Finding a good cup of a coffee can be a more challenging feat than some may assume. However, it is always a challenge I am ready to take on. If you are unsure of whether to try one of the newer coffee shops, have no fear. I have gone ahead and tried them out, so you can know where you must go and where you most definitely should not go.
Mast Market: 4.8/5. A hidden gem, located on 77th and Columbus, Mast Market is a combination of a cafe and a wellness market. An iced cappuccino with almond milk costs just over $5. The coffee is creamy and of delightful taste – not too strong with a lovely flavor. The fact that their blend is so good is very impressive, especially when getting an espresso drink, as often smaller coffee shops struggle with strength due to their use of their own precise blend. The service is very gracious and the wait time is incredibly short. They have outdoor and indoor seating, so it is a nice place to be if you want to get some work done.
Frame Coffee: 3.9/5. Located on 74th and Amsterdam, Frame Coffee offers the perfect balance of coffee staples and fun, indulgent drinks. An iced cappuccino with cinnamon sugar costs a little more than $6. The espresso does have a particular taste, so whether you enjoy Frame Coffee may largely depend on your blend preferences. It’s a little on the stronger side in terms of flavor, but is very enjoyable. Their menu has some more flavorful and fun drinks along with standard coffees, making a good go-to coffee shop that has a coffee for you no matter your mood and preference of the day.
Moka & Co.: 3.5/5. Newly opened on 92nd and Broadway, Moka & Co. offers Yemenite coffee and has many options. It tastes authentically Yemenite, with strong notes of cardamom in its blend. The price is quite high, with the majority of their coffees costing upwards of $8, and one dollar extra for special milk. The shop has lots of room to sit, but it does take a while to receive your drink in proportion to the guests waiting. I did not enjoy it in particular. However, if you know you like Yemeni coffee, or coffee with strong spiced flavor, then this is the place for you.
White Noise Coffee: 3.85/5. Located on 57th and 11th, White Noise Coffee offers a large seating space and a variety of snacks and drinks to choose from. An iced cappuccino at $6 (including $1 extra for almond milk), is a quality cup of coffee that many will enjoy. The blend is of medium strength, with a bit of distinctness to it, but nothing too overpowering. However, I do not suggest getting the more flavorful and indulgent drinks from White Noise; although they make a strong effort to make these drinks meticulously, they can never seem to get them quite right. So, when going to White Noise Coffee, it might be best to stick to the staples.
Café d’Avignon: 4.25/5. Located in Essex Market on the Lower East Side, Café d’Avignon offers a tasty blend of coffee, the perfect pick-me-up for a day downtown. The blend is earthy, but still has a subtle sweetness to it. It is very creamy and flavorful, yet not too pungent. Some might not like this blend due to personal preference. However, its milder taste makes it a much more approachable blend. Majority of the coffees are around $5-6, so not cheap, but not outrageously priced either. There is seating outside, but minimal space within the market itself.
All in all, everyone has their own preferences, but a good coffee can make or break one’s day, so better safe than sorry when it comes to choosing your coffee for the day!