The Upper East Side is not only known for those “Gossip Girl” vibes, but it’s a very expensive, high end area to begin with.
So, naturally, time to explore their coffee shops! What Upper East Side coffee shops are worth your time? Where can you get the best coffee on the Upper East Side of NYC?
but FIRST check out my past New York City Neighborhood coffee guides:
Soho NYC is a neighborhood densely packed with lots of boujee cafes and coffee shops: some are a hit and some are a huge miss in my opinion. To preface…
These are my top spots to get a quality cup of coffee in “The Village” in Manhattan, NYC. If you’ve been keeping up with my Instagram or my youtube, you…
Keep reading to find out if some of the top photographed Instagram cafes in New York City are worth your time. If there’s one thing you take away from this…
first impressions: Not gonna lie, I was worried since this spot is heavily talked about on social media (especially around the holidays for their aesthetic). So i was going into this coffee spot pretty skeptical. BUT! I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed their coffee!
atmosphere: even being stuck outside in the FREEZING NYC winter weather, they managed to have an amount of outdoor tables and chairs which a decent amount of people were using too! Even inside looked super cute too. They have a very specific aesthetic.
final thoughts: Very impressed. I especially enjoyed their espresso; whatever they used had a really nice undertone. Also their pistachio milk was a really nice treat. Pleasantly surprised with Ralph’s Coffee!! I would definitely come back!!!
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Oslo Coffee Roasters
I first heard of Oslo years ago when I was searching for good coffee shops to try. At first I added it to my list solely due to the name “Oslo Coffee” because my FAVORITE coffee shop in Berlin also has the same name!! You can find the full Berlin, Germany Coffee guide here.
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first impressions: THEY HAD A FLAT WHITE ON THE MENU!!! so I was immediately impressed. Super chill vibe (although everything was outside and I ordered through a small window).
atmosphere: I could tell it was super popular with the locals which is always a meaningful point. A bummer because with ordering outside I could’t get a vibe of the inside but I’m sure it’s up my alley.
final thoughts: Oslo Coffee Roasters is a bit out of the main strip of shops and such but I did really enjoy the flat white (ESPECIALLY the micro foam)!
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787 Coffee
Overall, 787 was definitely my favorite spot!
first impressions: WOW, JUST WOW. The CUTEST little coffee shop with SO much character. Stairs lead you down to a warm & cozy little cafe. The menu was heavily inspired by Puerto Rican coffee and traditions which I LOVED!
atmosphere: It was such a nice treat to have a break from the NYC Winter and get to sit inside. Recently NYC did start allowing limited indoor dining again. I found my way to the cutest little window spot surrounded by lots of plants with the light peaking in through the window. I enjoyed this little moment so so much. I really miss getting cozy at window seats at cafes.
final thoughts: I was so impressed. I’m so happy I made the trip. I loved how everything was heavily inspired by Puerto Rican culture. I definitely want to visit their other locations too!!!
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Honorable Mentions
Joe Coffee Company: Actually a chain around NYC but my first time here was in the Upper East Side. I was pleasantly surprised how good it was. Sometimes with chains their is a huge inconsistency factor but that barista who made my oat milk cortado was very talented!
Variety Coffee Roasters: I sadly haven’t been here yet, but based on reviews of people I trust I do think I’d enjoy it here. I figured I should still mention this one!
(photo taken from google)
And there you have it! Another New York City coffee shop guide in the books.
If you liked this guide, or found it helpful please let me know! I’d really love feedback.
Soho NYC is a neighborhood densely packed with lots of boujee cafes and coffee shops: some are a hit and some are a huge miss in my opinion.
To preface this, I did write a whole blog post on NYC cafes that seem all perfect on platforms like Instagram, but don’t actually have good coffee. Hence, people just go for the photos… ouch.
Also, I started off this New York City Neighborhood Coffee Guide with the West Village, which you can find HERE
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I’ve made the decision to only chat about and mention the BOMB places in Soho so that I’m not wasting anyone’s times on the bad… head to my Instagram Hyped Coffee Shops of NYC Post to see some of the hard misses….
Okay, okay. Soho – let’s get into it.
Here are my favorite spots to get coffee in Soho of Manhattan.
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Darby Coffee Club
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First Impressions: I first heard about this spot on Instagram when they first opened this past June. It’s an Australian inspired cafe (whoop whoop) that has a slogan “wtf is a flat white”. That sarcasm makes me crack up every time.
Atmosphere: Darby is a super small coffee shop in the front of a gym. The interior is pretty dark and very small (the epitome of a takeout coffee shop). Definitely more of a metal/industrial vibe. It was very hard to photograph the interior.
It’s a great spot for coffee but the dream would be that they expanded to be a more bright, adorable & more welcoming atmosphere.
