Best Coffee Shops in Midtown NYC for Quality + Atmosphere
Overwhelmed by the number of coffee shops in Midtown NYC? I'm here to help. Whether you're looking for a place to work or chat with friends, a coffee to-go, or a spot with a full food menu, I've got the place for you.
For this post, I'm using the broad definition of Midtown, which extends south to 14th Street. This includes smaller districts within Midtown South like Chelsea and Flatiron.
Midtown is home to many of Manhattan's top sights, including the base of Central Park, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, the High Line, Chelsea Market, and the Empire State Building. It's also a hub for corporate offices and business headquarters — which means a mix of locals grabbing coffee on a work break and tourists refueling between sights.
Midtown is jam-packed with coffee shops, including more Starbucks than you can count. Do your research, or you'll risk stumbling upon a disappointing coffee. I'm here to help you skip the subpar spots and find the coffee shops actually worth visiting.
My other coffee shop posts stick to a top 5 format. Midtown made that impossible.
So I've broken this post into three sections instead:
- coffee shops with a great atmosphere that are perfect for working or hanging out with friends
- coffee shops that are best for takeaway
- spots that are more cafe than coffee shop, perfect for when you need a full menu or are craving avocado toast
I've made sure to include coffee shops throughout Midtown and close to popular tourist sights, so no matter where you are, you'll never be far from a quality coffee.
This map shows each Midtown coffee shop included in this post. 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.
- Blue - best coffee shops in Midtown NYC for atmosphere (space to sit)
- Red - best coffee shops in Midtown NYC for takeaway
- Purple - cafes that are best for pairing a meal with your coffee
Best Coffee Shops in Midtown NYC for Atmosphere
These coffee shops offer space to sit and are great options if you need a place to work, study, or meet with friends.
1. Remi Flower and Coffee
One of the best coffee shops in Midtown NYC for Instagrammable drinks
Judging by the photos on Google Maps, I was nervous this would be a style-over-substance kind of place. I mean, the latte art alone is something to write home about.
After visiting—now multiple times—I can honestly say it exceeded all expectations.
Remi is part flower shop, part coffee shop. Depending on the location, you’ll find indoor seating and a cute sidewalk patio set up during the warmer months. I was lucky enough to grab a spot inside each time I visited.
If you're looking for a drink that's almost too beautiful to sip, this is your place. Popular options include the purple lavender latte, red beetroot latte, blue butterfly pea flower latte, and pink rose latte.
Regular coffee drinks are also available, along with loose-leaf tea from Harney & Sons. Wi-Fi is available if you need it.
Remi Flower and Coffee now has four locations—three in Midtown and one in the Financial District.
The original location at 2nd Avenue and East 48th Street is quite small. If you can grab a seat, it’s the perfect spot for a quick coffee break or a chat with friends. Laptops aren’t allowed here due to the limited seating.
Just down the street is Remi’s second Midtown coffee shop. Remi43 Flower & Coffee is located at 2nd Avenue and East 43rd Street. If you're looking for a coffee shop near Grand Central, it’s just an 8-minute walk away.
This location is more spacious and always buzzing, with a mix of people typing away on laptops and catching up with friends.
Remi recently opened its newest—and most visually appealing—location at 425 Park Avenue South. The expansive flagship is bright and airy, with greenery and colorful floral displays throughout.
Of all the Midtown coffee shops on this list, this is the one I would visit for the atmosphere alone. It’s also much more spacious than Remi’s other Midtown locations, making it a better choice when you want to sit and enjoy your coffee rather than simply grab it to go.
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2. Devocion
One of the best coffee shops in Midtown NYC for hipster vibes
Devocion is all about serving the freshest coffee possible. Their Colombian beans are dry-milled in Bogotá and flown to their roaster in Brooklyn, arriving as little as 10 days after leaving origin—a fraction of the 6-12 months they say most coffee shops are working with, since those shops typically go through third-party exporters.
I'm no coffee expert and can't vouch for that stat, but I will say the coffee tastes fantastic.
This is a great place to order drinks with minimal milk. The cortado is especially good.
Devocion recently opened a location at 600 Lexington Ave, right in Midtown East. The interior feels like a study or living room in a cozy home, and it's always packed—mornings especially, since it's a magnet for office workers grabbing a coffee before work.
This location has free WiFi.
