1. Old Country Coffee – Midtown

Quaint and colourful, this small coffee shop in west Midtown is a breath of fresh air located in between Penn Station, Port Authority, and all the characterless chaos in between. A mix of bright mugs and milk jugs sit on their counters, while cross-stitch samplers and vintage tools and games serve as decoration surrounding the 4 or 5 small tables. A really fun space that embraces an aesthetic not often seen in NYC, with very friendly employees.

2. Grounded Organic Coffee & Tea House – West Village

A bright cafe in the West Village with plants hanging from the ceiling and book-filled shelves lining a back wall, Grounded Coffee feels warm and welcoming. Along with their extensive coffee menu – including some more interesting options, such as a Nutella Latte (espresso, chocolate, and hazelnut), the honey nut late (with honey, hazelnut, and cinnamon), and the Cardamom iced coffee – Grounded also has a huge selection of teas. They roast their own house blend, and offer a nice food menu as well. Open until 9pm for those looking for an evening work space!

3. Think – West Village (and various locations)

While clearly concerned with brewing a great cup of coffee, Think is first and foremost focused on social good. They lead with their business ethics, from transparent sourcing and creating positive change with the Social Project, to donating 10% of profits to local NYC community organizations, and building environmental awareness into their storefronts. Not only can you feel good about where your money is going, but this Think location is a perfect place to settle in for a long coffee break. The space is huge, they offer wifi and Scrabble, and a quiet but artsy vibe with lots of paintings on the walls.

4. Taszo Espresso Bar – Washington Heights, Harlem

A Washington Heights spot with coffee, beer and wine all available, they also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Great place for reading or catching up with friends, as no laptops are allowed in the central part of the cafe. With great music, warm lighting, and eye-catching artwork on the walls. this is a favorite hangout space for locals.

5. Intelligentsia Coffee, Highline – Chelsea

Intelligentsia coffee is some of the most popular in NYC, with their roast appearing in many of the smaller coffeeshops and restaurants in the city; one of their branches is this lobby coffeeshop of the High Line Hotel. Decorated with a slightly vintage vibe – like many of the hotels in NYC – with a typewriter out on one table and paintings of birds and seascapes lining the brick walls, this dark space is cozy but has limited seating. When the weather is nice, however, patrons can take advantage of the outdoor courtyard seating, or order to-go from their adorable mini coffee truck parked out front!