Final Thoughts: Super good quality coffee & the flat white definitely was a good one. It’s a great spot if you’re in the central Soho area and wanted quality to-go coffee with no frills.
Gasoline Alley Coffee
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First Impressions: I didn’t really ever see much of this spot on social media (nothing wrong with that). It’s definitely a popular spot with the locals. There was a steady line when I went.
Atmosphere: It’s a nice warm-toned spot with some spots for outdoor seating. I’d be really interested to go back here to have coffee there in a nice ceramic cup (if that’s their thing).
Final Thoughts: Gasoline is a pretty popular spot with the locals, which is generally a great sign. Pretty good coffee with talented baristas.
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Cafe Leon Dore
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First Impressions: A really cute spot in the center of Soho. Adorable & bright French vibes with a decent amount of outdoor seats and tables. It is actually a coffee shop in a clothing store but they have a cute little window to order from on the street.
Atmosphere: Also a pretty popular spot with the locals – usually a good sign of quality coffee. It was a really nice spot to just relax and people watch. It was hard to see what the interior normally looks like but I’m sure it’s adorable! Honestly so obsessed with the branding that was on all of their tables.
Final Impressions: When visiting Cafe Leon Dore I think I was on coffee number 5 for the day. I switched up my usual order of a flat white or latte and instead ordered a cortado (less milk kinda like a flat white but doesn’t have the velvety microfoam that a flat white does). Decent espresso and a good cup overall! It was definitely one of the most ample amounts of outdoor coffee shop seating I’ve seen so far in the city.
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Happy Bones
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First Impressions: Okay. This spot has been on my list since DAY ONE! I’ve seen them all over Instagram for well over a year now and even heard of the name “Happy Bones” before then. I use the app called “Mapstr” and its been on my map/list to try for a while. I’ve passed it multiple times walking as well. Long story short: I’ve been wanting to try it for a while but it never was on the top of my list.
Atmosphere: With the pandemic, you can’t even go past the doorway. Regardless, I love the vibe. It’s bright and rustic and also seems to be very popular with the locals.
*tip of the year* follow & trust the locals.
There were a couple small tables near the curb to sit down and have your coffee but nothing beats a ceramic cup.
Final Thoughts: It was a good latte! The barista was super chill and again, I’d be really interested to go back once the world calms down a bit. I’m sure it’s a nice place to go and get work done.
Honorable Mention: Maman
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Although I haven’t been to Maman’s Soho location (these photos are from their Tribeca location), I’ve heard great things about it and I still wanted to mention it as I’ve been to two of their other locations.
First Impressions: Very aesthetic – to the point where I was worried the quality wasn’t going to be any good because it was so “Instagram worhty”
Atmosphere: Very Instragrammable, very pretty, very dainty with a French vibe. Anytime I’ve been, they’ve been pretty popular – but honestly for good reasons.
Final Thoughts: I was pleasantly surprised that the coffee was actually pretty good. It’s a GREAT spot to go and grab a coffee and a sweet treat (I got a vegan carrot & pumpkin loaf and it was divine). Thankfully, this spot not only has the aesthetic, but has the quality too. praise.
{Tribeca location on the left, Flatiron location on the right}
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Thanks so much if you came this far! I’ve been enjoying putting together this “mini series” of coffee guide to different neighborhoods in Manhattan.
Are these New York hyped cafes worth your time and money?
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Urban Backyard
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Coffee: 5/10
Aesthetic: 11/10
I really wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt after the first time I went… so I went again; the second time sadly wasn’t any better. It’s hard because the aesthetic is so adorable and on point, I just wish the coffee was actually good. When I went here I genuinely pulled the “take photos, have a couple sips, then throw out the coffee”. Sadly just wasn’t worth my money.
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Maman
Coffee: 8/10
Aesthetic: 10/10
I was worried going here the first time that this wasn’t going to live up to the hype. To my surprise, the coffee was pretty good, especially at their Flatiron location. The have the cutest and most delicious baked goods (even vegan ones too) and it’s a nice treat to go for a latte and a sweet treat for sure. I still dream about my vegan carrot and pumpkin loaf.
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Coffee N’ Clothes
Coffee: 9/10
Aesthetic: 9.5/10
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. It’s just outside of Soho too so it’s a more convenient location.
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Remi Flower & Coffee
Coffee: 6/10
Aesthetic: 10/10
With Remi, the best way to sum this spot up is it’s a flower shop first and a coffee shop second. Their coffee was okay but in my opinion I felt this place is really only popular because of the instagram aesthetics and stunning flowers. 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 at one point go back to give it another shot, even if it’s just for the aesthetic. Also something to note is this cafe is out of the way of a lot.
