In the bustling New York, coffee is more than just a beverage—it’s a way of life. With a thriving café culture, the city offers so many charming and inviting spots to indulge in your favorite brew. For coffee enthusiasts and seekers of delightful atmospheres, these spots offer a haven to savor not only exceptional brews but also the unique vibes that each establishment brings to the table. Whether you’re on a quest for artisanal coffee, Instagrammable interiors, or simply a cozy spot to unwind, the cafés of NYC have something for every discerning palate. From hidden gems tucked away in Brooklyn to vibrant spots in the heart of Manhattan, this curated list is sure to awaken your inner coffee connoisseur and inspire your next leisurely afternoon in the Big Apple. So, let’s embark on a caffeinated adventure through the cutest cafés in NYC! Whenever I travel to a new city, I love hunting for these places! So, these lists are always quite handy for me. If you’re the same, you can find my map of the cutest cafés in NYC at the end of this article.
The Cutest Cafés in NYC
1. Maman
I used to see this venue quite often on socials, which is why I got so curious to stop by in one of my trips to NYC. Maman exudes a whimsical and inviting ambiance, making it a beloved spot for meeting up with friends. Originating as a French bakery and café in SoHo, Maman quickly gained renown for their flawlessly crafted baked goods. Interiors are lovely, and they expanded so much. Now, there have several branches across Manhattan.
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Location: Multiple locations
2. Felix Roasting Co.
Felix Roasting Company is a haven for Instagram enthusiasts! It stands out as one of the cutest cafés in NYC, offering many opportunities for captivating photos. In a city where a coffee shop graces nearly every corner, Felix elevates the standard in hospitality, comfort, and flavor, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Adorned with velvet-lined booths and colorful ceiling tiles, it’s not only one of the cutest cafés in NYC but also one of the most refined.
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Location: Multiple locations
3. Butler Bakeshop
Their sleek and beautifully designed interior makes this one of the cutest cafés in NYC. Their SoHo location is often filled with friends catching up or individuals engrossed in their work. With ample seating and abundant natural light, it’s an ideal spot for a coffee break in the city.
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Location: Multiple locations
4. Plowshares Coffee
Plowshares Coffee boasts a spacious interior with plenty of seating, adorned with an abundance of plants. The large windows flood the café with natural light, making it a perfect spot for people-watching. Roasting their own coffee beans and offering a thoughtfully curated menu of expertly crafted drinks, this quaint café is worth a visit.
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Location: 2730 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
5. Remi Flower & Coffee
Remi Flower & Coffee is a place where coziness meets comfort. This coffee spot also doubles as a floral shop, making it one of the cutest cafés in NYC. Specializing in the most beautiful hand-tied flower arrangements, their coffee follows suit. The latte art alone is worth writing home about. New York City doesn’t skimp when it comes to coffee, and Remi Flower & Coffee proves this to be true. There’s something undeniably posh about sipping your coffee, gazing at the city views, and being surrounded by gorgeous flowers. It’s easy to lose track of time daydreaming in this charming New York City café…
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Location: 906 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10017
6. PlantShed SoHo
For fellow plant enthusiasts, PlantShed is a sanctuary. Their original Upper West Side location has been an oasis in the concrete jungle for over 40 years. The SoHo branch, however, is home to one of the most charming cafés in NYC. Riding the wave of the plant craze, PlantShed created a space where you can enjoy some of the finest coffee in New York City amidst lush greenery. Plants and flowers are also available for purchase, so it’s not unusual to see patrons leaving with a latte in one hand and a hanging basket in the other. Most of their locations offer ample space for guests to bring their laptops and settle in, whether to work or read a book. PlantShed provides a veritable Garden of Eden, offering a peaceful respite from the bustling city.
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Location: Multiple locations in New York City
7. Ralph’s Coffee
Located in the Upper East Side, Ralph’s Coffee exudes opulence and exquisitely captures a charming, retro atmosphere. This café ranks among the most endearing in New York City, as evidenced by the perennially long lines. It’s easy to understand why both locals and visitors are drawn to this café. Between the sophisticated decor and exceptional coffee (crafted with La Colombe beans), you’ll feel like a million bucks. While there are a few outdoor tables for lounging, don’t expect to find an empty seat easily; they tend to fill up quickly. Feel free to pair a delectable baked good with your coffee and take a few unhurried moments to watch the world go by. This is one of the most charming cafés in NYC, especially on a brisk autumn day.
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Location: 888 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021
8. Citizens Coffee
One of the cutest cafés in NYC is Citizens Coffee. This Australian-influenced café prides itself on fostering a sense of community by creating a safe space to savor a delectable cup of coffee. Whenever I visit Citizens Coffee, I’m met with a warm welcome from a staff member who consistently goes above and beyond. The affable staff, scrumptious fare, and the café’s overall charm make it a place I keep returning to. The interior is vibrant and well-lit, adorned with verdant plants and playful tiled floors. Citizens Coffee has truly mastered the art of crafting a welcoming environment.
