Tag: new york

Where to Find the Best Coffee in the Upper East Side, New York City

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:

Get real time coffee recommendations over on my Instagram.

Okay, time for the Upper East Side.

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Ralph’s Coffee

A very Instagrammed cafe all over Manhattan. I did a whole post of what of NYC’s most photographed cafes are worth your time here.

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.

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If you’re on the look out for more coffee guides:

Best coffee in NYC (also the most instagramable spots)

Best coffee in Portland, Oregon 

What to look for when choosing a coffee shop to spend your money at

Lots of love,

foot

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Where to find the Best Coffee in Soho, New York City

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.

Check that out HERE

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.

Don’t forget to check out my West Village one.

Tribeca is up next!!!

If you liked this guide, or found it helpful please let me know! I’d really love feedback.

If you’re on the look out for more coffee guides:

Best coffee in NYC (also the most instagramable spots)

Best coffee in Portland, Oregon 

What to look for when choosing a coffee shop to spend your money at

Lots of love,

foot

Instagram Hyped New York City Coffee Shops – here’s the tea. Are they worth your time?

Keep reading to find out if some of the top photographed Instagram cafes in New York City are worth your time.

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If there’s one thing you take away from this post:

Instagram aesthetic doesn’t always equal quality coffee.

Instagram New York City Coffee Guide in 2020. Are they worth all of the social media hype? 2020 NYC Cafe Guide.

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Keep reading to see what I rate these famous NYC cafes out of 10 for both coffee quality and overall aesthetic.

Related Posts:

NYC Coffee Guide

& West Village NYC Coffee Guide

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…

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

Lots of love,

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Partners Coffee: 10/10 for quality and atmosphere

Hutch & Waldo

Upper East Side – 247 E 81st Street

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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

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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

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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

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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,

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