A modern-day “smoke break,” go-to pick-me-up, and a treasured morning ritual for many, coffee has long been the favorite drink and a staple of New York City.
Sure, it probably makes sense for the city that never sleeps! But we can’t help but think that there is something extraordinary about the bond between a typical coffee-loving New Yorker and this aromatic beverage, and every local is bound to know all the best coffee shops in Manhattan.
One thing’s for sure, though! – we can explain the scope of its influence through its plethora of local roasters and coffee shops. That’s where we find the good stuff that feeds our addiction!
FliptheLife filtered the numbers to find the most beloved spots New Yorkers go to get their morning fix in Manhattan. Check out the ten best coffee shops in Manhattan that keep the residents caffeinated and happy!
Let’s Check out the Best Coffee Shops in Manhattan
1. Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Ever since this artisan coffee company opened up in Portland, Oregon, in 1999, they haven’t had any trouble winning over anyone who walked through their doors.
And, given their anything-but-traditional sourcing, utmost care and precision of the roasting process, and the versatile armada of offerings, it’s no wonder! These guys are truly something special!
- Location: Ace Hotel, 18 W 29th St, and the Greenwich Village;
- Reader’s pick: As French-press and cold-brew coffees – these may well take over the world!
2. Blue Bottle Coffee
California’s Blue Bottle coffee shop elevates drinking coffee into an art form. Their roasters are known for their commitment to quality and only using beans at that optimum flavor level and peak of freshness. The selection is small and a bit on the expensive side.
However, it still has New Yorkers standing outside waiting for the doors to open first thing in the morning. You can also find non-New Yorkers wishing they’d hire movers, relocate to Manhattan long-distance, and settle here from far away just so they can be closer to this selection of delight. Considering how good the coffee is, we wouldn’t blame you.
- Location: 279 Amsterdam Ave, 22 Broad St, Bryant Park 54 W 40th St., 257 Park Ave South, etc.;
- Reader’s pick: The New Orlean-style iced coffee, or “Iced Americano.”
3. Abraço
This landmark Manhattan coffee bar is a convivial little shoebox that offers nothing but love in a demi-tasse and it consider as the Best Coffee Shops in Manhattan. Still, Abraço managed to enhance the level of coffee connoisseurship in Manhattan with its relatively ambitious food and rich, nuanced drinks brewed straight into your mug.
Their loyal East Village clientele is pouring in and out all day long, and the lines are only getting longer.
- Location: 81 East 7th St in East Village, Manhattan;
- Reader’s pick: Elizabeth Quijada’s famous olive-oil cake, coffee, or espresso.
4. Box Kite
Box Kite is the coffee geek’s coffee shop, serving specialty coffees from an exceptional lineup of carefully-selected, quality-focused roasters.
It is not a large space to sit in, but if you want to stop for an A+ delicious espresso drink on your way to work on a busy Monday morning, this is the place for you.
The baristas are efficient and very knowledgeable. And you will discover astonishing beans, advanced brewing techniques, and dynamic flavors.
- Location: 128 W 72nd St, between Amsterdam and Columbus;
- Reader’s pick: One + One, a single espresso and macchiato, and a selection of pastries.
5. La Colombe
Tired of the same old campus coffee chains’ specialty drinks? Stop by La Colombe for the optimal and unique espresso experience! La Colombe has made itself known in the city, with its first-ever iced latte on tap and consistently striking latte art served in the brand’s signature, vintage-style coffee cups.
Their extended selection is strong yet rich in sweetness and frothy texture that is insanely comforting.
- Location: 1710 I St. NW;
- Reader’s pick: Compass Coffee.
6. Birch Coffee
Born and bred in The City That Never Sleeps, Birch is one of the top picks for the best coffee shops in Manhattan to get your morning fuel.
According to one of their regulars and moving experts from Manhattan’s Clean Cut Moving, there’s one thing Birch does differently from any other coffee shop.
It had taken the time to customize to-go bags and napkins. There’s a simple and authentic “Birch loves you” message and a tic-tac-toe board instead of a standard logo for the customers to have some fun while they enjoy their favorite sips.
So, stop by to get your iced coffee if you’re moving into the neighborhood. It is essential to keep yourself cool during the process.
- Location: 432 3rd Ave, 884 9th Ave;
- Reader’s pick: Kyoto drip cold brew.
7. Laughing Man Coffee & Tea
When discussing Manhattan’s top coffee shops, we must mention Laughing Man. No New Yorker or traveler remains indifferent to Hugh Jackman’s closet-sized café and his wide selection of delicious caffeinated beverages.
Peruse their chalkboard menu behind the counter, but try Laughing Man’s most popular coffee, “Dukale’s Dream.”
- Location: 184 Duane Street and 300 Vesey Street, both in lower Manhattan;
- Reader’s pick: Dukale’s Dream and the flat white.
8. Jack’s Stir Brew
If you like that vintage general store feel and organic food and drinks, 10 Downing Street is the address to stop.
Jack Mazzola’s high-quality, fair trade, shade-grown organic coffee prepared using the patented Stir Brew method and his vegan baked goods will leave you breathless.
- Location: 138 West 10th Street in West Village;
- Reader’s pick: The Apple Jack, the Teddy Boy, and a honey cinnamon latte.
9. Gregorys Coffee
Are you in the middle of your tour of Manhattan and want a reliably good cup of coffee? Skip the regional coffee chains and head to Gregorys Coffee instead. They have an enormous selection of tea, coffee, juices, and smoothies.
This NYC-based roaster is on the mission to help you “see coffee differently.” They work tirelessly to blend this idea of quality and quantity into a unique boutique coffee experience! Visit during your stay, and you’ll see what all the buzz is about!
- Location: 122 East 42nd Street, 1273 1st Ave, 20 East 40th Street, etc.
- Reader’s pick: Anything from classic choices to their refreshing summer picks like Salted Caramel Cold Brew.
10. Devoción
Think Devoción, and a mental image of a relaxed Saturday morning with a freshly-baked croissant pops up. But, with their unique, transportive interiors, specialized sourcing and shipping process, specific brew methods, and the elegant simplicity of the lattes and cold brews, Devoción doesn’t disappoint any day of the week.
- Location: 69 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States
- Reader’s pick: Wild Forest, La Paz, Toro, etc.
Get your daily caffeine fix in style
As you can probably tell from the “fully brewed” coffee scene, New Yorkers are very serious about their java fix. So, prepare your taste buds and check one of these best coffee shops in Manhattan!
