Post Overview: Best coffee shops in the East Village
Since moving to New York City eight years ago, I quickly discovered not all coffee shops are created equally. I mistakenly assumed in NYC everything was top tier. The crème de la crème, but after (far) too many mediocre cups of (expensive) coffee, I realized I had to put my foot down and my standards for coffee, high.
As an avid member of the coffee community, I knew it wasn’t right to keep throwing money away hoping to find a place that not only serves great coffee but has an atmosphere equal in quality, in tow.
So I graciously volunteered myself to drink an inhumane amount of caffeine to create a list of the best coffee shops in the East Village, so you didn’t have to.
After trying what feels like hundreds of cafes (and all the caffeine jitters that followed) I can confidently say I’ve found the best of the best. I’d hate my ungodly consumption of coffee go to waste, so here is my list of the best coffee shops in the East Village that are worth checking out!
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Coffee Shops in the East Village
#15. Librae Bakery
Librae is one of the best coffee shops in the East Village for anyone obsessed with pastries and baked goods. Although technically a bakery, Librae serves a mean cup of coffee and is a charming spot in the neighborhood to sit and sip on some delicious coffee at.
Upon entry you’re greeted with the heavenly scent of baked goods and your mouth instantly starts watering just eyeballing the selection of treats. Trying the pistachio rose croissant is non-negotiable!
Fair warning, this East Village coffee shop is very popular and long lines tend to form. I suggest coming early or on a weekday since things sell out quickly, you want to have a fair chance at a good selection.
Address: 35 Cooper Sq, New York, NY 10003
#14. All the Kings Horses
If you’re someone who works from home and is looking for one of the best coffee shops in the East Village to work from, I suggest checking out All The Kings Horses (ATKH).
It’s an Australian-based coffee shop that opened in 2020 serving Partners Coffee in a chill, laid-back atmosphere. There is plenty of seating both inside and outside with a few outlets scattered throughout the shop.
Offering plenty of organic, gluten-free and vegan options, not only is ATKH one of the best coffee shops in the East Village but it’s also one of the few cafes in NYC that serves delicious options to those with dietary restrictions.
Pro Tip: There is a cute Vintage store next door worth checking out called SLCT Stock NYC!
Location: 521 E 12th St, New York, NY 10009
#13. The Bean
The Bean opened their doors in 2003 and have since made a name for themselves as one of the best coffee shops in the East Village.
Over the years, what started as a single shop has expanded into three beautiful cafes located in Manhattan (and now Williamsburg too!). All locations are spacious and casual with plenty of seating and the ideal work-from-home spot.
The Bean believes not everything in life needs to be taken so seriously, and the coffee here speaks to that. To keep things light-hearted The Bean came up with fun names for their coffee such as a Nutella Fitzgerald (made up of espresso, Nutella and milk) and the Mona Lisa (Espresso, ice and milk).
This East Village coffee shop also serves an impressive amount of food and quick bites for a cafe. The Bean has your typical savory and sweet pastries, along with Acai bowls and smoothies.
Address: 31 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003 & 771 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
#12. Kona Coffee Roasters
The first time I tried Kona Coffee Roasters was on complete accident. I was headed to a near by spot in the neighborhood and the signage outside this East Village coffee shop caught my eye and I was intrigued.
They were advertising a Waikiki Matcha drink and I just knew I had to try it. Served with pineapple puree, milk, coconut cream and matcha, the drink was unexpectedly refreshing and one of the best matcha drinks I’ve had in NYC. The subtleness from the coconut was a game changer and the tartness from the pineapple was divine.
After asking the barista some questions, I discovered Kona Coffee Roasters sources all of their coffee beans straight from Hawaii and that they are one of the best coffee shops in the East Village.
The interior is clean, peaceful and quiet and you’ll find the tables full of students and folks hard at work since the cafe offers free Wi-Fi.
Truthfully, the prices are a bit on the steep side (which is typical for NYC). With a latte potentially costing you anywhere between $5-$8 . But if you’re in the area and need a mid-day boost, the matcha really is worth it! Just treat it as a reward and not an everyday necessity.
Address: 57 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
#11. Elsewhere Espresso
This next spot on our list of coffee shops in the East Village is a cozy, postage-stamp sized cafe that feels like a hidden gem.
