BEST NEW YORK CITY CAFES UES
Sip Back and Relax With The Top Independently Owned Cafes on the Upper East Side
Hello coffee connoisseurs and caffeine adventurers! If you find yourself wandering the refined streets of Manhattan's Upper East Side, you’re in for a delightful treat. This neighborhood is brimming with independently owned cafes that not only serve robust brews but also offer a cozy ambiance that beckons you to stay. So grab your favorite cup, and let’s explore the top spots to caffeinate your day.
Cafe Sabarsky
Address: 1048 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
Average Cost of Coffee: $5
Hours: Monday - Sunday, 9 AM - 6 PM
This Viennese coffeehouse transports you straight to Austria with its art deco interiors and lush pastries. Indulge in a melange of coffee while nibbling on a famous Apfelstrudel. The ambiance is so charming, you might forget you’re in bustling NYC and think you’ve taken a delightful detour to a European café.
Birch Coffee
Address: 21 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016 (near UES)
Average Cost of Coffee: $4
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 8 PM; Saturday - Sunday, 8 AM - 8 PM
A warm welcome awaits you at Birch, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the rhythmic sound of a steam wand create an irresistible siren song. With its focus on sustainable sourcing and a cozy library nook, it’s the perfect spot to cozy up with a book or chat with friends. Don't forget to try their delicious seasonal pastries!
Joe Coffee Company
Address: 211 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003 (a bit of a stroll)
Average Cost of Coffee: $4
Hours: Daily, 7 AM - 6 PM
Known for its friendly baristas and high-quality brews, Joe Coffee Company is a community favorite. Although it’s a slight jaunt from the heart of the Upper East Side, every sip of this carefully crafted coffee is worth the trek. Try their expertly roasted pour-over coffee while soaking in the inviting atmosphere.
Ralph’s Coffee
Address: 711 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10065
Average Cost of Coffee: $5
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10 AM - 7 PM; Sunday, 11 AM - 6 PM
Step into Ralph Lauren’s rustic and refined world at Ralph’s Coffee. The café evokes a charming blend of country club and cozy lodge, making it a perfect place to drink your joe and feel a touch of luxury. Enjoy a strong cup of coffee allied with some scrumptious breakfast bites, and you’ll leave feeling like a million bucks.
Bluestone Lane
Address: 201 E 62nd St, New York, NY 10065
Average Cost of Coffee: $4.50
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 5 PM; Saturday - Sunday, 8 AM - 5 PM
If you’re craving that Australian café vibe, look no further than Bluestone Lane. With its vibrant atmosphere, delicious avocado toast, and perfectly brewed flat whites, this café combines a laid-back style with sophisticated flavor. Grab a seat outside and soak up the sun—it's a brunch dream come true!
The Coffee Shop at the MET
Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028 (inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Average Cost of Coffee: $6
Hours: Monday - Sunday, 10 AM - 5 PM (check art hours)
Art lovers rejoice! The Coffee Shop at the MET allows you to enjoy perfectly brewed coffee while soaking in some culture. After exploring the museum’s incredible collection, reward yourself with a comforting cup of coffee surrounded by art. Who knew that caffeine could be so cultured?
Ample Hills Creamery
Address: 200 E 62nd St, New York, NY 10065
Average Cost of Coffee: $4
Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 12 PM - 10 PM; Friday - Saturday, 12 PM - 11 PM
While famed primarily for its out-of-this-world ice cream, Ample Hills also crafts a delightful cup of coffee! Enjoy a rich espresso or a cold brew alongside a scoop of their signature flavors. The whimsical decor and friendly staff make it a joy to linger a little longer—because who can resist ice cream?
Café de Flore
Address: 210 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022
Average Cost of Coffee: $5
Hours: Daily, 7 AM - 9 PM
Inspired by the legendary Parisian café of the same name, this spot exudes classic charm. With its stylish ambiance, extensive coffee menu, and delectable pastries, Café de Flore is a perfect place to sip and people-watch. Grab a seat outdoors and enjoy the Upper East Side’s sophisticated vibe!
Maman
Address: 859 Washington St, New York, NY 10014 (a little venture away)
Average Cost of Coffee: $4.25
Hours: Daily, 8 AM - 5 PM
While it's located a tad outside the UES, Maman’s homey vibe is worth the short trip. Famous for its rustic decor and heavenly baked goods, pair your cup of coffee with their decadent chocolate chip cookie for a sweet treat that can’t be beat. It's like stepping into a charming French countryside kitchen!
The Bakery at 62nd and 2nd
Address: 298 E 62nd St, New York, NY 10065
Average Cost of Coffee: $3.50
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 7 AM - 5 PM; Sunday, 8 AM - 4 PM
This quaint gem combines the best of a bakery and a café. Known for its homemade pastries and delightful coffee, The Bakery at 62nd and 2nd offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for a quick visit or a leisurely morning. Don’t miss their buttery croissants or seasonal specialties!