True Life: I am a coffee shop frequenter. If I have a free hour on a weekend afternoon or weekday morning, you can find me reading at a coffee shop. I have tried an inordinate number of coffee shops in this lovely city that I call home, and here are my picks for best of the best.
Maman – Go for the beautifully designed to-go cups, stay for the excellent coffee, perfect window seat, and delicious cookies. Maman, just off of Kenmare Square (there’s also a TriBeCa location), is all unfinished wood and eccentric knick-knacks, and has the best tucked away corners for catching up with a friend over a cappucino.
The Elk – Once my little, quiet go-to in the West Village, The Elk has become a bit of a popular spot. I recommend hitting this tiny Charles Street cafe up early in the morning on the weekend so you can score a table by the window and sit and read your book in peace.
Sel Rose – This tiny addendum to the lower east side oyster bar that bears the same name is the perfect place for a mid-day rest stop. It tends to be quiet during the day on the weekends, and has one of my favorite window seats for posting up and enjoying a quiet moment.
Three Seat Espresso – A newer East Village Aussie coffee shop, Three Seat serves up both a great cappucino and a surprisingly delicious golden tumeric latte. Don’t miss the food here as well.
Underline – This little spot underneath the Highline has become a go-to pit stop for an iced cold brew when strolling downtown. It gets a bit busy during the weekend so I wouldn’t recommend it for reading or doing work, but the coffee is excellent and the people are lovely.
Intelligentsia – Tucked away in the lobby of the Highline Hotel, this little coffee shop comes with access to the hotel’s back patio, where you can sip your coffee and enjoy the sunshine in dual measure.
Honorable Mentions:
Caro's City 