As a 20-something year old adjusting to a new life in a new city and that new city is New York city (say that 5 espresso shots fast) it's shouldn't be mind blowing when I say I'm addicted to coffee. Iced, hot, espresso - put it in front of me and bam it's gone and in my blood stream faster than a Manhattan taxi driver uses their horn as a defense mechanism. Because there are a ton of other sad, unfortunate lads and ladies like me who find themselves dropping $3.50 at least once a day on some water poured over beans in a cup - I've decided to start a series of articles on my blog called "Coffee Crawlers," in quest to encourage other New Yorkers to stay as caffeinated as I am so I don't feel this jittery all alone.
Since it's December and the tree at Rockefeller Plaza is suddenly the 8th natural wonder of the world I've decided to start my Coffee Crawling experience here. If you plan on visiting the area at any given moment this month you're most likely going to need an extra boost of energy anyway to deal with the whole scene so you might as well skip the 45 minute line at the 48th Avenue Starbucks and try some authentic NY joe.
Gotan
20 W. 46th Street, New York, NY 10036
Best For:
Coffee to stay
Groups spilt between sandwich, salad, and breakfast-all-day lovers
Menu Perks:
Drinks:
Corato
Mint Lemonade
Iced Chai
Food:
Avocado Feta Toast
Chicken Schwarma Salad
Seasonal Shakshuka
For Five Coffee Roasters
17 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, New York, NY 10036
Best For:
Business / work related meet ups
Grab & Go fuel
Getting work done
Coffee Snobs
Best Blends:
Brazilian House Blend - A perfect boldness with subtle hints of cocoa and berry, feels super strong but goes down smooth and easy.
Mott Espresso - This super strong and bold Italian espresso is the perfect pick me up after a long train ride, too much socializing, or a bad nights sleep.
Literally the Entire Single Origin Coffee Menu - "We source our beans from high-altitude areas near the equator to ensure the highest quality crop. Adequate rainfall, sun exposure and rich soil are also features we look for when sourcing our beans," - AND IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE. I have tried a few different single origin blends by For Five and they have amped up my coffee standards more than any place I've tried in NYC.
Zibetto Espresso Bar
1221 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
Visit if:
You want to run into a celebrity
You already think you are a celebrity
You actually love pure, authentic Italian espresso
Facts on why it's famous / cool:
It's been on Gossip Girl, SNL, and many more NYC based shows
Gives you the chance to feel fancy without dropping $6 on a 12 ounce cup - "We see our espresso as a luxury you can afford every day. And for that reason we keep moderate prices."
They serve wine and beer, making it a great after-work business casual to meet with coworkers and clients
Snoop Dog Sips here
Kaffe 1668
530 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10036
Best For:
Smoothie Bowl hype beasts
Vegans that make the rest of us look bad
Pour-over purists
Go if you want:
The option to choose almond, oatmeal, soy, or coconut milk without feeling awkwardly high maintenance
A free iced tea to come with your sandwich or salad
Different colored paper cups to ensure your brew won't clash with your outfit
Bibble & Sip
253 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
Best For:
Families with young children
Cheating on your diet
Matcha Latte Lovers
Your Instagram color scheme
Known For:
Adorable pastries and rich cream puffs
Matcha soft serve
Creative latte art
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