The Best Coffee Shops in New York City

My favorite coffee spots in NYC – so far

As I’m sure you can imagine, New York City has endless amounts of coffee shops, where some are better than others. Even with the amount of times I’m able to take a trip into the city (I’m super lucky that I don’t live terribly far), I still have so many more places to try. So keep up with my coffee journey here as well as on my instagram.

If there’s two things you take away from this post:

1. Instagram aesthetic doesn’t always equal quality coffee
2. If you ever see “Australian inspired cafe” just automatically assume it’s gonna be incredible

Keep reading to see what I rate these spots out of 10.

Coffee n’ Clothes

Noho – 11 Bond Street

A pretty popular find on instagram with the way you can pick what designer logo to have sprinkled on top of your coffee. I was a bit worried coming here at first, as just because people post about it for its’ looks doesn’t exactly mean quality.

Nonetheless, the barista was very talented and I would totally go back! It was honestly a really good latte.

Coffee n’ Clothes: 10/10 for quality & aesthetic

Ruby’s Cafe

Soho – 219 Mulberry Street A

Northern Noho – 198 E 11th Street

Kips Bay – 442 3rd Ave

I’ve been a couple times (as they have multiple locations) and both times it was suuuuper packed so definitely plan ahead for that!! It is more of a sit down place over takeaway but the food is simple and on point.

I was so impressed by the hospitality of the staff and how QUICK everything comes out. This is an Australian owned and inspired cafe and it sure shows, in the best way! Australian & Kiwi cafes BLOW MY MIND with how quickly their food comes out and at no cost to the quality.

The first time I went with my brother the server clearly had an Australian accent and she was the sweetest and cared to start a conversation with us. It’s the little things guys.

Ruby’s Cafe: 10/10 for great avocado toast, coffee and quality. The ultimate trio.

Bluestone Lane

*too many locations to list but you get the gist*

The only real “chain” I’ll mention; it’s also Australian owned and inspired (are you sensing a theme here). With the times I’ve gone here I am always pleasantly surprised with the care their baristas take.

This spot is really good if you’re in a pinch and haven’t really heard of any other coffee shops around.

Bluestone Lane: 8.5 for consistency and quality

Kaigo Coffee Room

Soho – 120 C Lafayette Street

Brooklyn Heights – 139 Bridge Park Drive

The barista really nailed the micro-foam and as you can guess that is super super important to me. I really appreciate milk frothed to be really light but not too airy – the perfect balance. I definitely want to go back here as it’s been too long.

Kaigo Coffee Room: 9.5 for care & precision

Partners Coffee

Greenpoint – 125 N 6th Street

Greenwich Village – 44 Charles Street

Koreatown – 160 5th Ave

Midtown – 81 E 45th Street

This is one of the few spots in Brooklyn that I’ve been able to try. Not only are they a more well known roaster, they also kill it in the cafe scene; I couldn’t even get a table when I went. This would be the perfect spot to go to if I had some computer work to get done.

Partners Coffee: 10/10 for quality and atmosphere

Hutch & Waldo

Upper East Side – 247 E 81st Street

Yet again, another Australian owned & inspired cafe!!! This spot was an even mix between takeaway and sit-down. It’s a pretty small place but there was outdoor seating too (and lots of cute pups)! This is a good solid option if you’re in the upper east side looking for a good stop. It’s not too far from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Hutch & Waldo: 9/10, its a good spot but not as good as Ruby’s Cafe in my opinion.

Saltwater Coffee

East Village – 345 E 12th Street

West Village – 126 Waverly Place

Okay guys, I’m laughing at myself. I don’t mean for this post to turn into all Australian inspired cafes but those Ozzies genuinely slay the rest of the world with their coffee culture.

Saltwater honestly was incredible. It’s a small spot with minimal seating but it’s so bright and welcoming that all is good in the world. Barista’s slayed the micro-foam. Any coffee spot with a flat white on the menu usually is a good sign of quality baristas (as a lot of people don’t know, or care to know what a flat white is).

According to google, “A flat white is a coffee drink consisting of espresso with micro-foam (steamed milk with small, fine bubbles and a glossy or velvety consistency).”

Saltwater Coffee: 10.5/10 for quality, care, incredibleness (is that a word?) & aesthetic

Paper Coffee

Koreatown – 44 West 29th Street

It’s the ultimate mid-town stop. Great coffee right in the center of a lot. My friends were even amazed by their chocolate chip cookies; so if a nice gooey, warm chocolate chip cookie paired with insanely good coffee is your vibe then this place is made for you.

Paper Coffee: 9.5/10 for convenience and quality

Remi Flower & Coffee

Midtown – 906 2nd Ave

I guess the best way to sum this spot up is it’s a flower shop first and a coffee shop second. Their coffee was good but in my opinion I felt this place is really only popular because of the instagram aesthetics and stunning flowers. I would still recommend to give this place a visit, but it’s out of the way from a lot.

Remi Flower & Coffee: 8/10 mostly for aesthetic. The coffee was good but in a place like NYC you need to be incredible or it just doesn’t cut it for me. Also it could have been an off day for the barista so I wanted to make sure to mention this place regardless. I definitely will go back to give it another shot.

Have you explored New York City?

What are your top NYC coffee spots?

If you’re on the look-out for more coffee content head over to my instagram or check out some similar posts I’ve done:

A guide to Portland, Oregon’s coffee scene

The 3 things I look for when choosing a coffee shop to spend my money at

5 things you NEED to make the best coffee at home

Thanks so much if you’ve read this far. I appreciate it so much.

Lots of love,