New York and coffee are two things I genuinely rave about, and combining the two has to be one of my favourite things in the world. As someone who absolutely adores the Big Apple and can quite easily drink four coffees a day, I am always on the hunt for a really good cup of coffee and love discovering new spots wherever I go.
Finding good coffee can sometimes be surprisingly tricky, especially when, for me, it is about so much more than the beans or the taste. It is also about how you feel when you walk into a place. My motto has always been that if I am spending money on something, the atmosphere has to be just as good as the experience itself. New York coffee shops are such joy. The selection is big and the options are never ending.
I want the coffee to make my taste buds happy, the surroundings to make me feel good, and the entire experience to leave me wanting to come back. And when it comes to New York, there is certainly no shortage of places that manage to get this combination just right.
During my last trip to the city, I made it my mission to discover a few coffee spots worth remembering. From beautifully designed cafés to fashion-inspired coffee destinations, these are the places I visited and would happily return to.
I will always have a soft spot for Ralph’s Coffee. There is something about its interiors that instantly makes me feel good. The atmosphere is relaxed, inviting and effortlessly chic, which is exactly what I look for when choosing somewhere to enjoy my coffee. And this is why I definitely had to include Ralph’s at my top New York coffee shops.
Of course, the coffee itself has to be good, and Ralph’s certainly ticks that box for me. It is one of those places where I genuinely enjoy the entire experience, not just the coffee.
While I first discovered Ralph’s Coffee in New York, it has since become a regular stop during my London days, too. I often pop into their London store for a quick coffee break, and it is always a little moment of enjoyment in an otherwise busy day.
There is something quite special about a brand that manages to create the same atmosphere wherever you visit, and Ralph’s Coffee is one of those places I know I will always return to.
This spot is one of those places that combines two things I love and that is good coffee and clothes. I couldn’t get over the ambience of this place and also their coffee. The interior is all about simplicity and minimalism but using wood and light colour that in general makes me feel great. So it wouldn’t be your traditional New York coffee shops but that makes it so fun.
I always enjoy discovering places that feel a little different from the usual café, and this one definitely caught my attention. There is something about combining a coffee stop with a little shopping that makes the experience feel even more enjoyable.
It is exactly the kind of place I would recommend adding to your New York itinerary if you love discovering independent spots and appreciate a good coffee surrounded by beautiful things.
This spot is a perfect blend of lifestyle and hospitality. To be fair I have included their London cafe in my top choices too.
Part of the world of Aimé Leon Dore, the café has that distinctive New York-meets-Greek aesthetic that makes it feel like more than just somewhere to grab a coffee. It is a destination in its own right, especially if you appreciate fashion, design and beautifully curated spaces.
I love discovering places that have their own personality, and Café Leon Dore feels like one of those spots where you could happily slow down for a moment, enjoy your coffee and soak up the atmosphere.
It is definitely worth adding to your list if you are exploring Nolita and love discovering places that combine coffee, fashion and culture.
Felix Roasting Co. was such a dark horse on this trip. It was recommended by a friend who had lived in New York for many years, and what a lovely surprise it turned out to be.
We were staying in the NoMad area, and this incredibly charming café was conveniently located near our hotel, making it the perfect spot to stop for coffee during our stay.
I absolutely love recommendations from people who know a city well, as they often lead you to places you might not have discovered yourself. Felix Roasting Co. was exactly that kind of find.
The interiors alone make it worth visiting, with a distinctive, beautifully designed atmosphere that feels a little more special than your average coffee stop. It is the kind of place where you want to sit down, take your time and enjoy the surroundings rather than simply grab a takeaway coffee and rush off.
This is definitely one I would recommend adding to your New York itinerary, particularly if you are staying around NoMad.
This article is not sponsored.
