5 Best Uptown Coffee Shops
Uptown is the new downtown when it comes to coffee. From Harlem to the Upper East Side, here are five coffee shops that are brewing up a fresh cup of joe worthy of a train ride. By Carly Petrone.
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The newly opened Double Dutch in Harlem is serving up delicious Counter Culture coffee and pastries from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. every day. On a sunny day, feel free to pull up a chair on their back patio and break open your laptop or catch up with a friend. Nosh on something fluffy and sweet from Ceci Cela Patisserie and make sure to take a look at your coffee before putting the lid on to see what kind of design the barista behind the bar created for you. With exposed brick walls, antique lighting, and a friendly atmosphere, it feels like you're sitting in someone's cozy living room. Grab a bag of coffee on your way or one of their adorable mugs. And don't forget to get your coffee card punched!
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Grab a cup of joe at Joe's on the Upper West Side. This New York institution is known for its strong cup of coffee and neighborly vibe. They originally opened up on Waverly Street in the West Village (hence the name of their popular espresso) back in 2003, but since the launch of their roasting operations in Brooklyn, they now roast 100% of their own single-origin and blending offerings. Those who are looking for a little less caffeine can get a brewed cup of decaf. This season comes from Finco Cerra Azul, Honduras and is decaffeinated using the mountain water method. Buy a 33 Cups of Coffee journal ($5) and start marking your favorites down.
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You may recognize this adorable café from the film You've Got Mail. It's the spot where Meg Ryan is waiting for her secret email pen pal (Tom Hanks). Sip on a perfectly crafted cappuccino and pair it with one of their many desserts. You'll feel like you walked into a little café in Paris with the French décor and soothing jazz and classical music playing in the background. Spice up your beverage with a shot of Frangelico or Baileys Irish Cream or satisfy that sweet tooth with a frozen mocha cappuccino or frozen chocolate. Come join the writers and artists that have made this little gem on W. 83rd. Street their go-to spot.
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If you're a student and looking for a new place to study may we suggest the Hungarian Pastry Shop? It's been a staple for Columbia kids and grad students for decades and it's located directly across the street from the magnificent St. John the Divine. Nibble on delicacies from Eastern Europe like Hungarian Mooncakes and pair it with one of their many specialty drinks like Russian, Hungarian, or Viennese coffee. Just wait until summer comes around and you can sit outside on the patio.
More: The 5 Best Bars On The Upper East Side
If you want to have a full on coffee experience head over to Nespresso Boutique Bar on the Upper East Side. The space is trendy and modern with a view of Madison Avenue. The coffee will cost you more than a traditional cup (about $5-$8) but it's worth it just for the ambiance. If you're not sure which coffee to order, don't worry, the baristas will guide you in the right direction. All drinks are available in decaf and each one is served with sugar and piece of dark chocolate. Once it gets warmer make sure to try the Iced Macchiato (Jamaican style) and definitely treat yourself to a macaron (or three). From the Livanto – a well-balanced espresso with hints characterized by roasted caramelized notes to the Arpeggio – a dark roast with a strong character and intense body, enhanced by cocoa notes, this place will put a coffee snob in check after tasting a cup that is made from a machine. Speaking of machines, if you have a Nespresso machine at home don't forget to stock up on Nespresso pods here.
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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.
