The city’s piping hot cultural melting pot undoubtedly makes it one of the most creative, quality and diverse scenes for coffee enthusiasts and casual slippers alike. Whether you’re a caffeine fiend, a tea connoisseur, a casual sipper or someone just looking to get away from all the hustle and bustle the city has to offer, New York will always have a place for you. Here are the eight must-visit coffee shops around Lower Manhattan, each with its own unique charm and incredible brews.
- Birch Coffee–Financial District (Multiple Locations)
Birch Coffee is a local favorite and has become the highlight of every University student’s day. With its location close to the campus, staying a busy college student has suddenly never been easier. With its offering of a punch-card reward system, where every 10 punches promises a free drink, coffee becomes more addictive than it once was. Plus, students can get a discount (up to 25 percent) if they show their student ID. During the holiday season, they create special releases for Birch specialty lattes. This year, the fall seasonal menu featured a limited drink called “Birch Spice,” which is made up of ginger, chai, and coffee blends and your choice of milk.
Why visit?
Incredible brews, excellent selection of pastries, reward system and student discount.
- 787 Coffee–Multiple Locations
787 Coffee is known for its “Farm to Cup” coffee from Puerto Rico. The coffee stop boasts Latinx pride, ensuring every customer knows the details of where their coffee is sourced from and paying tribute to Puerto Rican farmers. Upon first visit, you might be put off by your drink being placed in a plastic bag, but the baristas advertise the bag as a sustainable solution to plastic cups and straw waste, according to the company.
Why visit?
Sustainable sourcing, boasts Latin culture and delicious brews (rum-infused bean selection for students over 21).
- C&B Coffee–East Village
C&B Coffee is best known for its bustling community of trendy, kind and joyful people. It offers an incredible variety of pastries and snacks, freshly brewed coffee served hot or cold and fresh breakfast sandwiches—served hot, of course! C&B is the perfect pit stop for your park day, located right by Tompkins Square Park.
Why visit?
Lovely staff, delicious food and sweet pastries.
- Variety Roasters–Financial District
Variety Roasters is a wonderful place to stop in for the day to work or for a quick pick-me-up on your way to classes! Coffee options here vary; however, they are open to making your custom coffee variations. Though they do not offer any syrups, there is a station where you can add your own vanilla, sugar and other ingredients. The inclusion of free Wi-Fi makes this cafe an excellent study and work space when it’s not busy. Their pastries are limited, but their dirty-chai oat lattes are brilliant!
Why visit?
Great ambiance, free Wi-Fi and close in proximity to the University.
- The Black Cat–Lower East Side
Located on the Lower East Side, The Black Cat is a homey and naturalistic coffee shop. In addition to its appealing name, the café is incredibly cozy, with lounge chairs, tables and books everywhere. The warm lighting also creates a superb ambiance for chatting with friends, book club evenings, work or just enjoying a warm cup of joe in peace and quiet.
Why visit?
Warm aesthetics, peaceful energy and excellent coffee.
- McNally Jackson–Seaport
Arguably one of the most precious coffee shops in Seaport, McNally Jackson is home to some incredible coffee and literature and is filled with anything a visitor could ask for. On the first floor is a gift shop and café, and on the second is a quiet library filled with more books than you can imagine. The hot Earl Grey and iced refresher teas are phenomenal, and the shop’s ambiance is hard to pass up. Students from the University can be seen studying here, as well.
Why visit?
Indoor seating on the café and library levels, homemade iced teas, gift shop and cozy set up.
- Blank Street Coffee–Multiple Locations
Another city’s chain, Black Street, provides some of the best quality coffee and excellent customer service to those looking for an on-the-go pick-me-up. With many locations not offering seating, this is a very “in-and-out” coffee shop. If you find yourself here and unsure what to order, try the Cherry Cold Brew Latte, made with their homemade cherry syrup, or their Strawberries and Cream Cold Brew, which is also homemade. Their unique syrup selection is what keeps people coming back for more!
Why visit?
Easy pick-up service, app rewards and good customer service.
- Abraço–East Village
Located in the heart of the East Village, Abraço is a charming and intimate coffee shop known for its warm and comforting environment. Tucked away under an apartment building on 7th Street, it offers the highest-quality single-origin coffees. The space, filled with orange hues from soft, warm ambient lighting, is perfect for pit stops or sit-downs.
Why visit?
Rich espresso, famous for signature Cortados, outdoor and indoor seating
Whether you’re looking for a study spot, date spot, book club spot or something else, downtown coffee shops are some of the most charming locations the city has to offer. These coffee shops are dedicated to diversity, top-quality brewing, impeccable vibes and creativity. Each serves a delicious cup that mirrors the uniqueness of the city it calls home.
