Aside from being a celebrity hotspot, Upper East Side features some of New York’s premier and most vibrant shops, restaurants, museums, and mansions. Every street in this location has a peculiar character; from the designer boutiques in Madison Avenue to the cultural institutions in Museum mile. But one thing is common in all these places - cafes. The coffee culture in New York is shared among everyone, regardless of age or background; and once you are here, joining the league is a must-do. Whether you are looking for a caffeine-fix before a busy day, or you crave a coffee-boost in between some fun activities, these are the top cafes you must try in Upper East Side, New York.
1. Coffee
What started as a coffee farm in Maricao, Puerto Rico by a duo, Brandon Pena and Sam has now transformed into the small and cozy 787 Coffee. They handle all the coffee-making processes, from the plantation to the latte art; presenting you with authentic brews and delightful experiences. The ambiance is lovely; with good natural lighting from the floor-to-ceiling windows and a casual seating arrangement. Grab a hot cup of Cappuccino to-go before a busy work-day or just sit there and enjoy their pastries, mocha or freshly squeezed orange juice. The motto that 787 Coffee swears by is ‘We sell you an experience’; so expect nothing but the best customer service from the staff.
787 Coffee
Address: 228 E 80th St, New York, NY 10075, United States
Website: 787 Coffee
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am – 7pm; Sun: 8am – 7pm
2. Eat Pretty
Many Newyokers know this place as Yorkafe. Recently, they rebranded to Eat Pretty featuring a new look, more exceptional ambiance, and an expanded food and coffee menu. An excellent example of ‘never judge a book by its cover’, this hole-in-the-wall cafe is situated in a quiet area and features an outdoor dining area. They are known for their tasty pastries, fresh brews of coffee, bagels, as well as a welcoming staff. If you have a sweet tooth or are someone who needs their daily dose of a good brew, walk into this quaint haven.
Eat Pretty
Address: 501 ½ E 83rd St, New York, NY 10028, United States
3. Cafè Blèriot XI
There are so many reasons why the community loves this small cafe. From the coziness of the interior, comprising a beautiful chandelier, elegant wallpaper and wall arts to the fantastic offerings and free Wi-Fi; Cafè Blèriot XI is nothing short of impressive. Situated on a quiet street, this cafe offers an array of salads, sandwiches, drinks, pastries, snacks, and premium brews of coffee, including caramel macchiato, to help you start your day on an exciting note. The music playing in the background and the superb customer service add to the unrivaled experience.
Cafè Blèriot XI
Address: 226 E 83rd St, New York, NY 10028, United States
Website: Cafè Blèriot XI
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 8pm; Sun: 8am - 8pm
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4. Inès
The outside might not look too impressive, but the cafe will greet you with an elegant French-inspired interior and warm customer service. Inès is known for its freshly made Columbian coffee sourced from the Devocion company. They offer generous portions of cold and hot brews and snacks, including the famous tartine de Brie au Miel, a mix of honey, melted cheese, and bread. And if you can grab the limited seats or the bar chairs, you will be able to sip on your favorite coffee and get some work done using their reliable Wi-Fi as calm music plays in the background.
Inès
Address: 419 E 74th St, New York, NY 10021, United States
Website: Inès
Opening hours: Mon: 7am – 6pm; Tue - Fri: 7am - 10pm; Sat: 8am - 10pm; Sun: 8am – 6pm
5. Mellow Yellow
This incredible restaurant, situated near the Jewish Museum, is an ideal place to eat a variety of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines accompanied by great cups of coffee in an old and ambient setting. You will love the beautiful wood-clad decor and sweet songs playing in the background. Don’t miss out on the heavenly moussaka and shakshuka, as well as the espresso mocha and chai latte. Mellow Yellow has an open kitchen and an extensive menu, but the seating is limited, and the queue is sometimes lengthy. But what else can we expect from such an outstanding diner?
