Best Speciality Coffee in New York: There’s no denying it: New York’s coffee culture is on fire. With a growing number of speciality coffee shops popping up across the city, discerning coffee lovers have endless choices for high-quality brews. But with so many options, how do you know which places serve the best cups? This guide will take you on a tour of the city’s best speciality coffee shops, where every cup is crafted with passion and precision.
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1. Devoción
Source: Official Website
Devoción is a haven for coffee enthusiasts, located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with additional locations across NYC. This Colombian coffee roaster takes pride in its farm-to-cup approach, boasting some of the freshest coffee in the city. Their beans are sourced directly from Colombia and arrive in New York within 10 days of being harvested, ensuring unparalleled freshness and quality. The ambience is equally inviting, blending industrial chic with lush greenery, creating a tranquil oasis perfect for coffee aficionados and casual visitors alike.
Specialities at Devoción include their signature pour-over and cold brew, both crafted to highlight the nuanced flavours of their carefully curated beans. Must-try dishes include their fresh pastries and the arepas, which pair beautifully with their bold espresso shots. Whether you’re there to work, socialise, or simply savour a perfect cup of coffee, Devoción delivers an exceptional experience.
| Detail | Information |
| Specialities | Pour-over, Cold Brew, Arepas |
| Ambience | Industrial chic with greenery |
2. Sey Coffee
Source: Pexels
Nestled in Bushwick, Sey Coffee stands out with its commitment to sustainability and light-roasted flavours that emphasize the unique profiles of its beans. Housed in a bright, plant-filled space, Sey creates an inviting atmosphere that feels more West Coast than New York. The transparency in their sourcing process is remarkable, and their minimalist approach to coffee preparation ensures that the quality of their beans shines through.
Sey specializes in Nordic-style light roasts, which are clean, fruity, and vibrant. Their pour-over coffee is a must-try, crafted to perfection by skilled baristas. Pair your coffee with a pastry from their rotating selection, and you’ll have a morning to remember. The serene atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for coffee lovers looking to enjoy a focused, quality experience.
| Detail | Information |
| Specialities | Nordic-style Light Roast, Pour-over |
| Ambience | Bright, Plant-filled |
3. Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Source: Official Website
A beloved import from Portland, Stumptown Coffee Roasters has established itself as a staple in New York City’s coffee scene. Their spacious cafes, like the one in the Ace Hotel, offer a stylish and comfortable setting for enjoying some of the best direct-trade coffee around. With its robust sourcing practices and exceptional roasting techniques, Stumptown guarantees a top-notch coffee experience.
Specialities include their Draft Nitro Cold Brew and Matcha Latte, both of which are expertly crafted. Stumptown’s pastries, sourced from local bakeries, provide the perfect accompaniment to their drinks. The lively yet laid-back vibe makes it a great spot for everything from work meetings to leisurely coffee dates.
| Detail | Information |
| Specialities | Nitro Cold Brew, Matcha Latte |
| Ambience | Stylish and Spacious |
4. Abraço
Source: Official Website
Abraço, which means “hug” in Portuguese, lives up to its name by offering a cosy and welcoming experience in the East Village. This intimate cafe is known for its punchy espresso and warm, community-focused vibe. Vinyl tunes fill the air as baristas expertly prepare your drink, making every visit feel personal.
Their espresso and cortado are fan favourites, and their olive oil cake is a must-try. Abraço’s unique charm lies in its ability to blend high-quality coffee with a homey, unpretentious atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for a quick caffeine fix or a relaxed chat with friends. You can have some of the best cuisines in New York at this place.
| Detail | Information |
| Specialities | Esresso, Cortado, Olive Oil Cake |
| Ambience | Cosy and Community-focused |
5. Intelligentsia Coffee (High Line Hotel)
Source: Official Website
Housed in the historic High Line Hotel, Intelligentsia Coffee combines vintage charm with modern coffee craftsmanship. The cafe offers both indoor seating with elegant decor and an outdoor space perfect for people-watching. The baristas are highly skilled, ensuring that every cup meets the brand’s high standards.
Must-try items include the Iced Latte and Barista’s Choice, which changes daily to feature new and exciting flavour profiles. Intelligentsia’s commitment to quality and consistency makes it a standout in NYC’s crowded coffee landscape. The unique location adds to the overall allure, making it a must-visit for coffee lovers.
| Detail | Information |
| Specialities | Ice Latte, Barista’s Choice |
| Ambience | Historic and Elegant |
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6. Dayglow
Source: Pexels
Dayglow is a multi-roaster cafe in Brooklyn that offers an ever-changing selection of beans from around the world. The cafe’s bright and cheerful interior, complete with pops of neon and eclectic decor, creates a lively atmosphere that’s both fun and inviting.