Serving a delicious americano and a few treats (you must try the Tahini chocolate chip cookies!) this is a great spot to grab a quick cup of caffeine and be on your way. While the shop does offer free wifi, seating is limited and the small space doesn’t feel as inviting.
This quiet coffee shop in the East Village often gets overlooked and in my opinion, not enough hype. The espresso is strong and smooth and the service here is quick and efficient.
Address: 335 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003
#10. 787 Coffee
Now this next East Village coffee shop isn’t special to the neighborhood, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve a shoutout. 787 Coffee is some of the best coffee in New York City, period.
The coffee is consistently great and the baristas are always top-notch. I especially love the purpose-driven mission of this charming 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 East Village! Swing by and see why locals love this spot so much.
Address: 101 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
#9. Saltwater Coffee
Saltwater Coffee is a small neighborhood cafe that really pays attention to quality making this one of the best coffee shops in the East Village.
Sourcing all their coffee beans from Sydney and roasting them in NYC, this Australian coffee shop serves a mean cup of Joe. Since Saltwater Coffee is on the smaller size, this is a great spot for a grab-and-go when you’re in need of some caffeine but don’t have much time.
The service is always pleasant and the staff works quickly to get folks in and out and on their way. I highly recommend trying the maple latte or the flat white — both were suggested to me by a barista and changed my life.
Luckily, this is one of those coffee shops in the East Village that also sells canned cold-brew products, so if you like the coffee, make sure to take some home with you!
Address: 345 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003
#8. B Cup Cafe
One of the most vibrant coffee shops in the East Village is B Cup Cafe. The exterior and interior both ample with color along with the lively atmosphere and friendly staff make for a great experience.
B Cup Cafe is a neighborhood staple and if you frequent enough, they start to remember your name and order, making you feel like a local celebrity.
One of the reasons I consider B Cup one of the best coffee shops in the East Village is for the fantastic food options. Using fresh and seasonal ingredients B Cup Cafe is able to serve well-crafted wraps, sandwiches, salads and more.
Address: 212 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009
#7. The Lazy Llama Coffee Bar
The Lazy Llama Coffee Bar is a a llama themed cafe and one of the best coffee shops in the East Village. Offering coffee, tea and pastries, the pocket-sized cafe is the perfect spot to re-fuel before going on with your day.
Just as the name suggests, the coffee shop sticks to the llama theme and even sells merchandise with llamas plastered everywhere. That’s reason alone to visit this East Village coffee shop, right?
Each cup is adorned with the cutest little llama logo, making it hard tossing it in the trash once you’re done because of how adorable it is!
While there isn’t much seating available at this East Village coffee shop, you can head across the street to the small shack in the nearby park called Llama At The Park (an extension of the cafe).
This is one of my favorite East Village coffee shops when the weather is warm and I’m in the area.
Bonus: While you’re in the area, make sure to check out Russ & Daughters and Katz Deli about three blocks away.
Address: 72 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003
#6. Ninth Street Espresso
Ninth Street Espresso is one of the first coffee shops in the neighborhood to prioritized customer interactions and quality coffee. Opening their first location in 2001, the cafe has since opened two more spots with one mission in mind, good coffee can be simple.
Today, you can expect your typical hipster coffee shop that serves great coffee and a relaxed atmosphere. Be warned though, this is not an ideal spot to work-from-home since there is no wi-fi or charging outlets.
This East Village coffee shop is always consistent and forces folks to strike up conversations or be present to enjoy a cup of coffee instead of clicking away on laptops. I tend to come here when meeting with friends or when I have a good book I want to read.
Address: 700 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009 & 341 E 10th St, New York, NY 10009
5. Coffee Project NY
One of the most unique coffee shops in the East Village is Coffee Project because you can get a deconstructed latte here.
Severed as a tasting flight, the deconstructed latte comes out on a tray with a small glass of espresso, milk, and a complete latte. The latte is one of the best I’ve had in the city and the whole expierence is innovative and nothing like I’ve ever seen before.
Coffee Project is a quaint, little spot with limited seating indoors. The coffee really is worth writing home about and the laid-back vibes make for a memorable time.
The second you step foot into this East Village cafe, you’re instantly greeted with the aroma of coffee and any caffeine feen feels right at home. What some consider an addiction, I consider a lifeline — so if loving coffee is wrong, I don’t want to be right.
