Coffee Chains NYC: Where to Get your Espresso Fix- The Adventuring Millennial

Don’t get me wrong, I am a Starbucks girl.

But especially after living in Seattle, I have stepped-up my coffee game. Being surrounded by so many coffee shops, roasteries, and knowledgable-baristas really opened my eyes to the world outside the ‘bucks.

After moving to New York City, I started looking for the best coffee shops. I wanted to find the best spots to study, work, read, etc. (You know, all the classic coffee shop activities).

And I was successful! While NYC can’t compete with Seattle’s coffee culture, there are still some great spots in the city. Surprisingly, many of the best coffee shops in New York are actually chains. But no, I’m not talking Starbucks or Dunkin- style chains. These are shops that have multiple locations throughout the city (and some have extended to the rest of the Northeast).

So are you ready to get your coffee on? Let’s discover the essential NYC coffee chains.

Think Coffee

Ok, starting strong because this is my favorite NYC coffee chain. Each location I’ve visited has ample seating, nicely styled interiors, and helpful baristas. They offer syrups and their vanilla latte is my favorite in the city.

Besides their full menu of pastries and drinks, Think is known for their Social Project Coffee. They want you to feel great about your purchase and decided to take this a step farther than Fair Trade. Read more about what Think is doing to support their coffee farmers. And when you are ready for one of the best lattes of your life, head to one of their many NYC locations.

Birch Coffee

This coffee shop prides itself on cultivating a community. Instead of being a quick morning stop or a freelancer’s office, Birch wants to be a gathering spot for friends.

Ok yes, I do love working in coffee shops. So visiting Birch the first time was a little jarring. When I opened my laptop, I realized the shop didn’t offer wifi (However, I soon learned this isn’t too uncommon in NYC coffee shops).

But if you want a relaxed place to enjoy a good coffee and a nice convo, this is the place to go. In fact, some locations have table-top conversation starters if you want to meet new people. Just grab one, place it on your table, and be open to making a friend.

In addition to their lattes, I love Birch’s positive vibes. Their main tagline is “Birch loves you.” And all of their napkins include positive sayings, games, or space to write your goals.

Just a head’s up, they don’t have flavorings. Yes, I love my vanilla lattes, but their classic option is delicious so don’t let this deter you. They also serve the other traditional coffee drinks you would expect.

You can find locations all over Manhattan.

Joe Coffee

Joe Coffee originally started as a simple West Village coffee shop. Now, they have locations throughout the city and Philly. In 2003, they opened their own roastery in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

Joe Coffee still feels like a cozy, community-focused neighborhood coffee shop. Be sure to stop here for classic coffee or tea drinks. And if you prefer your lattes flavored (like me!) they do offer syrups at a small charge.

Joe Coffee also hosts classes in NYC and Philly for coffee beginners or experts. I’ve got my eye on the Latte Art class. Check here for more info or to register.

Gregorys Coffee

Sometimes ambiance can get lost in NYC. Hear me out, NYC is crowded. So shops don’t always have to put effort into their vibe. Especially a coffee shop, where so many visitors are grabbing a drink on the go.

But Gregorys Coffee does it differently. They create a welcoming, relaxed vibe for everyone. Want to work from here? Cool, they have outlets, wifi, and descent seating. Grabbing a drink on the go? No problem, just don’t forget to download their app so you can collect reward points (and earn freebies!).

This NYC based shop offers specialty coffee and house-made pastries in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Jersey, and DC.

La Colombe

Ok, so yes La Colombe is actually based in Philly. But I need to include them because their cafes are all over NYC. Also, a lot of other coffee shops in the city actually use their beans. So they are kind of everywhere. And they are unique and honestly, you just need to check them out. Ok, mini-rant over.

Like I said, La Colombe is unique. You may have heard about their draft lattes in a can. You can actually find these in grocery stores. They come in a variety of flavors, including mocha, caramel, and honeysuckle.

Consider visiting one of their cafes to try a draft latte. Here you can order a draft latte, draft cold-press coffee, or a draft mix of latte and cold brew.

Don’t expect wifi at all of the NYC locations. But you will find stunning cafes with seating and knowledgeable baristas.

Matto Espresso

The home of the famous $2 coffee.

Yes, this no-frills NYC chain offers pretty descent cups at only $2. In fact, everything they serve is only $2. So in addition to your mocha, you can order a pastry, fruit cup, hummus, or juice at the same price. This is really one of the best deals you are going to find in the city.

Just know that many locations are small and don’t offer seating areas. But if you are looking for a quick on-the-go breakfast, this might be the perfect spot for you!