The Upper East Side is one of the best neighborhoods to explore in New York City, if not for the opulence alone. Home to a high concentration of millionaires (and billionaires), there’s no shortage of inspiration to be gleaned here. You’re going to need some energy to explore this inspiring zip code, so allow me to share my personal list of the best coffee in the Upper East Side.

Best Coffee Upper East Side

787 Coffee

Not only does 787 Coffee serve some of the best coffee in the Upper East Side, it’s also one of the most charming cafes in New York City. This is my go-to spot whenever I’m in need of a pick-me-up or simply a cute cafe to spend a few hours in.

The coffee is consistently great and the baristas are always top-notch. I especially love the purpose-driven mission of this charming Upper East Side cafe, which is to provide a farm to cup coffee experience while supporting the local community.

The coffee is grown and processed on a farm in Puerto Rico by the owners of the cafe. The goal is to grow coffee in a sustainable manner and offer livable wages to the locals they hire. It’s a beautiful thing and the end result is exceptional – some of the best coffee in the Upper East Side! Swing by and see why locals love this spot so much.

Address: 228 E 80th St, New York, NY 10075

Ralph’s Coffee

Ralph’s Coffee in the Upper East Side is clad with opulence and gives off a very charming retro vibe. This is one of the most popular cafes in the Upper East Side, as evidenced by the long lines.

But it’s not hard to see why both locals and visitors enjoy this cafe so much. Between the elegant decor and knock-out coffee (suing La Colombe beans), you’ll feel like a million bucks. There’s a handful of outdoor tables to lounge at, but don’t expect to find any open seats easily because they fill up.

Feel free to order a delicious baked good to accompany your coffee and spend a few slow moments watching the world go by. This is one of the best places to get coffee in the UES, especially during a warm summer day.

Address: 888 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021

Oslo Coffee Roasters

Oslo Coffee Roasters has been serving some of the best coffee in the UES since 2011. The coffee roasters originally hail from Brooklyn, where they amassed an enthusiastic following thanks to their premium beans and velvety smooth roasts.

Tucked snugly into a small shop on a lively tree-lined street, this pretty Upper East Side cafe is as quaint as can be, but that’s not even the best part. It’s the cafe’s commitment to doing good for the community that makes it so beloved.

They only source ingredients from local vendors and strive to minimize their impact on the environment. Everything can be traced back to a local business and it’s hard not to love that.

Address: 422 E 75th St, New York, NY 10021

Maman

Ask any local about their favorite cafes in Upper East Side and the honest ones will mention Maman. Offering a whimsical and charming vibe, this is one of the cutest bakeries and cafes in the UES if you’re looking to catch up with an old friend.

Originally started as a French bakery and cafe in SoHo, Maman quickly became renown for perfectly executed baked goods. But what really put them on the map was Oprah listing their nutty chocolate chip cookie as one of her favorite things.

I never miss an opportunity to order the quiche, chocolate croissant and their famous macadamia nut cookie. And, as you can imagine, the coffee is always great.

Address: 1424 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028

Joe Coffee Company

Joe Coffee Company might just be the best coffee on the Upper East Side. The shop is more grab-and-go rather than sit down cafe, but I’d be dammed if I didn’t mention the phenomenal coffee. It’s consistently smooth so it never fails to hit the spot and I’m not the only one that thinks this.

On the contrary, Joe’s spread like wildfire and has a ton of locations peppered throughout the city. But it’s not hard to see why — the atmosphere is inviting, the vibe relaxed and the coffee exceptional. Heck, I’d catch the subway for this gem but thankfully I don’t have to because they have a great cafe in the UES.

Address: 1045 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021

Hutch + Waldo

When it comes to instagrammable cafes in the Upper East Side, Hutch + Waldo might just take the cake. Founded in 2016, this cafe strives to recreate the easy-going coastal vibes of Australia, where the owners are from.

Serving great coffee in the UES in a relaxed setting, this place fills up with locals during the busy brunch hour. They have an impressive food menu full of delicious breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs, burritos, avocado toast and smoothies.

Everything is sourced locally and only seasonal produce is used at this popular Upper East Side coffee shop.

Address: 247 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028

Cafe Bleriot XI

Offering great coffee in the Upper East Side, Cafe Bleriot XI is a cozy old-fashioned cafe full of elegance. It opened in 2018 and was named after French aviator Louis Blériot’s plane the Bleriot XI. He was the first person to fly an airplane across the English Channel and (according to legend) credited his success to eating a good breakfast.

The cafe is run by a talented painter named Georgi Dimov and his watercolors of NYC are striking. The staff are some of the kindest you’ll come across and the coffee + baked goods always hit the spot.

Address: 226 E 83rd St, New York, NY 10028

Birch Coffee

Birch Coffee is a staple in NYC. You can find these coffee shops all over the city because folks have come to expect high quality coffee every hour of the day and their Upper East Side cafe is no exception.

Swing by for locally sourced beans (roasted onsite, to boot) and exceptional toasted almond tea. As for the atmosphere, it’s just what you’d want from a great Upper East Side cafe — rustic and cozy.

Address: 134 1/2 E 62nd St, New York, NY 10065

Bluestone Lane

Bluestone Lane is always full of people and the lively chatter that accompanies large groups. Having to wait in line is practically guaranteed during the weekends, but the colorful Aussie brunch menu is worth the wait. Their coffee is half the draw, which is why I consider this one of the best cafes in the Upper East Side.

I typically come here once a week after I wrap up at The Met (here’s 20 epic art pieces you can’t afford to miss). My husband and I have made a museum visit our Sunday tradition and never pass up the opportunity to brunch at Bluestone Lane.

Address: 1085 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128