Upper East Side Coffee Shops | TOP 5

One of the BEST Upper East Side coffee shops for a solid brunch menu and avocado toast

Bluestone Lane is an Australian based coffee chain influenced by the cafe culture of Melbourne. This is hands down one of my favorite UES coffee shops! 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 archways.

Bluestone Lane is also 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. 

One of the best Upper East side coffee shops for high quality espresso

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, go for the highly reviewed cortado! Oslo Coffee Roasters is the best Upper East Side coffee shop to visit when ordering to-go. 

One of the best upper east side coffee shops for healthy bowls and smoothies

The bowls aren't the only winners on the menu. The avocado toast, wild mushroom and ricotta sage toast, and smoothies are on point! My favorite is the cacao champ smoothie with cacao, espresso, banana, and peanut butter. 

This Upper East Side cafe brings a strong coffee game and offers all the classics with several options for alternative milks. Try something different and order the beet or golden turmeric latte.

Hutch & Waldo makes a great choice when the weather is nice with their garage-door style windows opened all the way and a handful of tables and benches outside. 

One of the best upper east side coffee shops for sweet treats and baked goods

134 1/2 E 62nd St. – This location is TINY and is best for takeaway or a quick espresso shot while standing.

171 E 88th St. – A little larger than the above location with more standing room and a few seats.

Birch Coffee does a wonderful job at sourcing delicious treats from some of the best bakeries in NYC. You'll find gluten free items, artisan donuts, and homemade pop tarts. Grab a bag of their coffee beans on your way out!

One of most Instagrammable upper east side Cafes

Out of all the Upper East Side cafes and coffee shops, this is your spot if you're looking for the most adorable design and Instagrammable setting. You'll be transported to a charming French cafe the moment you walk through the door.

Blue toile patterns are used on coffee cups, wallpaper, tile, plates...and even the espresso machine. There's a distinct farmhouse feel with the wooden tables and chairs, exposed brick, and greenery adorning the walls and entrance. 

Maman's UES location offers a full menu from their kitchen including quiche, salads, sandwiches, tartines (open faced sandwiches), and breakfast bowls. Don't leave without grabbing a few pastries. Maman is famous for their nutty chocolate chip cookie. It was listed on Oprah's favorite things in 2017. The pistachio chocolate croissant is also very good. 

Maman is more of a cafe than a traditional coffee shop and can get quite busy on the weekends. While it can make for a cozy setting to work or study when things are slow, be mindful of busy times and to not overstay your welcome while typing away on your laptop. 

In Summary

These are my absolute favorite spots for a coffee break when I'm wandering around the UES. Whether I'm craving a healthy snack, some seriously delicious baked goods, a space to work, or a nice sidewalk patio to people watch...these coffee shops deliver. I hope this list of the 5 BEST Upper East Side coffee shops steers you in the right direction for your caffeine fix.