Are you looking for the best cafes in the Upper West Side? Then I have you covered. I currently live in the UWS and start most morning with a cafe visit.

Over the course of the past three years, I’ve definitely honed in a list of the 10 best coffee shops in the UWS for anyone in search of a caffeine pick me up.

Without further ado, allow me to share my personal list of great cafes in the Upper West Side.

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Best Coffee Upper West Side

Black Press Coffee

Black Press Coffee is one of the most recent Upper West Side cafes I discovered and I wish I would have known about it sooner. Boasting long lines of happy locals, this is clearly a beloved neighborhood spot.

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 popular UWS cafe is derived from the Black Press — a group of publications that disseminated accomplishments and ideas within underrepresented communities. Effectively sharing valuable information with communities barred from mainstream media.

Per the website: Like the Black Press, we aim to provide a safe, inclusive and affirming environment with great coffee and amazing service.

The long lines speak to the quality of this charming Upper West Side cafe and the warm atmosphere it adds to the neighborhood. The beans come from Parlor, and exceptional Brooklyn roaster in Brooklyn.

Address: 274 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023

Maman

Ask any local about their favorite cafe in the UWS and the honest ones will mention Maman. Offering a whimsical and charming vibe, this is one of the best bakeries and cafes in the Upper West Side 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. Plus, the coffee is always great!

Address: 29 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024

Best Coffee UWS — Maman in the Upper West Side

Birch Coffee

Birch Coffee is a staple in New York City and you can find these coffee shops peppered throughout the city. The reason is simple: New Yorker don’t settle for mediocre and the high quality coffee from Birch always seems to hit the spot.

Their cafe in the Upper West Side is no exception. Serving some of the best coffee in the UWS, Birch is my go-to spot when I’m on the go in the northern end of the neighborhood.

Swing by for delicious coffee or to grab a bag of locally sourced beans (roasted onsite, to boot). Also, I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention the delicious toasted almond tea.

Address: 750 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10025

Plowshares Coffee Bloomingdale

I originally stumbled upon Plowshares while in search of a quick lunch bite. Intrigued by the small storefront, I was completely impressed by my Americano and soon realized they serve some of the best coffee in the Upper West Side cafe.

Roasting their own coffee beans and offering a well curated menu of expertly crafted drinks, this quaint UWS is worth a trek. They serve Bien Cuit baked goods as well, which are some of the best 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.

Address: 2730 Broadway, New York, NY 10025

Joe Coffee

Joe Coffee Company offers some of the best coffee on the Upper West Side. The cafes have a few tables but feel better suited for a take away coffee because of its small size. However, I’d be dammed if I didn’t mention the phenomenal coffee. It’s consistently smooth so it always hits the spot and I’m not the only one that thinks so.

On the contrary, Joe’s spread like wildfire and has a ton of locations 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 UWS.

Location (two cafes in the Upper West Side): 187 Columbus Ave. & 514 Columbus Ave.

Patis Bakery at the Arthouse Hotel

A true hidden gem in the neighborhood, the Patis Bakery is one of the best cafes in the Upper West Side. Found inside the lobby of the Arthouse Hotel, it’s open to the public in the morning and serves coffee and fresh pastries.

The decor makes it feel like you’re house sitting for a rich, fashionable aunt, and it’s easy to get comfortable in one of the plush leather chairs. There are plenty of spots to crank out your laptop and get some work done.

The bakery is certified kosher by the Orthodox Union and the pastries are tasty, perfect for a mid-morning boost. As one of the best cafes in the Upper West Side you’ll find all the traditional coffees you’ve come to know and love.

Address: 2178 Broadway, New York, NY 10024

Daily Provisions

Daily Provisions was opened by Danny Meyer, the mastermind behind Shake Shack, and now proudly boasts two locations (Union Square & Upper West Side, West Village coming soon). Most folks come to this cute Upper West Side bakery for the crullers and find themselves returning to try everything else on the menu.

But the tasty bites is not where the magic stops, they use Joe’s Coffee beans and make some of the best coffee in the Upper West Side.

Address: 375 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024

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About Coffee

Boasting several locations throughout the city, About Coffee roasts their own beans and offers an impressive food menu alongside great coffee drinks. Located right next to the American Natural History Museum, swing by for some of the best coffee on the UWS while exploring the neighborhood.

Address: 445 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024

Irving Farm

Serving New Yorkers for more than 20 years, Irving Farm was established in 1996 on Irving Place. The founders of the cafe, Steve and David decided to master coffee roasting an 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 which New Yorkers can’t seem to get enough of. New York Magazine awarded Irving Farm the title of best coffee in New York City in 2002 and the UWS cafe is a perfect place to see what all the fuss is about.

Serving some of the best coffee in the Upper West Side in one of the cutest cafes in the UWS, what’s not to like? Irving Farm is my go-to spot whenever I’m in the mood for a good iced coffee, they have the best.

Address: 224 W 79th St, New York, NY 10024

Blue Bottle Coffee

Blue Bottle Coffee hails from San Francisco, a city well respected for its mastery of coffee. But let’s address the elephant in the room — this cafe is not unique to the neighborhood, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the best cafes in the Upper West Side.

You’ll find Blue Bottle all over the city because New Yorkers can’t get enough of their coffee. The cafe in the UWS is located within a charming century-old building that oozes an irresistible charm.

Specializing in pour-overs, Blue Bottle Coffee has mastered every drink you can conceive 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 in the UWS.

The atmosphere is airy, minimalist and clean. You’ll notice patrons lingering at the few outside tables as folks queue up inside. While this isn’t a great spot for studying, it is a great UWS cafe to catch up with a friend.

Address: 279 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023

Bluestone Lane

Bluestone Lane is best known for colorful and healthy brunch, but their coffee is worth a trip alone. 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 West Side.

Address: 417 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024