The 7 Best Cafes in New York City: My Top Coffee Shops in NYC

New York City has to be one of the places with the highest number of restaurants and cafes I’ve ever seen. Manhattan, Brooklyn, every corner has a breakfast spot, brunch place, or tiny coffee shop just waiting to lure you in.

I love a good cafe, and NYC is full of them, perfect for grabbing a morning latte or flat white, lingering over brunch, or just taking an afternoon break to recharge.

So, when I say the best cafes in New York, what I really mean is: my personal favorites. The ones I’ve actually been to, loved, and would happily revisit every trip. Let’s get into it.

What are the Best Cafes in New York? I’ve got the Answers

I’m not a New Yorker (sadly), so this isn’t an “official” list of the best cafes in Manhattan, I mean how could it be? I haven’t tried all 3,489 of them. But these are the cafes in New York I’ve personally visited over several trips to NYC, and they’ve stuck with me for all the right reasons.

I should probably add that I’m a serious coffee lover. I’ve sipped my way through countless coffee shops around the world and lived in Australia for three years, a country that basically invented the modern flat white, so my standards are high. Hopefully that earns me at least a little credibility here.

In New York, I don’t necessarily need a perfectly poured latte every day. Sometimes a quick drip coffee and a bagel from a bodega is all I want. But when I’m craving that rich espresso or a really good pastry, these are the coffee shops I keep going back to.

Over the years, I’ve noticed most of my favorites are in Williamsburg, which makes sense since the neighborhood is basically known for its café culture. 

So, let’s start there, with my favorite coffee shop in the whole city: Copper Mug in Brooklyn, NYC. Their coffee is excellent (I usually go for a latte or flat white), and their banana bread is next-level good.

1. Copper Mug Coffee, Brooklyn // Best Coffee in New York

Opening Hours: 6:50am-6:30pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

Copper Mug Coffee in Brooklyn is my go-to spot for a great cup of coffee. Whenever I’m in Williamsburg, I pretty much always stop by, sometimes twice.

It’s a small coffee shop with a few seats, but I usually grab a takeaway coffee and (without fail) a slice of their banana bread, it’s non-negotiable. I’ve had breakfast here a couple of times too, and it’s always good. The grilled cheese is excellent, and the avocado on sourdough with feta and egg is a solid choice as well.

What I love most is that it feels local and low-key, with regulars popping in throughout the morning. No frills, no fuss, just good coffee and good food. If you’re in Williamsburg and want to skip the overly polished “Instagram cafes,” this is the spot.

2. Urban Backyard, Manhattan // Cutest Cafe in Manhattan

Opening Hours: 7:30am-6pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

I’m not sure if Urban Backyard officially counts as an “Instagram cafe” (I’m not really one to know), but it’s undeniably cute and I love it. If I had to picture the perfect little coffee shop in Manhattan, this is exactly what I’d imagine.

It’s tiny, cozy, and has a warm, welcoming vibe that makes you want to sit down and stay a while, if you can get a table. Their coffee is excellent, and the pastries are just as good. I’ve tried the banana bread and their bagels, and both were fantastic.

This is hands down my favorite little coffee shop in Manhattan.

3. Citizens of Chelsea // Best Breakfast in New York

Opening Hours: 7am-4pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Citizens of Chelsea is my go-to when I want a proper sit-down breakfast or brunch, basically, when I’m very hungry or hungover.

The café itself is cozy, not too big or noisy, which makes it perfect for a slow brunch with friends. And yes, the coffee is great too (always priority number one).

As for the food, I absolutely love it. The portions are generous, and everything tastes fantastic. My favorite things on the menu are the blueberry pancakes, the avocado with bacon and egg, and the French toast with bacon. All are delicious, all are filling, and all are worth coming back for.

This is hands down the best breakfast in New York if you care about both flavor and portion size.

4. Blue Dove Coffee, Manhattan // Best Take-Away Coffee in New York

Opening Hours: 6:30am-5pm
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

Blue Dove is basically a tiny coffee cart (there are a few scattered around Manhattan) that serves straight-up good coffee, no frills. They hand out these simple white cups with a little blue dove on them, which feels very New York somehow.

I usually grab a flat white, but their iced lattes are just as good. It’s my go-to spot when I don’t want to think about it and I just want a good cup of coffee to take with me.

