NYC Coffee Shops that are better than Starbucks

Danielle Call

One of my favorite things to do on weekends in the city is heading to one of my favorite cafe's for a cappuccino, and sitting by the window and people watching. The rule of thumb for most NYC dining/cafe's etc is if you can get it at home, don't have it here! This list should give you a bunch of coffee options around NYC that are not Starbucks (or dunks).

The Coffee Pot, Frisson Espresso, Gotham Coffee Roasters, Telegraphe Cafe., The Bean, Birch Coffee, Fika, The Jolly Goat Coffee Bar

  • The Coffee Pot in New York, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      The Coffee Pot is another great option in Hell's Kitchen for a cup of Joe that isn't from Starbucks or Dunkin. They also have some locations in Queens as well so if you're exploring out of Manhattan you'll still find good coffee that's not a national chain!

  • Frisson Espresso in New York, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      Frisson is one of my favorite coffee shops in the city. I first found it on a visit in 2015 (looking for something besides Starbucks) and when we moved to Hell's Kitchen I was so excited to see that it was still open and going strong! Things change pretty quickly in NYC so you never know. Their coffee is great, as well as their coffee art, and their pastries are delicious. I recommend getting the spinach quiche for breakfast and a mini pecan pie for later!

  • Gotham Coffee Roasters in New York, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      Another small local coffee spot, Gotham Coffee is fair trade and fresh roasted coffee. What more could you want from your cup of Joe.

  • Telegraphe Cafe. in New York, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      Telegraph is a cozy espresso bar with good coffee and French style pastries. Yum!

  • The Bean in New York, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      The Bean also has a few locations around the city. It has a super laid back vibe and is a great place to spend an afternoon with a cup of coffee and a good book.

  • Birch Coffee in New York, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      Birch Coffee has a few different locations around the city so if you find yourself by one go ahead and stop in. Their coffee is great and their atmosphere is super relaxed. It's also a great place to bring your computer if you've got a little work to do and you don't want to be at the office anymore.

  • Fika in New York, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      Fika is a Swedish concept that means making time for friends and colleagues. Fika coffee shops foster just that kind of environment! Instead of the post work bar, head over to Fika to catch up with friends over a great cup of coffee or tea and a snack (the brownies are really good!).

  • The Jolly Goat Coffee Bar in New York, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      The Jolly Goat is a cute little coffee shop on the west side. It is a great place to relax or take your coffee to go and head over to riverside park.