Who doesn’t love drinking a cup of coffee in the middle of Manhattan? No one screams “New Yorker baddie” without the essentials: coffee, matcha, bag of choice, a laptop with several duties to do and endless coffee shops to choose from to start your day. Infinite possibilities, infinite New York.
In 1696, the first coffee shop in New York City’s history was opened by Lieutenant John Hutchins. Known as King’s Arms, the coffee shop was significant in its historical nature, but also served as a business hub and sanctuary where business and chatter took place. “The simple fact is that coffee has been the center of life in New York for a very long time, and New York has been the center of coffee’s life in the United States for a very long time,” said Donald Schoenholt, a co-founder of the Specialty Coffee Association of America and president of one of the city’s oldest coffee roasters, Gillies Coffee Company.
Today, with over 3,700 coffee shops in the city, where can one find the “best” one? As a connoisseur who has been to over 50 coffee shops in the city, there is no “best” coffee shop. Many factors must be considered for each place — the quality of the coffee and/or pastries, customer service, popularity and ambiance, for example. However, I am here to make your coffee journey easier and more accessible, so I have provided some of my favorite coffee shops in the city below.
Starting in the famous Washington Square Park is Stumptown Coffee Roasters. West 8th Street brings you to a surprise of a unique, freshly brewed coffee. The crisp, strong coffee is influenced by regions such as Latin America, South America, Africa and Indonesia. These international locations offer Americans what an enchanting, caffeinated-powerhouse and delicious cup of coffee truly is. Can Starbucks beat this?
My favorite coffee order there is the Trapper Creek. Either caffeine or decaf, depending on your mood and the time of day, this drink leaves you with notes of caramel, raisin and a buttery brew. As a reviewer, I have to admit that scent is a tremendous asset to the overall experience of taste. Do you ever feel that before you taste something, the aroma travels to your nose while your mind tastes it? Yeah. That’s exactly how I felt when I first walked into Stumptown, and I can confidently say my mind was not wrong about the delicious taste!
Another standout offering is the Finca El Injerto in Guatemala. With its rich notes of bourbon, plum, dark chocolate, orange and grapefruit, it perfectly blends with honey and brown sugar. The bitterness and sweetness really do fulfill a happy medium. This coffee is a true testament to the Aguirre family’s commitment to producing exceptional brews year after year.
Their dedication shines through with each cup, highlighting the best characteristics of each region’s coffee beans. Not to mention, the ambiance is phenomenal. As someone described it to me, “fancy hipster.” This location is sleek and bright, a lovely oasis to spend some time in. The service and staff are friendly and make you want to stay until closing time. Weekdays are open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., while weekends are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Perfect for a bit of a place to meet friends, grind some work or even a cute little coffee date!
I discovered this coffee shop when I was in the middle of Manhattan running errands with plans to meet friends later that night. Living in the Bronx can be challenging when navigating and traveling to Manhattan to make plans with friends. So where else is a perfect place to pass the time than in a cute coffee shop? I’m glad I discovered this place and its other locations in Nomad on West 29th Street. I come here at least once a month, either with a friend, to study or even on a date. With its atmosphere evoking a cozy library, it’s a perfect choice for any occasion.
In a busy city like New York, of course, it seems easy to make friends. But when everyone is so hustled and busy in their stressful workdays, it can actually be more intimidating and complex than it seems. However, I noticed that, aside from weekends, native New Yorkers seem to come together and rejuvenate themselves at coffee shops. Here, I have made several new friends, encountered strangers and received new recommendations on places to explore in the area. It is never too late to try a new coffee shop, make friends or explore a new district in Manhattan! Try Stumptown while you’re at it — it excels in quality and community impact, helping to bustle the New York coffee scene.