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Felix Roasting Co
Coffee: 7/10
Aesthetic: 8.5/10
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This coffee shop only recently has been hyped on both Instagram & tiktok. Nonetheless, of course I had to try it. Similar to Remi, the barista could have had an off day but the coffee wasn’t anything great. The aesthetic was pretty cute but I am definitely a plants – bright light – kind of person. Probably won’t go back though. There are so many other incredible Soho coffee shops just down the street.
SOHO COFFEE GUIDE COMING SOOOON!
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What do you think of Instagram hyped cafes? Do you find yourself falling into the trap and going to them?
As always, thanks so much for reading. Make sure to follow me over on my…
These are my top spots to get a quality cup of coffee in “The Village” in Manhattan, NYC.
If you’ve been keeping up with my Instagram or my youtube, you would’ve seen that I’ve taken a couple trips to New York City in the last month. It’s a really nice treat to be in a place like New Jersey where on my days off I can take solo day trips into NYC. It’s crazy to me looking back now how before quarantine, I didn’t really take advantage of my close proximity to New York City.
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Anyway, in the last couple weeks I’ve stopped by some coffee shops in NYC that have been on my ultimate list of places to go (some for over a year)!
I decided it would make the most sense to to post this in parts based on location within Manhattan & create a coffee guide for different neighborhoods. So STAY TUNED for the other NYC coffee neighborhood guides to come soon.
First, let’s start off with the area I am most excited to talk about, the West Village. I wasn’t expecting it to be the village but it really is a local hot spot. Both of the spots I’m about to mention were very popular when I went, and rightfully so.
Cafe Kitsune
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Cafe Kitsune is a french cafe that has a location in Manhattan. They have a nice assortment of food and baked treats (even vegan/gluten free)!
First Impressions: My first trip here left such a good impression on me that I did end up going back. The baristas make a really nice & classic flat white: the milk isn’t too hot or foamy, just the way I like it.
I also was a big fan of their vegan molasses-type cookie. I noticed it’s also sort of a wine bar at night so once I find people to go with or the pandemic maybe slows down I’ll go back at night!
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Atmosphere: They had some outdoor tables as well as a few starting inside.
*NOTE* they say they’re a laptop free cafe. The second time I stopped by I was hoping to get some data processing done on my laptop but after seeing the sign I didn’t want to push it (also since they have limited tables to begin with).
Final Thoughts: Like I mentioned, I was really happy with the quality of their coffee and baked treats! I cant wait to go back at night for some wine.
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The Elk Coffee
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First Impressions: I honestly came across Elk accidentally. I’m sure previously I’ve walked past it but this time it was so busy with a line out the door. After a quick mental deliberation I decided I had to try it out.
I decided on one of their fall specials which was a cinnamon maple latte. It was pretty good – not too sweet. I also got a nice avocado toast to hold me over.
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Atmosphere: Not only did they have a steady line, but as I was sipping on my latte more and more people pulled up stools and sat down. Granted, this version of “sitting down at a cafe” was a couple nice tables but mostly single benches and stools. I knew they had a committed local crowd when a woman near me took a stool, put it up against a tree and whipped out her laptop to do work. After being at Cafe Kitisune (and it being a laptop free cafe), naturally I was comfortable to then whip out my laptop to work on my data.
Final Thoughts: It was really nice to be a part of that cafe “work culture” again. I really missed sipping on a coffee (although this one wasn’t in a ceramic cup) and being productive.
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If you liked this guide, or found it helpful please let me know! I’d really love feedback.
Mini New Haven Connecticut Coffee Tour: ultimate coffee crawl in New Haven CT.
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I ventured up North to New Haven, Connecticut to visit my brother’s new place he moved into for school this year. OF COURSE I took advantage of my time in a new place to explore their coffee scene. I’ve visited him in CT before, but it was nice to have a longer stay visiting him so I had more time to explore this time around.
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There were three coffee spots that were on my list to try this time around:
Some I found online – and some were recommended to me so thank you!!! (if you ever have any coffee recommendations either comment below or message me on instagram!!!)
First Impressions: From the outside Fussy Coffee blended in with the surrounding buildings and if I didn’t see it on social media I probably would have missed it!
Atmosphere: It is attached to a Yale University building but is pretty spacious inside. It was cute how they had a decent amount of outdoor seating as well!! I was so impressed with the interior – bright, minimal and full of plants. The coffee bar itself also had this stunning wood overhang.
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Final Thoughts: I was extremely impressed with the way they presented their menu of espresso drinks. On the left it listed the ratio of ounces of espresso to frothed milk and to the right it had the common name associated with that ratio. It was super unique and I was very satisfied.
I got an oat milk flat white – of course! I was very happy with the way their espresso shined through the frothed milk. I could tell the baristas were properly trained. My brother and I also got breakfast there and also I was super satisfied with it!
Overall if you are in the area – Fussy Coffee is a MUST! Great quality & atmosphere!