Mellow Yellow
Address: 1729 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10128, United States
Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 8am - 6pm; Fri: 8am - 4pm
6. Two Little Red Hens
If you are searching for a cake haven on this side of New York, then look no further than Two Little Red Hens, a small American bakery and cafe. Although their coffee brews are good, they are known for their tasty custom and flavorful cakes. Their chocolate cakes, decorated with icing flowers are too cute to be eaten; but when you do bite into it, you ascend to a whole new realm of chocolaty goodness. With rooster trinkets and hen arts decorating the interior, this bakery and cafe provides a quirky, yet excellent ambiance. To top it off, their customer service is also impeccable, leaving you with a feeling of contentment.
Two Little Red Hens
Address: 1652 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States
Website: Two Little Red Hens
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7:30am – 9pm; Fri: 7:30am – 10pm; Sat: 8am - 10pm; Sun: 8am - 8pm
7. Oslo Coffee Roasters
The Oslo chain of cafes in New York is increasingly gaining ground, shifting the local’s preferences from the world’s coffee giants. They roast their own coffee beans in the bid to give you the quality you deserve. Although the interior is small, the minimalistic decor of Oslo Coffee Roasters comprises of an elegant wooden floor and benches that will take you back to the older days. With 80’s music playing in the background; you can sip on the iced latte, espresso drink or cappuccinos, as well as bite into their must-try flaky almond croissant.
Oslo Coffee Roasters
Address: 422 E 75th St, New York, NY 10021, United States
Website: Oslo Coffee Roasters
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 7pm
8. Ralph's Coffee
Following their Hong Kong and Tokyo Ralph’s Coffee shops, this establishment decided to bring their delightful, unique offerings to New York. This cafe is set within the women’s flagship Ralph Lauren store, comprising some vintage looks and an abundance of seating. Their coffee beans are roasted by La Colombe, a company in Philadelphia, which source their ingredients from Africa, South America, and Central America. Savor some of their unique brews, including Ralph’s Decaf and Ralph’s Roast, as well as their assortment of baked foods and chocolate.
Ralph's Coffee
Address: 888 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021, United States
Website: Ralph’s Coffee
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 7pm; Sun: 9am - 6pm
9. Black Star Bakery & Cafe
This new cafe has been delighting the locals and visitors with their exceptional baked goods and coffee choices. With potted flowers and a well-arranged setting, the spacious interior’s intricate decor is something to love. If it is hot, or you feel like dining outdoors, they have a small patio with tables and umbrellas to give you the best dining experience. Once you are at Black Star Bakery & Cafe, don’t miss out on the taste of their iced white mocha or iced americano, as well as their divine chocolate chip cookie.
Black Star Bakery & Cafe
Address: 1597 York Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States
Website: Black Star Bakery & Cafe
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 6pm
10. Café Sabarsky
Café Sabarsky, located on the ground floor of Neue Museum, is a high-end spot that is inspired by the glamor and history of Viennese cafes from around the 1890s to the 1930s. About everything in this place reflects those periods; the 1912’s otto Wagner fabric decorating the banquettes, the furniture by Adolf Loos, Bösendorfer grand piano, as well as the menu that comprises German/Austrian dishes and the olden European songs playing in the background. They also offer an assortment of liquors, wines, and European blends of coffee. So if a good cup of coffee is your calling, an advance reservation is recommended, as Café Sabarsky tends to get crowded.
Café Sabarsky
Address: 1048 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States
Website: Café Sabarsky
Opening hours: Mon, Wed: 9am - 6pm; Thu - Sun: 9am - 9pm (closed on Tue)
Visit The Big Apple's best cafes
Once you are in this charming side of town, getting your everyday caffeine-fix is never a problem. There are many cafes offering organic brews of coffee, baked goods, and cuisines, both local and international, just the way you like it. Narrow your search to some of the most outstanding ones with this list of best cafes you must try in Upper East Side, New York.
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