I personally recommend the one in Williamsburg. Walking in feels like stepping inside and indoor coffee sanctuary.
The centerpiece of this massive, industrial-chic space is a stunning vertical garden bathed in natural light from an oversized skylight. Wow-factors like these are rarely a given as far as coffee shops go, but you’ll certainly appreciate this touch.
Aesthetics aside, the coffee is simply amazing. They fly their beans directly from Bogotá to Brooklyn, meaning the coffee in your cup was likely roasted mere days ago (or even more recently). While it is on a pricier side, it is perfect for your daily cup(s), and I personally enjoy their regular, perfectly balanced cappuccino the most.
Exploring these cafes goes well hand in hand with my previous guide on New York City’s safety – make sure to read it as well!
2. La Cabra, East Village
Opening Hours: 8:00am-6:00pm Price: $ [See on Google Maps]
Hailing originally from Denmark, despite its Spanish name, La Cabra brings a slice of Nordic minimalism to the East Village. And many more slices of delicious pastries.
While the coffee here is bright, clean, and meticulously brewed, you will see many people who stop just for the pastries. And I can’t blame them – they’re that good, but in my opinion they HAVE to be paired with that delicious coffee.
I recommend their Karani hand brewed coffee here if you want something special (it’s made using amazing coffee from Kenya – and once you try African coffee, you won’t want anything else). And definitely pair it with their amazing grape & almond cake for a complete experience or try their ham & cheese croissaint if you want something special, even though it looks more like a cinnamon roll than a croissant. It’s still tasty.
3. Sey Coffee, Bushwick
Opening Hours: 7:00am-5:00pm Price: $ [See on Google Maps]
I prefer lighter roast coffee, and if you’re like me, you will absolutely love Sey Coffee. Tucked away in Bushwick, the café itself is a gorgeous, airy space filled with lush plants and natural light.
A micro roastery, too, this place treats coffee brewing as a high art form. This means that you won’t find overly sweet, syrupy concoctions her. Instead, expect delicate pour-overs served in beautiful ceramic wares, so you can actually taste the coffee you’re drinking, not have an excuse to consume one extra dessert.
Which you can absolutely do if you pair your cup with one of their pastries (their blood orange tart is my favorite).
Also read: Most Romantic Cities in the US:
4. Coffee Project NY, East Village
Opening Hours: 7:30am-5:00pm Price: $ [See on Google Maps]
Very close to Abraço, you can experience coffee from a completely different perspective. Their “Deconstructed Latte,” an experience that breaks the classic drink down into its core components, has a sort of a cult following here, but I have to admit that I’m not a fan – I still want my ingredients mixed, but I appreciate the initiative.
I prefer their “only on special occasions” Black Sesame latte, or basically anything from their menu – I go for the pourovers if the latte is not available, it’s one of the best I’ve ever had.
5. Abraço, East Village
Opening Hours: 8:00am-6:00pm (Closed Mondays) Price: $ [See on Google Maps]
We’re moving over on the island, with a coffee shop that has a ton of personality and, probably just because of that, it’s closed on Mondays.
The vibe here is what you’re going for – it feels cozy and homely, despite being relatively large. It perfectly channels the spirit of an old-school Italian espresso bar mixed with a vibrant neighborhood hangout, and adds excellent music as a bonus.
You come here to stand at the counter, knock back a rich, deeply flavorful espresso, and chat with whoever happens to be standing next to you. Make sure you order a slice of their famous olive oil cake to go with your drink – or try their orange polenta if you’re more adventurous.
Also read: Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in the US (for when New York really starts to feel expensive)
6. 787 Coffee, Multiple Locations
Opening Hours: 7:00am-7:00pm Price: $$ [See on Google Maps]
While I usually prefer those unique places for amazing coffee, 787 Coffee has to be mentioned, even though it has plenty of locations in the city.
However, the fact that they grow their own beans on a farm in Maricao, Puerto Rico, translates to a cup that is incredibly fresh and distinctively smooth – and the best part is that no matter in which of their locations you go, it’s still basically the same.
Beyond the quality of the beans, they serve their iced drinks in iconic, reusable rum pouches. It is a fun, practical touch that makes wandering the city with an iced horchata latte infinitely more enjoyable.
7. Black Fox Coffee, Financial District
Opening Hours: 7:00am-4:00pm Price: $$ [See on Google Maps]
Again, a place with multiple locations in New York City, but today I am talking about and recommending the one in the Financial District. It’s like a fresh breath of air in the fast-paced area, with its sophisticated environment and chill vibe.
They operate as a multi-roaster, curating a rotating selection of the best beans from top-tier roasters around the globe, so you can always try something (at least until you find a favorite).
The baristas here are highly skilled, turning out silky, perfectly textured milk drinks that rival anything you’d find in a specialty shop.
Also read: Complete City Travel Guide to Philadelphia, PA
8. Café Integral, Nolita
Opening Hours: 7:30am-5:00pm Price: $ [See on Google Maps]
Café Integral is a quiet, beautifully designed gem in Nolita with a very specific focus: exceptional Nicaraguan coffee. The owner has deep ties to the farmers in Nicaragua, ensuring the beans are ethically sourced and of the highest quality.
The shop itself is cozy and warm, offering a brief respite from the busy shopping streets outside. Their espresso is phenomenal – often carrying deep, chocolatey notes – and they offer an exceptional house-made almond milk that pairs perfectly with it.
9. Dayglow, Bushwick
Opening Hours: 7:00am-6:00pm Price: $$$ [See on Google Maps]
Dayglow is where coffee meets high-end curation. Originally from the West Coast, this Bushwick location features a stunning, neon-accented aesthetic and a menu that functions like a “who’s who” of international coffee roasters.
If you love discovering rare beans or trying innovative brewing methods, you will be spoiled for choice here. They also feature a menu of creative, alcohol-free coffee mocktails that push the boundaries of what a coffee drink can be.
10. Hi-Collar, East Village
Opening Hours: 11:00am-4:00pm (Cafe hours) Price: $$$ [See on Google Maps]
Hi-Collar offers an experience very different from the traditional American coffee shop (or regular coffee shoops, in general).
Modeled after a Japanese kissaten (a retro tea and coffee house), it serves as a serene coffee bar during the day before transitioning into a sake bar at night. And if look at it on the map, don’t shy away because it’s listed as a restaurant – it’s a great place for unique coffee.
You can select your preferred beans and request traditional Japanese brewing methods, such as the siphon method. Pair your coffee with their famously fluffy Japanese hotcakes or a savory pork katsu sando for a truly unforgettable afternoon break.
Final Thoughts
The real adventure when exploring New York’s amazing coffee landscape is trying out new places. But when you want to be 100% sure that you’re getting delicious fuel for your day, the recommendations above are what you should be aiming for.
Do you have other recommendations? Or have you tried any of the ones I’ve recommended above? I’m sure there are plenty of other great spots, so let’s talk about them in the comments down below!
