My Favorite Coffee Shops in NYC: Where to Find the Perfect Cup

While libraries are great, sometimes I need a change of scenery or a space that’s more relaxed but still productive. Over time, I’ve found a handful of coffee shops across the city that have become my go-to spots for getting work done.  They are more than just a place to grab caffeine—they’re my second office, so I go for the environment as much as the caffeine. Some places make it easy to focus, others offer a change of pace from the usual campus routine, and a few became part of my daily habits during internships and time spent in different parts of the city. 

Some are close to campus, some are in neighborhoods where I spend time, and others were simply essential to my experience as a student in NYC. Here’s my list of favorites.

Dear Mama (Manhattanville) – Where CBS Meets the Overall Columbia Community

If Columbia Business School had an unofficial coffee shop, Dear Mama would be it. Located in the Manhattanville campus area, it’s right near Columbia’s newer business school buildings, which means it’s always filled with CBS (and SIPA) students working on projects or catching up over coffee.

The space is big, modern, and bright, with plenty of tables and seating, so it’s easy to settle in for a few hours. Unlike some smaller coffee shops that get crowded fast, Dear Mama has enough space that you don’t feel rushed or squeezed in. The vibe is productive but laid-back, and the Wi-Fi is solid. It became one of my favorite places to go when I want to stay close to campus and work somewhere other than the CU library system.

Devoción (DUMBO) – The Most Inspiring Place to Work

Some coffee shops just feel special, and Devoción in DUMBO is one of them. With its huge skylights, lush plants, and beautiful open space, it’s the kind of place that makes work feel less like work.

Their coffee is some of the best in the city, sourced directly from Colombia and roasted in-house. While it’s further from campus, it’s worth the trip when I want a change of pace and a beautiful environment to focus in. If I have a free afternoon and need to catch up on readings or emails, this is the kind of place that makes the time feel well spent.

Sipsteria (Morningside Heights) – The Quiet Neighborhood Spot

Sipsteria is a small but comfortable and cozy coffee shop that’s just far enough from main campus to avoid crowds but close enough to be convenient. It’s less chaotic than some of the bigger cafés near campus, which makes it a great spot for when I need to get work done without distractions.

It’s easy to find a seat, and the coffee is consistently good, one of my go-to places when I want a quiet, familiar spot. 

Qahwah House (Broadway & 112th) – A Different Kind of Coffee Break

Qahwah House is unlike any other coffee shop near Columbia. Specializing in Yemeni coffee, everything here is brewed with a unique touch—rich, spiced, and incredibly flavorful. Their cardamom coffee is my favorite, and their honeycomb bread (khaliat al-nahl) is a perfect snack for long study sessions.

It’s a comfortable and quiet place to work, but the best part is that it’s different from the usual coffee shop vibe. When we need to switch up our routine and have something beyond a standard espresso or cold brew, my friends and I go there and work around a chai pot.

787 Coffee (FiDi) – My Internship Coffee Spot

When I was interning downtown, 787 Coffee in the Financial District became part of my daily routine. Their Puerto Rican coffee is bold and flavorful, and the atmosphere is energizing without being overwhelming.

Since space is limited, I wouldn’t come here to spread out for hours, but for quick, focused work sessions or writing on the go, it was perfect. Plus, their coconut cold brew kept me going through some long days at the office. Even though I’m not in FiDi as often now, I still stop by when I’m in the area.

Capital One Café (34th Street) – Surprisingly Good for Getting Work Done

A café inside a bank doesn’t sound like a great place to work, but Capital One Café on 34th Street is surprisingly reliable. The seating is spacious, comfortable, and filled with outlets, and that alone makes it one of the best spots in Midtown to get work done without feeling rushed.

It’s one of those places where you can stay for as long as you need without feeling like you’re taking up space, and it’s way quieter than most other coffee shops in the area. The fact that Capital One cardholders get 50% off drinks is a nice bonus, but even if you’re not a customer, it’s worth stopping by.

Joe Coffee (NoCo, Columbia Engineering Building) – The Best On-Campus Option

Joe Coffee is inside the Northwest Corner Building (NoCo) and is a pretty convenient option when I need good coffee without leaving campus. The espresso here is consistently strong and smooth. It’s always packed with engineering students, so finding a seat can be tricky, but the energy here keeps me focused when I just need to grab a coffee and keep moving.

Daily Provisions (Upper West Side) – Where Work and Good Pastries Meet

Daily Provisions isn’t just about coffee—it’s a pastry lover’s dream. Their crullers are some of the best pastries in NYC in my opinion, and their lattes are perfectly balanced. While it’s not the kind of place I’d go to work for hours, it’s great for knocking out some quick tasks while enjoying really good coffee and food.

If I need a morning reset before starting my day or a reward after finishing a big project, this is where I usually go a someone who lives in the area.

While there's so many cafes to caffeinate, these are just a few of my favorite -- and there's nothing better than supporting local NYC shops. Whether it’s tackling readings, writing papers, or catching up on emails, I need places that are comfortable, not too loud, and have good coffee that keeps me going for hours. Next time you find yourself in NYC, be sure to visit one of my favorite spots.