Best Coffee Shops on the Upper East Side | NYC
Whether you’re in dire need of caffeine, looking for a healthy snack, craving some seriously delicious baked goods, searching for a space to work or hoping to snag a table on a nice sidewalk patio, these coffee shops on the Upper East Side deliver!
The UES (Upper East Side) is home to designer boutiques, upscale real estate, and leafy streets. You'll also find the top museums here including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Frick Collection.
Known as the most affluent neighborhood in NYC, it has a very different feel from the rest of Manhattan. Quiet and calm (for New York City standards).
The Upper East Side borders Central Park and makes for a convenient area to wander or shop after you've had your fill of the park.
If you find yourself in need of a caffeine fix between museum visits or shopping, look no further than my guide listing the best coffee shops on the Upper East Side!
I've made sure to include spots scattered throughout the Upper East Side, so whether you're on the north end, south end, or somewhere in between, you'll never be far from an excellent coffee shop.
This map shows each place listed in my Upper East Side coffee shop guide. Click the icon in the top-left corner to view a list of each pinned location. Select the top-right button to enlarge the map (it will automatically save it to YOUR Google Maps). To access this map once saved, open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), tap the "You" icon at the bottom, scroll to the bottom, and select "Maps". Your newly saved map should be listed at the top.
- Red - TOP 6 Upper East Side coffee shops
- Black - honorable mentions
1. Bluestone Lane
One of the BEST coffee shops on the Upper East Side for a solid brunch menu
Bluestone Lane is an Australian-based coffee chain influenced by Melbourne's cafe culture.
There are several locations in Manhattan and this is by far the most unique as it's nestled next to a beautiful church and features sandstone arches.
Bluestone Lane is 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.
There are plenty of tables and chairs outside, but very limited seating inside.
If you're coming on the weekend, prepare for a long line if you didn't make a reservation.
2. Da Capo Aperitivo e Caffè
One of the best coffee shops on the Upper East Side for European vibes
Da Capo Aperitivo e Caffè is one of my favorite hidden gems on the Upper East Side.
It isn’t easy to find a coffee shop in this neighborhood with a decent amount of indoor seating—especially somewhere it feels acceptable to stay for a while to work, read or just relax. After visiting several cramped coffee shops focused mostly on to-go orders, Da Capo was a breath of fresh air.
There is a separate seating area in the back with tables and chairs. It isn’t huge, but it was never crowded when I visited and truly felt like a hidden gem.
The coffee is no-fuss—don’t expect elaborate latte art—but is still very good, true European style. The croissants are also delicious.
Wi-Fi is available, the service is friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. This would easily become one of my go-to coffee shops if I lived in the area.
3. Ralph's Coffee
One of the most iconic coffee shops on the Upper East Side, NYC
Ralph’s Coffee is tucked inside the Ralph Lauren flagship on Madison Avenue. It’s exactly what you would expect from the brand—polished, preppy and very Upper East Side.
The small café is decorated in Ralph Lauren’s signature green and white, with cozy seating—it's very Instagrammable.
This is one of those places you visit more for the atmosphere and experience than the coffee itself. The coffee and pastries are good, but overpriced.
It can get busy, and seating is limited, so think of it as a stylish stop rather than a place to settle in with your laptop for a few hours.
You can also shop a selection of Ralph’s Coffee merchandise, including baseball caps, branded mugs, and the popular Ralph’s teddy bear.
I recommend arriving when it opens—10:00 am Monday through Saturday and 12:00 pm on Sunday—to avoid waiting in a long line.
4. Oslo Coffee Roasters
One of the BEST UES COFFEE SHOPS for those looking to shop local
This small craft artisan coffee roaster first opened in Williamsburg in 2002. The UES location is a tiny hotspot with locals.
The coffee quality is absolutely outstanding and why Oslo Coffee Roasters has established such a following with New York residents.
Stay simple with an excellent americano or cold brew. Or, opt for the highly reviewed cortado!
Oslo Coffee Roasters is best when ordering to-go—the space is small.
SEE MY OTHER NYC POSTS:
BEST CROISSANTS NYC – TOP 5
MIDTOWN COFFEE SHOPS – TOP 5
3 DAY NYC ITINERARY – NYC SIGHTSEEING PRIORITIES
BEST BAKERIES IN NYC | TOP 5
5. Birch Coffee
One of the Best Upper East Side Coffee Shops for Locally Roasted Beans and Cold Brew
Birch Coffee is a popular local coffee shop with locations throughout NYC. The brand roasts its beans in Long Island City, and the cold brew is especially good.
There are two Birch Coffee locations on the Upper East Side:
134 ½ E 62nd Street: This location is tiny and best for takeaway or a quick espresso while standing.
