The 16 very best coffee shops in NYC

What is it? Harlem's one-stop shop for curated home goods, coffee and a place to get your hair right. 

Why we love it: Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to get a cup of coffee at The Oma, Shop II Coffee+ Lifestyle and walk out the door. But lifestyle is part of the name now, isn't it? And once you come inside Lizzy Okpo's curated space, you'll certainly feel the draw to stay. It is natural to linger at the stainless steel counter and thumb through the handblown glassware, body wash and hair oils sitting on shelves, all sourced from Black, POC and LGBTQ+ vendors. But it is the spacious back room where most people gather, whether it's to catch a movie screening or get a quick trim inside the barbershop, all while the DJ spins some tunes. 

Time Out tip: If your midday coffee happens to drift into the nighttime, you can find a menu of natural wines and bites to welcome you to the evening. 

Address: 2754 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10039 

Opening hours: Sun 9am–4pm; Mon, Wed 7:30am–5pm; Tue 7am–5pm; Thu, Fri 7:30am–8pm; Sat 8am–8pm; Sun 9am–4pm

What is it? A Danish-based coffee company that's certainly found a following in New York.

Why we love it: La Cabra's arrival in New York caused quite the stir when it landed back in 2021, as coffee aficionados lined the streets of the East Village just for a taste of its rare blends. The fervor has since died down, which we attribute to time and the spread of shops that now dot the city, as the brand followed up with locations in SoHo and a roastery in Bushwick. But our love for La Cabra has never waned, as the shop still gives the utmost care to our daily ritual with baristas who have mastered the art of beans and brew.

Time Out tip: Yes, the pastry counter is one of the best perks of the visit. Peer behind the glass pastry counter (each location has one) for burnished, hand-laminated croissants, fruit tarts that turn with the season, and the forever favorite: the fragrant Cardamom Bun with crunchy sugar flakes folded right in. 

Address: Multiple venues, inc. East Village, Bushwick and SoHo

What is it? An East Village coffee shop that specializes in coffee that’s sweet and tart, really anything but bitter.

Why we love it: From the outlook, Not As Bitter reads as a bit of void on the corner of 10th Street and 1st Ave as the black on black ethos colors the front and the interior with dark marble counter tops and walls and slate gray on the floors. However, the contrast can found in its colorful brews. Fruit forward coffee blends dominate the menu as strawberry and mango compotes pool at the bottom of matcha drinks and lattes come with a shake of fresh durian.

Time Out tip: The current eye catcher of the moment is the Double Pistachio Latte, made with a vibrant green pistachio cream with a dust of pistachio right on top. 

Address: 241 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Daily 8am—6pm 

What is it? A sleek, lightwood-laden coffee connoisseur’s paradise. 

Why we love it: A respite from Bushwick’s hippest parties, latest gallery openings and trendy restaurants, SEY Coffee is a peaceful place where you can watch the coffee being roasted in-house—in fact, the resulting lighter roast is so popular, it has popped up at Rucola and some of our other favorite restaurants. However, the front of the shop has plenty going for it as well, especially once the garage door flips to open once the weather is nice. 

Time Out tip: If you want to deep dive into the third-wave coffee movement, there are “cupping sessions” where you can sniff, swirl and sip any number of beans.

Address: 18 Grattan St, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 7am–5pm; Sat, Sun 8am–5pm

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What is it? A Flatbush community staple that blends Caribbean culture with coffee. 

Why we love it: Mother and son duo, Jamane and Donna Weekes serve more than just water and beans to the people of Flatbush via Lips Cafe, running on the motto, “We don’t serve coffee, we serve community.” The cafe functions more like a social club, one that hosts art shows, musical showcases and conversations over coffee and cocktails. With an ear toward the people of Flatbush, the family leaned on their St. Vincentian roots for the food, drumming up bake and saltfish for breakfast and jerk salmon wraps for lunch.

Time Out tip: In need of some new decor? Much of the artwork on the walls features the works of artists across the area, which are available for purchase. 

