The 15 Best Cafés & Coffee Bars in the Upper East Side, New York

Flora Coffee Bar

Besides a touch of old world charm, what feature would most people say is of paramount importance when choosing a bed & breakfast (b&b)?  We maintain that location is the most important feature. 1871 House has the good fortune to be centrally located to Upper East Side museums, excellent restaurants, chic galleries, exclusive shopping & of course Central Park. In summery, the  best NYC has to offer. So what else could anybody ask for in a neighborhood? Well, until a few years ago local artisan coffee bars were somewhat hard to come by. Fortunately, these days there are cafes to satisfy even the most fussy of coffee snobs.  Recent times have brought numerous openings of cafes and coffee bars to the 1871 House neighborhood.  The result is 1871 House guests now have loads of chic cafes to choose from to get their mornings off on the right foot and to get their daily java fix. It doesn’t get any better this. 

So now can we finally put to bed the notion that the Upper East Side is stuffy? We’re pretty sure we’ve seen a few hipsters lurking around Birch Coffee.  It’s hard to keep up with all the new places that have arisen, and while we’re sure new options will continue to open, we’ve put together a fairly comprehensive list.   For information about staying at 1871 House, visit our website 1871 House

Below is our list of some of the best neighborhood Cafes and Coffee Bars in the Lenox Hill area of the Upper East Side neighborhood .  We’ve included both old and new cafes. 

Birch  

Our neighborhood’s own little hipster joint is located right across Lexington Avenue on East 62nd Street.   This tiny shop serves various types of coffee products: Espresso, Americano, Macchiato, Cortado, Cappuccino, Latte, Flat White, Cafe Au Lait, Mocha, Drop, Tea, Chai Latte, Hot Cocoa, Cold Brew.  They have various non-dairy milk options–including hemp milk. Additionally, to satisfy your sweets craving, they also feature pastries from some of New York’s beloved bakers from gluten-free gems to donuts.  Birch prides itself on creating a sense of community amidst the chaos of New York City. 134.5 East 62nd Street. 

Little Collins 

Joe & the Juice

Coffee, Juice, Sandwiches & more – served mostly by male employees with sculpted arms covered in tattoos.  You may catch them flipping pitchers into the air & juggling ice cubes. Rumor has it, they all live together in a shared apartment.  Located on the corner of East 62nd Street and Lexington Avenue, Joe & the Juice has created a cozy little corner cafe furnished with comfy banquettes. It’s a good thing because this spot is perfect for gazing out the windows.  801 Lexington Avenue.  

Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar


Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar
     


Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar has been our go to place since it opened a couple of years ago. By any standard, it is not your ordinary cafe. From the most perfect foam on their cappuccinos to the delectable little sandwiches and pastries they serve. The level of care and attention to detail weather it be the refined atmosphere, the design, the first class service or the quality of craftsmanship. As you can tell, we’re big fans!

Sant Ambroeus takes it inspiration from lively coffee bars in Europe. The espresso and cappuccino bar also features warm pressed Panini and desserts, pastries and croissants. Guests can also enjoy a selection of savory Paninetti, soft home-baked rolls with a delicate crust perfumed with olive oil, and Le Foccaccine, a flaky and slightly salted interpretation of Focaccia. Afternoon and evening hours offer a menu of cocktails and wines by the glass. 61st Street between Park Avenue & Madison Avenue at the Regency Hotel (though it has it’s own entrance on East 61st Street).

Sant Ambroeus Cappuccino & Pastries

Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar at Hanley New York

Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar features an assortment of coffee drinks in addition to lunch and cocktail options. The Espresso and cappuccino bar also features breakfast pastries including Italian cornetti, scones and cookies. For lunch, guests can enjoy warm pressed panini, including the Duomo with tuna, olives, celery and cherry tomatoes and a selection of paninetti—soft house-made rolls. Other savory items include salads and seasonal soups made to order. The coffee bar also serves  desserts. Each day from 5pm-9pm, the coffee bar welcomes guests for Aperitivo Hour, a traditional Italian custom, featuring an assortment of small bites with the purchase of cocktails or wine.  1136 3rd Avenue @66th Street. Mon – Fri 7:00am to 9:00pm; Sat-Sun 8:00am to 9:00pm

Café Bilboquet


Offers breakfast pastries, fancier sweets like éclairs, and ready-made panini and salads, along with coffee, tea, beer and, soon, wine in an elegantly gilded setting with plush garnet banquettes.  26 East 60th Street (between Park and Madison Avenues), no website.

