Looking for a great cup of coffee on New York’s Upper West Side? As a local and self-proclaimed coffee aficionado, I’ve braved the wilds of caffeine in this neighborhood so you don’t have to. You’re in for a treat, whether you’re a fellow Upper West Sider or just passing through.
In this quick guide, I’m dishing out the lowdown on where to find the cream of the crop in the coffee scene. From cozy hideaways where the baristas might just remember your name (and your complicated order), to bustling spots where the buzz isn’t just from the espresso. This is for locals seeking a new haunt or visitors who wonder, “Where do the real New Yorkers go for coffee?”
So, if you’re on a quest to find the holy grail of coffee on the Upper West Side, or just looking to avoid the tourist traps with overpriced lattes, follow me. Let’s take a caffeine-fueled stroll through the best, and most entertaining, coffee spots this side of Manhattan.
You might enjoy reading: 20 Fun Things to Do on the Upper West Side
Best Coffee on the Upper West Side
Table of Contents: Best Coffee on the Upper West Side
Irving Farm
Serving New Yorkers for more than 20 years, Irving Farm was established in 1996 at Irving Place. The founders of the cafe, Steve and David, purchased a small house-turned-roastary in upstate New York because roasting wasn’t permitted in NYC at that time.
They honed their skills and started producing exceptionally roasted blends that they finally brought over to the city. New York Magazine awarded Irving Farm the title of best coffee in New York City in 2002 and the Upper West Side cafe is a perfect place to see what all the fuss is about.
Serving some of the best coffee on the Upper West Side, Irving Farm is my go-to spot whenever I’m in the mood for a good iced coffee, they have the best.
Website: Irving Farm New York
Address: 224 W 79th St, New York, NY
Black Press Coffee
Black Press Coffee is one of the most recent Upper West Side cafes I discovered, and I wish knew about it sooner (so good!). The line of happy locals makes it clear that this beloved gem is a neighborhood staple.
Black Press Coffee bills itself as a specialty coffee shop on a mission to deliver exceptional coffee with a side of great customer service. The name of this cafe is derived from the Black Press, a group of publications that shared valuable information with underrepresented communities who were kept out of the loop.
Website: Black Press Coffee
Address: 274 Columbus Ave, New York, NY
Birch Coffee
Birch Coffee is a staple in New York City and the reason is simple: New Yorkers don’t settle for mediocre coffee and Birch always hits the spot. The Upper West Side cafe is no exception. Swing by for delicious coffee or grab a bag of freshly roasted beans to go. Also, I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention the delicious toasted almond tea.
Website: Birch Coffee
Address: 750 Columbus Ave, New York, NY
Plowshares Coffee Bloomingdale
I originally stumbled upon Plowshares while searching for a quick bite. Intrigued by the small storefront, I was completely impressed by my Americano and soon realized they serve some of the best coffee on the Upper West Side.
Roasting the bean onsite, this cute cafe has a well-curated menu of expertly crafted drinks. Better still, they serve baked goods from Bien Cuit, one of my favorite bakeries in NYC. Make sure to swing by the Cathedral of St. John the Divine while you’re in the area, it’s the fifth largest church in the world and the architecture is breathtaking.
Website: Plowshares Coffee Bloomingdale
Address: 2730 Broadway, New York, NY
Joe Coffee
Established in 2003 in Greenwich Village, Joe’s quickly became a hot spot for locals that loved the rich, expertly crafted coffee and warm, inviting atmosphere. The café exudes a classic New York vibe, with a bustling yet intimate setting that’s perfect for both quick espresso shots and leisurely morning sipping.
Joe’s has a strong commitment to quality, sourcing the finest beans and focusing on precise brewing methods. The staff’s passion for coffee is evident in every cup, making Joe’s a local favorite cafe in the Upper West Side.
Website: Joe Coffee
Locations: There’s 3 cafes on the Upper West Side
About Coffee
About Coffee is a quaint Upper West Side coffee shop that’s located right next to the American Museum of Natural History. Cozy and relaxed, the cafe serves up a variety of expertly brewed coffees that cater to every palate, from classic espresso drinks to more adventurous blends. About Coffee stands out for its commitment to sourcing high-quality beans and roasting them in-house. This is also one of the best working cafes on the Upper West Side (there’s a ton of desks and outlets!).
Website: About Coffee
Address: 445 Columbus Ave, New York, NY
Daily Provisions
Daily Provisions was opened by Danny Meyer (the mastermind behind Shake Shack & Gramercy Tavern), and now proudly boasts multiple locations in NYC. Most folks come to this cute Upper West Side bakery for the crullers and find themselves returning for everything else on the menu. But the tasty food menu is not where the magic stops! Daily Provisions uses coffee beans from Joe’s, effectively serving some of the best coffee on the Upper West Side (alongside delicious treats!)
Website: Daily Provisions
Address: 375 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
Daily Provisions appears on our list of: 12 Delicious Upper West Side Bakeries
Maman
Ask any local about the cutest cafes on the Upper West Side and the honest ones will mention Maman. Offering a whimsical vibe, this is one of the best places to go if you’re catching up with a friend. Originally started as a French bakery in SoHo, Maman quickly became renown for perfectly 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. Plus, the coffee is always great!
Website: Maman
Locations: 2 Cafes on the Upper West Side
Blue Bottle Coffee
Blue Bottle Coffee hails from San Francisco, a city respected for its mastery of coffee. You’ll find Blue Bottle all over the city because New Yorkers can’t get enough of the smooth blends. Specializing in pour-overs, Blue Bottle Coffee has mastered every caffeinated drink you can think of.
From foamy lattes, airy cappuccinos to vibrant iced Americanos, everything is exceptional. If you find yourself in need of a strong cup, make a beeline towards Blue Bottle Coffee for the best coffee on the Upper West Side.
Website: Blue Bottle Coffee
Address: 279 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
Bluestone Lane
Bluestone Lane is best known for colorful and healthy brunch, but their coffee is worth a trip alone. 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 West Side.
Website: Bluestone Lane
Address: 417 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
FAQ – Best Coffee on the Upper West Side
The best coffee shops on the Upper West Side are: Bluestone Lane
Blue Bottle Coffee
Irving Farm
Black Press Coffee
About Coffee
Patis Bakery at the Arthouse Hotel
Daily Provisions
There are a few great coffee shops to work from on your laptop in the Upper West Side. They are: Irving Street, Joe Coffee, Birch Coffee, Blue Bottle, and Black Press (if you can get a table outside).
The best coffee near Lincoln Center is Joe Coffee on 68th & Columbus.
The best coffee near Columbus Circle is Birch Coffee on 58th & 9th.
List of the Best Upper West Side Coffee Shops
In sum, here’s a quick round up of the best cafes in the Upper West Side:
- Bluestone Lane
- Blue Bottle Coffee
- Irving Farm
- Black Press Coffee
- About Coffee
- Patis Bakery at the Arthouse Hotel
- Daily Provisions
- Joe Coffee Company
- Maman
- Birch Coffee
- Plowshares Coffee Bloomingdale
Related Articles
20 Fun Things to Do in the Upper West Side (Local’s Guide)
10+ Satisfying Happy Hours in the Upper West Side
12 Tasty Restaurants on the Upper West Side (Worth the Trek)
15+ Great Pizza Spots On The Upper West Side (Worth Seeking Out)
Map of Cute Upper West Side Cafes
And there it is folks! The best cafe’s in the Upper West Side!
Cheers!
Leave a Reply