There are few things I love more than a cup of coffee in the morning. It’s not even so much for the caffeine buzz as it is for the comforting feeling that comes with it. Which is why it should come as no surprise that my guilty pleasure is most definitely overpriced lattes from NYC’s various coffee shops. My wallet might not like my newfound love for $8 specialty brews but it’s something that I really can’t see myself giving up anytime soon. And with SO many gorgeous, delicious, highly stylish coffee shops to choose from, can you really blame me? I mean, I can’t just ignore those matcha lattes and settle for Folgers (sorry, dad).
Judging from my Instagram Story poll a few weeks ago, it seems like the majority of you are also major coffee fans too (I knew I liked you guys 😉). And considering many of you are in the NYC area, I wanted to share my fav guilty pleasure hot spots that offer the BEST coffee and various types of lattes so you can also indulge your premium latte whims.
Keep in mind there are hundreds (maybe thousands?) of coffee shops in the city so the following is just a small sampling of places that I personally love and frequent often. I also asked my boyfriend, Bay, who is a genuine coffee aficionado to weigh in on a few of his favorites as well.
Blue Bottle Coffee
What To Order: New Orleans Cold Brew
Hands down the best cold brew I’ve tried thus far. Seriously. Go for the New Orleans — it has a super creamy, robust flavor with just the right amount of sweetness and hint of roasted chicory. It’s the only iced coffee I will drink at all times of the year… even if I have to wear gloves in order to hold the cup in the winter.
La Colombe
What To Order: Draft Latte
I can thank Bay’s sister-in-law, Jess, for introducing me to La Colombe during our latest road trip. We picked up a few of their draft lattes in Whole Foods (at least I think it was Whole Foods) and I’ve been hooked ever since. So naturally, I had to go check out one of their cafes here in NYC. The draft latte is a creamy, foamy cold-pressed espresso combo made with lactose-free milk that is pure deliciousness. Even if you aren’t in the New York City area, you can find their famous draft lattes in your local specialty grocery stores or online.
Cha Cha Matcha
What To Order: Coconut Matcha Latte
This super trendy, highly stylish cafe in NoLita is every bloggers dream come true. Everything from the Millennial pink walls and tables, to the greenery wall, the neon pink signs, the napkins that fondly say “I Love You So Matcha”, and the leaf print covered benches come together to make for one super cute Instagram photo. More importantly, they serve up some of the best matcha lattes, lemonades and soft-serve in the city. With multiple small bites like matcha “doissants” — a cross between a donut and croissant, and new seasonal options like Matcha Pumpkin Spice Lattes, there’s always something unique to try.
Happy Bones
What To Order: Latte
Every minimalist Instagrammers dream, this charming little coffee shop on Broome street offers up yummy lattes served up in glasses with leopard print spoons. I’ve admittedly only been here a handful of times as it gets very busy, but the coffee never disappoints! And with multiple white marble tables and tasty treats, it’s the perfect space to sit, snap a pic, and people watch.
Bluestone Lane
What To Order: Beet Latte
First of all, I’m obsessed with this place. A premium Australian-style coffee company and eatery, it’s the perfect place for brunch with the girls or for a quick latte to go. Try their famous “wellness sampler” for a taste of their matcha, tumeric and beet lattes, and order the rainbow bowl for a super healthy, vegetarian dish. With five locations in the city including the beautiful, instagrammable Dumbo and West Village locations, there’s no excuse to not stop in.
Little Collins
What To Order: Flat White
Another Australian owned coffee shop, what Little Collins lacks in size (the space is a tight squeeze and constantly has lines out the door) it makes up for with delicious “no-nonsense” food and fabulous coffee. I’m a huge fan of their flat white but I’ve heard their cold brew and cappuccinos are equally as tasty. If you’re looking for some brekkie with your coffee, I highly recommend the “Sweet Uncle Fred” — toasted banana bread topped with ricotta, strawberries, almond brittle and a drizzle of honey. Mmm mmm
And that concludes my favorite coffee shops in NYC roundup. I’ll probably do a second edition of this next year after I discover a few more places… after all, new trendy spots seem to open up everyday (I’m coming for you Chillhouse).
Until then, stay stylishly caffeinated my friends!
Photography featuring myself by: Stephanie Arvelo Photo // Coffee photography taken from Instagram
Kind of makes me want to move to NYC!!! Love your Blog, Honey.