If there is one thing that pleases all nationalities, this thing is coffee. It brings people together, gives us energy and makes us work better. Therefore, whether you’re visiting, having a business meeting or looking for an unusual office to work on your projects, I gathered a list of some great NYC cafés you should check out.

Madman Espresso

In the heart of Midtown, Herald Square more precisely, Madman Espresso is a good choice if you’re in the middle of some shopping spree and need a coffee break to recharge batteries – it’s near the Macy’s flagship store, by the way. However, there’s another branch close to Washington Square Park, in case you’d rather spend time with locals. The coffee menu is great, staff is friendly, the decoration is pleasing and the environment is very warm and comfy. Also, the pastries are amazing – seriously, go for one of the croissants they offer! They’re so good!

Address: 234 W 35th St, New York, NY 10123

Woops! Bakeshop

After scavenging for some great finds at thrift shops, visiting art galleries and eating in hip restaurants, this cozy and very instagrammable café in Brooklyn is a perfect stop while you spend the day in Williamsburg. Macarons, éclairs, cookies, sandwiches, hot chocolates and, obviously, espressos are in the menu of this little but happy place in Brooklyn.

Address: 548 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Brigadeiro Bakery

I had to include a Brazilian establishment here. In between SoHo and Greenwich Village, there is a bakery entirely dedicated to “brigadeiro”, a traditional and heavenly sweet made out of condensed milk and chocolate. There are other types of brigadeiro as well, such as dulce de leche, salted caramel, oreo and white crush. Clearly, they have coffee, cakes, cheese bread and guaraná (Brazilian’s most popular soft drink). I absolutely love coming here because of the excellent snacks and nice workers. The area is full of interesting bars, restaurants, newsstands and the architecture depicts the stereotypical New York from the movies!

Address: 156 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012

QWNS

Croissants, croissants, croissants. This cafe in Astoria, Queens, has (probably) one of my favorite croissants in the area. It’s super fresh and crunchy. Speaking of location, this coffee shop is in a busy – yet not so touristy – district. But if you want to make sure you step your feet in every borough of NYC, you might want to check out this place in Long Island City while you’re on the way to Corona Park, Queens Museum or even Rockaway Beach.

Address: 22-35 31st St, Long Island City, NY 11105

Starbucks Reserve Roastery

I know, you did not expect to see Starbucks here. But I promise this is one of the things you can’t miss out once you’re in the big apple. This upscale version is one of the three biggest branches in the world (the others are based in Seattle and Shanghai).

With a whole different – I mean fancier, more expensive and more tasteful – menu, visiting this Starbucks store in Chelsea is a tremendously cool experience. Staff here wears different uniform and are 100% friendly. By they way, they come to your table to serve you water and offer free samples of exclusive or different types of coffee. null

The atmosphere is modern and futuristic despite the industrial decor. Speaking of which, you can actually see coffee beans being roasted while you’re sipping your Brazilian espresso. Once you’re tired of all the food, head upstairs to get a drink (yes, alcoholic drink) at the bar. Unless you are underage, then don’t do it. Stick to the pizzas, cornettos, sandwiches, cookies, pies, and other delightful pastries.

Address: 61 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Little Cupcake Bakeshop

This is another famous pick because of how good is looks on social media. And due to its popularity, it’s always busy with a young crowd. In spite of its Instagram craze, the food is actually very good and very earth-conscious. Cupcakes, puddings, cakes and pies are made with sustainable ingredients – a very positive part of being millennials’ favorite spot! Additionally, it’s in SoHo – close to the awesome McNally Johnson Bookstore, art galleries, bistros and stores.

Address: 30 Prince St, New York, NY 10012

Two Hands Cafe

This Australian haven is somewhere in between Tribeca and Chinatown. The options include very healthy meals, so if you’re down to have a very nutritious “brekky” after digging so many pizza slices and bagels, I suggest adding Two Hands Cafe to your list. I gotta be honest: I don’t come here for the coffee, but for the 100% real freshly squeezed orange juice. Oh, I also enjoy the salads, toasts and sandwiches. Plus, everybody here is the nicest – they’re aussies after all!

Address: 164 Mott St, New York, NY 10013 or 251 Church St, New York, NY 10013

Kos Kaffe

On the other fifth ave – yes, I mean in Brooklyn – you can find Kos Kaffe. The coffee shop is located in a very busy area with many other shops and restaurants around waiting for you to explore. My favorite part – besides the food, obviously – is the decoration and how cozy and comfortable it feels to be there. On the menu you can find coffee, tea and many light bites.

Address: 251 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Sweets by CHLOE

Trendy, healthy and vegan. Sweets by CHLOE has cakes, cookies, muffins and they sell creative types of juice, too. Unfortunately, this is not a sit-down kind of place. So, if you’re avoiding New Yorkers’ grab and go style, go to the actual by CHLOE restaurant (found in West Village, SoHo or Flatiron). You can select one of the many beverage options, like a hot or iced coffee, drink a smoothie and attack some other savory items such as sweet potato fries.

Address: 185 Bleecker St Suite B, New York, NY 10012

Sweet Corner Bakeshop

Greenwich Village has a tiny yet charming café and bakery called Sweet Corner Bakeshop. Cookies and pastries are delicious along with some light savory eats and, well, coffee. I like how the workers are usually very kind and warm. Moreover: this address is super close to another very popular tv location – hell yes I am talking about the Friends building. If you’re a diehard fan of Phoebe, Joey, Rachel, Monica, Ross and Rachel, make no mistake: write down these recommendations to your New York travel plans.

Address: 535 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014

Do you know any other coffee shops worth passing by in New York? Share with me in the comments below. 😉