Address: 1412 Nostrand Ave Brooklyn, NY 11226

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 8am–9pm; Sun 9am–6pm

What is it? A posh cafe whose beautiful interiors match the program it serves. 

Why we love it: There’s so much to poke fun at at this chichi coffee shop (like the Pepto-pink details that could double as a Wes Anderson set). But our cynical hearts are melted by its new-age java creations. A standout is the "Deconstructed Espresso Tonic," which comes in a Bordeaux wine glass filled with tonic water, non-alcoholic Campari reduction and lemon-basil leaves. 

Time Out tip: Yes, the Hickory-Smoked S’mores Latte is $15. Yes, we also think it should be ordered at least once. Here, graham-cracker–infused steamed milk is mixed with espresso before being encased in a glass cloche, infusing it all with hickory smoke. Just get your phone out and be ready for the show of it all.

Address: Multiple venues inc. SoHo, West Village and Midtown

What is it? A B Corp Certified coffee shop that partners with independent coffee producers in Colombia.

Why we love it: Morning commutes are chaotic, no? That’s why we prefer the tranquility of Devoción, which gives us hope that a vacation is just around the corner.

Its various locations about town (Williamsburg, Downtown Brooklyn, Dumbo, Nomad and Flatiron) each follow the same theme, as coffee is served among a tropical paradise. We personally think the Downtown BK location is one of the more transformative shops, as an oasis of plants and palm trees welcomes you to sit in the center of it all. Sip your coffee from one of the signature yellow mugs and note the flavor profile of its Colombian beans, sourced by Medellín-born founder Steven Sutton.

Time Out tip: Each shop has a wall of beans to peruse through if you'd rather blend your own brew at home. 

Address: Multiple venues inc. Williamsburg, Downtown Brooklyn and Dumbo

What is it? A community-minded coffee shop that's stood in the East Village for 17 years.

Why we love it: We have been enjoying the supremely intense coffee at Abraço since it opened in its original location in 2007. The beans are sourced from South America and roasted in-house and the cow-only milk is organic, but the menu doesn’t brag about any of that. It lets the buzzy atmosphere, rich pour-over and famous homemade olive oil cake speak for themselves. 

Time Out tip: Lift your spirits with the effervescent Sparkling Cream Espresso, an espresso-y, seltzer-y drink served with a dollop of whipped cream. 

Address: 81 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 8am–8pm; Fri, Sat 8am–10pm; Sun 9am–6pm

What is it? A British coffee import that deals in well-crafted coffees and rare beans, if you've got the spend. 

Why we love it: Within a year, New York has been on the receiving end of two WatchHouse locations, a British coffee brand, starting with the one on Fifth Avenue, closely followed by another inside the Chrysler Building. We are partial to the latter, as it gives us an excuse to finally hover inside the Art Deco building without the security throwing side eye at us. And also because the coffee shop pays close attention to its beans and its brews, and is complemented with a spread of plenty of good pastries (we are partial to the spiced Nduja Pain Suisse). 

Time Out tip: The international brand also brought over its Rarities Program, brewing hard-to-find beans priced. But they do come at a cost, ranging from $14 to $52 for a pourover. 

Address: 660 5th Ave, New York, NY 10103; 405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174

What is it? A coffee shop/all-day restaurant that hits us right in the kitschy feels. 

Why we love it: If MUD ever closed, we would cry. For so many New Yorkers, MUD has become more than a coffee shop; it’s a lifeline where the downtown set—and NYU freshman—can hang out and dish. And dish they can as the hangout offers an all day brunch deal of $23.95 that includes your choice of buttermilk pancakes avo toast and more paired with a beer, mimosa, orange juice or coffee. 

Time Out tip: The back patio alone is reason enough to visit as the stained glass roof gives an ambiance like no other. 

Address: 307 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 7:30am–11pm; Sat, Sun 8am–11pm

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What is it? A Park Slope bakery that's truly...a winner (insert Ba Dum Tss). 