10/10, easily.
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The Coffee Pedaler
First Impressions: A super cute brick building situated in a more quiet neighborhood.
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Atmosphere: It is super warm and welcoming inside with a decent amount of seating for productivity (in CT you can already sit inside at places… so weird)!
Final Thoughts: Barista was very knowledgeable and super nice when I asked for a pour over recomendation (it did NOT disappoint)! The Coffee Pedaler seemed like a really nice spot to go to with friends for a nice chat. They also transition to wine later in the evening which is a MOOD!
9/10: great quality & very welcoming atmosphere
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Koffee?
First Impressions: My brother was SUPER excited to take me here! They have the cutest little window to order and pick up from. Also another spot that transitions to alcohol – is this a New Haven thing? hm. “Koffee?” is in a more central location of the city.
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Atmosphere: Although the inside was closed, there was a lot of nice outdoor seating blocked off in the street with lots of plants too – we stan!
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Final Thoughts: I could definitely see myself wanting to go back to here and also to The Coffee Pedaler for the evening transition to alcohol.
It was so humid out by the time we stopped here so we just got a cold brew – but it was super smooth and refreshing!! My brother and I were both really getting some nice chocolatey undertones. A nice smooth cold brew that doesn’t immediately dehydrate you and has some body to it is always a win!!!
9/10: quality & convenience
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Have you been to New Haven, CT? Any coffee recommendations?
As always, thanks so much for checking this mini New Haven Connecticut coffee guide.
I was so excited when Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co reached out to me to try their coffee (ad)! If you’ve been keeping up with me on Instagram, I love to review coffee over there and give my honest feed back. I wasn’t sure what to expect from them, quality wise, but I wanted to…
I’m sorry I’ve been neglecting you! It wasn’t intentional I promise. If you know me, I “love” to keep busy so I’ve been up to a lot. I just got back from a three week vacation in Alaska and those vlogs will all be up soon on my youtube. The first Alaska vlog is actually…
Hello! I’ve been drowning in grad school assignments so I haven’t been posting as often as I would like. I’m hoping to go more in depth with updates in my next post but for now here’s how I like to spend my days off from work and grad school – cafe hopping, what a surprise!…
This is a mini-guide on how I choose what coffee roasts to try and what specific things I look for when purchasing coffee.
There are thousands of choices when it comes to choosing coffee beans. When starting to brew at home, it’s most important to play around with a bunch of different variables and in the end see what you prefer. This can get expensive so keep reading for my recommendations to save you guys some money!!
A mini preface: I am in no way calling myself an expert as this is my personal list of things I look for. I tried to make this guide as broad as I could so that coffee brewers of all levels and styles could find this helpful! I have a bunch of other helpful coffee guides over here.
The bulk of this guide is split between what to look for when choosing the roaster & then the beans themselves – two very important components. But ultimately choosing the best coffee is very subjective and it all comes down to your preferences.
Hopefully this mini-guide will help you become more aware of little tricks to point you towards the best quality coffee possible!
okay, let’s get into this list.
The Roaster
Credibility:
The credibility of the roaster would be the first thing I look at: whether I’ve heard of them before (and if it was in a positive light), the branding and the reviews.
Quality:
The quality of the roaster is even more important. If you’re buying coffee in-person look for all the specifications on the bag. Good roasters will specify the technique they used while roasting.
Look for any specifications of the kind of roast (light, medium, dark), the origin, flavor profile, etc. More detail on the bag can almost guarantee that the roaster really knows what they’re doing, which then ensures better quality.
Look for the roast date, as coffee does not last forever; over time the beans will completely loose their flavor (I know from experience). If the roast date is over 4 weeks old don’t even bother spending your money on it; that coffee is almost past their optimal freshness.
Going off that, a huge giveaway to me is if a roaster even offers their coffee whole bean. There’s been multiple occasions where I’ve purchased coffee online but you couldn’t select how your wanted your beans. So, me being me, I just assumed they would be whole beans; I was very wrong and very let down as it came pre-ground. I had no indication of how long the beans could have already been ground for and also it made it much more difficult for me to get the perfect at home brew with it.
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tip of the year: I highly highly highly recommend that when purchasing coffee beans to purchase them whole if you can. It helps ensure optimal flavor for each brew. I just want to make sure you don’t forget it.
So, if the roaster only offers pre-ground coffee, then run. Simple right?
The Beans
There are many variables that dictate the flavor of the beans themselves: on a broader scale, the origin of the beans/wash and roast processes dictate what you taste; on a smaller scale, the notes dictate what you taste.
