If you’re a real NYU student, coffee flows through your veins. And if you’re a real foodie, you won’t be satisfied drinking at the same cafe every day. So, here are 10 coffee shops within walking distance of Washington Square Park for you to get your fix and get studying. Cheers.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
30 W. Eighth St, New York, NY 10011
Located in the West Village, Stumptown Coffee Roasters’ rustic wood and brick exude a wonderfully cozy atmosphere. The OG cold brew’s smooth, light taste juxtaposes the strong caffeine kick, Which is exactly why people keep coming back for more. You can even grab it in a 32 oz. growler if you’re so inclined. Not only is the coffee strong, but Stumptown's warm interior make it an inviting place to study. Unfortunately, seating can be limited especially during rush hours, so plan to grab your drink to go before heading out — or just get there extremely early. There is also outdoor seating if you’re feeling gutsy enough to brave the dropping temperatures.
The Bean
824 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
At the Bean, you can experience a quiet neighborhood coffee shop amid the bustle of Union Square. The shop is known for making an exceptional dirty chai — a chai latte with two shots of espresso. It’s the perfect amount of sweetness, spice and everything nice. You can even add one more espresso shot, making your drink filthy — if that’s your thing. The coffee pairs extremely well with any of the vegan donuts on display. If you’re feeling a little more hungry, go for a smoothie or any of the sandwiches. The Bean's eccentric yet homey feel make it a safe haven for many students camping out for hours, curled over hideous amounts of homework. The fact that it closes at midnight makes it even harder to leave.
Think Coffee
248 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012
There are Think Coffees all over the city, but this location is conveniently right next to campus. The space is roomy and can pack in many NYU students and professors, making it a perfect place to finish that last bit of work before your next class. Make sure to try the Spanish Latte —a latte made with condensed milk that defines the perfect ratio of creamy to sweet without overpowering the espresso flavor. Beyond being ethically sourced and focusing on sustainability, Think Coffee created Social Project Coffee, a sourcing model that prioritizes fair trade and supports workers and communities. Knowing that your coffee helps projects like housing reconstruction in Colombia, feminine hygiene in Ethiopia and clean water access in Nicaragua makes your drink taste even better.
La Colombe
400 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003
In trendy NoHo right on Lafayette, La Colombe is a hip spot to get your juice. Aesthetic seating plus lots of natural light make it feel like a tempting place to settle. But be warned, the busy coffee shop may be better background noise to chatting with a friend than cramming for a midterm. La Colombe famous draft latte is the quintessential mix of strong coffee, silky milk and airy foam. If you’re in between the range of the frappuccino-type coffee goer and the black coffee traditionalist, try a black and tan — the perfect combination of La Colombe’s rich chocolatey cold brew and a creamy draft latte. And don’t worry if you don’t dare with dairy — there is an exceptional oat milk option as well.
Irving Farm Coffee Roasters
78 W. Third St, New York, NY 10012
While the signature chic black cups may appeal solely to the aesthetic aspect of coffee shops, but what’s underneath the lid is also worth the hype. The americano is nutty and ric and perfect for the cold outdoors. In contrast to the typical crowded New York coffee shop, Irving Farm is expansive and quiet enough for even the most studious of us. If you feel like taking your drink to go, Bobst Library is easily within walking distance. And if coffee isn’t your beverage of choice, the hot chocolate is another winter staple and delectable on all palates.
Joe Coffee
141 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10014
A nook in the West Village, Joe Coffee is the ideal place for a lazy weekend day. With no WiFi, students may feel displaced and long for their MacBook screens. However, it makes for the perfect spot to journal, read or catch up with old friends or make new-. The drip coffee is the perfect choice for slow mornings. And at Joe, you can sip slowly and enjoy the complex notes of caramel and fruit. Pair it with one of the seasonal pastries for the ultimate winter self-care ritual. Like the coffee, your experience here will never be bitter.
Third Rail Coffee
240 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012
Third Rail may seem a tad itty-bitty — in fact, it’s easy to pass by the coffee shop without noticing it as you walk down Sullivan St. Its size makes it less ideal for studying and more practical for grabbing a drink orders. Though it may lack space, the shop's coffee is bursting with flavor. For something different, try the cortado. With a smaller milk to coffee ratio than a latte, the cortado’s flavor is not lost in the creaminess of the milk. Still, for those that are fearful of bitter coffee, the espresso is mystically rich yet sweet. As it’s smaller than a latte, ordering a cortado at first glance may seem underwhelming — not unlike Third Rail itself. But trust; good things come in small packages.
