The Best Coffeeshops On The Upper West Side

Coffee
Coffee | Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Cindy Liu

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.

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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

Fresh coffee

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

Sponge cake

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.

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