Country of origin:
I’m going to keep this more user friendly, so I won’t be ranting about all 50+ countries that produce coffee and what each brings to the table. Just note that depending on the origin of the coffee and the wash processes used, it sets the scene for the flavor profile of the beans. Over time you may start to create a mental list of your favorite roasts you’ve tried and what country the beans came from. It’s another piece to the puzzle 🙂
but when looking at the top coffee producing regions, typically –
light: beans roasted for the shortest amount of time, also light in color.
medium: the most common one you’ll find. roasted longer than a light roast, but shorter than a dark roast – how crazy is that? A lot of your classic “breakfast blends” or random drip coffee you’d find out and about typically are medium roasts.
dark: roasted the longest, normally very dark in color, rich in flavor and usually appear very oily to touch. Italian roasts, French roasts, Viennese roasts, etc. are all common dark roasts.
I typically go after roasts on the medium-dark scale as I love being able to taste bolder flavors, especially since I prefer to drink my coffee black. But even more important than picking the kind of roast, is the notes in that roast.
The flavor notes:
The coffee notes written on a coffee bag are very subjective. It could say chocolate and you taste fruit, or you could be so lost like “how could coffee taste like chocolate or fruit” and call it a day. Either is completely valid.
It took me a long time to really be able to taste anything other than coffee. Regardless, the notes are there to help you.
If you tried a coffee and one of the notes was “nutty” and you absolutely hated it, well when shopping next maybe steer clear of coffee with nutty undertones – it turns into a big process of elimination. Over time you’ able to create a mental list of “okay well I hated that kind of origin or those tasting notes” and realize what speaks to you.
Notes can really help you determine what kind of coffee is your favorite kind of coffee.
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Other coffee terms to help you fulfill your caffeine addiction –
Arabica vs. Robusta:
Arabica: sweeter, softer flavors. grown at higher altitudes & seen as the “higher quality” bean.
Robusta: bolder, more bitter flavor. grown at lower altitudes & contain more caffeine.
Almost all of the beans you buy are going to be Arabica, so don’t think too deep into it.
Single origin vs. a blend:
Single origin simply means its from one specific farm, crop, or region in one country. Not always, but a lot of the time single origins are of higher quality. A blend is an assortment of multiple roasts that are paired together in one bag.
Blends for milk, Single origins for black.
Blends are made usually to give a more balanced body and flavor profile that pairs well with milk, like in espresso-based beverages. Single origins are geared more for those who enjoy tasting the subtle differences in the roast, without masking it with milk.
but you do you. coffee is everyone’s friend.
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Fair trade:
Some people do prefer to shop fair trade (& go you), so when purchasing coffee take time to look around for that accreditation.
Companies who are apart of the fair trade community mean that they are advocating for the environment and the countries that they get their coffee from. They help to support the source countries to create a sustainable income for smaller family farms and ensuring they then earn enough to make a living. To learn more I found a nice post on it here.
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Where to find the best beans
This is great and all, but where could I find some great coffee to purchase from?
1. Start Local -local coffee spots, specialty grocery stores (normal ones usually only have low-quality coffee with a long shelf-life), or farmers markets.
What’s great about purchasing local is you have people to turn to and ask questions to see what they would suggest for you to try!! get a second opinion!!
2. Shop Online – whether you find a roaster that peaks your interest to buy from online (I’ve reviewed some insanely good ones over on my instagram), OR you come across a company that does the hard word for you – both works great.
Coffee Subscription Services
Subscription services are a great way to expose yourself to specialty roasters without having to do any of the searching. When signing up, you put in your roast and grind preferences (cough, whole bean) and you’re all set! Easy peezy, you get great coffee straight to your door.
I’ve tried a handful out over the last couple months, some were gifted & some I paid for, but I’m here to only mention the ones that are worth your hard earned money.
Honey & Roses Coffee Company:
Honey & Roses Coffee Company is a coffee marketplace which sells coffee from quality roasters all across the US! They offer a normal and a premium coffee subscription (both under $20). You can choose how often you want the coffee delivered – anywhere from 2 weeks onwards.
Honey & Roses is great because even if you don’t want to commit to a subscription of any kind, they are a coffee marketplace as well! They hand pick what roasters are on their site – so you already know they are going to be high quality. Their website also is set up so you can search coffee by notes, regions, etc.
I do have coupon codes to offer you! I don’t receive anything from these. They are just meant to help you out.
“Coffeeenut” for $5 off their adorable travel mugs & “nutsforcoffee” for 10% off coffee orders over $25
Bean Box Coffee is a subscription service that highlights roasters in the Seattle area. Their traditional subscription box (they’re currently having a deal here for $16.50) comes with four 2oz. sample packs. Also, I’ve noticed they always seem to have deals or coupons over on their instagram so keep an eye on that!
They make the idea of getting sample packs even more fun; if you get one that you really love you can use the code on the bag to then go on their website and order more of that specific batch!
I really love how they highlight a lot of smaller, less-known roasters too.
