Who doesn’t love sipping on a good cup of coffee and indulging in a freshly baked pastry? It may seem like there are an endless amount of coffee shops in New York City, and while your go-to caffeine fix might just be from the closest shop on your block, these trendy spots will certainly add a more special start your day.
Maman
Locations: Nomad, Meatpacking, Soho, Tribeca, Greenpoint
As if the photo of the food wasn’t convincing enough, we’re here to tell you that Maman has some of the best bites around town, all of which perfectly complement their rich coffee. This hidden gem is special because tiny details of French influence add up to make it feel like a snug oasis. The Soho location, Marché Maman, offers a full bar and restaurant adjacent to a retail market. Coffee, food, and shopping? We can’t think of anything better. www.mamannyc.com
Toby’s Estate
Locations: Flatiron, West Village, and Williamsburg
Toby’s Estate seeks the highest quality coffee around. One of the store’s buyers travels to multiple coffee growing regions three months out of the year in order to create a diverse and seasonal menu. The company also has a brew school, which provides an accessible learning space for coffee novices and experienced baristas alike. Some of the classes offered include home brew methods, espresso extraction, and latte art to name a few. www.tobysestate.com
Stonefruit Espressso
Location: Bedford-Stuyvesant
Stonefruit is perhaps the cutest coffee shop of them all. “New York can wind you up kind of tight, so we hope Stonefruit is a place for our community to take a deep breath,” explains owner Laura Sorensen, of her shop’s ethos. The lovable space is bright and airy with loads of fresh flowers and plants (the back half of the cafe is a flower shop), plus, the company prides itself on baking their pastries in-house—yet another good reason to stop by for a treat. www.stonefruitespresso.com
Birch Coffee
Locations: Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Columbus Circle, Murray Hill, Soho, West Village, Financial District
With ten locations in the area, Birch Coffee has certainly made a name for itself. For the best experience, we recommend visiting the whimsical Flatiron shop. Try the macchiato or chai latte, which start by being sourced fairly and sustainably all the way from the farm to the grinder. Tuck yourself away in a cozy corner at this feel-good place and read a book while the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. www.birchcoffee.com
Culture Espresso
Locations: Garment District, Bryant Park
Known for the best flat whites in town, Culture Espresso is one of the chicest places to go for your daily fix. In the summer, one of the most highly sought after drinks is the iced oat milk flat white. The touch of house-made vanilla syrup adds the perfect amount of sweetness to any hectic New York City day. Another celebrated aspect of this coffee bar includes their delicious chocolate chip cookies, which were voted number one in the city’s 2017 Chocolate Chip Cookie Off. www.cultureespresso.com
Sweatshop
Location: Williamsburg
Sweatshop stands out from the others on the list because it’s a unique combination of an Australian-inspired café and design studio. Ryan De Remer, the shop’s co-founder, says that the space is best described as, “a thriving community hub for both coffee lovers and designers.” One of their most popular drinks is the Sparky, which is made with iced espresso, tonic water, and lime. Sweatshop created the refreshing drink to help make those hot, humid New York City days a little more bearable. Pair that with their infamous açaí bowl and you’ll be hooked. www.sweatshop.coffee
Pietro Nolita
Location: Nolita
If you’re looking to get both an Instagram-worthy picture and a great cup of coffee, this is the place to go. Pietro Nolita’s trendy all-pink interior creates a cheerful atmosphere, perfect for an afternoon pick me up. As far as their best drinks go, the vanilla bean latte mocha is a standout. The restaurant also serves Italian cuisine from brunch to dinner with items like eggs benedict and hazelnut french toast. www.pietronolita.com
Black Fox
Location: Financial District
An ideal spot to meet for an afternoon meeting or post-work date, Black Fox opened in downtown Manhattan in 2016 and has become one of the city’s most popular coffee joints since. The simply designed space and savory snacks will help you unwind after even the most stressful of days. www.blackfoxcoffee.com
The Elk
Location: West Village
Described as a home away from home, this cozy local-favored bistro was designed with the spirit of the outdoors in mind. “Our goal is to create an experience for our guests that will leave them with a sense of calm and comfort as they go about the rest of their day,” says owner Claire Chan. To sound like a regular, order the house-made vanilla bourbon cortado, a secret item that’s not listed on the menu. www.theelknyc.com
Devoción
Locations: Williamsburg, Downtown Brooklyn
Built out of a former warehouse, this brick-lined coffee shop brews up some seriously hip vibes, attracting caffeine addicts who come to unwind throughout the day. Live music and art installations make this shop a lively place to catch up with friends. Claim your spot on one of the big, comfy couches and prepare to feel at ease as you sip on your warm espresso.
Two Hands
Locations: Nolita, Tribeca
You’ll feel good about visiting this sleek community-focused coffee bar as their beans are sourced from farmers that the coffee roaster knows personally. In fact, their roaster travels to Nicaragua to source the beans and work with farmers twice a year. Order the ricotta hotcake, which is made with macerated blackberries, cashew ricotta, and honeyed pecans, to go along with your espresso. We promise you won’t be disappointed. www.twohandsnyc.com
Hungry Ghost
Locations: Gotham Market, NYU, Prospect Heights, Williamsburg, Sterling Place, Fort Greene, Dekalb
This quirky cafe serves up a mean cup of coffee but an equally as notable treat—their chocolate chip cookies. While coffee is the main focus, specialty teas, handmade Italian sodas, and even Kombucha make an appearance on the menu. www.hungryghostcoffee.com
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