New York City runs on coffee, so it’s no surprise that the city is full of great coffee shops—and we’re not talking about the big chains like Starbucks, Dunkin’, Tim Hortons, and Peet’s Coffee.
Over the years, many beloved brands have staked their claim in New York and expanded—Joe Coffee, La Colombe, Think Coffee—and for good reason: they’re all great. But there is something to be said for little boys. of truly independent spots that fuel New Yorkers’ endless dayswhile also offering the kinds of spaces the city has become known for: vibey, cool rooms filled with eclectic ephemera, unique paintings or the owners’ own charms. (We just heard about a plant-dry-cleaning store opening soon in New York City.)
In many ways, these unique shops provide the beating heart of the city’s culture. Walk into one on any given day and you’re likely to find students camped out with laptops, remote workers jetting off between meetings, or a parent grabbing a much-needed after-school tax. If you really want to get a feel for a neighborhood’s vibe, spend time in its independent coffee shops. Pay attention to who is there, how long they stay and what the atmosphere of the room is like – you will quickly understand the people who live there and the character that defines the area.
And so, bearing in mind abundance of the best coffee shops throughout the city, we’re focusing here on the truly indie ones; those that only boast a single country. The reasoning is simple: when there’s just one shop, the owners and staff tend to pour energy into making it exceptional – from high-end coffee (sometimes sourced from faraway places and produced using specialist techniques) to pastries that won’t leave you feeling weighed down and, most importantly, the kind of atmosphere you’ll want to eat in.
We’re also aware of the fact that some local viral hotspots aren’t on this list – and that’s on purpose. Although like Nolita Enlyknown for its tiramisu iced latte, and Cafe Paradiso—The trend for salted brown butter oat milk lattes served on tap — certainly deserve attention, we tried to steer clear of overcrowded coffee spots where it can be difficult to find a place to sip your drink in silence.
Here are the best independent coffee shops in New York City, with just one place worth visiting.
