One of the facts of life about being born and raised in NYC like me is that every few years, we’re forced to bid farewell to some of our beloved local haunts. In the past decades or so, we’ve said goodbye to the Sunshine Theater, Sushi Samba, Mars 2112 (LOL), Blue Smoke, Lord & Taylor, Century 21 — but they’ve returned — and countless others.
One loss that still stings is losing Coffee Shop in Union Square. If you don’t remember, Coffee Shop was actually everything but. It was a restaurant, a meeting spot, a bar, and on the right nights, it was a bit of a club. Coffee Shop closed in 2018 only to be replaced by a bank and…. sigh, a coffee shop.
Now, NYC has no shortage of places to grab a cup of joe. Starbucks is ubiquitous and right behind it are Dunkin’, Blank Street, and loads of other chains where one get get a caffeine fix. Losing the restaurant Coffee Shop, only for someone to replace it with an actual coffee shop that none of us truly needed felt like a smack in the face. ( To be fair, there’s also a bank on that lot now but that’s just too much to take in at once lol.)
I get it. A lot of us run on coffee and rely on our first cup of the day to carry us through those early morning meetings or onslaught of emails. Maybe it’s just me but as a coffee drinker, I get tired of hitting up the same old chains out of convenience, only to pay $7 for something that isn’t truly all that exciting. I’d happily pay a little bit more for some spice and excitement in my life!
So, where can we go to stay caffeinated in NYC when we want something other than regular drip or pour over on the go?
Let’s take a look at 5 places in NYC that showcase different coffee brews from around the world.
Cardamom Latte at Asal Yemen in Bay Ridge
Yemeni coffee holds a special place in the history of coffee as both a beverage and a global commodity. Known as the birthplace of the coffee trade, Yemen introduced the world to coffee cultivation and exportation through its port of Mokha, giving the famous “mocha” coffee its name. Fun fact, the moka pot is also named after this Yemeni city. The centuries-old tradition of brewing rich, spiced Yemeni coffee continues to thrive, not only in Yemen but also in diaspora communities.
A few summers ago, I happened upon Asal Yemen in Bay Ridge where I had their cardamom latte. If you know me well, you know I’m the cardamom queen so I had to try it. I was not disappointed and it was worth drinking actual milk for.
Cà Phê Sữa Đá at Càphê Đen in Flushing
Vietnamese coffee culture is a vivid blend of history, tradition, and innovation. Introduced by French colonists in the 19th century, coffee quickly became a staple of daily life in Vietnam, evolving into a unique style characterized by strong, dark brews made with robusta beans and often paired with sweetened condensed milk. This rich and creamy concoction, known as cà phê sữa đá, is emblematic of Vietnam’s resourceful and flavorful approach to coffee.
Vietnamese coffee is definitely for those of you who have a sweet tooth and need a jolt! Càphê Đen is super cute and their name translated to “black coffee” They offer many varieties of Vietnamese coffee including bạc xỉu, Cà phê trứng, and cà phê cốt dừa.
Viennese Coffee at The Hungarian Pastry Shop or The Neue Gallery in Manhattan
Viennese coffee culture is a UNESCO-recognized tradition, renowned for its elegance and timeless charm. Emerging in the 17th century after the Ottoman retreat from Vienna, coffee became an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric, giving rise to opulent coffee houses where writers, artists, and thinkers gathered. Iconic Viennese specialties like the Wiener Melange, a creamy espresso-based drink, and decadent pastries like Sachertorte reflect the city’s sophisticated yet welcoming café experience.
In New York City, we have two fun options! The Hungarian Pastry Shop on Amsterdam and 110th St. has been a neighborhood staple for decades. Don’t let “Hungarian” in the name fool you as they do serve Viennese coffee alongside other notable Viennese and Eastern European delicacies. The Austrian-inspired Café Sabarsky at the Neue Galerie channels old-world charm, offering a taste of Vienna’s refined coffee culture through carefully crafted beverages and a cozy, intellectual ambiance.
Café Bombon at Café Colmado on L.E.S.
Café Bombón, a beloved coffee tradition from Spain, reflects the country’s flair for simplicity and indulgence. Originating in Valencia, this sweet treat pairs equal parts of strong espresso and sweetened condensed milk, creating a beautifully layered drink that is as visually striking as it is delicious. Spain’s coffee culture is deeply rooted in fostering social connection, with cafés serving as gathering spots for conversation and relaxation.
Café Colmado is a Puerto Rican- owned spot on the Lower East Side where you can grab a café bombon and some pastries in a lively, colorful atmosphere!
Dalgona Coffee at Grace Street in K-town
Dalgona coffee, a very frothy and photogenic beverage, became a global sensation during the pandemic, but its roots trace back to Korea’s innovative coffee culture. Inspired by a traditional Korean street candy called Dalgona (you probably recognize it from Squid Games Season 1), the drink combines instant coffee, black sugar, and water whisked into a velvety foam, served over milk. This whimsical caffeinated spin highlights Korea’s longstanding love for coffee, which evolved rapidly after its introduction in the late 19th century, with café culture blossoming into a dynamic and creative scene.
Grace Street in the heart of NYC’s Korea Town is a sweet cafe to pick up a Dalgona coffee and other sweets like Ho-Dduk, Matcha beignets or milk tea boba toast.
Ethiopian coffee at Bunna Cafe in Bushwick
Ethiopia, often celebrated as the birthplace of coffee, has a rich and deeply rooted coffee culture that intertwines history, tradition, and community. Legend attributes the discovery of coffee to an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi, whose curious goats danced after eating the berries. Coffee remains central to Ethiopian life, with the traditional coffee ceremony serving as a cornerstone of hospitality and social connection. As a commodity, Ethiopia’s unique coffee varieties, such as Yirgacheffe and Sidamo, are renowned worldwide for their complex flavors and heritage.
Bunna is a common word in Ethiopia to refer to coffee. This plant-based Ethiopian cafe serves coffee ceremony every weekend at 5pm (free with your meal!) Their coffee is spiced with cardamom and cloves and they even serve a spiced coffee/ tea hybrid called Ethiopiano. I haven’t made it out to Brooklyn to try this spot yet but it’s very high on my list.
Currently Reading: Uncommon Grounds
Slightly related to this post theme, I’ve started reading a book called Uncommon Grounds The History of Coffee and How it Transformed Our World by Mark Pendergrast. This is a really long and detailed book on the history of coffee that was released in 2010. I love reading books about topics like this that take a deep dive into the things we eat and how they’ve made it into our lives.
Have any of you read this book? If you’re interested in this topic, I’d love to do another post about my impressions of the book and any takeaways I have. Let me know in the comments!
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