NYC – TOP 6 Cafes

New York is truly a city of possibility. While travel always has its highs and lows, with New York things are different. It meets and exceeds your imagination, each and every time. Yellow cabs, steam fogging the streets, old brick houses, restaurant interiors. We’ve all seen it in the movies, the videoclips, the countless tv shows. New York is exactly what we already know.

The city is surely great but what about finding a good coffee? Seattle-born Starbucks on every corner, a few other chain coffee shops with British Pret-a-Manger being one of the most popular, multiple small eateries and diners or typically New York delis, all serving pots of black or creamed coffee, where can we find an alternative?

Americans usually drink black, brewed or some form of filtered coffee. Espresso-based beverages, with latte and cappuccino being the most popular, are also very common – ah, all the Starbucks joys! But a hipster capital wouldn’t get that title if it wasn’t for the quirky cafes and creating, not just following, new coffee trends.

This list is just a glimpse into the vast and varied coffee scene of New York. Impossible to capture, it is a summary of my trips to the city that never sleeps (hence the real need for coffee… 😉 )

1. Culture Espresso, 72 W 38th St (Midtown, Manhattan)

Cosy and elegant cafe close to Bryant Park. In their straightforward menu coffee is clearly the most important item. They prepare delicious flat whites, not so easily found in the Big Apple, together with the even rarer Spanish-inspired cortado. Culture Espresso is all about coffee, but you should definitely try their signature cookies, available in two flavours, chocolate chip or (and!) oat and cranberries.

2. Cafe Jax, 318 E 84th St (Upper East Side, Manhattan)

One of the Upper East Side’s hidden gems to make your work and study simple and nice. Great cappuccino and delicious sandwiches. Lower floor with comfortable chairs and sofas is often chosen by those who prefer cafe space rather than a library.

3. Sugar Hill Cafe, 410 W 145th St B1 (Harlem, Manhattan)

Tiny cafe hidden in the heart of Harlem. Chemex coffee is definitely a highlight but their cappuccino is nothing less than amazing. Their menu consists of good sandwiches and delicious breakfast or lunch options but coffee is the main reason you want to come by.

4. Brooklyn Roasting Company, 25 Jay St (Dumbo, Brooklyn)

To call this huge loft space, created in an old warehouse right next to the Brooklyn Bridge, simply a “cafe” doesn’t do it justice. It is an exquisite combination of cafe, coffee shop, cowork space and a roaster that they run on the side. Brooklyn Roasting Company is a big enterprise visibly present on New York’s coffee scene. Sustainably sourced coffee beans and  interior design based on recycled items manifest their environmentally oriented attitude. Best quality coffee delivered by passionate baristas puts this Dumbo cafe high on my favourite New York places list.

5. Grand Central Coffee, 155 E 52nd St (Midtown, Manhattan)

This small but very centrally located cafe is a perfect coffee-break spot while you’re rushing around the city (who doesn’t rush while shopping in NYC!). The main wall of the back room was transformed into one big book shelf which makes you immediately want to reach for something from their vast collection. Delicious sandwiches and very decent coffee.

6. Toby’s Estate Coffee, 125 N 6th St (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)

Another New York classic. Toby’s Estate originated in Australia and travelled to the Big Apple, along with the quickly spreading trend of Aussie-style coffee, quickly becoming one of the major players on the local coffee scene. Their original cafe is located in Williamsburg with an on-site roaster and their instagrammable #tobysshelfie Aussie-nostalgia book shelf. A real must-visit!

 

New York and its cafes are not something that you can easily capture and name. Existing in numerous ways, New York coffee culture is as overwhelming as the city itself. And if the jet lag hits you – now you know where to go  😉

 

TOP 5 DUBAI

The history of coffee and that of Dubai are surprisingly closely connected. According to a local legend, first to experience stimulating quality of coffee beans were goats somewhere in Ethiopian highlands. Local worshipers started brewing a beverage from the berries of coffee plants which were making goats alert all night to stay awake during all night prayers. Arabs who frequently visited Ethiopia to trade quickly picked up the habit of drinking coffee and took it further, spreading the news around the world. Today we can learn more about this history and see how coffee has been prepared in other remote parts of our globe by stepping into Coffee Museum in Dubai, located in old part of the city in Bastakiya district.

In Dubai, the city of contrasts, old methods of coffee brewing exist parallel to the newest ones. Traditional coffee houses which are often open till early hours of the morning, usually full of locals, and modern and fancy cafes that attract bigger crowds of expats, create ever-growing coffee culture and constantly re-imagine it.

1. RAW Coffee Company

RAW Coffee Company was founded by a New Zealand couple that struggled to find a good cup of coffee desperately enough to decide to fill the gap by themselves. They opened a roaster/cafe in one of the warehouses of industrial zone, Al Quoz, and started importing hand-picked beans from all over the world. RAW is all about best quality, sustainability and attention to details. They make sure each and every stage of creating the best coffee reflects their vision. As a final product we receive delicious beverages prepared by experienced baristas

2. Tom & Serg

Tom & Serg quite quickly became a popular hang out spot. Behind its success stands Australian-Spanish duet, for whom T&S was the first cafe in their constantly growing network. Revamped old warehouse decor inspired by Australian lofty interior design, great flat white with filter options available and seasonal menu with a local touch – who needs more? This place attracts everyone with what they have best to offer.

3. The Sum of Us

Think Tom&Serg but open till late, plus bakery, plus coffee roasters. Add recently introduced weekend brunches , little floral booth, yoga classes… Easy-going menu, coffee that can never disappoint, big tables, couches and bean bags. Everyone always feels welcome.

4. Arabian Tea House

Best place to try typical Arabic coffee. Located in old Bastakiya district, this is one of the most picturesque spots in all of Dubai. Before having your coffee you should also try some local dishes, if you manage to put your camera down for long enough to eat!

5. Coffee Museum

Small but well equipped museum in the heart of old Dubai that exhibits different approaches to coffee and serves it in various traditional ways. Recommended!

TOP 3 KRAKÓW

Kraków is a coffee paradise. New cafes pop out each time I happen to come back. Even when I still wasn’t fluent in the language of coffee, I always knew where to go to satisfy my developing coffee taste buds.

My personal list of the best 3 coffee shops (too) easily found in Kraków!

1. KARMA, Krupnicza 12

First thing first, Karma. This is my long time favourite, quality you can always rely on. In Karma I rediscovered Australian flat white that I got addicted to during my first Australian trip. Once I moved to Dubai, Karma was always my first port-of-call while visiting Kraków. They roast beans in their own coffee roasters on Wawrzyńca street and their blends are more and more popular with other up-and-coming cafes in the city. Karma team bake cakes, quiches, tarts and cook yummy vegetarian breakfasts and lunches (Karma is just one of many vegetarian places on the map of Kraków). Definitely a place to try!

2. WESOŁA, Rakowicka 17

Wesoła opened its door just before I left Kraków. Hard as it was to make up for lost time, this place is so good I made sure I did! This cafe is conveniently located just outside the main bus and railway station. Great traditional-style breakfasts and even better cakes. They serve delicious specialty coffee and brew super nice daily filter. Wesoła is always a good idea, even if you don’t have a bus or train to catch, because ‘It’s better to drink coffee than not’, as their catchy motto says.

3. BLOSSOM, Rakowicka 20

My latest accidental discovery which turned out to be a hit. Great coffee prepared by passionate people who love (and know!) what they’re doing. They also serve amazing breakfasts and bakery products, with vegan and vegeterian options available. High quality of beans with a focus on specialty coffee. Warm and cosy spot where everyone feels welcome!