15 essential coffee shops in Lower East Side New York City
In the heart of downtown Manhattan, coffee shops in Lower East Side offer a unique blend of caffeinated beverages and local charm. These cozy establishments provide a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and tourists, offering a range of coffee drinks, teas, and light bites. From the latest artisanal roasts to classic drip brews, coffee shops in Lower East Side cater to all tastes and preferences, making them a must-visit for any coffee lover.
1. Good Thanks Cafe
Specialty coffee beans, Vegan-friendly options

Good Thanks Cafe is a popular coffee shop that stands out for its consistently delicious coffee and cozy atmosphere. Customers enjoy the inviting ambiance, which makes it a perfect spot to relax or work. The coffee served at Good Thanks Cafe is always excellent, ensuring a satisfying experience for coffee lovers.
The staff at Good Thanks Cafe contributes to its wonderful vibe, as they are known for being friendly and attentive. This, combined with the great coffee, keeps customers coming back for more. The high-quality coffee and welcoming environment make Good Thanks Cafe a top choice for those in search of a great local coffee shop.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
2. The Granddaddy
Friendly staff, local art displays, community events

The Granddaddy is a casual and cozy coffee spot, combining the comforts of a living room, college lounge, and modern coffee shop. It offers excellent coffee and a welcoming atmosphere, with great music playing, especially on Thursday mornings when Linda's Country Faves playlist is featured.
The drinks served at The Granddaddy are highly praised for their quality, with a friendly staff that contributes to its welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, visitors can take advantage of the free WiFi available, making it an ideal spot for remote workers or students looking for a place to study.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Dinner
3. Ost Cafe
Cozy atmosphere with outdoor seating and friendly staff.

Ost Café is a local favorite, known for its excellent coffee and delicious pastry selection, including scones and cookies. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it a great spot for catching up with friends or working quietly. What sets Ost Café apart, however, is its exceptional staff, who are always friendly and attentive.
Visitors to Ost Café can enjoy high-quality coffee and a variety of tasty pastries in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The staff are a highlight of the experience, with their warm and welcoming demeanor adding to the café's charm. Wether you're looking for a place to socialize or a quiet spot to work, Ost Café is the perfect choice.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
4. Black Cat LES
Cute cat mural, comfy seating, and local art displays

On a Sunday, I visited a place offering a comfortable atmosphere for reading and socializing with friends. The breakfast sandwiches were enjoyable, and the coffee met our expectations with a delicious oat latte and a satisfying cappuccino.
The establishment exuded a friendly ambiance, reminiscent of the TV show "Friends" or the character Phoebe Buffay. While the coffee was good, the star of their menu is the LES toast. Constructed on a guacamole base, a fried egg is nestled in the middle, complemented by crispy bacon on top, creating a delightful and unforgettable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
- Dinner
5. Beloved Cafe & Restaurant
Open until midnight, Free Wi-Fi, and Vegetarian-friendly

Beloved Cafe & Restaurant is a vegetarian brunch spot known for its cozy, rustic ambiance and abundant natural light. The menu features a variety of wholesome and healthy options, such as avocado toast, huevos rancheros, Persian Shakshuka, and the Wholesome Bowl. Customers have raved about the exquisite attention to detail in the food and decor, as well as the quick and friendly service. The restaurant also offers fresh juices, unique coffee drinks, and a selection of pastries.
The food at Beloved Cafe & Restaurant is highly regarded. While not a fully vegan establishment, they do offer excellent vegan options. One standout dish is the egg sandwich made with tofu scramble. The vegan lattes are also a customer favorite.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mid-Range
6. Pause Cafe
Offers vegan and gluten-free options, and a peaceful ambiance

Some individuals believe that the prices at this establishment are higher than they should be. However, others argue that the cost is justified by the high quality of the food and drinks offered. The coffee and espresso, in particular, are made with a European touch, providing a unique and authentic taste.
The menu features a wide range of options that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you're in the mood for a healthy breakfast option like Kashi fruity oatmeal or granola yogurt parfait, or a hearty sandwich or salad for lunch, there's something for everyone. Freshly squeezed juices and smoothies are also available, made to order with fresh ingredients. The gourmet soups, signature salads, and savory dishes are also worth trying.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Happy Hours
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7. Little Canal
Independent coffee shop with a European vibe.

The breakfast sandwich at this establishment is a popular and well-received menu item. It is known for being affordable, good, and large. Customers enjoy this hearty breakfast option.
Little Canal is a hip coffee shop known for its great coffee, specifically their dark roast. They also offer a solid brunch menu, with their roasted potatoes being a standout. The coffee shop has a casual European and Bohemian vibe, and it benefits from natural lighting on all sides.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
8. Ludlow Coffee Supply
Pour-over coffee specialty, Natural light, Community table

