Great Coffee Shops Near Union Square, New York City

| © Sean Pavone / Alamy Stock Photo
Caitrin Sneed

Coffee is the nectar of the New York gods. We’re fairly certain that without coffee Wall Street would crash, colleges would close and Broadway’s curtain would come down. It’s fitting then that the Union Square hub has many opportunities to refuel. Here are our favorite coffee shops to try here, and if you have the energy after your morning pick-up we’ve also got some themed experiences you will love too!

Everyman Espresso

Everyman Espresso, located inside the lobby of the Classic Stage Company and a few doors down from Peridance Capezio Center, is a coffee shop meets artist hub that serves up impressively good shots of espresso. Everyman Espresso is a great place for those seeking high-quality coffee near New York’s East Village.

1. Donut Adventure and Food Tour, New York

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Discover New York City’s best donuts on a fun-filled guided walking tour. We’ll take you to Manhattan’s top donut spots, offering a delicious and sweet adventure through the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. Learn about the history and culture behind each unique donut shop. This tour is perfect for donut enthusiasts looking to explore unique and tasty treats. Enjoy a variety of flavors and styles that showcase the creativity of New York’s bakers. A must-do for anyone with a sweet tooth and a love for exploration.

Irving Place / Irving Farm Coffee Roasters

71 Irving Place is a great place to meet friends or enjoy a quiet lunch. The Irving Farm Coffee is undeniably the main reason to try this place out, but their menu of sandwiches and salads, beer and wine selection and the atmosphere are the reasons you’ll come back many times over. Quaint coffee shop decor meets buttery pastries and fresh coffee – what’s not to love?

O Cafe

For the sustainability conscious coffee lover O Cafe is the place to go. From supporting fair-trade and sustainable agriculture to exclusively providing completely compostable consumption wares and building the cafe using sustainable practices, O Cafe raises the bar on what it means to be a ‘green’ business. On top of their commendable commitment to being green, O Cafe’s richly flavored coffee is strong enough to keep you going for hours. Their pastry menu is notable not only because of the quality, but also for the gluten-free options.

The Bean

With wifi, vegan treats, a top-notch Iced Dirty Chai and a fun low-key atmosphere, the Bean must win some kind of cool award. If you get your coffee to drink in you’ll most likely end up sharing a small table with someone else, but the crowd is always friendly and serve as great partners to shoot the breeze with. The Bean is perfect for a casual coffee (or tea; they have a comprehensive list), while doing some work on your laptop, or (since it is across the street from The Strand Bookstore) reading a book.

2. Hop on Hop off Adventure, New York

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Explore New York City with ease on a hop-on hop-off tour! Relax on a double-decker bus as you take in iconic sights along Uptown and Downtown routes. This flexible tour allows you to hop off and explore at your own pace, making it ideal for busy travelers wanting to see the city’s highlights. Enjoy informative commentary and learn fascinating facts about New York’s landmarks. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, this tour offers a comprehensive and convenient way to see the city. Make the most of your time with this hassle-free sightseeing option.

Joe Coffee

Frequently populated by students from the New School, Joe Coffee is an energizing environment. With limited seating, Joe Coffee is more of a ‘get your high-quality coffee to-go’ place than a ‘sit and contemplate life’ kind of coffee shop; with so much to do in the city, this might well suit your itinerary. This vibe is perfectly in line with the pace of Union Square and goes well with the strong coffee they serve.

Madman Espresso

Madman Espresso has cool music, a rustic interior and most importantly, great coffee. The company’s goal is to make artisanal coffee accessible to everyone, and they do just that. Madman Espresso has two downtown locations near Union Square.

Think Coffee

On a busy day in Union Square, Think Coffee is the perfect place to sit down and and relax. With no wifi, this location can become a refreshing no-work zone – now that’s a novelty. Think Coffee has multiple locations downtown that are unique in their layout and crowd but all share the same great coffee and light food menu.

Le Cafe Coffee

This small coffee shop has wonderful coffee and sandwiches but stands out because of its seasonal drinks. Every month a new seasonal drink is introduced; a fun reason to frequent Le Cafe Coffee to see what’s on offer. The interior, a rustic oak design, somehow makes the coffee roast taste that little bit more woody.

The Grey Dog

If you’re looking for good coffee and a large food menu near Union Square, check out The Grey Dog. This boisterous cafe has a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu and quality coffee. Don’t plan on writing your next novel here, but if you are looking to meet up with friends in Union Square, this is a great option.

3. Food and history walking tour

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Join us on a walking tour of Flatiron and Union Square, where you’ll explore the best of food, architecture, and history. Enjoy tastings at unique food hotspots and immerse yourself in the culinary wonders of Caffe Lavazza at Eataly Market. Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of these iconic neighborhoods. This tour is a delightful journey through some of New York City’s most beloved areas. Perfect for foodies and history buffs alike. Experience the flavors and stories that make these neighborhoods so special.

Culture Trip Summer Sale

Save up to $1,395 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

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