16 Best Coffee Shops in NYC the Locals Love

Here are my 16 best coffee shops in NYC for when I need an early-morning caffeine jolt, a sunny window seat to read a book, a spot to catch up with a friend, or simply a place with a killer playlist and decent wifi. 

Two Hands – Little Italy

Named after Heath Ledger’s break-out film, this NoLita café is owned by a couple of Sydneysiders. I think they do the best avocado toast in the city, and you can indulge Aussie peculiarities like a Tim-Tam Slam or a perfectly spread layer of Vegemite on your toast here.

La Colombe – Tribeca, SoH0, Wall Street, N0H0

In the summer, they have lattes and iced coffee on draft—they’ll combine both to do a coffee version of a Black and Tan, which is to die for. And in the winter—aka cappuccino season!—the selection of colorfully designed porcelain mugs and plates always brightens my morning coffee and croissant.

City of Saints – Manhattan & Bushwick

Bushwick is known for its colorful murals and wide array of street art, and the City of Saints coffee shop embraces the neighborhood vibes. 

Devocion – Brooklyn

One of the newer additions to the Williamsburg coffee scene, the Devocion’s understated black exterior gives no hints to the sunny oasis that lies within. A vertical green garden covers the back wall and an enormous skylight lets in enough sun to require daffodil-yellow umbrellas over the tables in the afternoon.

Ost Cafe – East Village

The chipped tilework is a favorite of #ihavethisthingwithfloors fans, and the overall atmosphere in this East Village café is cozy, welcoming and imperfect. There’s a regular stream of regulars who come through for a takeaway coffee in the morning, and their interaction with the baristas is great for people-watching.

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