The Best Independent Cafés and Coffee Shops in the Bronx

The exceptionally friendly staff at Mon Amour Coffee & Wine is a standout example of what makes independent cafés so special. This spot’s picture-perfect macarons, warm ham and Gruyère croissant sandwiches, and quality coffee and wine selection are all just icing on the cake—or, in Mon Amour’s case, the éclair.

In the particularly under-served area of Hunts Point, locally owned Boogie Down Grind Café has received passionate support from its neighbors. Focusing on strengthening its local community, the café offers a free lending library, special discounts for teachers and students, welcoming service, and, of course, drinks and bites that’ll make customers feel like boogieing down.

Located in a neighborhood known as Bronx’s Little Italy, Prince Coffee House brings a modern flair to one of the borough’s more old-school areas. Striking a perfect balance of classic and contemporary, Prince’s menu features familiar iced coffees and croissants alongside adventurous picks like Turkish coffee, ginger- and orange-spiced cocoa, and poppy seed cake. Locals particularly love the spot’s thoughtful food and drink presentations as well as the downstairs quiet zone, an ideal work space for students from the nearby Fordham University.

Organic, allergy-friendly, and completely kosher, the Moss Café stands out in the Bronx as an unexpected yet welcome local gem. On any given day, find Bronx residents enjoying Moss’ drinks from Stumptown Coffee Roasters and Bellocq Artisan Teas, avocado toast, and steamy paninis bursting with fresh veggies. Between the shop’s emphasis on fresh, whole foods and its inviting interior, every morning is a good one at Moss Café.

Harlem standout Filtered Coffee has opened a second outpost in the Bronx much to the locals’ excitement. Café-lovers may come for the Counter Culture beans, alternative milks, and specialty teas like coconut oolong or tangerine-ginger blends, but it’s the free WiFi, plush leather seating, and gorgeous skylight that are sure to make Filtered your go-to spot.

Part-coffee shop and part-diner, Nicky’s Coffee Shop offers both grab-and-go eaters and lingering breakfast-havers a great start to the morning. Classic diner fare like pancakes, omelettes, and bacon, is available as hearty take-out or a sit-down meal. Nicky’s affordable full breakfasts and friendly staff can make a morning person out of anyone.

Is The Miles Coffee Bar the Bronx’s most ’grammable café? Come sample the spot’s Nutella coffee, fresh hummus toast, and vegan food and drink options. The minimalist interior and indie magazines and coffee table books available for perusal are a pleasing sight, but nothing beats the taste of the bar’s sea salt-chocolate chip cookies.

La Casa Del Caffe (The Coffee House) lives up to its name with a selection of over 30 different espresso drinks. At first glance, it resembles a coffee shop-convenience store hybrid, but what the café lacks in frills it more than makes up for in flavor, serving up fresh pastries and desserts with an Italian flair. In a sea of watered-down coffee, La Casa’s affordable, quality products stand out.
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.