10 Most Instagram-Worthy Cafes in New York

Behind every popular Instagram user, is a cute cafe that can be cuddled up in with friends for a good cup of tea (or discussing the tea) along with doing work, reading or relaxing. If you’re searching for some of the most aesthetically pleasing cafes in New York City, look no further.

If you’d rather skip the coffee and go straight to dessert, check out The Best Places For Dessert in NYC.

1. Stonefruit Espresso + Kitchen

Stonefruit Espresso + Kitchen is a farm-to-table conscious cafe located on 1058 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11205. They create their dishes using seasonal produce made with organic farming practices to create a healthy yet delicious lifestyle. All of their baked goods are made in the cafe and they brew Counter Culture Coffee and Bellocq tea.

2. Urban Backyard

Urban Backyard is a small cafe located at 180 Mulberry Street in Nolita Neighborhood that is also committed to being environmentally and socially responsible. Their mission statement says, “We want to influence the coffee market through eco-conscious practices and to help all people make choices and decisions that help conserve our natural resources.” The best part about this business model is their bio-degradable hay straws. They keep our planet AND our beverages clean.

3. Felix Roasting Co.

Felix Roasting Co.’s goal is to bring each customer the most perfect cup of black coffee. They’ve teamed with Yield Coffee Roasters, where 100% of their proceeds go back to the families that they source from to build sustainable living conditions. Most of their menu (including the alternative milks) are made from scratch in their kitchen. “We don’t buy things,” Mr.Petrehn, the shop’s barista and resident coffee expert said, “Except for the sweet and savory pastries that come from Supermoon Bakehouse on the Lower East Side.”

4. Blue Stripes Cacao

Blue Stripes Cacao is an Israeli chocolate powerhouse that just opened this past June in Manhattan’s East Village. Brenner named the business after cacao, he said, “Cacao fruit was one of the things that really intrigued and fascinated me. I wanted to create a concept around it.” Blue Stripes serves this trendy fruit ground to a pulp in bowls and shakes-the first establishment in the world to offer cacao in this form. It is similar to the ever-popular açaí bowl.

5. Old Rose

Old Rose is located on the first floor of The Jane Hotel overlooking the Hudson River. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even late-night dining. Slightly different than your normal cafe, they serve local craft beers on tap, natural wines and specialty cocktails. This establishment is sure to give you that calming vibe of being at home while away from home.

Note: Old Rose may be temporarily closed due to COVID-19.

6. Partners

Partner’s (previously known as Toby’s Estate) is located in Brooklyn, New York. They believe that “each coffee can tell a story and we strive to share that in every cup.” They source their coffee from respectable farmers and roast each cup individually in order to accentuate its flavor. They also host a Brew School, designed to teach everyone, no matter how experienced, the elements of brewing a great cup of joe.

7. Ralph’s Coffee

Ralph’s Coffee is a signature coffee shop that first opened in a Ralph Lauren’s store. People boasted that their baristas were almost certainly models and loved the taste of the coffee, which was a fruity-caramel blend made specifically for Ralph Lauren by La Colombe. This shop shut down, but was recently re-opened this September in honor of New York Fashion Week and the brand’s 50th Anniversary.

8. Maman

Maman has six locations in New York and one in California. Its founding partners, Benjamin Sormonte and Elisa Marshall raved that their favorite childhood memories were spent in the kitchen and wanted to create a space that mimicked that. Their menu changes daily and focuses on dishes that are made with locally sourced ingredients and have a french style incorporated into them. Their famous nutty chocolate chip cookie was named one of Oprah’s ‘favorite things’ in 2017 and one of the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in New York by NY Magazine. They actually get their coffee from Toby’s Estate, too!

9. Öst Café

Öst Café is a vegan-friendly restaurant located in East Village (441 East 12th Street @ Avenue A) and on the Lower East Side (511 Grand Street @ East Broadway).  People say that it is a wonderful place to meet up for a healthy lunch with friends. The owners pride themselves on bringing a “taste of bohemia” that reflects their Central European Heritage, yet continues to cater to the locals’ tastes.

10. Devoción

Devoción is probably known best for its coffee. Just 10 days after being freshly picked in Colombia, the raw beans arrive at the cafe and are made into the freshest coffee around in its on-site roastery,  The cafe itself is also a gorgeous place to hang out with a skylit room and vintage lighting.

Though there are definitely more breathtaking local cafes beyond these 10, this is a great place to start your caffeine journey and an amazing opportunity to strengthen your bond with the local cultures of the city.

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