Birch Coffee
71 W. Houston St, New York, NY 10012
Birch welcomes you with its bright interior and the vibrant smiles of the baristas. A must-try is the oat latte. They use Oatly oat milk, aka this season’s new-and-improved trendy non-dairy milk. Even if you are a whole milk stan, the creaminess, sweetness and nuttiness of the oat milk elevate the espresso to a new taste that can’t be found anywhere else. Another go-to is the cold brew, smooth enough to gulp down quickly but strong enough to power you through hours of shopping in SoHo. Because the shop is on the smaller side, order your drink and continue heading down Houston.
Blue Bottle Coffee
101 University Pl, New York, NY 10003
Blue Bottle definitely plays into the trendy coffee shop hype. With its all white interior, clean design and minimal menu, it may appear like a place for coffee purists only. However, Blue Bottle offers something for everyone. A solid choice is the New Orleans coffee.This drink is the happy medium for both ends of the spectrum, from those that take their cream and sugar with a side of coffee and others that prefer no add-in. The New Orleans coffee consists of the bold cold brew flavored with chicory and sweetened with milk and organic cane sugar. With no seating inside, it’s almost required you get it to go.
Madman Espresso
54 University Pl, New York, NY 10003
Madman Espresso’s motto is “tired of the coffee snobs,” claiming to make quality coffee accessible to the common man — or should we say madman? Despite the fact that Alec Baldwin often grabs his cup of joe here, the homely feeling of Madman invites celebs and everyday folk alike. The coffee lives up to hype of high-caliber brew at a lower cost than other places that often add an extra price for unnecessary hype. Madman Espresso even created a signature drink, known as the Manmancino — a cappuccino that blends flavors of chai, chocolate and cinnamon. Among all these flavors, the coffee flavor still stands strong, and the sweetness isn’t overkill. It’s just mad enough to work.
If you’re a real NYU student, coffee flows through your veins. And if you’re a real foodie, you won’t be satisfied drinking at the same cafe every day. So, here are 10 coffee shops within walking distance of Washington Square Park for you to get your fix and get studying. Cheers.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
30 W. Eighth St, New York, NY 10011
Located in the West Village, Stumptown Coffee Roasters’ rustic wood and brick exude a wonderfully cozy atmosphere. The OG cold brew’s smooth, light taste juxtaposes the strong caffeine kick, Which is exactly why people keep coming back for more. You can even grab it in a 32 oz. growler if you’re so inclined. Not only is the coffee strong, but Stumptown’s warm interior make it an inviting place to study. Unfortunately, seating can be limited especially during rush hours, so plan to grab your drink to go before heading out — or just get there extremely early. There is also outdoor seating if you’re feeling gutsy enough to brave the dropping temperatures.
The Bean
824 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
At the Bean, you can experience a quiet neighborhood coffee shop amid the bustle of Union Square. The shop is known for making an exceptional dirty chai — a chai latte with two shots of espresso. It’s the perfect amount of sweetness, spice and everything nice. You can even add one more espresso shot, making your drink filthy — if that’s your thing. The coffee pairs extremely well with any of the vegan donuts on display. If you’re feeling a little more hungry, go for a smoothie or any of the sandwiches. The Bean’s eccentric yet homey feel make it a safe haven for many students camping out for hours, curled over hideous amounts of homework. The fact that it closes at midnight makes it even harder to leave.
Think Coffee
248 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012
There are Think Coffees all over the city, but this location is conveniently right next to campus. The space is roomy and can pack in many NYU students and professors, making it a perfect place to finish that last bit of work before your next class. Make sure to try the Spanish Latte —a latte made with condensed milk that defines the perfect ratio of creamy to sweet without overpowering the espresso flavor. Beyond being ethically sourced and focusing on sustainability, Think Coffee created Social Project Coffee, a sourcing model that prioritizes fair trade and supports workers and communities. Knowing that your coffee helps projects like housing reconstruction in Colombia, feminine hygiene in Ethiopia and clean water access in Nicaragua makes your drink taste even better.