Atlas Coffee Club:
Atlas Coffee Club is great not only for their adorable aesthetic, but each month they highlight a single country of origin. In the box they include a postcard and also brewing tips to ensure you brew the best cup.
When placing your order you can choose the frequency of shipment, roast preferences and what size bag you want. I believe right now they’re having an insane deal for fathers day… I thought I saw it was only $4 for the first month!!!
Let’s Recap!
I know this is a lot of information but make sure to remember these key points.
when looking for a good quality, specialty roaster check their: branding, accreditations, reviews, but most importantly – what they make a note of on their coffee bags
so, take the extra minute or so to read the information on the coffee bag – you can tell a lot from it without even having to brew it!
if you’re able to, buy whole bean.
over time you will develop a taste for what regions or notes of coffee you enjoy the most! I’m all about having a good coffee tasting!
if you want someone else to do the searching for you, OR you just want great exposure to specialty roasters – try one of the subscription services I mentioned!
If there’s a specific question you have that I didn’t answer here please don’t hesitate to comment or reach out!! I have a couple more coffee tips/guide posts planned for the near future – for questions I got over on my instagram that I felt didn’t fit the topic of this post.
If you enjoyed this please don’t hesitate to check out some of my most recent posts here.
The Upper East Side is not only known for those “Gossip Girl” vibes, but it’s a very expensive, high end area to begin with. So, naturally, time to explore their coffee shops! What Upper East Side coffee shops are worth your time? Where can you get the best coffee on the Upper East Side of…
Happy Sunday! I filmed an updated full Masters Journey. I tried to make the video more cohesive than my original one. I go more into detail on some of the more recent updates. Thanks so much for sticking with me through this journey! As always thank you SO much for all of your support, Lots…
I have an EXCITING life update. If you’ve been keeping up with my masters degree journey of the ups and downs, the questions & the unknowns… BUT if not, here’s a quick rundown: I applied to get into a masters program in Australia last year that I was dreaming of, got rejected, was told I…
This is the only Seattle cafe that I was genuinely impressed with.
This past February (before all the quarantine craziness), I took a trip around the west coast of the States to San Francisco, Seattle & Portland, Oregon. So far, I’ve done coffee guides to both San Francisco and Portland but not Seattle.
To be completely honest, I was disappointed with the Seattle coffee scene.
I know, I’m as shocked as you are.
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I would always here how Seattle is the best for coffee and it’s the ultimate place to go to for all things coffee. Now, in the time I spent in Seattle I obviously could only visit a certain number of coffee shops. This is completely based off of my personal experience. There were a couple that were decent but I’m not going to sit here and pretend to praise them for the sake of blog content. Nor am I going to bash on some well known coffee roasters in Seattle that I personally didn’t think was worth any of my money.
…so what is that one coffee shop that I would genuinely want to go back to?
In recent years, Scandinavia has been described as the happiest place on earth.
Central to this happiness is a little known word called “hygge”(hyoo-gah). Hygge is about coziness, comfort, and warmth, but also about being kind to yourself — giving yourself a treat, and giving yourself, and each other, a break from the demands of todays’ fast-paced life.
A slice of this happiness and hygge is nested in Seattle in the modern Café Hagen, in the heart of the bustling Seattle South Lake Union.
I think one of the reasons why Cafe Hagen stood out to me so much in the first place is because of their unique branding. They are emulating the ultimate European cafe experience. It’s no secret that there is no “American” cafe experience, at least not in my book. If you’ve read some of my older posts I have ranted already about how much I enjoy Australian owned & inspired cafes – they know how to do a great flat white, what can I say!!
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When I went they were still in the process of a “soft opening”, but regardless they clearly had all their crap together and were ready to take on the world.
Their menu was pure quality; the options were really different and prestigious. They roast their own coffee and we’re very knowledgeable on creating their menu highlighting all of their own unique flavors.
The decor was very minimalistic, yet bold. The cafe had different spots all around catering to lots of different clientele: the “productive get work done“ ones, the “i’m on a date” ones & the “takeaway I’m running to work now” ones.
To me, coffee is more of an experience. My favorite cafes are my favorite not only for quality, taste and all that jazz but the experience I had going there in the first place.
When I went I got a tasting flight. There is nothing more that SCREAMS quality than a tasting flight. It proves to me that they care to have the knowledge to piece together their coffee in a way that creates an EXPERIENCE for their guests.
These were the three roasts I had in my tasting. All were super flavorful and gave me the kick I needed that morning.
*fun fact* it was actually my birthday the day I went here & also my boyfriends birthday, as we were traveling together and share a birthday! crazy stuff!
We also ended up getting food, I got the avocado toast (what a surprise) and my boyfriend got this smoked salmon toast. Pretty sure they also have a menu geared more for grabbing a drink with your friends after work, but brunch is more my vibe!
