Instagrammable cafes abound in New York, especially ones that also serve up a delicious cup of joe.
because here’s the thing:
Reading: Aesthetic cafes
while the show’s friends may not have been the most accurate description of life in new york city, they got one thing right:
New Yorkers love a good coffee.
you’ll find coffee shops, tea rooms and general caffeinated stations in almost every corner of the five boroughs.
In addition to serving great drinks and cakes, some of these cafes are great spots for instagram-worthy photos that will make all major coffee chain devotees jealous.
To help you explore some of New York’s most beautiful cafes, check out the list below, created by a local.
pro tip:
get my free ultimate trip planning kit, which also includes a google map of this instagrammable new york cafe itinerary. add the map to your phone to have it ready!
Do you want to explore the city while getting beautiful photos for your instagram network? Sign up for a private New York photo tour, or take it to the next level with a New York influencer photo shoot or a New York professional photo shoot.
instagrammable cafes in new york: manhattan
1. Felix Roasting Co.
450 park avenue south / nomad
no guide to new york would be complete without mentioning some of its charming cafes.
designed by famed interior designer ken fulk, this new addition to nomad exudes a vintage vibe while still being a bit quirky.
pink and blue walls combine with vintage wooden bookshelves and museum-worthy portraits to make you feel like you’re in the library of a slightly eccentric millionaire.
You won’t find cumbersome milk jugs here either; Felix keeps several milk selections, including almond milk, available for self-service.
Do you visit New York in winter?
You could easily spend a few hours warming up in this beautiful space with a hot drink and a book (or your smartphone!).
2. two hands
164 mott street / nolita
Looking for an Aussie-inspired cafe in New York?
two hands is a light and airy cafe in nolita with instagrammable smoothies, coffee and brunch.
grab one of their all-day breakfast plates or sandwiches to fuel up for your next round of adventures.
although the nolita location is the original, additional locations have recently opened in noho, tribeca and williamsburg.
3. old rose at hotel jane
113 Jane Street/West Town
housed in the notoriously posh jane hotel, the old rose is a west village hotspot worth visiting for its beautiful checkered flooring and unique artwork alone.
the cafeteria also offers a full menu with delicious weekend brunch options, cocktails and more.
4. the butcher’s daughter
19 kenmare / nolita street
Another instagrammable manhattan cafe is the butcher’s daughter. this restaurant serves healthy and delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
in addition to their succulent menu, they have a wide selection of coffees, juices and smoothies.
the butcher’s daughter also has locations in west village and williamsburg.
5. chillhouse
149 essex street / lower east side
pioneers in the personal care industry, chillhouse is probably best known for its massages and manicures for millennials.
The spa is also home to a highly Instagrammable café serving lattes with adaptogenic powders and healthy snacks for ultimate relaxation.
get some photos with their signature neon signs, and explore the store for unique personal care products while you’re there.
Do you want to explore the city while getting beautiful photos for your instagram network? Sign up for a private New York photo tour, or take it to the next level with a New York influencer photo shoot or a New York professional photo shoot.
6. jack’s wife freda
226 lafayette street/soho
Freda, Jack’s wife, is a cute, colorful all-day cafe in Soho, with additional locations opening in Westtown, Chelsea, and Williamsburg.
Their menu ranges from brunch classics to sandwiches and creative Mediterranean-inspired food. this is one of the best unique restaurants in new york that serves something for everyone.
it’s a great place to have lunch with friends, but it’s also a good place for a cozy and intimate dinner.
7. urban backyard
180 mulberry street / lower east side
committed to environmental and social responsibility, urban backyard brings the outdoors indoors for weary New Yorkers and tourists alike.
sip their sustainably-sourced coffee while snapping photos in their small front patio, complete with plants and vintage furniture.
bonus: this is a great place if you’re looking for places to go solo in new york without feeling awkward.
8. variety of coffee roasters
261 seventh avenue/chelsea
One of five locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, this coffee shop feels like an updated version of a classic New York coffee shop, from its vintage neon sign out front to its minimalist interior design.
grab some of their signature beans to keep your zest going at home.
9. phosphorus
359 canal street / soho
A coffee trend that is gaining steam (pun intended) in New York City is the rise of matcha, a finely ground powder of specially grown green tea leaves that contain tons of antioxidants.
one of the prettiest places to get your matcha in manhattan is matchaful, a new addition to soho nyc that boasts lush green interiors to pair with their signature drinks.
sip your latte and snap some photos in your adorable corner lounge.
10. chacha matcha
1158 broadway / nomad
Another major player in the New York matcha scene is Cha Cha Matcha, with three locations in Manhattan.
the nomadic location features its signature pink and green interiors with a healthy helping of neon and vintage travel signs.
See also: Exhaust muffler
Their matcha frozen yogurt doubles as a unique way to cool down in the warmer months and as a cute instagram accessory.