The coffee establishment offers delicious and high-quality cold brew coffee, with friendly staff and a cozy, local atmosphere. While the lemon blueberry bread was overly sweet, it was still enjoyable. The overall positive aspects of the café make it a place worth returning to for a great cup of coffee.
This coffee shop boasts exceptional baristas, a great vibe, and decent seating. The atmosphere is excellent, but the lack of decaf espresso is disappointing. However, the regular drip coffee is good and there is a selection of delicious vegan and gluten-free cookies and pastries available.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
9. Coffee Project New York
Rotating selection of single-origin coffees, house-made syrups

The coffee shop offers a selection of drinks that are generally well-received, with the nitro cold brew being a particularly popular choice. The Deconstructed Latte is a hit with some guests, but others find it to be unremarkable or not living up to its deconstructed name. Drinks are served at the ideal temperature, enhancing the drinking experience.
If you're looking for something to eat, the avocado tomato feta croissant sandwich is a recommended option. Its combination of fresh avocado, tangy feta, and ripe tomato on a flaky croissant makes for a satisfying meal. To complement your food, consider ordering the smooth nitro cold brew, which has gained a positive reputation among guests.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
10. Round K by Sol
Korean-style coffee shop with unique vibe

A charming cafe offers unique and intriguing food options, including a matte black latte that proved to be a hit with visitors. The cafe's popularity has spread through social media, particularly on Instagram, leading many to visit and discover its delightful offerings. The owner's hospitality and friendly demeanor add to the cafe's welcoming atmosphere.
Visitors to the cafe have raved about the matte black latte, which tastes as great as it looks in pictures. Social media platforms, such as Instagram, have played a significant role in increasing the cafe's popularity, resulting in a steady flow of customers eager to try its unique food options. The owner's kindness and approachability have earned the cafe positive reviews, making it a must-visit destination for those looking for a genuinely enjoyable culinary experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
11. The Lazy Llama Coffee Bar
Sustainable practices, supports local artists

A kind and courteous staff provides professional service at this establishment, earning praise from customers. The highlight of this coffee shop is the abundance of llama-themed decorations. From plush pillows to artwork, stuffed animals, and stickers, the shop is adorned with all things llama.
Customers appreciate the staff's great service, emphasizing their courteous and professional approach. In terms of decor, the coffee shop boasts a unique and endearing llama theme. From the moment you enter, the shop is filled with llama-inspired items, creating a cute and enjoyable atmosphere for customers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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12. Downtown Coffee House
Comfortable atmosphere, Locally sourced coffee beans, Free Wi-Fi

Downtown Coffee is a cozy coffee shop that serves as a hub for young entrepreneurs and creatives. Located in the Lower East Side, it is surrounded by a variety of colorful cafes that have roots all across the globe. These cafes contribute to the area's vibrant atmosphere by offering unique flavors that reflect their origins, which range from Korea to Morocco.
As a gathering place for innovative individuals, Downtown Coffee and other nearby cafes in the Lower East Side provide more than just a caffeine fix. They also offer a taste of different cultures through their carefully crafted menus and decor, making them a must-visit destination for coffee lovers looking to explore new flavors and experiences. Whether you're stopping by for a quick cup of coffee or settling in to work on your latest project, these cafes provide a welcoming and inspiring environment that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
13. Davelle
Specialty coffee roaster & cafe

A cute Japanese café in New York offers great quality food and service, although it is a bit pricey. The café has two spaces, and I visited their to-go location. I was disappointed that they no longer offered strawberry milk, which I usually get during my New York visits. However, I enjoyed their hojicha and matcha lattes. The hojicha latte, in particular, was robust and not overly sweet, made with almond milk.
The café's berry toast was also delicious. They use Japanese milk bread, which is thick yet airy, and the jam seemed homemade. The staff were friendly, making for a pleasant experience. I hope they bring back the strawberry milk in the future.
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TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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14. Caffè Vita
Seattle-based roastery with a New York location

The service provided at this establishment is quick, helpful, and features a personal touch. Staff make a point to acknowledge customers by name and offer assistance in a timely manner. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, encouraging customers to grab their drink and go about their day.
The coffee served at this location is smooth and rich in flavor. A variety of both coffee and tea options are available for customers to choose from. The coffee's strong taste is a standout feature, making it a popular choice for many patrons.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Late Night
15. Koneko
Cute cat-themed decor, Japanese-style cafe with a focus on matcha and tea

Koneko, a cafe located in New York, offers a nice atmosphere suitable for working. The cat section is a unique feature, but its value at $15 per hour is questionable. Despite this, the kittens are incredibly adorable and many of them are available for adoption. A visit to Koneko was one of the highlights of my family's recent trip to New York. The spacious café and cattery provide a comfortable environment to enjoy a coffee or interact with the cats. However, it's worth noting that visiting the cattery is optional, and customers can choose to simply relax in the café section.
Koneko is a New York-based cat cafe with a nice and airy space, divided into a café and a cattery. The café is a great place to work, while the cattery houses cute cats that can be adopted. Although some may find the $15 per hour fee for the cattery excessive, the kittens' adorableness is undeniable. During a recent visit with my family, we enjoyed the café's atmosphere and the cats' company, making it one of the trip's highlights. Customers can opt to only visit the café and enjoy a coffee or pay to enter the cattery for a unique experience with the feline residents.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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