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Interested in what I look for when choosing what coffee spots to try out when traveling? I have a whole post on it!
This is in no way meant to be an advertisement. I found this cafe over on instagram before traveling and was immediately interested in stopping by.
With how boujee California can get, I had decent expectations for the San Francisco coffee scene.
*spoiler* it did not disappoint
I was only in San Francisco for a couple days, so I had to plan out where I was going to get coffee before-hand (nothing new) to try and fit in as many stops as possible.
If you’re curious how my brain works in deciding what coffee shops to try when I travel, especially with limited time, I did a whole post on what I look for. The points I made there helps me not waste my time or money on coffee shops that aren’t that good.
First Impressions: I was SO excited to go here after seeing it on instagram (I mean look at that latte art)! They have multiple locations but I went to the location near the 16th Ave tiled steps which I talked about here. The cafe itself has their own unique aesthetic filled with cute decor.
Atmosphere: It was a medium-sized cafe with some seating. Most of it was filled with people on their laptops getting work done (we love to see it)! It’s located in a more quiet neighborhood so I could easily see myself being productive here.
Final Thoughts: 10/10. It was such a unique spot with lots of character. I managed to get a spot at the window and the lighting was everything. If you ever go to SFO you MUST stop here.
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Golden GoatCoffee
Golden Goat coffee was actually my first stop when visiting San Francisco. I ventured off from my hotel down some side streets, passing everyone headed into work.
First Impressions: It’s a hidden shop right off an alley way. If you didn’t know of here previously, you would’ve just noticed a little fold out coffee sign off the main street. I could tell lots of people were here for coffee before work *local spot*
Atmosphere: The place itself is super small and I’m pretty sure they only do takeaway. But the employees were super nice and I’m pretty sure I saw one of them go off and give out coffee to the homeless around the area which was super nice to see.
Final Thoughts: 10/10 for quality, and location. This spot isn’t far off from the main strip, so it’s perfect to take a pit stop for a takeaway coffee before sightseeing.
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RitualCoffee Roasters
always a yes to coffee
Originally Ritual Coffee wasn’t on my first list of coffee shops to try, but a friend mentioned it was on their faves list so I had to make it a point to stop by. I went to Soul Cycle in the morning then made a pit stop here to have for my walk back to my hotel.
First Impressions: They had a wider array of a menu with more specialty coffee (makes sense since they roast all their own coffee). To be fair I can’t remember exactly what I got here but I think it was one of their specialty pour overs & it was super flavorful.
Atmosphere: Ritual has multiple locations but this one was definitely more geared for takeaway. There were a few tables in and outside but it was pretty full when I went.
Final Thoughts: 9/10. I could see myself ordering their beans online to have at home as they definitely know what they’re doing. This spot just didn’t stand out to me as much as the first two I mentioned.
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Saint Frank
First Impressions:Saint Frank was a cute little shop off the main strip in Soma with the most gorgeous gold and teal/green aesthetic… what dreams are made of.
Atmosphere: Super, super cute decor and over aesthetic. There were some tables and such but it seemed that most of the cafe itself was where they roasted their coffee. Also something to note, the exact location I went to ( the one in Soma) wasn’t in the most quiet neighborhood, so I’m no sure if I would go here to get any work done. Nonetheless, the coffee was worth it.
Final Thoughts: 8.5/10 for coffee, I think I was adventurous when I went and got a slightly flavored latte over a normal one. If you know one thing about me I normally drink black coffee… If I was to go here again and get sweetened coffee I’m sure my rating would then raise a significant amount.
I’m about to drop the ultimate list of the 5 best specialty coffee shops in Berlin, Germany.
Before traveling to Berlin last Spring, I didn’t realize how prestigious their coffee culture is… like VERY prestigious. Very unexpected for me to come across but super thrilled I was able to find the perfect spots.
Read till the end to see my absolute favorite coffee shop that I still dream about.
If you’ve read my past posts on my Germany travels from last March, Best photo spots in Berlin & Cutest German village, my brother was doing a semester abroad in Berlin and on my spring break I flew out to visit him.
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travel tip: While I was traveling around Germany, 90% of the cafes only had soy milk for dairy free options (besides lactate free.. but I don’t count that). Based on this, something I realized was that cafes that did carry other dairy free milks, especially those with oat milk, were easily the more popular, higher end cafes.
At the time I was visiting Berlin, it was my semester break from university so I still had some papers to get caught up on. Naturally, I spent a lot of time at each of these places not only for coffee, but to be productive as well. So, I will be talking about the atmosphere of these Berlin coffee shops in more detail as well.
