the 10 best cafes and bakeries in nyc
There are coffee shops on almost every corner in the city. With bakeries sprinkled in the mix, you could try a different one everyday and not run out. Every time I walk around my neighborhood (Chelsea) I find myself discovering a new place I didn’t know about before. Here are the 10 best cafes and bakeries that I’ve tried in New York City.
nolita / coffee + pastries / $$
This adorable, tiny cafe in Nolita has more than just coffee and pastries. They have ube and rose lattes, everything bagel croissants, orange blossom and chocolate succulent cupcakes, custom cakes, and plants for days. One of my favorite coffee shops in the city, Urban Backyard is well worth a visit.
union square + upper west side / coffee, food + pastries / $$
A neighborhood cafe and all-day kitchen, Daily Provisions has amazing maple cruller donuts and everything bagel croissants! They also have bread, sandwiches, pastries, and other food like roast chicken and lasagna that can be taken to-go.
east village + flushing / bubble tea / $
This bubble tea shop originated in Taiwan, and has locations across the U.S. in California and Las Vegas as well. They make their own sugar cane syrup to create the most original flavor that isn’t too sweet. They also make their own tapioca, (individually kneading and rolling the dough into small balls), so you know it’s going to be good.
soho / $$
Although they’re located in SoHo, Ground Support is down-to-earth in demeanor, and provides high quality coffee and pastries.
various locations / food, coffee + pastries / $$
You may have seen Maman’s infamous blue and white floral wallpaper before. With several locations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, Maman is equal parts cute and homey. With great coffee, food, and décor, there is no reason not to keep coming back to this darling French café.
various / $$
Cafe Grumpy first opened their doors in 2005 in Greenpoint, before the Brooklyn neighborhood became the trendy area it is today. Since then, they have expanded to various neighborhoods like Chelsea (which has a cute outdoor backyard and is located on my block!), LES, and even outposts in NJ and Miami.
various / $$
While this Melbourne-inspired global coffee house now has locations around the world, Bluestone Lane originated in NYC in 2013. Their Upper East Side location is uniquely located in the archway of a historical church while their West Village Collective Cafe is a larger version of their coffee shops and has a wider food menu with options like avocado toast and breakfast burritos.
chelsea / $$
O Cafe is a cozy Brazilian cafe situated between Chelsea and West Village (with another location inside the New School) with leafy foliage-lined walls, friendly baristas, and space for several wooden tables. I love their bahia latte, which is an espresso with steamed milk and dark chocolate (!) My favorite part is drinking it out of the colorful ceramic cups the drinks are served in. They definitely add to the Bohemian jungle vibe of the cafe.
meatpacking / $$
Kobrick Coffee is more than just another cute coffee shop in the city. Serving coffee by day and cocktails by night with an expansive food menu to boot (they have a truffle prosciutto tartine sandwich, brie, honey, and apple grilled cheese, and more!), Kobrick knows the best of all worlds!
With spacious indoor and outdoor seating, Kobrick is a great place to catch up with friends, get work done (they have WiFi, but limit the use to an hour for laptops), or to read a book.
meatpacking / $$
The NYC outpost of a Swedish bakery chain, Fabrique is delicious and authentic. With breads and pastries like cardamom and cinnamon buns, and baguette sandwiches, Fabrique has you covered for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.