The croissants are also excellent here. The guava and cheese is insane, as is the leek and parmesan.
If you're in Midtown South, Devocion's two Flatiron locations are also worth knowing about. I slightly prefer the newest location on Broadway to the one on 20th Street. Both are great options if you’re near Madison Square Park or Union Square.
Keep in mind that the East 20th Street location does not have Wi-Fi.
3. WatchHouse
Top-notch specialty coffee, delicious pastries, WiFi, and a clean modern atmosphere—this Midtown coffee shop ticks all the boxes
WatchHouse is one of my favorite coffee shops in Covent Garden, London. I was thrilled when I learned they'd made their way to the US, with their first location on 5th Avenue in NYC.
It's not quite as good as the London WatchHouse in terms of food and space, but it easily makes the list for one of the best coffee shops in Midtown NYC—it's consistently one of my favorite flat whites in Manhattan.
The space is beautifully designed with an airy, open feel. There are a few areas to sit, and free WiFi.
You'll find a nice selection of baked goods, including sweet and savory croissants, cardamom buns, banana bread, and cookies.
This is the best coffee shop near Rockefeller Center—just a couple minutes' walk around the corner.
WatchHouse also has a second Midtown location inside the Chrysler Building, right across from Grand Central. I personally prefer the vibe at the 5th Ave location—Chrysler feels a bit more sterile in comparison. Still, it's conveniently located and worth knowing about if you're already near Grand Central.
It gets busy on weekends and during peak hours, so get there early if you want a seat.
4. Cafe Ambrosia New York
One of the best coffee shops by the High Line
I happened upon Cafe Ambrosia New York by accident during my daily walk to The High Line. This cute cafe had just opened and exudes such a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It has a bit of a mid-century modern vibe to it.
This is a great spot to catch up with friends or work for a bit. WiFi is available, though it can be spotty and unreliable—have a hotspot as a backup. I'll also note that the music selection was top-notch each time I visited...super relaxing and chill.
The coffee was great, though the latte art was severely lacking. Which didn't surprise me, since I saw they were looking to hire a "head barista."
Given time, I'm sure this place will become a favorite with locals and visitors alike.
5. Ariston Coffee Bar
One of the most spacious coffee shops in Midtown Manhattan
Similar to Remi Flower and Coffee, Ariston Coffee Bar is a dual flower and coffee shop. With two levels of seating and free WiFi, it's easy to see why this place is packed with students and digital nomads typing away on their laptops.
Not surprisingly, the most popular drink is the rose petal latte. Not too sweet, and beyond Instagrammable.
A full food menu is also available, including salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups, and pastries.
6. Stumptown
A must for nitro cold brew
Stumptown is connected to the ultra-hip Ace Hotel in a beautiful turn-of-the-century building. The common lounge area serves as a working space for both hotel guests and Stumptown customers.
You'll find plenty of locals and tourists typing away on their laptops in the dimly lit living room space. The WiFi is strong and free.
Coffee-wise, Stumptown makes some of the best nitro cold brew and their espresso-based drinks are solid—the flat white is always a winner.
7. Variety
One of the best-priced coffee shops in Midtown Manhattan
Variety seems to be a hot spot with locals. Plan on it being especially busy on weekday mornings as people stop by on their way to work.
I can see why it's so popular—it's one of the best-priced coffee shops in Midtown: $4 Americano, $5 cappuccino, $5 cold brew. That's on par with Dallas prices!
The espresso is dark and bold, like what you'd find in Italy.
The location on 7th Avenue is fairly spacious, but it's not a very cozy vibe to stay and hang out.
8. Intelligentsia Coffee (High Line Hotel Coffeebar)
One of the best patios by the High Line
Hailing from Chicago, Intelligentsia has one of the best patios in Midtown. Technically it's the "front garden" of the High Line Hotel, but Intelligentsia customers can use it in the morning and early afternoon.
I was told by staff that once the front garden transitions to a bar, they typically reserve seating for bar customers. For the best chance of being able to use the front garden, come before 3:00 pm on Monday - Thursday and 11:00 am Friday - Sunday.
There's also a courtyard out back if you need a backup option.
The superb coffee quality and ample outdoor space make this a win-win for nice weather. Otherwise, grab your drink to-go before walking the High Line, since the inside space is limited with almost no seating.