5. Devocion, Brooklyn // Most Popular Cafe in New York

Opening Hours: 7:30am-7pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

Devoción in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is probably the most popular spot on this list and for good reason. It feels like a bit of an institution at this point. The café is set in a converted warehouse with a huge sunroof, giving it that cozy, industrial-Brooklyn vibe that I really enjoy.

I’ve been a few times, sometimes with my laptop when I needed to get some work done, and it’s perfect for that. But it’s also full of people just hanging out, so it’s got a great mix of energy, chill but lively.

The coffee of course is also fantastic. Easily some of the best in Brooklyn. On top of that, it’s located right next to Domino Park, so I often grab a second cup to go and sit in the grass overlooking the Manhattan skyline. If you haven’t been to Domino Park yet, add it to your list, it’s one of my favorite little spots in the city.

6. St. Kilda Coffee

Opening Hours: 7am-8pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

St. Kilda Coffee feels like a little slice of Australia in New York and I’m here for it. Fun fact: I actually used to live in St. Kilda, Melbourne, so walking in here always brings back a bit of nostalgia.

The coffee is excellent, smooth, strong, and exactly how I like it. They also do great pastries (their pain au chocolat is worth it), but for me, this is more of a grab-and-go spot than a cozy hangout. Perfect for when you just need a really good coffee to start your day.

7. Boucherie West Village

Opening Hours: 10am-12am
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

Okay, so Boucherie West Village isn’t technically a café, but hear me out, it deserves a spot because their brunch is just so good and one of the best I had in a long time. This French restaurant serves some of the best french food in New York, and on weekends, they open early at 10am and their brunch menu is incredible.

This is definitely a contender for the best breakfast in Manhattan (at least as far as I know). I’ve only been here once, on my most recent trip, but you better believe I’m going back next time. I had the Eggs Benedict (perfection) and the Le Croque Madame, which was rich, buttery, and everything I wanted it to be.

The coffee here is a little more European, so don’t expect flat whites or fancy latte art, but honestly, you come here for the food. And trust me, it’s worth it. Just make a reservation if you’re going on a weekend.

FAQs About the Best New York City Cafes

What are the best coffee shops in New York?

For me, Urban Backyard is probably my favorite in New York. It’s a small, super cute little coffee shop right in Manhattan and has that cozy vibe I love.

Is there good coffee in New York?

Absolutely. Both Manhattan and Brooklyn have plenty of good coffee shops. I usually check Google reviews first, but honestly, I can often tell if a place makes a good latte, flat white, or cappuccino just by looking at their photos.

Is New York expensive?

It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Accommodation is usually the priciest part, but food doesn’t have to break the bank. You can grab bodega bagels, drip coffee, or a dollar slice of pizza and still eat well while keeping it budget-friendly.

Is New York worth visiting?

One hundred percent, yes. New York is one of my favorite cities, not just in the U.S. but in the world. There are so many incredible things to do and see that it’s always worth a trip.

Final Thoughts on the Best New York Cafes & Coffee Shops

To wrap things up, I’d say the coffee scene in New York is pretty good. If I’m honest, Australia still wins for consistency since every single café seems to serve great coffee there, but New York has plenty of excellent spots too. 

You just have to know where to go because some places can be a little mediocre (learned that the hard way!).

Hopefully, my list of the best cafes in New York City helps you find great flat whites, lattes, pastries, and even a few solid sit-down brunch spots.

Check Out My Other New York City Travel Guides

Is New York City Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit New York City: My Guide on When to Visit NYC

Worst Time to Visit: My Guide on When Not to Visit NYC

First Time in New York City: My First Timers Guide for NYC

Christmas in New York: My NYC Christmas Itinerary

New York City Itinerary: My Perfect Itinerary for NYC

Autumn in New York: My Guide for New York Fall Foliage

Is New York Safe: My Honest Review

Is New York Expensive: My Budget Breakdown

How Many Days in New York: My New York City Guide

Solo Travel New York City: My Guide on a NYC Solo Trip

Things to Do in New York City: My Top Activities in NYC

Where to Stay in New York City: My Favorite Areas and Hotels

Cafes in New York: My Top Coffee Shops in NYC

7 Days in New York Itinerary: How I Spent a Week in NYC