La Colombe
400 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003
In trendy NoHo right on Lafayette, La Colombe is a hip spot to get your juice. Aesthetic seating plus lots of natural light make it feel like a tempting place to settle. But be warned, the busy coffee shop may be better background noise to chatting with a friend than cramming for a midterm. La Colombe famous draft latte is the quintessential mix of strong coffee, silky milk and airy foam. If you’re in between the range of the frappuccino-type coffee goer and the black coffee traditionalist, try a black and tan — the perfect combination of La Colombe’s rich chocolatey cold brew and a creamy draft latte. And don’t worry if you don’t dare with dairy — there is an exceptional oat milk option as well.
Irving Farm Coffee Roasters
78 W. Third St, New York, NY 10012
While the signature chic black cups may appeal solely to the aesthetic aspect of coffee shops, but what’s underneath the lid is also worth the hype. The americano is nutty and ric and perfect for the cold outdoors. In contrast to the typical crowded New York coffee shop, Irving Farm is expansive and quiet enough for even the most studious of us. If you feel like taking your drink to go, Bobst Library is easily within walking distance. And if coffee isn’t your beverage of choice, the hot chocolate is another winter staple and delectable on all palates.
Joe Coffee
141 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10014
A nook in the West Village, Joe Coffee is the ideal place for a lazy weekend day. With no WiFi, students may feel displaced and long for their MacBook screens. However, it makes for the perfect spot to journal, read or catch up with old friends or make new-. The drip coffee is the perfect choice for slow mornings. And at Joe, you can sip slowly and enjoy the complex notes of caramel and fruit. Pair it with one of the seasonal pastries for the ultimate winter self-care ritual. Like the coffee, your experience here will never be bitter.
Third Rail Coffee
240 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012
Third Rail may seem a tad itty-bitty — in fact, it’s easy to pass by the coffee shop without noticing it as you walk down Sullivan St. Its size makes it less ideal for studying and more practical for grabbing a drink orders. Though it may lack space, the shop’s coffee is bursting with flavor. For something different, try the cortado. With a smaller milk to coffee ratio than a latte, the cortado’s flavor is not lost in the creaminess of the milk. Still, for those that are fearful of bitter coffee, the espresso is mystically rich yet sweet. As it’s smaller than a latte, ordering a cortado at first glance may seem underwhelming — not unlike Third Rail itself. But trust; good things come in small packages.
Birch Coffee
71 W. Houston St, New York, NY 10012
Birch welcomes you with its bright interior and the vibrant smiles of the baristas. A must-try is the oat latte. They use Oatly oat milk, aka this season’s new-and-improved trendy non-dairy milk. Even if you are a whole milk stan, the creaminess, sweetness and nuttiness of the oat milk elevate the espresso to a new taste that can’t be found anywhere else. Another go-to is the cold brew, smooth enough to gulp down quickly but strong enough to power you through hours of shopping in SoHo. Because the shop is on the smaller side, order your drink and continue heading down Houston.
Blue Bottle Coffee
101 University Pl, New York, NY 10003
Blue Bottle definitely plays into the trendy coffee shop hype. With its all white interior, clean design and minimal menu, it may appear like a place for coffee purists only. However, Blue Bottle offers something for everyone. A solid choice is the New Orleans coffee.This drink is the happy medium for both ends of the spectrum, from those that take their cream and sugar with a side of coffee and others that prefer no add-in. The New Orleans coffee consists of the bold cold brew flavored with chicory and sweetened with milk and organic cane sugar. With no seating inside, it’s almost required you get it to go.
Madman Espresso
54 University Pl, New York, NY 10003
Madman Espresso’s motto is “tired of the coffee snobs,” claiming to make quality coffee accessible to the common man — or should we say madman? Despite the fact that Alec Baldwin often grabs his cup of joe here, the homely feeling of Madman invites celebs and everyday folk alike. The coffee lives up to hype of high-caliber brew at a lower cost than other places that often add an extra price for unnecessary hype. Madman Espresso even created a signature drink, known as the Madmancino — a cappuccino that blends flavors of chai, chocolate and cinnamon. Among all these flavors, the coffee flavor still stands strong, and the sweetness isn’t overkill. It’s just mad enough to work.
Email Anna de la Rosa at [email protected].
