Let’s talk about New York City coffee shops. Yes, this is a city where there is literally a Starbucks on every corner and as a tourist to the city (and in some cases a resident) you may be tempted to leverage that Gold Card status and fill up your morning brew at this national chain. However, in this city there is literally an endless number of local haunts that serve up a mighty good brew. Several of these picks also feature pastries and doughnuts that are a must try as well.
We have to preface this article noting that this list is by no means all-inclusive and there are so many coffee shops that I have yet to discover in the city, but the ones below are mainstays that I gravitate towards for my caffeine fix. So without further ado, here is our list.
Kirsh Kitchen & Bakery
Image courtesy of Kirsh Kitchen & Bakery
With one location on the Upper West Side this is a definite favorite that I take in on the regular. They serve Irving Farm Coffee (more on that below) which is rich, velvety and delicious. But what I love about this place is there line up of amazing danishes and breads. For a place to get the day started this is a must visit. Our recommendation is my favorite Iced Latte with the Cinnamon Danish – the perfect start of the day.
Irving Farm Coffee Roasters
Image courtesy of Irving Farm Coffee Roasters
There are two locations that I frequent from Irving Farm Coffee Roasters. Their location on the Upper West Side along 79th Street and their counter in the lower level food hall at Grand Central Terminal (my go to before hoping on the train for trips to Connecticut). Aside from their great coffee, this place features pastries, muffins, doughnuts and other baked goods from several local bake shops from around the city. If you don’t have time to visit the bake shops, visiting Irving Farm is a great way to get a sampling. We recommend the homemade “Pop Tarts” or the Car Wash (lavender) Doughnut from Underwest Donuts served here.
La Colombe Coffee Roasters
Image courtesy of La Colombe Coffee Roasters
There are several locations of La Colombe scattered across lower Manhattan and this coffee has something special to it. I’ve yet to find a coffee that is so smooth and velvety. Favorites are my standard Iced Latte, but you may also wish to try their Draft Latte, iced cold and velvety smooth.
Joe
Image courtesy of Joe Coffee Company
With several locations across Midtown and a presence as far north as Morningside Heights, this is another great place to get that morning brew, their coffee has a slightly fruity tone and is certainly richer than your standard church basement coffee but is delicious none-the-less. Like Irving Farm, this is also place where you can get a taste of various local baked goods.
Birch
Image courtesy of Birch Coffee
Birch is a little rarer, but still oh so good. Again another rich brew – we recommend an Americana or Red Eye Coffee to get you started for the day. The atmosphere is raw and rustic and a charming place to meet up for a morning get together or mid-morning coffee stop.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Image courtesy of Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Located in midtown, this is the only location for Stumptown Coffee Roasters in NYC (they are based out of Seattle). It’s a quaint coffee shops that serves up a great brew. They really do everything well, so hop up to the counter, place your order and enjoy a great cup of joe.
