Starbucks is on virtually every corner in New York City and given it’s speed and reliability, it’s pretty hard to pass up. But you know why drinks that can be prepared in under 2 minutes taste the same every damn time? Because they’re made with chemical-filled syrups and powders. Be better. Check out these local artisan coffee shops in NYC- a little latte art never hurt anyone.
Abraço
Photo courtesy of nymag.com
This tiny East Village counter-service spot keeps it super simple with only 9 drink options on their menu. In addition to its delicious coffee, this spot has famous olive oil cake and chocolate babka. Need. Now.
Blue Bottle
Photo courtesy of bluebottlecoffee.com
This coffee mecca from Oakland, CA now has multiple locations in California, New York, and even Tokyo. In New York, they have 7 locations, including one at Rockefeller Center and one on the High Line right above West 15th Street. With an individually brewed cup of coffee, you really can’t go wrong.
Bluestone Lane Coffee Shop
Photo courtesy of bluestonelaneny.com
This is another one of those coffee shops that also serves amazing food, like a loaded avocado toast and an amazing creation called a Jaffle (a warm ham, cheese, and tomato sandwich from Australia). Good caffeine + good food = a happy morning.
Café Grumpy
Photo courtesy of cafégrumpy.com
Founded in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Café Grumpy now has a few locations around NYC including one in Grand Central, so you can grab a perfect cappuccino before catching your train. Like Blue Bottle, their coffee is brewed by the cup so you know your java is top notch.
Culture Espresso
Photo courtesy of newconstructionmanhattan.com
Air conditioning, wifi, and fresh baked cookies to go with your coffee? Nothing could be better. Their cookies are so good they might even rival that insta-famous Levain Bakery. Seating might be scarce, but New Yorkers are always on the go anyway, right?
El Rey
El Rey has some pretty awesome coffee, but you want to try it at lunchtime and get some food, too. For the ultimate avocado and yolk porn, this should be your go-to. Their menu is vegetarian and vegan friendly, offering soy and almond milk options for your java.
Hungry Ghost
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At Hungry Ghost, coffee isn’t an addiction or even a passion – it’s a science. They use Stumptown beans and their latte art is incredible. Snap a pic to show your friends how much better this coffee is than Starbucks. #fomo
Intelligentsia
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They now have a location inside the new flagship Urban Outfitters – talk about a match made in heaven. Their High Line Hotel spot also has a super cute back courtyard to help you escape the humid mess that is NYC streets in the summer.
Joe (the art of coffee)
Photo courtesy of joenewyork.com
Top notch cold brew, gluten free desserts, and no wifi makes Joe the perfect place to just chill out. They have their own roasting set up in Red Hook, so their roasts and blends are unique and authentic.
La Colombe
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Expertly made espresso drinks in a cool atmosphere with reasonable prices – need I say more? If you’re looking to step up your own coffee game, you can even sign up for a latte art or espresso basics class at their Hudson Square location.
Stumptown
Photo courtesy of stumptowncoffee.com
Stumptown is where you should go if you want to become a coffee connoisseur, sometimes offering free tastings and demos. This spot also used to be a bookstore with customers like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, so you’re really among the greats. Stumptown beans are sold all over the country, so you can take it wherever you go.
Third Rail Coffee
Photo courtesy of projectlatte.com
If amazing coffee wasn’t enough, Third Rail also serves doughnuts from Doughnut Plant and croissants and cinnamon buns from Balthazar. Their space is super small, so it’s best for grab and go. Head to nearby Washington Square Park or walk over to the High Line.