12 of the Best Coffee Shops in New York City

At every twist and turn in the New York City streets, you’re sure to find a coffee shop. Whether you’re the type of coffee drinker who’s enthusiastic about beans or someone who likes to take a good book to your local coffee joint, coffee shops in NYC have it all.

If you’re a coffee-aficionado coming to the city, this list is for you. NYC coffee haunts are the perfect place to try new cold brew, single origin, and specialty coffee drinks. We’ve rounded up the best coffee shops in New York City to eat, read, drink, work, or just hang out.

1. Stumptown Coffee Roasters

This artisanal roaster from Portland, Oregon, is a favorite among devout coffee enthusiasts. Stumptown Coffee Roasters has a couple of different locations in Greenwich Village, Ace Hotel, and Brooklyn’s Cobble Hill, and also offers public tastings at NYC Training Lab. Pick up a chocolate croissant and a frothy latte then spend the day exploring Manhattan or finding fun things to do in Brooklyn. As a bonus, not only is Stumptown intensely focused on the quality of their beans, they also focus on building long-term relationships through transparent and ethical sourcing practices. This coffee roaster is eco-conscious and environmentally friendly.

2. Lenox Coffee Roasters

Between the local baked goods, roasted beans from Red Hook, and milk from upstate’s Battenkill Valley Creamery, Lenox Coffee Roasters is easily one of the best coffee shops in New York when it comes to taste and quality. Grab a mocha or macchiato, pair it with a breakfast bowl or seasonal sandwich, and sit back and relax. They also serve beer and wine, so if you stay through the evening, you’ll be all set.

3. Little Skips East

Sometimes, nothing beats the feeling of a neighborhood coffee shop. In the summer, when the streets are bustling, it’s a cool respite—and in the winter, when the snow falls, it offers warmth and familiarity. Little Skips East in Brooklyn is a happy spot located underneath the JMZ train tracks that focuses on seasonal food and drink. Grab a Jake & Taylor latte sweetened with maple syrup or a Mexican-style hot chocolate then settle into the coziness of this community hub. And if you’re searching for coffee shops in NYC that serve vegan bites, this one offers not one, but three, vegan Bahn-mi sandwiches. From the vegan tempeh Banh mi to the vegan impossible Bahn-mi to the creative vegan bbq jackfruit banh-mi, you’re in for a treat. A great coffee joint that also serves delicious vegan food is hard to come by so be sure to visit this NYC coffee shop.

4. Third Rail Coffee

With an industrial-chic setting and a variety of decadent drinks, Third Rail Coffee is one of the best coffee shops in New York City to venture to on a lazy summer afternoon. If you do make your way there during the warmer months, you’ll definitely want to indulge in an iced latte with espresso and sweet Battenkill Dairy Farm milk over ice. Make it a mocha, if you please, and as they say “prepare to swoon.” The matcha latte is also a favorite. Of course, pairing it with a cherry vanilla cinnamon scone or a gluten-free peanut butter cookie really seals the deal.

5. Little Collins

Known as one of the friendliest coffee shops in New York City’s Midtown area, Little Collins is bursting with beverages, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods galore. Named after a bustling street in Melbourne, Australia, each aspect of this coffee shop has been created with the customer experience in mind. A no-nonsense menu, music, and a barista that remembers your name are all said to be a part of what makes this chic, industrial space feel like home. The friendly barista is also great at recommendations so try some of the pastries or ask for a specialty coffee recommendation. Grab a Little Collins Blend with its flavors of caramel, nut, and chocolate and the “Sweet Uncle Fred” toasted banana bread and you’ll be instantly transported to a state of bliss.

6. Sey Coffee

For those who enjoy watching the coffee as it’s roasted in-house, Sey Coffee will quickly become a go-to on your list of coffee shops in NYC. Located in East Williamsburg, you can even take part in their cupping sessions to sniff, sip, and increase your coffee bean knowledge. Check out their drip coffee, iced coffee, and espresso drinks. The space itself is sleek and modern and boasts an open and airy vibe. Whether you want to bring your laptop and get some work done or simply sit back and people watch, Sey Coffee is a popular place to do so.