Gregory’s Coffee

Working with Irving Farm Coffee Roasters, Gregory’s roast their own coffee.  They serve an assortment of coffee products & a wide variety of snacking foods including gluten free options.  (Espresso, Macchiato, Cortado, Cappuccino, Lattes, Mocha, Americano); Juices (cold pressed grapefruit juice, cold pressed kale, spinach, apple, lemon, agave juice, cold pressed lemon, ginger, agave juice, OJ);  Swiss Oatmeal (Fat free milk, low fat vanilla yogurt, apple, oats, peanuts, banana, raisins); Gluten Free Blue Star (low fat vanilla yogurt, banana, blueberry & granola); Gluten Free Green Wonder (Low fat vanilla yogurt, apple, pomegranate juice, spinach, carrot, kale, coconut, granola, flaxseed, dates, almonds, walnuts and lemon juice) ; Peanut Pleaser (low fat vanilla yogurt, banana, peanut butter, coconut, flaxseed, granola, dates almonds, walnuts, coconut, flaxseed), bakery (banana nut pound cake, carrot pound cake, brownie, pumpkin muffin, croissant, rugelach, biscotti, donuts, scone, vegan bar, muffins, cookies); chicken salad peanut butter banana power bit, chia pudding, banana pudding. 878 Lexington Ave. 

Via Quadronno 


Coffee Bar in the tradition of Coffee Bars in Europe (similar to Sant Ambroeus) plus a full dining menu. A large selection of made to order paninis composed of one single ingredient on freshly baked bread, as open-faced sandwiches or alla Milanese with several ingredients.  Sample their delicious Lasagna Bolognese or try our personal favorite – Sferzata Di Salute – pureed mixed vegetable soup. Homemade pastries. Wine.  25 E 73rd St. 

Via Quadronno Cappuccino
Little Collins  

Counter-serve cafe prepping coffee, espresso & Australian breakfast & lunch fare in sleek environs.  They serve the perfect Flat White’s along with serving great Australian inspired food.  The Brekkie (Australian for Breakfast) choices include the Smash (avocado & feta mash on toast), Pick Me Up: Sandwich with sage omelet, tabasco, tomatoes & caramelized onions, The Convict: toast with vegemite, The Big Dill (Sandwich with cured salmon sage omelet mascarone capers dill and chives, The Sweet Uncle Fred; toasted banana bread with ricotta berries, honey and almond brittle); Lunch Sandwiches – the Charcoal Chook, Haloumi gyro, Schnitzel, Salads and sweets..  667 Lexington Ave (@55th Street). 

Bel Ami Cafe

Bel Ami Cafe 

A French Bakery/Cafe serving sandwiches and salads and known for it’s breads and pastries. 30 E. 68th Street

Joe Coffee

Joe Coffee  

Coffee spot offering free-trade brews, baked goods and known for their exceptional lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso .  1045 Lexington Avenue around 74th St.  

Flora Coffee 

Coffee bar service coffee, pastries, and takeaway sandwiches. The cafe is located within the Met Bruer Museum.  945 Madison Ave at 75th St


Oren’s Daily Roast   


A coffee shop since 1986, Oren’s has been known as NYC’s premiere coffee roaster for more than 30 years.  The shop also dedicates a whole wall filled with every sort of coffee-related merchandise you can think of, for those who want to nurture their coffee hobby.  They also sell fine and packaged teas & coffee beans. The shop is on 71st and Lexington Avenue @ 985 Lexington Avenue   

Nespresso Madison Avenue Boutique and Cafe 

The cafe serves espresso made from Nespresso’s twelve “Grand Crus”  and a light menu of pastries, salads & sandwiches. This location also includes a showroom where you can purchase your own Nespresso coffee maker. 935 Madison Avenue (73rd Street).

Starbucks Coffeehouse 

(63rd/Lexington) – No list would be complete without the ubiquitous coffee chain. 

Bluestone Lane’s 

While this coffee shop is a little far from 1871 House, we really didn’t think our list would be complete without it.  Note that it’s across the street from Central Park and close to both the MET and The Copper Hewitt Museum.   Situated in a historic 19th-century church, this coffee spot offers Australian-style espresso and a seasonal-rotating menu of healthy-orientated breakfast, lunch and small bite dishes  They also have a select wine and beer list.  stellar avocado toast.  2 East 90th St. 

Bluestone Lane

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