Whether you’re a diehard New Yorker or a first-time tourist, there are three things that all city-goers need to ensure they don’t get too worn down: good walking shoes, an assertive cab-hailing technique, and lots of caffeine. A sugary sweet treat doesn’t hurt, either. Chuck the Dunkin’ Donuts and the dollar coffee from the corner store, because New York’s coffee and pastry scene has gone full-on gourmet.
Here are the best places to grab a delicious cup of joe and some flaky, gooey, delectable pastries in NYC:
La Colombe (Multiple Locations)
La Colombe Torrefaction is a cult favorite for coffee snobs everywhere, and they helped to start the gourmet coffee trend in America over two decades ago. More recently, they became the first coffee company to develop a draft iced latte, and it’s even better than it sounds. You can purchase it canned, but go to one of their locations to have it served up fresh and foamy. If you prefer something a little stronger, go for the black & tan, which is half draft cold brew and half draft iced coffee.
Order: Black & tan and an almond croissant.
Twitter: @LaColombeCoffee
Dominique Ansel Bakery (Soho)
This viral sensation of a bakery was founded by world-renowned pastry chef Dominique Ansel. The pastry god is famed for his unique and original creations, the most popular of which is the coveted cronut. This lovely confection heightens the all-American donut by incorporating a flaky, delicate, croissant-like dough and infusing it with flavors like fig mascarpone and chocolate champagne. They’ve also got cookie shots (milk in a cookie shot glass), mini meringues, the DKA (Dominique’s Kouign Amann), and frozen s’mores.
Order: Cronut of the day and a box of DKAs.
Twitter: @DominiqueAnsel
Amy’s Bread (Greenwich Village)
Amy’s has more than once been named the best bakery in NYC, and for good reason. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re into savory or sweet, full meals or a light snack.
Order: Raisin semolina bread, pistachio twisted croissants, and the pink cake.
Twitter: @amysbread
Maman (Soho)
Michelin-starred chef Armand Arnal started Maman, which brings family recipes from southern France all the way to the big apple. The ambiance is one of the best in lower Manhattan – charming, adorable, and 100% French.
Order: Lavender hot chocolate, iced chai latte, chocolate chip cookies, cookie of the day.
Twitter: @_mamannyc_
Culture Espresso (Midtown)
Independent and locally-owned, Culture Espresso is an NYC favorite for those who prefer to start their mornings with a little caffeine buzz. They prepare simple but perfect coffee with beans from Heart Coffee Roasters out of Portland, Oregon, which is arguably one of the best roasters in the country (yes, better than Stumptown). As for pastries, they make amazing cookies in-house and receive deliveries from an assortment of the best bake shops in New York, so you get to pick from a wide sampling of creative donuts and delicious muffins.
Order: The chocolate chip cookie and a flat white.
Twitter: @cultureespresso
Blue Bottle (Multiple Locations)
Blue Bottle Coffee is headquartered in Oakland, California, but the beans that their NYC cafes used are roasted right here in Brooklyn. Their signature New Orleans cold brew is a deliciously perfected blend of 12-hour cold brewed coffee, roasted with chicory, lightly sweetened with organic cane sugar, and cut with organic milk.
Order: New Orleans-style cold brew, available fresh or in to-go cartons.
Twitter: @bluebottleroast
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Levain Bakery (Upper West Side)
Levain Bakery is the infamous hole-in-the-wall on the UWS has been serving up some of the most unbelievable, 3-inch thick (they’re shaped more like a scone) cookie creations since 1995, and the quality has only gotten better. They go for $4, but they are some of the densest, richest baked goods you’ll find in the city. One is plenty. The outside is crunchy, the inside is soft, warm, and slightly gooey, and you will dream about them for days.
Order: Dark chocolate chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin cookie.
Twitter: levainbakery
Take your delicious coffee and delectable treat and head to one of New York’s gorgeous parks that are not Central Park.