171 E 88th Street: This location is slightly larger, with more standing room and a few seats.
Birch Coffee also does a great job of sourcing sweet treats from some of the best bakeries in NYC. You’ll find gluten-free options, artisan doughnuts and homemade Pop-Tarts.
Don’t forget to grab a bag of their locally roasted coffee beans on your way out!
6. Variety Coffee Roasters
One of the Best Coffee Shops on the Upper East Side for Wi-Fi and Indoor Seating
Variety Coffee Roasters is one of the few coffee shops on the Upper East Side with a decent amount of indoor seating, reliable Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets for your laptop. It’s often full, but you still have a better chance of finding a seat here than at many of the smaller cafés in the neighborhood.
This is a great spot if you want to get some work done without feeling like you need to rush out.
The overall atmosphere is relaxed, with a subtle retro, 1970s-inspired feel. I especially like all the natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
As the name suggests, Variety roasts its own beans in Brooklyn and is especially known for its seasonally changing coffee selection. The beans are sourced from different regions depending on what is currently in season, so there is usually something new to try. This is also a great place to pick up a freshly roasted bag to take home.
The pastries can be hit or miss, but the cappuccino is consistently good.
It is also one of the better-priced coffee shops in the neighborhood, with an Americano around $4 and a cortado around $4.50. They also don’t charge extra for alternative milk.
Upper East Side Coffee Shops - Honorable Mentions
1. Maman
One of the most Instagrammable cafes on the Upper East Side
Out of all the cafés and coffee shops on the Upper East Side, Maman is the place to go if you’re looking for the most adorable setting. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a charming French café the moment you walk through the door.
Blue toile patterns appear everywhere—from the coffee cups and wallpaper to the tile, plates and even the espresso machine. Wooden tables and chairs, exposed brick and greenery give the space a cozy farmhouse feel.
Maman’s Upper East Side location also offers a full food menu, including quiche, salads, sandwiches, tartines and breakfast bowls.
Don’t leave without grabbing a pastry or two. Maman is famous for its nutty chocolate chip cookie, but the pistachio chocolate croissant is also very good.
Maman feels more like a full café than a traditional coffee shop and can get quite busy, especially on weekends.
It can be a cozy place to work or study when things are slow, but I would avoid lingering on your laptop during peak hours.
2. 787 Coffee Co.
One of the Best Upper East Side Coffee Shops for Unique Coffee Flavors
What makes 787 Coffee Co. unique is its infused coffee beans. You can add its famous rum-infused espresso to a latte—or just about any coffee drink. It gives the coffee a richer flavor without tasting overly boozy.
They also offer whiskey-infused and tequila-infused espresso.
Cold brew lovers should try the mint cold brew during the summer months. It may sound like an unusual combination, but the mint flavor is subtle and surprisingly refreshing.
787 Coffee Co. has quickly expanded throughout NYC, with two locations on the Upper East Side.
Those with a sweet tooth will want to try the Coquito Latte, made with coconut cream, condensed milk and nutmeg. Other popular options include the Horchata, Mazapan and Dulce de Leche lattes.
All 787 Coffee locations are quite small, so they are best for grabbing your coffee to go.
3. Hutch and Waldo
One of the Best Upper East Side Coffee Shops for an Australian-Inspired Breakfast or Lunch
Hutch and Waldo is an Australian-owned café with a laid-back, coastal bohemian vibe.
The Upper East Side location is tiny, with little to no traditional indoor seating. There are a handful of tables and benches outside, but this is primarily a grab-and-go spot.
The menu here is stellar. I’ve come across few coffee shops that offer such a large and varied selection made with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
For something lighter, try one of the bowls. The blue smoothie bowl, made with blue algae, banana, coconut, kiwi and granola, is fresh and refreshing. For something savory, the Nude Bowl comes with scrambled eggs, pesto, sweet potato and avocado.
The breakfast burrito is crave-worthy, as is the grilled chicken and avocado sandwich.
Hutch and Waldo serves all the classic coffee drinks, along with more unique options like beetroot and golden turmeric lattes.
Because the space is so small, I would plan to take your order to go unless you happen to snag one of the limited outdoor tables.
In Summary
And there you have it for my best coffee shops - Upper East Side edition! These are some of my favorite spots to stop for a coffee break while wandering around the UES.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, seriously good baked goods, a place to get some work done or a sidewalk patio for people-watching, there’s something on this list for you.
Ok, I’m so excited to have a new coffee shop to check out! I’ve been to all of these except Oslo, so I know where I’m going this weekend. Thanks for this great list!
So glad to hear! Which is your favorite spot so far?
https://www.dacaponyc.com/
Madison Ave near 96th
This looks adorable…I’m checking this out next time I visit!