Welcome to New York! NO… not that New York you see in every damn rom-com. Run away from those Elmo hugs in Times Square (ew, you don’t know how many people he’s touched) as fast as you possibly can. Then hop on the Downtown A train and get off at W 4th Street. NOW, welcome to New York. It’s been waiting for you.
After visiting my brother in The City a few times this year, we have compiled a running list of places we love. Although much of this masterpiece spawned from his failed attempts at wooing a female counterpart, I’ll take the opportunity to use his loss for my (and your) personal gain. Thanks, brother.
This is not a list of just coffee shops or restaurants, but a potpourri of places that are pleasing to the tastebuds, eyeballs, and Instagram feed. So eat up, drink up, and gram away, friends.
1. Black Seed Bagels
Want a bagel with a side of literally anything ever? Stop into Black Seed in SoHo and try their # anything. I personally recommend the #17, ricotta with apple and honey. In addition to a quick NYC bagel, you can listen to your dad’s favorite hits from 1978 while watching the employees jam out. Bound to start your day off right.
2. The Butcher’s Daughter
Put on your #BasicBetch Best and head over to this SoHo hotspot. Waiters wearing witty shirts like “Beet It” and “We Sell Designer Kale” while sharing communal tables because they “never know how busy they might get,” and wearing your holiest jeans and floppiest floppy hat will prepare you for the most organic, free range experience. That said, the avocado toast is out of this world. Suck up your hanger and prepare to wait too long to eat brunch.
3. Buvette
BEST. CROISSANT. EVER. No really, enchanté. You will know you have found Buvette when you see the rusted bike parked outside with a wicker basket full of wine corks. How do we know this is legit? The only other location is in Paris. Honestly, if you don't get the croissant we can’t be friends.
4. by CHLOE.
She’s like, vegan, right? Put your guilt to ease for any meal of the day with this retro joint of vegan options that taste out of this world. Plan ahead because the line is absurd.
5. Cafe Gitane
Get the mocha and ask for the paw print on it. You're welcome. Avocado toast is always a go. (Cash only, no need to Venmo me.)
6. Dimes
Are you in Manhattan or San Fran? Dimes' angular geometry and primary colors as well as the "chill vibes" and hipster dress-code of the waiters will have you thinking you are somewhere along the California coast.
7. Dudleys
Want a breakfast where you love every item on the plate but never thought to throw it all together? Try Dudleys for a chic-American all day café with a pinch of Australian flare. Prepare yourself to be blown away by The Big Breakie with its compilation of baked beans, mushrooms, a hash brown, roasted tomatoes and two eggs with a side of toast. Wow.
8. The Fat Radish
Walk in. Stare. Keep staring. You might think "How perfect is this place?" From the white subway tiles with the pastel faded map hanging over them, to the plants and bicycle at the entrance, immerse yourself in the white exposed brick and dreamy aesthetic. The avocado toast has become a hipster's staple, but seriously... The Fat Radish has the BEST avo toast. Ask for an extra napkin.
9. The Grey Dog
Caution: Don’t let the University of Michigan swag deter you from this spunky little spot. With three solid downtown locations (Chelsea, West Village, SoHo), you can’t go wrong because you’re not in Times Square. The Grey Dog is a random hodgepodge of good coffee, good food, and good vibes. Enough said.
10. Happy Bones NYC
The tiny minimalist coffeehouse decor meshes well with the Yin Yang sticker on the to-go cup. For the perfect Insta, search for the colorful wall near the door and wear your favorite light neutral nail polish to top off the “casual but cute coffee in hand peace and love” photo for your feed (not that I would know, or anything).
11. Irving Farm Coffee Roasters
Need a refreshing iced coffee on that hot summer day? You’ve found your place. The mason jars pair perfectly with the overhanging lights and neutral wood seating. Your hipster aesthetic will rejoice in the farm in its Lower East Side location.
12. Jack’s Wife Freda
Basic as hell but so worth it. Breakfast, brunch, or dinner, Jack's Wife has the food that would make even your Jewish grandmother jealous. Just go.
13. Joe Coffee
If you are one of those crazy dog watchers like me, the West Village location is the neighborhood to be. Grab the best cup ‘o joe, snag a bench outside, and meet the friendly locals and their furry, fun-loving friends.
14. Marm Cafe
Good luck finding it on a map. It is legitimately a corner cafe you cannot find unless you walk by it. (Hint: southwest corner of Clinton St. and Rivington St.)
15. Sadelle’s
Make an 8 AM reservation and get there at 7:45. It may seem empty when you arrive, but trust me, you’ll thank me later. Don’t even think about going on the weekend unless you feel like waiting until dinnertime for breakfast. DID SOMEBODY SAY ENDLESS BAGELS? Get a tower with smoked Scottish salmon, and you never know what New York Times Bestselling author might stroll on in. P.S. Their iced coffee is STRONG.
16. Speedy Romeo
If you’re like me and rate your pizza joints based on the quality of their Margherita, this is perfection. The ratio of mozz-bas-sau….I can’t. Trust me, on a scale of 1-10, you just need to go. The original is in Brooklyn, but they opened a literal hole in the wall in the Lower East Side. It’s loud, dark, small, crowded, and worth it.
17. Two Hands Cafe
Side note: if you want to stare at hot Australian surfer men who serve you delicious food and make the most beautiful mocha, I 10/10 recommend the Nolita Two Hands. (Acaí bowl and avocado toast aren't bad, either).
Give these hotspots a shot, sip, gram and enjoy!
