Top 5 koffieplekken in New York
I'm out and about with clients every day in New York. That means: up early, home late... and lots and lots of coffee. You see a Starbucks on almost every corner in New York.
By the way, did you know that there are about 190 Starbucks in New York City alone? In the entire United States, meanwhile, there are even more Starbucks than McDonald's.
But locals (and I) prefer to go to places where the coffee is made with more love and character. Here are my 5 favorites - plus a few bonus tips if you like to pair coffee with a little show.
1. Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters - my No. 1
Where? Long Island City (including 10-93 Jackson Ave & Center Blvd) and Greenpoint, Brooklyn (159 Freeman St). This is my home base. Sweetleaf is truly a local spot: no big chain vibe, but baristas who recognize you and coffee that wakes you up. The style: hearty, bold, New York in a bag. Their famous "Rocket Fuel" is a cold coffee with chicory and maple syrup - dangerously delicious.
2. Devoción - Colombian coffee hallway
Where. Flagship in Williamsburg (69/148 Grand St, Brooklyn) + locations in Dumbo, Downtown Brooklyn, Flatiron, NoMad and Midtown. Devoción roasts its beans on site and works directly with Colombian farmers. The business in Williamsburg is an experience in itself: high ceilings, lots of light, a green "jungle" wall and big leather seats.
3. Coffee Project New York - for coffee nerds and experimental lattes
Where?Including in the East Village, Fort Greene (Brooklyn), Financial District, Tribeca and Long Island City.  Here, coffee almost becomes a science project - in the best sense of the word. They became famous for their "deconstructed latte": you get espresso, steamed milk and latte separately to taste everything deliberately. 
4. Black Fox Coffee - the Australian vibe in NYC
Where? Including FiDi and Midtown (including 45 E 45th St, 438 W 33rd St, 550 Madison Ave).  Black Fox feels a bit like a hip coffee shop in Sydney: bright affair, friendly team, and above all, an insane rotation of specialty roasters from around the world. 
5. Blue Bottle Coffee - chain, but slow coffee-level.
Where? Multiple locations in Manhattan, including at Bryant Park (54 W 40th St) and around Rockefeller Center/Midtown East.  Blue Bottle is a chain, but the approach is still "third wave": precision in the grind, brewing method and timing. Their pour-overs are super-clean and ideal if you want a quiet treat instead of "coffee as fuel." 
Bonus: Starbucks Reserve Roastery - for those who want to combine coffee and cocktails
Where. 61 9th Ave, Chelsea, right across from Chelsea Market. 
This is not a normal Starbucks, but a huge "coffee temple" with its own roastery, tasting bars and a bar where they make coffee cocktails. Ideal on vacation: awake and a little tipsy at the same time - welcome to New York.
And now you Want to get to know not only the best coffee, but also the neighborhoods around it - without scrolling for hours on Google and TikTok?
Join a Dutch-speaking guide who lives, works and lives on coffee here. 👉 Boek je toer via newyork.be and I'll show you the cafes, neighborhoods and stories most tourists never see.