Specialities include their vibrant pour-over and unique house blends, which often feature notes of milk chocolate, lychee, and butterscotch. Dayglow’s focus on variety and innovation makes it a great spot for adventurous coffee drinkers looking to expand their palate.
| Detail | Information |
| Specialities | Multi-roaster Pour-over, House Blends |
| Ambience | Bright and Eclectic |
7. Felix Roasting Co.
Source: Official Website
Felix Roasting Co. takes coffee artistry to a new level with its stunning interiors and innovative drink creations. With locations in Midtown and SoHo, Felix is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. The decor is opulent, featuring plush seating and intricate details that elevate the coffee-drinking experience.
Signature drinks include their Espresso Tonic and house-made non-dairy milk, which are crafted to complement their coffee. Felix is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life, offering a luxurious escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
| Detail | Information |
| Specialities | Espresso Tonic, Non-dairy Milk |
| Ambience | Opulent and Artistic |
8. Coffee Project NY
Source: Pexels
Coffee Project NY is more than just a cafe; it’s a hub for coffee education and innovation. With locations across the city, this speciality Coffee Association Premier Training Campus offers classes alongside its exceptional drinks. The atmosphere is modern and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for both casual visitors and coffee professionals.
Must-try items include their deconstructed latte and speciality pour-over, which highlight their dedication to the craft. Coffee Project NY’s emphasis on sustainability and community involvement sets it apart as a leader in the speciality coffee scene.
| Detail | Information |
| Specialities | Deconstructed Latte, Pour-over |
| Ambience | Modern and Educational |
9. Little Collins
Source: Official Website
Little Collins brings a taste of Melbourne to Midtown Manhattan with its sleek and friendly vibe. Named after a bustling street in Melbourne, the cafe is known for its strong flat whites and flavourful cortados. The minimalistic decor and communal seating create a relaxed environment perfect for quick bites or lingering chats.
The must-try items include “The Smash” avocado toast and their signature flat white, both of which showcase their Australian-inspired approach to food and drink. Little Collins is a delightful spot for anyone looking to enjoy high-quality coffee with a touch of Aussie hospitality.
| Detail | Information |
| Specialities | Flat White, The Smash |
| Ambience | Sleek and Friendly |
10. Everyman Espresso
Source: Official Website
Everyman Espresso lives up to its name by offering a laid-back, inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy great coffee. Located in Soho and the East Village, this cafe focuses on traditional espresso drinks and high-quality pour-overs. The atmosphere is unpretentious yet stylish, with a focus on creating a welcoming space for all.
Specialities include their expertly crafted espresso and seasonal drinks, which feature innovative flavour combinations. Everyman Espresso’s commitment to sustainability and local sourcing makes it a feel-good choice for conscientious coffee lovers.
| Detail | Information |
| Specialities | Espresso, Seasonal Drinks |
| Ambience | Laid-back and Inclusive |
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This was all about the best speciality coffee in New York. New York City’s speciality coffee scene is an ever-evolving landscape, offering a variety of unique experiences for coffee enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for bold espresso, silky lattes, or meticulously brewed pour-overs, the city’s top cafés are dedicated to delivering exceptional quality and flavour. So next time you’re in the Big Apple, make sure to stop by one of these incredible spots and savour a cup that’s a true work of art.
FAQs
Speciality coffee refers to high-quality beans that are sourced and roasted with great care, often with an emphasis on unique flavours, sustainability, and precision in brewing.
Some of the best speciality coffee shops in New York include Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Blue Bottle Coffee, and Devoción, all known for their exceptional brews and distinctive offerings.
Pour-over coffee is a method where hot water is poured over ground coffee, allowing it to drip through a filter into a carafe or mug. It results in a clean, flavorful cup with nuanced notes.
Single-origin coffee is made from beans grown in a specific region, which allows drinkers to taste the unique flavours of that particular area, offering a more distinct and refined coffee experience.
Speciality cafés often focus on precision, so feel free to ask about the brewing methods, bean origins, or drink recommendations. A barista can help guide you to the perfect cup based on your preferences.
Some common brewing methods include pour-over, siphon, Chemex, and espresso. Each method highlights different aspects of the coffee’s flavour profile.
Yes, many speciality coffee shops in New York offer freshly roasted beans for purchase, allowing you to recreate the café experience at home.
Most speciality coffee shops offer a range of plant-based milk options, including oat milk, almond milk, and soy milk, to cater to various dietary preferences.
You can explore popular food blogs, review sites like Yelp, or visit areas known for their coffee culture, such as Brooklyn or the East Village, to discover hidden gems.
Yes, speciality coffee is generally more expensive due to the high-quality beans, ethical sourcing, and artisanal brewing methods involved, but it offers a richer and more unique experience.
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