Why we love it: Winner’s flagship spot serves up a great latte alongside their house-made sourdough croissants and egg sandwiches. As they expand further into Brooklyn—an outpost inside Prospect Park is ideal for stopping by during off-leash hours with your dog—the original location still attracts a long line every morning. If you hate to queue, come by early, but we promise that the coffee’s worth the wait. 

Time Out tip: Weekends bring babkas of all kinds, some spiced with mole and others with roasted chilis. Peep their IG to see what the kitchen is churning out next. 

Address: Multiple venues inc. Prospect Park and Park Slope

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What is it? A cool coffee shop in Bed Stuy that also moonlights as a late night vibe for drinks. 

Why we love it: Serving up Sey and Uncommon beans, this coffee shop is one for the coffee-heads. It’s also one for the egg sandwich fanatics. Its gigantic version features pimento cheese, green tomatoes and paprika mayo, turning the classic bodega BEC into a destination-worthy meal. The cafe’s interior is small and slickly designed (the owners of Che also run the cool-kid concept shop, Sincerely, Tommy), so it’s one of our top picks for impressing on a getting-to-know-you coffee date.

Time Out tip: The weekends are reserved for classic cocktails and natural wines that rotate on the weekly. 

Address: 302 Malcolm X Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11233

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 10am–3pm; Fri–Sun 6–11pm

What is it? A kissaten-style cafe by day, a jazzy Japanese revue by day. 

Why we love it: Taking its name from a fashion term popular during the Japanese jazz age, this kissaten-style café specializes in East-meets-West fare. During the day, the East Village spot serves siphon brews made with varying blends, easily enjoyed at the front counter or at the peaceful rock garden-like space in the back. You can really let your collar down when the sun sets, as the cafe transforms into a jazzy scene with Japanese whisky and shochu cocktails aplenty. 

Time Out tip: The daytime hours also include brunch with a choice of omurice, tangy egg salads and milk breads plied high with berries and honey. 

Address: 231 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Lunch: Mon–Sat 11:30am–3:30pm; Sun 11:30am–3pm; Dinner: Wed, Thu 5:30–10pm; Fri, Sat 5:30–11pm

What is it? A cafe and pantry run by an Italian chef who used to cook for the Pope. No, we are being serious.

Why we love it: Remember when a cup of coffee only ran you the cost of a few loose dollars in your pocket? Casasalvo is here to bring back those memories. Salvo Lo Castro, who understands the ritual of a good cup of espresso and one that is at an acceptable price, opened a series of cafes in the Upper West Side, Upper East and most recently Times Square. Using beans imported from Rome, his espressos clock in at just $2.51. A cappuccino with your choice of milk? Only a dollar more, making for one of the cheapest cups in town.

Time Out tip: Put your saved coin toward a croissant, cannoli or one of the many pantry goods that sit on the shelves. 

Address: Multiple venues inc. Upper West Side, Upper East Side and Midtown

What is it? A used bookstore that touts a cafe in the back. 

Why we love it: If you’re in Ridgewood, Topos Bookstore Cafe is the requisite hangout. Filled with charming details (a Felix the Cat clock, psychedelic hanging planters), this laid-back, brightly lit store is worth checking out for its coffee and its savvy new and used book selection. Co-owner Anny Oberlink has a knack for procuring hard-to-find titles, such as a 1975 children’s crafting book that you can flip through while sipping that cup of joe.

Time Out tip: You can also come and sell your gently used books seven days a week from noon to 6pm. There may be a wait time, making for even more of an excuse to get a cup and sit a spell.

Address: 7-88 Woodward Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 8am–7pm; Sat, Sun 10am–7pm

What is it? A straightforward coffee shop with drinks that don't go above the $5 mark. 

Why we love it: A favorite of coffee purists, this mini-chain of cafés has a few locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan, plus its own roasting space. The menu is as simple as they come: hot and cold coffee and espresso, with or without milk. The most expensive is the latter, coming in at a cool $5. 

Time Out tip: You can bring in your own coffee cup to do your part to save the planet (and to save yourself the $0.25 cent charge). 

Address: Multiple venues inc. East Village and Park Slope