NYC Coffee Spots That Are Better Than Starbucks

By T.K. Brady

Yep, we said it! As much as we love a good #PSL come September, we’ve got coffee snobbery down to a science every other month of the year. Here are some shops with strong brews and cool vibes to keep you caffeinated all day long.

Bluestone Lane
Aussies know their coffee. This brewer from down under has seven locations throughout the city. Our fave? The cozy digs in the Church of the Heavenly Rest on the Upper East Side.
2 E 90th St, New York, NY 10128 (see bluestonelaneny.com for additional locations)

Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Starbucks isn’t the only café from Seattle. This coffee roaster is from the caffeine capital of the nation, too. Stumped by the extensive menu? You can’t go wrong with a cold brew.
30 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011 (see stumptowncoffee.com for additional locations)

Culture Espresso
Located right next to Bryant Park, this quaint coffee shop with a touch of glam (check out the chandelier!) makes a mean latte. Get it to-go or take a seat at the window and people watch. 72 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018

Blue Bottle Coffee
In the summer, you’ll see plenty of New Yorkers stepping out of these cafés with an iced coffee (black) in hand. The brand specializes in single origin coffees with strong flavors.
54 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018 (see bluebottlecoffee.com for additional locations)

The Smile
Stop at the location on Franklin Street for a drip coffee. The super strong, thick coffee will have you buzzing into the afternoon. No need for a second cup!
177 Franklin St, New York, NY 10013

Birch Coffee
Pop into any of the coffee brand’s four locations and opt for a flat white (think of it as a latte with a stronger espresso kick). If you need a sweet treat, consider a mocha or compliment your coffee with a doughnut. 21 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016 (see birchcoffee.com for additional locations)

Intelligentsia
Hailing from the Windy City, New Yorkers are flocking to the brew that local Chicagoans already love. If you have time to spare, stop into their location at The High Line Hotel for a latte. Pressed for time? Swing by the coffee truck outside—fondly referred to as the
Minibar—for a pourover. 180 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Ninth Street Espresso
These guys keep it simple because they take their coffee so seriously. There are four menu items that are only coffee, with no syrups and no confusing names. This might be why they’re considered the espresso purists of NYC. Opt for espresso with milk for your morning pick-me-up. 700 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009 (see ninthstreetespresso.com for additional locations)

Café Grumpy
We couldn’t be happier leaving Café Grumpy with a delicious coffee in-hand. The brand was one of the first to locally roast its beans—they do it right here in Brooklyn! Grab a cold brew to go and we promise you’ll be back for a growler of it. 224 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011 (see cafegrumpy.com for additional locations)

Abraço Espresso
In the East Village, this tiny shop makes a lot of buzz. New Yorkers squeeze into tight quarters for perfectly brewed coffee and expertly poured cortados (the Spanish version of an Italian café macchiato). 86 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003