Why are coffee shops important in New York City? Let's see.
There are a few instances in which their existences becomes integral, like your internet isn't working in your apartment, you need to kill a few hours, or your roommates are throwing a party and you need to study.
Or, every day when you're on your way to work, your head is pounding, you're exhausted, and the only thing that can truly make you feel like the all-star you are is a perfect, steaming cup of coffee.
Either way, NYC coffee shops matter a lot.
Finding a good coffee shop in NYC is like discovering a beautiful, shiny rock on a beach full of Starbucks.
Actually, Starbucks are pretty great (since they're everywhere and they have free Wi-Fi and everything), but for those who want to venture out of their comfort zone, here are some of the city's other best coffee shops.
1. Bluebird Coffee Shop (72 East 1st Street)
How could a coffee shop with this pretty of a name not be gorgeous, inside and out?
A gem among other gems, Bluebird Coffee Shop is located in the East Village and uses flavorful Counter Culture beans for a delicious, specially made cup of coffee that's nearly impossible to replicate because of their bright blue coffee cups, plates, and bar stools, and indoor facade.
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They also have delicious food items, like soups and sandwiches and pastries, which are specially made on premise.
It's also right across the street from the 2nd Avenue F train. The only warning is that it tends to get packed inside, and there's no customer restroom. So, you'll probably want to grab your coffee and then jet.
2. Café Jax (318 East 84th Street)
I wish every coffee shop in NYC were more like Cafe Jax.
With a giant, brightly-lit basement, lots of colorful couches and pretty paintings, desks, and benches, Cafe Jax is the perfect atmosphere to spend a day studying.
Their Wi-Fi is consistent and strong. You just have to ask the baristas for the password, because they change it often. Everyone in Café Jax is either doing work or reading, so you'll get to feel like a part of a wonderful, go-getting community.
Whether you're studying, doing your job, or doing your homework, their delicious coffee or tea will help you focus. It may seem like the people who work there are unfriendly at first, but I promise, you can crack their icy exteriors with a few simple smiles.
3. Café Grumpy (various NYC locations)
Café Grumpy definitely does not live up to its name, as its ambiance is far from grumpy.
With locations in Chelsea, the LES, Park Slope, Greenpoint, the Fashion District, and Grand Central, Café Grumpy consistently prepares one of the best cups of coffee in the city, to give you that caffeine jolt you need to kick ass and take names.
Each cup has the smooth and rich flavor which is only possible through the use of great beans. They also have a pretty wide variety of food selection.
Something important to keep in mind is their no-laptop, no-Wi-Fi policy, so it's the perfect hideaway to bring a book or a date. Or a friend, of course.
4. The Café at McNally Jackson (52 Prince Street)
Do you feel super inspired when you're in the presence of a ton of books? I know I do.
McNally Jackson is the perfect place to seek such inspiration.
Not only is it one of the best bookstores in NYC, its two floors are packed wall-to-wall with literature, organized by the country in which it was written. Bottom line is, McNally Jackson's Café is the perfect spot to work for an afternoon.
Also, there are books all over the ceiling, which makes working there even more fun. There's usually ample seating in their café section (don't be afraid to ask someone if you can sit with them) and they have free Wi-Fi. Oh, and their coffee is pretty great too.
5. Dtut (1744 2nd Avenue)
With a ton of beers on tap, lots of excellent coffee choices, plenty of seating space, an eclectic atmosphere and soul-acknowledging music bumping through its speakers, Dtut is the ideal oasis to get some work done or to escape between the pages of a book.
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They only have Wi-Fi from 9-5 on the weekdays, but the people who work there are awesome and friendly, and tend to remember your favorite drink order. They boast a rectangle as seating space, with five comfortable couches, and lots of high topped tables and stools. Not to mention, they also serve alcohol.
At night, it turns into more of a bar scene, but it's still very cool to chill out with a beer and a book. Dtut is a definite must-visit.
,6. Sit & Wonder (688 Washington Avenue - Prospect Heights)
Located in Prospect Heights, I was very impressed with everything about this coffee shop.
It's cozy, staffed by friendly individuals, and in the summer is a true paradise, with outdoor garden seating.
The true gem of Sit & Wonder is its croissants, which boast the perfect ratio of buttery to flaky. They probably have the best croissants in NYC, and they're not just plain croissants either-- you can also get chocolate or almond.
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Their sandwiches are also a must-try, from their Hangover Helper which has an infusion of ham, cheese, eggs and olive oil, to their Brie and salted butter sandwich, which may make you never want to eat anything else again.
Warning: they are cash-only.
7. Birch Coffee (various NYC locations)
If you want to get coffee from a coffee shop who really cares about what they're serving you, Birch Coffee is the place to come.
They have really cool events, beer and wine, delicious coffee, and the best part is that they have a free book exchange.
You can go, grab a few books, read them, and then bring them back. And, if you have a bunch of extra books sitting on your shelves that you haven't read in years, they'd be perfect for Birch Coffee's collection.
They have a few locations: Flatiron, Upper West, Upper East, and West Village. They also have “Question of the Day” trivia, and very delicious teas, especially their toasted almond tea. I haven't been able to find a better cup of tea in NYC.
They also have plenty of seating, and they even have “Conversation Starter” tabletop cards, which is the perfect in to strike up a conversation with someone you think is cute. The only caveat is that they only have Wi-Fi after 5:30 p.m. on weekdays.
8. Stumptown Coffee Roasters (30 West 8th Street)
There are two locations of Stumptown Coffee Roasters in the city: one on West 8th and one on West 29th, and they also have lots of other locations dispersed throughout the country.
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Stumptown is a gem-- it's close to Penn Station, their espressos are phenomenal, and they serve lattés in pint glasses, which is a very nice touch. They also have a variety of coffee options, whether you're looking for a gentle wake-up or a heavy jolt of caffeine.
It's attached to the lobby of the Ace Hotel, where there is plenty of table space, couches, and a plethora of outlets and free Wi-Fi. It's the perfect place to come and spend the day doing work.
9. The Bean (various NYC locations)
Are you vegan? The Bean has vegan treats. Not vegan? They also have non-vegan treats, too.
They also have free Wi-Fi, and several locations: Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn, Union Square, and two locations in the East Village.
It's an 80s/90s vibe, with lots of cool pictures on the walls and very friendly personnel. Their dirty chai-tea latte is excellent, as is their cranberry orange muffin. It's warm, inviting, and a solid spot to hang for the afternoon.
They also have an extremely wide variety of snacks, lots of natural lighting, and dogs are allowed. Perfect!
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