7. Coffee Project NY

If you’re looking for coffee places in New York that come with a good story, pay a visit to Coffee Project NY. With multiple locations across the city, founder Chi Sum Ngai and her partner Kaleena Teoh also started New York State’s only Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Premier Training Campus. Here, the two aficionados teach certified classes to coffee industry professionals who are looking to further their craft. These specialty coffee espresso drinks are a favorite with coffee lovers. Their locations in East Village, Brooklyn, and Queens boast modern and clean environments, ideal for getting some work done or catching up with friends over a good cup of coffee.

8. Everyman Espresso

When you’re searching for coffee places in New York that are low-key and peaceful, Everyman Espresso is a good one to check out. It’s a cozy spot, but there tends to be enough seating to ensure that you’ll have a spot to sip your espresso. As a coffee lover, we recommend trying a draft latte to sample a new brew. The drinks are made from direct-trade coffee beans and the pastry case is carefully filled with donuts, croissants, and muffins. For good coffee in a compact place, where you can slip in and forget whatever is going on in the outside world, Everyman Espresso does the trick.

9. Voyager Espresso

When it comes to “out-of-this-world” coffee places in New York, Voyager Espresso certainly offers a unique experience. Set in the Fulton Subway Station, Voyager takes a scientific approach to brew their coffee. With an approach that focuses on the artistic side of hospitality, they’ve taken it upon themselves to transform a typical NYC subway corridor into one of the best coffee shops in New York City. Go for something simple, like their black cake and black coffee, or explore the fancier side of things with their brownie mocha paired with a decadent cupcake. Whatever you choose to order, your subway ride just got a whole lot sweeter.

10. McNulty’s Tea & Coffee Co

McNulty’s Tea & Coffee Co has been around since 1895 and serves coffees and teas stored neatly in apothecary jars. When you’re staying at a place like Zeus and have a coffee maker ready and waiting, there’s nothing like grabbing a bag of coffee beans from McNulty’s. You can choose your beans by region—Africa and Arabia, Asia and Pacific, North and Central America, and South America—and whether or not they’re flavored, decaffeinated, or dark roasts. When you get home, grind your beans and make a delicious cup of coffee to enjoy alongside a good book. If you’re wondering where to stay in New York City, Zeus has you covered.

11. Hi-Collar

Hi-Collar in the East Village is one of the coffee shops in New York that embraces different brewing methods. If you’re looking for a creative experience, their ideas for coffee and tea come from kissaten (Japanese coffee and tea cafes). If you want a coffee-to-go, they offer canned iced coffee like the Rainbow Hopper, which is brewed with a hot and flash chill using patented flash-chilling technology. Grab one of these canned delights then venture to the park for a day in the New York City sunshine. The great news about Hi-Collar is that if you tire of coffee and tea (would you ever?!), you can turn to their beer, sake, and food—like cream pasta and hot cakes.

12. Devoción

In Williamsburg, you’ll find one of the most expansive, plant-filled coffee shops in NYC with some of the very best beans. Coffee arrives from Columbia shortly after it’s been picked, then is put into your mug for a lovely cup in the morning, afternoon, or evening (if you dare). From Honey and Citrus to Wild Forest, each cup boasts a feeling and sense of place. Sitting on one of the big leather couches amongst the greenery with the high ceilings will make even the most eager of coffee drinkers sit back, sip, and unwind.

When you come to New York City, there is so much to do, see, and experience. At the top of the food and drink list is to hit all the best coffee shops. From quaint cozy spots to those that area modern and airy, we hope this list has you feeling fueled up your next caffeine-filled adventure.

Remember, if you’re curious about where to stay in New York City with family or solo, Zeus is here as your New York home rental. Designed to make you feel at home wherever life takes you, Zeus is the perfect place to work, play, and socialize. Ideal for stays of a month or longer, your rental comes equipped with lightning-fast WiFi, a washer and dryer, and premium linens to ensure you catch enough z’s. You also may want to figure out where to park in New York City and Zeus can help you with your parking needs as well.

With flexible cancellations, easy extensions, and no hidden fees, you can book a fully furnished home from Zeus with confidence (especially after you’re energized from a good cup of coffee).