11. blank slate tea
121 madison avenue / nomad
The sister store to blank slate coffee + kitchen, this colorful coffee shop offers a unique selection of teas, specialty drinks and snacks that are as cute as they are delicious. It really is one of the best instagram spots in new york!
Do you want to recreate the princess tea parties of your childhood as an adult?
the pink and floral interiors of the blank slate and tiered tea sandwich trays make it the perfect place to do just that.
Need help capturing incredible memories in New York, with you in the photos? Book a private NYC photo tour, a walking tour that includes photos of your group to keep. Or upgrade your instagram feed with a new york influencer shoot or a new york city pro shoot. email [email protected] with inquiries.
12. pietro nolita
174 elizabeth street / nolita
walking into pietro nolita is a bit like walking into barbie’s dream house.
this all-pink cafe features a menu of updated Italian classics, unique cocktails and, of course, coffee.
the pink benches and graffitied door outside the cafe’s entrance are particularly popular spots for instagram photo shoots.
13. ralph’s coffee
888 madison avenue / upper east side
conveniently attached to the women’s ralph lauren store and opposite the men’s flagship store, the brand’s café is worth a visit on its own.
You’ll feel like you’re having coffee in an upper east side penthouse dining room inside this chic cafe that reflects the brand’s preppy style.
however, the quality of the drinks and snacks available proves that this place isn’t just a gimmick.
14. McNally Jackson
52 prince street / soho
This sprawling independent bookstore and hub for all things literary is already a must-see for book lovers visiting New York City, but the cafe attached to the store is definitely worth a stop.
the café is a tribute to books, with pages lining the walls and novels hanging from the ceiling between the lights.
Fold out one of the little book-shaped tables for a photo op that will make all your fellow word nerds jealous.
15. chelsea citizens
401 w 25th street / chelsea
this australian owned cafe and cafe in chelsea has a bright and light filled interior with hanging plants making it a very instagrammable spot.
On the menu are all-day breakfast, sandwiches and bowls for lunch, and an extensive coffee menu.
this is the perfect place to recharge your batteries before walking the chelsea high line or visiting the many art galleries in the neighbourhood.
beautiful cafes in new york: brooklyn
16. gerti
357 great street / williamsburg
This bright and airy Williamsburg cafe offers a fine selection of food served all day along with colorful art inspired by the ’50s and ’60s.
feeling particularly retro?
grab a classic egg custard and pose for photos with the café’s signature mural. gertie’s is absolutely one of the most instagram worthy restaurants in new york!
17. devotion uses
69 great street / williamsburg
on those dreary winter days when spring seems so far away and you’re dying to see something green, devotion has got you covered.
this light-filled shop specializing in Colombian coffee brings the garden indoors with a massive green wall and plants scattered throughout the main floor.
bonus:
They offer a discount if you bring your own mug.
18. milk & roses
1110 manhattan avenue/green point
this cozy café offers a taste of New York romance.
feels a bit like eating in an old-fashioned library, with no one to shut you up for chewing too hard.
The expansive outdoor garden is perfect for rustic shots and refreshing drinks during the warmer months. They also offer one of New York’s best bottomless brunch options at just $17 for an hour of unlimited mimosas.
plus, the bistro is a popular brooklyn wedding venue, so you know it’s photo-ready.
19. butler pastry
40 water street / dumbo
tucked away in the shadow of the brooklyn bridge, this industrial-style cafe offers beautiful pastries and delicious coffees and teas.
cabins offer your best chance to take a chance on the iconic new york landmark.
20. brooklyn roasting company
25 jay street / dumbo
True coffee nerds will have a field day at the Brooklyn Roasting Company’s espresso lab and roasting headquarters, located just a few blocks from the Manhattan Bridge.
take a look at the coffee production process and snap some photos of the spacious and beautiful warehouse this company calls home.
Do you want to explore the city while getting beautiful photos for your instagram network? Sign up for a private New York photo tour, or take it to the next level with a New York influencer photo shoot or a New York professional photo shoot.
21. the bakery by woops!
120 norman ave/green point
just steps from the nassau avenue g train stop, the bakeshop by woops! is a greenpoint mainstay, tempting travelers with its light-filled interiors and deliciously colorful macaroons.
stop by for a cookie and snap some photos at their unique white tile tables before heading out to explore the rest of this trendy neighborhood.
22. upstate stocks
2 berry street / williamsburg
spending a few hours in upstate stock is one of my favorite fun and quirky things to do in williamsburg!
The space has an industrial vibe and features a cafeteria and a shop offering local handmade products such as candles, perfumes, soaps, jewelry, clothing and even field guides for outdoor activities.
plus they offer creative java drinks.
a fan favorite:
the “campfire latte” mixed with smoky maple syrup.
See also: Bàn ghế cafe sắt uốn tại Hà Nội đẹp với 20 mẫu mới sang trọng
pair it with a locally made maple donut for the ultimate flatbread meal.