Address: 239 E 5th St New York, NY 10003
#4. Abraço
One of my personal favorite coffee shops in the East Village is s Abraço, which just so happens to serve wine and cocktails as well. Coincidence? Maybe… but the tasty coffee is what gets me through the door (the wine may just be the reason I stay — verdicts still out).
The cafe has been a neighborhood staple since 2007 and has a European espresso bar feel to it. But what really makes them stand out is that they haven’t changed their menu in over 15 years! Talk about commitment.
You can expect strong coffee and innovative drinks, as well as one of the best treats NYC has to offer, the olive oil cake. Just trust me on this one and add it to your order, SO good.
I’ve never been disappointed ordering anything off the menu, but I will admit I’m partial to the sparkling espresso cream, it feels like an adult version of a milkshake, but with coffee.
Since this is one of the most popular coffee shops in the East Village it’s not uncommon to find a line here, so come early. Abraço is constantly bustling with folks but once you try this East Village cafe, you’ll soon understand why.
Address: 81 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003
#3. MUD AKA MUD SPOT
Built off of strong relationships, good coffee and a relaxed atmosphere, MUD is one of the best coffee shops in the East Village for those looking to hangout for a few hours.
This is the type of spot you go to when you want to linger or escape life for a bit because you know you won’t be rushed and the service is great.
There is a large heated outdoor garden area in the back of the cafe perfect for catching up with friends. MUD is also one of the few spots in the East Village that serves an extensive menu for a cafe, including an all day brunch.
Fun Fact: In an interview with Fashion Magazine, icon Timothée Chalamet claimed that MUD was one of his favorite coffee shops in NYC. I don’t know about you, but that feels like a bold claim to make and sets the bar for expectations high.
Luckily, MUD is able to live up to the hype and proves daily that it is one of the best coffee shops in the East Village.
Address: 307 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003
#2. Everyman Espresso
Everyman Espresso had one mission in mind when opening their East Village doors over ten years ago, to make damn fine coffee.
And if you’ve ever walked by this place, seems like they did just that. How do I know? Because there is always a long line of eager New Yorkers waiting for their caffeine fix. In a city that has a coffee shop on every block, you don’t have to wait in a line, but when you know quality, exceptions are made.
Luckily, the line moves quickly at this East Village coffee shop and the folks are catered to efficiently while still maintaining the quality.
Truthfully, I’ve heard mixed reviews about the staff and peoples experiences here. Personally, I’ve never had any issues, my visits have always been pleasant however, I did want to mention this to be transparent with you.
At the end of the day, if you’re searching for a killer cup of espresso this is one of the best coffee shops in the East Village and I recommend swinging by and trying it out. An added bonus to those choosing to linger, the coffee is served in an actual mug when you grab a table!
Address: 136 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003
#1. La Cabra
La Cabra’s name translates to “the goat” in Spanish, and after discovering La Cabra has been sourcing and roasting their own coffee since 2013, it’s safe to say they’re well on their way achieving GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) status.
As a wholesaler their coffee is sold and enjoyed the world over, and they have one of the best coffee shops in the East Village.
Based out of Denmark, they also boast locations in Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. By putting an emphasis on simple, ethically sourced ingredients they’ve managed to grow quickly and I don’t anticipate that’ll change anytime soon.
Their East Village coffee shop is the first in the U.S. It has a clean and airy design and is usually sprinkled with locals clicking away on laptops. Thanks to them serving some of the best coffee in New York City, their popularity isn’t going anywhere but up.
Address: 152 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
East Village Coffee Shops (Post Summary)
In sum, here’s a roundup of the best coffee in the East Village. This is the same list I share with to dear friends who are visiting, whether for the first time or the tenth.
- La Cabra
- Everyman Espresso
- MUD Spot
- Abraço
- Coffee Project New York
- Ninth Street Espresso
- The Lazy Llama Coffee Bar
- B Cup Cafe
- Saltwater Coffee
- 787 Coffee
- Elsewhere Espresso
- Kona Coffee Roasters
- The Bean
- All the Kings Horses
- Librae Bakery
Map of the best coffee in the East Village
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- 21 Irresistible Coffee Spots in New York City
- 20 Cozy Cups of Cocoa | The Best Hot Chocolate in NYC
There you have it, that is our round up of the best coffee shops in the East Village! We hope you enjoyed our list and let us know if you think we missed a spot.
Cheers!
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