New York City is also known as the city that never sleeps, but what is it that keeps us up? Could it be the bright lights? Or the constant noise? Either way, we can all agree that New Yorkers would be sleeping a lot more without this one thing…coffee. Anyone who has ever been to New York knows that there is a Starbucks on just about every single block. But, what about all the other small coffee shops in the city? Don’t they deserve some recognition? We think so! Here are just a few of our favorite hidden gems in NYC for grabbing a quick cup to go, or for hanging around and soaking in the atmosphere. And yes, we do love them all a latté.
Abraço: Abraco, A small family business is located in the East Village at 81 E 7thStreet. The best part about this place? Every single item on the menu is priced under $5! Inspired by Spanish and Italian bars, Abraco was opened in 2007. The couple that opened it appreciates their customers so much they consider them “extended family”. Join the family by heading down and grabbing an espresso paired with an olive oil cookie. Trust us, you’ll be happy you did. You can visit their website here for more information.
Hi-Collar Café: If you’re looking for something that’s not just a café but a cultural experience as well, Hi-Collar (pronounces Hi-kara) café is for you! The term “Hi-Collar” is actually a fashion-alluding term that was made popular during the Japanese Jazz Age. It symbolizes “Japan’s flirtation with the west”. This Japanese style café is known for being there for your siphon coffee fix during the day, and your sake fix in the nighttime. The bar is made to look like a high tech chem lab, and baristas are trained to help you select a drink off of your favored preferences. With a huge selection of different coffee beans, you are sure to find a favorite here. Visit their website here to view their entire menu.
The ELK: A woman-owned business and number 8 on Eater NY’s Outstanding Coffee Shop’s list, the ELK is a coffee shop / general store hybrid. Located at 128 Charles Street, the shop gives an outdoorsy feel, derived from its Vancouver roots. Something the separates this café from the rest is that it has two sections, a laptop-friendly zone, and a laptop-free zone, to encourage both hard work and socialization. Featuring a healthy menu with locally sourced ingredients, breakfast is served all day, and lunch starts at 11! Come hungry, leave happy. If you would like the view their entire menu, click here.
Birch: Birch Coffee is a small chain of 10 locations, whose goal is to bring coffee shops back to their main purpose, coffee. Self-proclaimed “Birch Guys” Jeremy and Paul have set out to make grabbing a cup of coffee a little more personal. Starting with their website, their light-hearted humor automatically draws you in and makes you feel welcome. Stepping into the café, it is a baristas goal to get to know you and your order to give you a sense of importance. Check this if you are looking for san diego water damage restoration. The Birch Guys are so welcoming and open to both customers and competition, so much so that they offer up advice on their site for anyone trying to open up their own shop. If you would like more information on the “Birch Guys” and their mission, click here.
Matto Espresso: One of our go-to’s here at Bella is Matto Espresso, or as we like to call it “the 2 dollar place”! We love it because it is located right on our block and everything is just $2! That’s right, EVERYTHING! (Highly recommend their quinoa salad and cinnamon scones) We love to pop in there when we need our caffeine fix at all hours of the day action solar. There are 6 locations throughout the city, so find the one nearest you and stop in! To find your nearest Matto, you can visit their website here.
Whether supporting family-owned business, women-owned business or lesser-known chains is your thing, this list has something for you. Next time you walk past a Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts and there is a long line, walk past with ease knowing you have a much better cup of coffee waiting somewhere else for you.
What is your favorite coffee shop in NYC? Drop a comment below, the Bella girls would love to know! Xo