The Best Coffeeshops On The Upper West Side
Long considered the ‘coffee shop desert’ of Manhattan, the Upper West Side now boasts coffee and pastries to rival the Stumptown’s of Flatiron and the Blue Bottles of Brooklyn. In a way, the coffee shops in the Upper West Side reflect the vibe of the neighborhood – known as a busy place in the heart of the city that never sleeps. Check out our guide to some of the best coffee places on the Upper West Side.
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Oren’s Daily Roast
Oren’s epitomizes commitment to quality and prides itself on its detailed roasting process—all beans used in your cup o’ Joe have left the roaster that very day—and works with small, private farmers to scout out its robust roasts. Oren’s has some of the smoothest, tastiest almond milk lattes on the Upper West Side and distinctly flavorful American blends. They also serve pastries from Doughnut Plant and Balthazar as delightful accompaniments to this well-loved and well-priced establishment.
Mille-Feuille Bakery
Chef and owner Olivier Dessyn, trained and certified in France, creates a relaxed, effortless atmosphere at his Upper West Side patisserie, serving some of the most delightful French pastries on this side of the Atlantic. Olivier’s abiding commitment to all-natural ingredients made fresh daily in Brooklyn gives a palpable difference. Enjoy Mille Feuille’s salted caramel or passionfruit macarons, eponymous mille-feuille, or celebrated ‘Royal’ (chocolate mousse on praline cake).
Filicori Zecchini
Filicori Zecchini is a taste of the world. Guests can customize their roast and enjoy some of the highest-quality coffee on the Upper West Side, brewed with European machines, accompanied by deliciously flaky croissants.
Birch Coffee
Birch sources everything locally, including its legendary toasted almond tea. Try one of Birch’s popular flat whites or cortados for their signature medium roast, where the flavor of the bean trumps that of the roast. With ornamental ceilings laid against industrial piping, well-dressed baristas, quirky decor, delectable menu, and free used books for reading, Birch will become your new neighborhood favorite.
Irving Farm Upper West Side
Irving Farm’s carefully sourced and delicately crafted coffees make it a staple in the Upper West Side. The shop features house-made and Balthazar baked goods with bold, sustainable, handcrafted brews. Irving Farm sources all its beans at its namesake Hudson Valley farm, focused on building an abiding relationship between grower and final cup.
Plowshares Coffee Roasters
Plowshares serves a smooth, deep espresso. Enjoy locally sourced, carefully chosen beans and a good catch-up.
The Hungarian Pastry Shop
On entering the dimly-lit cafe you’ll be greeted by the irresistible smells of Hungarian coffee, classic Hungarian napoleons, Rigó Jancsi (chocolate sponge cake, chocolate mousse cream), dobostorta (chocolate buttercream-layered sponge cake, crunchy caramel topping) and cherry or apple streudel. All these treats are handmade from scratch.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