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The Barn Coffee Roasters
First Impressions: My brother introduced me to Barn Coffee Roasters and I was extremely impressed. Their coffee menu varies considerably from pour overs, to flat whites. As they roast their own coffee, it makes complete sense that they are very knowledgeable on the perfect ratios and pairings of their coffee. A super super prestigious spot; I’m just going to keep using “prestigious” for emphasis.
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Atmosphere: Super rustic with an average amount of seating. One interesting thing to note is the window spots, the best spots, had these signs to deter people from using their laptops. I honestly thought it was a great concept because in the end it forced me to pull out a book to read instead and also let me spend more time people watching the busy street. It’s a very popular spot: lots and lots of in and out and longer lines for people to get their morning coffee before work.
Final Thoughts: 10/10 for quality, aesthetic, branding, the array of options, the list goes on. If you go to Berlin you MUST visit Barn Coffee Roasters. Within the last year they opened more locations too.
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Bonanza Coffee
First Impressions:Bonanza coffee roasts their own coffee (woo!!!!) and they currently have three locations. The one I went to I think is their Roastery Cafe but I could be wrong… it’s been a while. The cafe has lots of space and room to spread out.
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Atmosphere: Lots and lots of room to sit and get work done (I managed to snag a window seat in the back). At least when I was there it was must quieter than Barn, for example. The spot also had lots of plants, so thats a plus for me.
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Final thoughts: 9/10 for great quality coffee, and a friendly & open atmosphere. Not my absolute favorite spot, but super super good. I think I got some sort of oat milk latte here. Their cafes are located in pretty convenient locations so it makes it relatively easy to pop by.
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Distrikt Coffee
First Impressions: I could be wrong, but I think I first found out about Distrikt Coffee by searching cafes in Berlin that had the best avocado toast and came across them. Out of the 5 cafes I mention in this post, this one for sure if the one that is more with a traditional cafe menu. So whether you come here for the food, the coffee or both, it’s a great spot!
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Atmosphere: As I mentioned earlier, this spot is more of a traditional cafe with both great food & coffee. It is a bit louder with the nature of the place, but there are still some corner spots or they have an adorable “mini loft” kinda spot to be a bit more isolated. Also they are a dog friendly cafe SO I SAW THE MOST ADORABLE BEAGLE AND I GOT TO PET IT (a beagle is my dream dog)!!
Final thoughts: if you’re looking for a cafe to get great food AND coffee then 10/10, but if you’re after just the coffee part then 8.5/10.
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Chapter One Coffee
First Impressions: This was the other coffee spot that my brother introduced to me. Chapter One is very much a takeaway or quick in-and-out kind of spot. It was super popular with the locals and overall just seemed like perfect spot to grab a coffee with friends on your lunch break at work,
Atmosphere: Although it was a popular local spot, it is a super small cafe & as a result theres super limited seating. I wasn’t on a quick break from work, I was actually very much a tourist; I was hoping to sit down, rest my legs and enjoy a nice cup of coffee. I managed to snag a super small ledge to kind of hang out near for a couple minutes until I finished my coffee. Also, if lighting matters to you, this place for the most part was pretty dark.
Final Thoughts: If you’re on the go and looking for great takeaway coffee or a quick break then 10/10. But if you’re looking for a cafe to sit down and get work done then head to this next spot.
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Oslo Kaffebar
Somehow I never took any photos of the cafe itself, so this one is by Ja Ja Ja Music
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First Impressions: I found Oslo Kaffebar from a quick google search of cafes not far off the train line I’d take from seeing my brother. It was CROWDED with a long line out the door, BUT it moved very timely and once I got to the register the baristas were so welcoming and immediately made me feel like a local. I could instantly tell that, hey, this is the ultimate local gem. Also, if you read my tip from the beginning of this post: they had oat milk… enough said.
Atmosphere: Super rustic, minimalistic and friendly atmosphere. The locals love it here so much that regardless if they got one of few tables available (because it’s so popular), they would casually just hang out outside the cafe. The sidewalk in front of Oslo almost was like an extension of the cafe atmosphere, in the best way possible; this aspect also made waiting in line to order a more entertaining experience.
For the cafe’s size, they did have a decent amount of seating relative to the space. Even though it was crowded, each time I went I didn’t struggle too much to find somewhere to sit. The nature of this cafe is also very “productive” if that makes sense. So many people come here just to relax and do work, which I LOVE!
Final Thoughts: 10/10 for atmosphere, location, friendliness & milk frothing abilities of the baristas.
Also side note, they did a partnership with the oat milk brand “Oatly” themselves. Of course the week after I left this cafe offered free beverages to anyone who got one with oat milk. At the time I was in Germany (March 2019), Oatly was really killing it in the advertising around the country. I even saw their ads in the airport.
If you could only go to one on this list, go here.
If you liked this guide, or found it helpful please let me know! I’d really love feedback.
