Favorite NYC coffee shops: Part 2
This fall I shared a list of some of my favorite coffee houses in the Big Apple. That was just a small sampling. There are so many more coffee shops I love. This will be an ongoing series. Here’s another list of places to pick up a great cup of Joe this winter.
Birch Coffee (UWS): I miss being able to sit inside this coffee shop that was really designed with the community in mind. Each location had conversation starter signs with questions you could pose to strangers. You could place them on the tables to let strangers know you were open to striking up a conversation. You can still visit and get coffee to-go from their locations on the Upper West Side, Murray Hill, Upper East Side, Hell’s Kitchen, Financial District, and West Village. They have other locations in Manhattan and Queens that have been temporarily closed due to COVID. Hopefully, they’ll be able to reopen soon. What to order: Cold Brew and a Pain au Chocolate.
Cafe Grumpy (Greenpoint): If you like strong coffee, you will love Cafe Grumpy. The original location in Greenpoint opened a couple of years before I moved to NYC. Early on it was one of my favorite coffee houses. Years later it was made famous by its appearance in the HBO series, Girls. They also have additional locations in Park Slope, the Lower East Side, Chelsea, Fashion District, Midtown, and Financial District. Outside of NYC they also have outposts in Weehawken, NJ, and Miami, FL. What to order: Slow Drip Coffee and a Cheese Scone.
Connecticut Muffin (Ditmas Park): This chain has a few locations throughout Brooklyn including Ditmas Park, Fort Greene, and Park Slope. As their name suggests they make amazing muffins and baked goods. What to order: Cappuccino and a Very Cherry Muffin.
Hungry Ghost (Park Slope): This coffee chain has exploded in recent years and now has locations in Park Slope, Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, Caroll Gardens, Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, and Tribeca. You can pre-order for pickup so your coffee and food will be waiting for you when you arrive. What to order: Americano and a Bagel with Cream Cheese.
Hunky Dory (Crown Heights): Hunky Dory is currently hibernating for winter, but you’ll want to be there when they re-open in the spring. This coffee shop is also a restaurant with a full menu and they have a great outdoor seating area. What to order: Coffee and Carrot Oatmeal.
Mudspot (East Village): MUD was first a coffee truck. Their drip coffee is amazing. You can buy it by the pound online or at grocery stores. What to order: Drip Coffee and a Mojo Affogato.
Ninth Street Espresso (Chelsea): Currently their main location in Chelsea as well as their outposts in Alphabet City and Gowanus are closed, but you can enjoy their coffee at their East Village location and order their coffee by the pound online. What to order: Double Espresso.
Sugar Bun Bakery (Howard Beach): I love this bakery in Queens. They also have coffee to go and some tables set up outside to enjoy your drink and pastry. You can also grab breakfast, lunch, or order a birthday cake here. What to order: Iced Coffee and a Chocolate Chip Cookie.
Swallow Cafe (Bushwick): This coffee chain deliverers on hipster vibes and showcasing other local businesses. They have locations in Bushwick, Williamsburg, and Cobble Hill. What to order: Latte and a Mini Fine and Raw Chocolate Bar.
Woops! (Williamsburg): This Macaroon Parlour has locations across the country. Currently in NYC only the Greenpoint location is open, but they have additional locations in Williamsburg, Midtown, Downtown Manhattan, and Columbus Circle which will hopefully reopen soon. What to order: Cafe au Lait and Assorted Macaroons.
Pounds of coffee at Birch on the Upper West Side