23. five sheets
18 bedford avenue/green point
five leaves is a trendy bistro and coffee shop in the greenpoint neighborhood of brooklyn.
On the menu you’ll find an internationally inspired casual brunch, while dinner is more upscale. this restaurant is great for any time of the day.
instagrammable new york: beautiful cafes in queens
24. white noise coffee company.
calle 162 41-02 / reddening
talk about unique new york cafes!
white noise has made its mark on the blush with its neon artwork, minimalist interiors, and instagram-worthy drinks and dishes.
make sure to take a picture of your latte art before you start!
25. sweet leaf coffee roasters
10-93 Jackson Avenue/Long Island City
Sweetleaf, featuring locally roasted coffee in Queens, is a great place to stop in the up-and-coming Long Island City neighborhood.
come in for great drinks and cakes, as well as take a look at the quirky vintage-inspired décor.
26. good coffee
22-04 33rd street / astoria
this cozy astoria cafe is far from “just ok”.
enjoy their selection of artisan drinks and appetizers while you relax in their rustic, retro-inspired lounge.
more of a night owl?
stop by the café in the evenings when it transforms into a candlelit wine bar.
27. coffee bench
194-07 north boulevard / rinse
this whimsical cafe and creperie in color dazzles with tiny gardens, fairy lights, and utterly grid-worthy crepes.
cafe bench regularly updates their displays for each season, so it’s definitely worth repeat visits to see what they have in store.
cute coffee shops in new york: the bronx
28. coffee prince
2306 arturo avenue / arturo avenue
Located in the “Little Italy of the Bronx,” Prince Coffee House offers a quality coffee experience in a beautiful space, with floor-to-ceiling windows that illuminate your coffee drinks and pastries with natural light.
introduce your instagram followers to classic new york via a “bialy egg sandwich”.
if you’re unfamiliar with bialys, they’re often described as a “bagel without a hole,” though there are many other differences, such as a bagel is boiled and a bialy is baked.
the cafeteria offers a delicious bread menu: rosemary semolina, anyone? — and a mix of serious and unique drinks.
try a Thai mocha or opt for Turkish coffee served on a handsome brass tray with a traditional long-handled pot (cezve).
another visual highlight:
the hundreds of tin glasses that hang above the bar. this really is one of the best places to visit in the bronx!
cute coffee shops in new york: staten island
29. sips + maker
312 lane new dorp / new dorp
sips + maker is a cross between a cute coffee shop and a craft market showcasing local and global makers.
browse jewelry and accessories, wooden toys, inspirational stationery, organic aromatherapy, origami books and more as you savor mindful food and drink.
some notable items:
- small batch local coconut yogurt
- vegan banana muffins
- the art-embellished black sesame latte or the lavender matcha latte
- private photography tour of new york
- new york professional photo session
- new york catacombs by candlelight
- greenwich village italian heritage food tour
- Brooklyn Graffiti Lesson
- ghosts of greenwich village 2-hour private walking tour
- east town punk rock tour
plus their seasonal cakes are amazing and their pumpkin spiced latte is so much more delicious and more photogenic than the one at starbucks, especially since it contains real pumpkin.
Do you want to explore the city while getting beautiful photos for your instagram network? Sign up for a private New York photo tour, or take it to the next level with a New York influencer photo shoot or a New York professional photo shoot.
the most instagrammable hotels in new york
Do you want to spend the night in New York?
there are so many photo-worthy hotels, like nomo soho, the williamsburg hotel, and the ludlow.
click here for a full list of new york city hotels!
Do you prefer independent rooms?
Click here to view unique local rentals.
you can also use this map to find local ranches:
Do you like the idea of living in a hotel? there are also many who live in hotels in new york that offer extended stays.
new york instagrammable travel video
Looking for a fun day in NYC filled with instagram opportunities?
check out the video above!
you will join me in exploring one of brooklyn’s most charming neighborhoods, cobble hill.
Along with ambient cafes, we’ll explore artisan eateries, classic brownstone-lined streets, an old-fashioned soda shop, and more.
If you prefer a written itinerary, here is my guide to cobble hill restaurants.
You definitely don’t want to forget your camera for this day trip.
fun tours of new york city
explore the best of new york by booking one of these best new york tours:
Click here for a full list of New York City tours.
travel insurance
while you expect everything to run smoothly, sometimes trips just don’t go as planned.
That’s why I recommend always buying travel insurance. the scary truth is that it only takes one serious accident to lose it all, or be thankful you were covered.
personally, I use safetywing as they have a great network, offer both short-term and long-term coverage (including limited coverage in your home country), are inexpensive, and offer $250,000 of coverage with only a low overall deductible of $250.
click here to get a travel insurance quote for your trip in just a few clicks.
Do you have instagrammable coffee shops in New York to add to the list?
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See also: Your Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Coffee and Coffee Makers
