The Best Cafés and Coffee Shops in Manhattan’s Financial District

Step aside, Starbucks: FiDi’s caffeine-craving inhabitants are choosing another local chain for their morning (and, okay, afternoon) fuel. Australian import Bluestone Lane provides quality pick-me-ups worthy of Melbourne and Manhattan alike. Escape the excitement of the New York Stock Exchange at this adjacent oasis serving exclusive espresso and filter blends, wellness drinks, and healthful bites, including avocado smash, market bowls, and, for the daring diner, vegemite toast.

In Swedish, “FIKA” describes the act of taking a break in your day to enjoy coffee, company, and a light bite. Luckily for this local chain, Sweden’s “coffee-centric lifestyle” doesn’t require translation in New York City. FiDi inhabitants flock to FIKA for made-from-scratch truffles, satisfying sandwiches, and quality coffee beverages.

Any spot where brews come accompanied by tasting notes such as “beloved,” “heartfelt,” and “historic” can be considered made for Manhattan. Serving up coffee snobbery at its best, La Colombe has become a favorite destination for New York’s caffeine connoisseurs. Unfussy café fare, such as pastries, flatbreads, and straightforward coffee drinks, are executed with integrity at this café chain.

Blue Spoon Coffee Company ventures beyond classic café fare—and after surveying its unusual offerings, you may be inclined to join them. At this independent coffee shop, expect unique items, such as honey lavender lattes, raspberry mochas, and ice cream sandwiches, along with anything-but-ordinary basics from Balthazar, Ceci Cela, and more.

In-the-know caffeine fans swear by this underground (literally) café. Locate this below-street-level spot and be rewarded by a highly curated menu featuring house-made almond macadamia milk, 68-hour fermented sourdough bread with house-made almond butter, and a selection of in-season single origin coffees. Tip: order adventurously at Voyager Espresso, where coffee flights, coffee cocktails, and a wholesome breakfast smoothie (featuring a double shot of espresso, obviously) fight for your favor.

Bean fiends flock the aptly named Bean & Bean, where, you guessed it, beans come first. Sourcing from Guatemala, Indonesia, Tanzania, and beyond, the café, which roasts its finds in-store daily, provides FiDi drinkers tastes of the world. Classic coffee beverages, including lattes, Americanos, and cappuccinos, make for a straightforward selection. However, with beans that are this good, basic is best.

Since pouring its first cup back in 2016, new-to-the-scene Black Fox Coffee Co. has quickly developed a staunch FiDi following (an impressive feat in New York City). Specializing in café fare with a gourmet flair, the newcomer whips up everything from brown butter affogatos and espresso tonics to cherry-stracciatella toast and pork shoulder sandwiches. Thoughtful touches, such as house-made almond and oat milks and bread courtesy of Arcade Bakery, solidify the Fox’s status as a FiDi favorite.

Founded in 2003 with the values of a family business, Jack’s Stir Brew Coffee focuses on coffee farmers and fans alike. From vegan and gluten-free café snacks to an in-store market featuring local companies, this pioneer of the coffee industry’s “crop-to-cup movement” offers thoughtful touches at every turn. After experiencing Jack’s offerings, it’s easy to see how the family has grown into a New York City empire, now serving over 50,000 people each week.

Situated inside one of the area’s many commercial buildings, Primary stands out as a triple threat. This rare FiDi find serves as a shared working space, health and wellness studio, and, most excitingly, an espresso bar. Stumptown brews, healthy bites, and personable baristas place Primary at the top of the caffeine-loving locals’ list.