A shared love of coffee is a source of bonding among New Yorkers, regardless of age or background. This becomes all the more apparent on the city’s Upper East Side, where a mix of professionals, tourists, and locals pound the busy streets. Most coffee shops on the UES (and all of NYC for that matter) tend to be on the small side where it’s best to get your caffeine fix to-go. If you find yourself in need of a hot pick-me-up between museum visits or shopping in the designer boutiques – try NYC’s most-loved & best coffee shops in the upper east side:
1. Sant Ambroeus (One of the most gorgeous coffee shops in Upper East Side)
A hidden gem situated in the lobby of Sotheby’s on York Avenue. The scones are a hit and they have a nice lunch menu as well.
2. Ralph’s Coffee
Amongst our favorites to pop in on a weekend morning – Ralph’s Coffee lives right near Central Park and the decor is lovely, with all dark green banquets and gorgeous floral wallpaper. Our personal favorite here? The Chai latte.
3. Birch
Birch Coffee is a popular NYC coffee chain that roasts its beans in Long Island City.
There are two locations on the Upper East Side:
134 1/2 E 62nd St. – A tiny place to pop in for a to-go cup or a quick takeaway.
171 E 88th St. – A little larger than the above location with more standing room and a few seats.
Birch Coffee does a wonderful job at sourcing delicious treats from some of the best bakeries in NYC. You’ll find gluten free items, artisan donuts, and homemade pop tarts. Grab a bag of their coffee beans on your way out!
They do a great iced chai, and their cold brew is also especially good.
4. Ines
Feels like quite the little hidden gem as it’s on a random side street that doesn’t get a ton of foot traffic, but the coffee and food are solid. A must!
5. Flora Coffee Bar
Flora Coffee Bar is located on the lower floor of the Met Breuer, making it a good spot to grab a coffee if you’re museum hopping!
6. Bluestone Lane
Well located if you’re visiting the Cooper Hewitt, Guggenheim, or Met (or all three).
Bluestone Lane is also a popular brunch spot with a full menu of healthy options like avocado smash toast, gluten-free banana bread with whipped ricotta, and colorful salads.
7. Hutch and Waldo (One of the best coffee shops in Upper East Side with outdoor seating)
A petite Australian owned coffee shop with beautiful boho vibes. A major highlight of this Upper East Side coffee shop is their menu filled with healthy bowls and vegan smoothies. Try the blue smoothie bowl with blue algae, banana, coconut, kiwi, and granola.
This Upper East Side cafe brings a strong coffee game and offers all the classics with several options for alternative kinds of milk.
These small independent coffee shops go above and beyond to bring new flavors and techniques to their local communities. Whether you are craving healthy snacks or delicious baked goods, or just a space to work, these coffee shops deliver every time. Enjoy!
Related: Non-Alcoholic Beverages To Keep You Warm In Winter
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