OKAY, who’s ready for NYC content?! This post is dedicated to two of my favorite things: coffee and photos. I have been exploring this magnificent city for months now, and I have finally visited enough spots to make a whole dedicated post to it. I am also working on a travel guide that will walk you through my other favorite spots of the city and sights to see. But, I felt like this would be a fun post to show you some of my favorite photos from my time in the city so far. Okay, let’s buckle down and get to the goods.
There is a lot of single use plastic in this post. If you can, stay in the cafes for a while and sip your drinks in their reusable glassware/mugs. Do as I say not as I do.
Birch Coffee & The 28th Street Subway Station
Birch Coffee would be my favorite coffee shop if I read for pleasure more. The Flatiron location has a brilliant ceiling to floor bookshelf nook and is the perfect place to cuddle up with the book of the moment. Mostly because they don’t have WiFi which could be a turn off for most, but lemonade from lemons people. This was a hard choice because Seven Grams Caffe is also right around the corner and both are an equivalent distance from the Flatiron Building. I love the vibes of Birch Coffee and how it gives a true NYC vibe.
Epicerie Boulud & Central Park
I mentioned Epicerie Boulud in my “Traveling Alone in NYC” YouTube video. There are so many locations, but I love grabbing a coffee and a croissant from the Plaza Food Hall location. The walk to a Central Park bench is also oh so short and makes the perfect reflective backdrop. I seriously want to get a journal just for Central Park rambles. I also love listening to my chill playlist and people watching on an early Saturday morning.
Sweatshop & The Love Coffee Mural
My pictures from Sweatshop got so much attention on Instagram and I can’t lie and say that they weren’t some of my favorite pictures to date. The unassuming coffee shop is nestled in Williamsburg. Make sure to pop into the shop and order a cup of their smooth coffee before posting up in front of the mural for a photoshoot. Don’t be rude! No, but seriously. This mural was very on brand for me and it’s an essential pit stop for my fellow coffee lovers.
Brooklyn Roasting Company & DUMBO
The Brooklyn Roasting Company is another New York coffee chain that is worth a visit. I personally love the Jay Street location in DUMBO. It’s right on the water but far enough away from the touristy vibes of Brooklyn Bridge Park and Washington Street. There is a very industrial vibe here and is perfect for reinforcing those city vibes for your Instagram feed. They also have the lids for to-go cups that can be used without a straw.
Irving Farm & Washington Square Park
The Irving Fam on W 3rd Street is great because of the sheer size of it. I’ve only been here once for a quick chat, but there were so many seating options. The really nice thing about Irving Farm is that it is only one block away from the beautiful arch and Washington Square Park. On a calm spring morning, I would take my latte and people watch in the park. There are always people bustling around and sometimes there are cool art displays too.
Handcraft & The Met Steps
Handcraft is one of my favorite Upper East Side gems. It’s located right next to the 77th Street subway station for the 6. They have an impeccable selection of pastries and espresso drinks. The staff is also incredibly nice. I would say it’s a little over 10 minutes by foot to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. All my Gossip Girl fans will love the photo opportunity on the steps and remember B and S were almost always eating breakfast or enjoying coffee so bring some Handcraft along with you.
Banter & The European Row
Banter was the brunch of my dreams. Everything tasted delicious, but Michelle and I ordered so much stuff. The French Toast was impeccable and the sweet potato fries were divine. The Aussie cafe game is STRONG here in New York City. The nice thing is that you can also pop in here for a to go coffee if you like or sit for a more formal brunch experience. All I know is that right across the street are some of the cutest houses ever. They have colorful ones and neutral ones and are guaranteed to fit everyone’s aesthetic.
Ludlow Coffee Supply & The Yumi Kim Mural
The Ludlow Coffee Supply is a pretty large spot in the Lower East Side that was packed with locals when I stopped in on my way to a hair appointment. The Yumi Kim mural sums up my 2017 Instagram goals. The artist repaints the mural every few months for the changing seasons. I snapped a picture in the dead of winter when the floral design was inundated with warm tone colors. There are a ton of hidden gems in this area and is worth a stroll on a warm summer evening. It’s also pretty close to the Tenement Museum which I’ve heard is worth the visit too.
Devoción and The Flatiron Building
Devoción is a Williamsburg neighborhood favorite that recently moved into the Flatiron District. This area is filled with really great cafes. You can go a few blocks up and also check out the new Ralph’s Coffee location. The Flatiron Building is one of the most striking buildings in the city and you’ll definitely want to catch a picture in front of it. To get the whole building in the background, I’d head Madison Square Park side around 27th street. Also, Devoción has one of the smoothest lattes I’ve had in the city so I highly recommend.
Rebel Coffee and Casa Magazines
The West Village is one of the cutest areas in the city. Rebel Coffee is right across the street from Casa Magazines which is one of my favorite locations I’ve shot at in the city. Such a cool city vibe and it was relatively not crowded. You can tell the spot attracts locals and there really is just a very laidback vibe.
pin it for later.
Okay, y’all know I have a pretty bad coffee habit! These are all my recommendations for where to grab a cup of joe and where to snap a quick picture for your Instagram story. My fellow New Yorkers, did I miss anywhere? What are your favorite coffee shops? I love trying new ones on the weekends.
Keep on keepin’ on,