9. Black Fox Coffee
One of the best Midtown coffee shops near Central Park
Black Fox Coffee at 550 Madison Avenue is worth a stop for its amazing patio space alone. The coffee kiosk sits inside The Garden at 550 Madison, a beautiful green space tucked away in the middle of Midtown.
There is zero indoor seating, but the spacious garden patio offers plenty of tables. It feels like a peaceful escape from the busy streets outside.
Black Fox is also one of the few multi-roaster coffee shops in NYC, featuring beans from a rotating selection of respected roasters from around the world. The coffee is high quality, but be prepared to pay for it. This was one of the more expensive coffee stops on my list.
While I don’t think the coffee quality alone justifies the higher price point, I do think it’s worth it on a sunny day when you can sit and enjoy the garden patio.
Photo: Culture Espresso
Best Coffee Shops in Midtown NYC for Takeaway or a Quick Stop
These coffee shops offer a smaller footprint. Some have a few places to sit, but the overall atmosphere isn't one where I would choose to stay and hang out. The coffee is quality and perfect if you need something to-go.
1. 787 Coffee
Rum-infused coffee beans...need I say more? If you want to jazz up your iced americano but aren't into milks or sweeteners, this is the coffee spot for you.
Choose between rum, whisky, or tequila-infused coffee beans. Rum is the best, IMO.
Those with a sweet tooth should try one of the specialty lattes: pina colada, dulce de leche, marzipan, or horchata.
2. % Arabica New York
Jake and I discovered % Arabica during our time in Kyoto, Japan. The coffee quality is legit. To say I was surprised when I found % Arabica had traveled all the way to New York is an understatement.
There are currently three % Arabica New York stores (two are in Midtown), though I'm sure more will open. The design is sleek and modern. While there is a bit of space to sit, it's not really the type of place to linger. I'll also note that only to-go cups are used.
Two of the most popular drinks are the Kyoto Latte (just a touch of sweetness) and the Dark Latte (made with premium French cacao).
While some say the quality justifies the cost, this is one of the most expensive coffees in New York, with a mere espresso ringing in at $4.75. An iced Americano is $5.50 and the 16 oz. iced Dark Latte is $7.50.
3. Culture Espresso
If you're craving a sweet treat with your coffee, head to Culture Espresso. Their cookies are consistently ranked among NYC's best. The signature chocolate chip and oatmeal cranberry cookies are the most popular, and both are made in-house daily.
There are three Midtown locations, all fairly close to one another. Wi-Fi is available, along with seating and counter space, but it’s limited.
My favorite location, with the most space and best atmosphere, is at 72 W 38th Street. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s also one of the best coffee shops near the Empire State Building, just an 8-minute walk away, and Grand Central Station, about 12 minutes away.
The location at 247 W 36th Street has some seating but feels more confined because of its narrow layout and darker lighting. The location at 307 W 38th Street also has seating, but it feels a bit sterile and empty.
Best Cafes in Midtown NYC
These spots are best for pairing food with your coffee—more of a cafe experience than a coffee shop.
1. Little Collins
Little Collins deserves a stop if you're looking for a solid avocado toast or eggs Benedict with your coffee. The banana bread topped with ricotta, berries, honey, and almond brittle is divine.
The café prides itself on blending NYC and Melbourne café culture, so you can be sure they make a mean flat white.
Photos: Bluestone Lane
2. Bluestone Lane
I just love the Bluestone Lane brand, even as it continues to grow into a popular chain with 38 locations across several states.
The avocado smash toast is one of my favorites, along with the gluten-free banana bread topped with whipped ricotta and berries. I’m also a fan of the granola, rainbow bowl, and salmon brioche.
Bluestone Lane has several locations in Midtown, but I only recommend three: Manhattan West Café, Chelsea Piers, and Hudson Yards. All three offer beautiful design and plenty of space to sit.
The other Midtown coffee shops are better suited for grabbing something to go, as they are very small. I’ve also found the quality at these locations to be a bit more inconsistent.
In Summary
These are my favorite coffee shops in Midtown NYC and the ones I return to again and again—whether I’m looking for a place to work, a quick coffee between sightseeing stops, or a café where I can sit down for breakfast.
From flower-filled cafés and spacious laptop-friendly spots to standout cookies, avocado toast, and coffee shops hailing from London and Japan, there’s something on this list for every type of coffee stop.
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Best Coffee Shops in Midtown NYC for Quality + Atmosphere