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Location: Multiple locations
9. Sweet Moment
If you ever find yourself in Chinatown with a hankering for dessert, be sure to swing by Sweet Moment. This is one of the most endearing cafés in NYC, and the treats here are unlike anything I’ve ever had before. I initially came here for the matcha latte after spotting their latte art on Instagram. However, when I stepped inside and saw the Bingsoo (milk shaved ice), I promptly changed my order to indulge in dessert instead. Bingsoo, a beloved South Korean snack, features shaved ice crowned with fruit and ice cream. If your mouth isn’t watering at the mere thought of it, I’m not sure what to tell you (only half-kidding). The café offers ample seating and a penchant for K-Pop. During my visit, I was pleasantly surprised to see both younger and older generations congregating at this delightful café in New York City. But once I sampled the Bingsoo, it all made perfect sense.
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Location: 106 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
10. Urban Backyard
If you’re a fan of succulent plants and cupcakes, Urban Backyard is the place to be. This small oasis in the heart of Little Italy is one of the most enchanting cafes in New York City. Famous for their lifelike mini cupcakes with frosting sculpted into the shape of succulents, they’re almost too adorable to eat. Offering a range of unique coffees and teas, Urban Backyard is my go-to spot when I’m in the area and need a mid-day pick-me-up.Urban Backyard strives to be a sustainable business and sells natural, reusable products. They also prepare all their sauces and syrups in-house, so drinks are made with fresh ingredients. The space may be small, but they’ve managed to transform a concrete room into a cozy, rustic escape from the city. Size doesn’t hinder this coffee shop from being one of the most delightful cafes in NYC. You’ll find greenery sprinkled all over this cafe, and the employees are always eager to give suggestions, so don’t hesitate to ask for help.
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Location: 180 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
11. Davelle
Davelle is a Japanese-style café, serving delectable food, including Instagram-worthy toast. The café is on the cozier side, accommodating perhaps ten people inside, along with a few tables outside. Given that this is one of the most charming cafés in NYC, almost everything you order perfectly matches the aesthetic. Offering an array of toast flavors, you can opt for something savory like ham and egg or something sweet like berry and cream cheese. Alongside the famous toasts, their menu boasts a selection of Japanese dishes and drinks (the matcha is exquisite).
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Location: 102 Suffolk St, New York, NY 10002
12. Ladurée
Laduree offers five locations to choose from, making it easier than ever to find one of the most charming cafés in New York City. Renowned for their macarons, Laduree has garnered a dedicated following for good reason—these are some of the finest in the city. The ambiance is quintessentially Parisian, creating a perfect space to unwind in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle. Laduree’s hot chocolate strikes a delightful balance for those who prefer a taste of genuine chocolate in their drink without overwhelming richness. Regardless of your reason for stopping by, you’re in for a treat at one of the most charming cafés in NYC.
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Location: Multiple locations
13. Café Flor
Café Flor is a roomy café that’s ideal for enjoying coffee and tackling work during the day, or for gathering with friends and unwinding with a glass of wine in the evening. This lovely café in NYC is part coffee shop, part retail shop, selling floral arrangements and home decor. The moment you step inside Cafe Flor, you’re greeted with an intoxicating blend of coffee and flowers, so if you’re sensitive to scents, this may not be the spot for you. The café is adorned with blooms, and the art on the walls is exceptional. There’s an abundance of seating, so finding a table to savor a bite or drink shouldn’t pose a problem. You’ll discover bistro chairs and verdant leather booths that enhance the charm of this one of the most charming cafés in New York City. Cafe Flor is laptop-friendly, and outlets are readily accessible, so expect to find New Yorkers hard at work with a superb cup of coffee close by.
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Location: 218 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
14. Devoción
Devoción delivers some of the best coffee in one of the most delightful cafés in NYC. After meticulously selecting coffee plantations in Colombia, the team at Devoción mills their coffee at their Bogotá warehouse. Through overnight shipping, it reaches Brooklyn for in-house roasting. From there, it’s prepared to order and finds its way into your cup, all within roughly 10 days. With several locations around NYC, I tend to frequent the Williamsburg location most, as it exudes a cozy ambiance with exposed brick and warm lighting. A word of caution, though—since this is one of the cutest cafés in NYC, finding seating (at times) can be a challenge.
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Location: Multiple locations
15. Milk + Roses
Nestled in the heart of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, you’ll find the enchanting Milk + Roses—a place that feels straight out of a storybook. While it transforms into a bustling restaurant by night, its daytime atmosphere is decidedly more relaxed and inviting.
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Location: 1110 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Map of The Cutest Cafés in NYC
As promised, find here a map to some of the cutest cafés in NYC. Any new recommendations to my list? Let me know in the comments below. Happy exploring!
