The 16 very best coffee shops in Chinatown New York City
Coffee shops in Chinatown, NYC, are cultural melting pots that offer a unique blend of Asian and Western atmospheres. These cozy establishments serve as community hubs where locals and tourists alike can enjoy a steaming cup of coffee while immersing themselves in the rich history and traditions of Chinatown. From traditional Chinese tea cafes to modern espresso bars, coffee shops in Chinatown, NYC, provide a diverse and vibrant coffee experience.
1. Artbean Coffee Roasters
Small-batch coffee roaster in the heart of Chinatown

This establishment, although compact with only two stools and no bathroom, offers air conditioning for customer comfort. On a recent visit, my friend and I enjoyed iced coffee with condensed milk.
This location is a hidden gem, especially for specialty latte enthusiasts. The iced ube latte with coconut milk was a delight, and the iced pandan latte was equally enjoyable. This small but mighty establishment knows how to satisfy its customers with unique and tasty beverage options.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Mid-Range
2. Silk Road Cafe
Intimate atmosphere, rare middle eastern and Mediterranean delicacies, hookah lounge

The staff at this establishment are friendly and create a welcoming atmosphere. The process of ordering is easy and straight-forward, making it a comfortable experience for customers.
The cafe has a homey, slightly aged charm and offers a decent amount of seating for visitors. They provide free WiFi and power outlets, making it a convenient spot for those needing to work or charge their devices. However, the food offered is largely pre-packaged and the bubble tea is not of high quality. Despite this, the staff's friendliness and welcoming demeanor remain a positive aspect of the cafe.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
3. Sawada Coffee
Unique location in a back alley, Hand-poured coffee, Minimalist decor

The staff at this establishment display a mix of attitudes, with some appearing uninterested in assisting customers, while others are commended for their friendliness and efficiency. Despite this variability, the overall atmosphere is pleasant and welcoming.
The drink menu features unique and strongly flavored options that set it apart. The military latte and black camo latte are popular choices, and those who prefer matcha can also find offerings to suit their taste. The establishment's drink options are a highlight, providing customers with a distinctive and delicious selection.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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4. Zhen Pin Café

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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5. Sweet Moment
Vintage decor, free wifi, and a selection of board games

Sweet Moment is a cafe that stands out for its exceptional coffee and talented baristas. One of the coffee brands they serve is La Colombe, a popular choice for coffee lovers. What sets Sweet Moment apart is the incredible latte art created by their baristas, which is some of the best in the city. If you're looking for a unique and aesthetically pleasing coffee experience, Sweet Moment is the place to go.
In addition to their partnership with La Colombe, Sweet Moment offers a variety of coffee options to suit different tastes. However, what truly sets them apart is their commitment to creating beautiful latte art. Each cup of coffee is carefully crafted with unique designs, making every cup a work of art. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a visually stunning drink, Sweet Moment is the perfect spot.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Lunch
- Dinner
6. Dreamers Coffee House
Cozy atmosphere, local art displays, community events

Dreamers Coffee House is a popular coffee shop in NY, known for its cozy atmosphere and excellent drip coffee. The staff is friendly, creating a lively and welcoming environment for customers. One of their most popular drinks is the matcha latte, which is sweet and addictive.
During a Saturday morning visit, I ordered a latte to-go from Dreamers Coffee House. The espresso used in their lattes has a unique taste, avoiding the bitterness and acidity often found in other coffee shops. The service is fast, making it an excellent option for those in a hurry or just looking to grab a quick drink.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
7. Dunkin'
Serves Dunkin's famous coffee and baked goods

Obtaining drinks from this establishment can be a patience-testing experience. There are often delays in drink preparation, with some orders taking longer than the promised 5-minute timeframe. Additionally, the frozen drink machine is frequently out of order, leaving customers with fewer options to choose from.
The donuts served at this location can be unpredictable in terms of quality. Some customers have received donuts that are dry and lacking in flavor, while others have been satisfied with their purchases. This inconsistency in donut quality can be frustrating for customers who are expecting a certain level of taste and freshness.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
8. Little Canal
Cute indoor canal view, free wifi, artisanal pastries

The breakfast sandwich at this establishment is a popular and well-received menu item, known for being affordable, good, and large. It is a favorite choice among customers.
Little Canal is a hip coffee shop known for its great dark roast coffee and solid brunch options, including delicious roasted potatoes. The café has a casual European and Bohemian atmosphere, and the natural lighting from all sides makes it open, airy, and enjoyable. This is especially true when the weather is nice.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
9. Haven Café
Pour-over coffee and extensive tea selection

Haven Cafe is a popular coffee shop and bakery located at 147 Mott St in New York. It is open from 8 AM to 6 PM daily. Although there are not enough ratings for food, service, value, or atmosphere yet, Haven Cafe has a high overall rating of 4.6 stars based on 127 votes.
Customers are encouraged to rate their experience at Haven Cafe. The establishment offers a variety of coffee and bakery items at a reasonable price. However, there is limited information available about the specifics of the food, service, value, or atmosphere. Despite this, Haven Cafe's high rating suggests that it is a wonderful place to visit for coffee and baked goods.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
10. Kore Coffee
They offer a variety of vegan and gluten-free options.

Koré Coffee is a popular café in New York City, celebrated for its specialty coffee drinks and inviting ambiance. The café offers a variety of freshly brewed coffees and pastries, making it an ideal spot for customers seeking a peaceful respite or a place to socialize with friends.
The café has received high praise, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars across various online platforms. This glowing feedback speaks to the quality of the coffee and pastries, as well as the welcoming atmosphere that Koré Coffee provides.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
11. Kaigo Coffee Room
Japanese-influenced coffee shop with unique decor and a focus on matcha drinks

This location offers a delicious almond latte that is sure to please. They also have an assortment of freshly baked goods such as scones, almond croissants, and doughnuts that are all cooked to perfection. It's the perfect place to bring your family for a casual, yet satisfying meal.
The atmosphere is professional, yet cozy. The space is small but clean, making it an ideal spot for a quick coffee break or a relaxed outing. Whether you're stopping by for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat, this place is sure to provide a enjoyable experience.
TOPICS
- Breakfast
- Downtown Spots
12. Round K by Sol
Minimalist design, Natural light, Rotating art exhibitions

Round K, a coffee shop and cocktail bar founded by Solomon Engel, has gained significant popularity on Instagram. Intrigued by the numerous posts, I decided to visit and was not disappointed. The owner, who I believe was Solomon Engel himself, was incredibly friendly and welcoming. We had a nice conversation with him, which added to the overall positive experience.
At Round K, patrons can enjoy a variety of delicious drinks and cocktails in a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Whether looking for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a place to spend a romantic evening, Round K is an excellent choice. The establishment's welcoming ambiance, combined with its high-quality offerings, makes it a must-visit destination for coffee and cocktail lovers alike.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
13. Kam Hing Coffee Shop
Oldest coffee shop in Chinatown, open until 11 pm

The cakes at this establishment are known for being both affordable and good quality. Many customers consider the prices to be reasonable and are pleased with the taste and freshness of the cakes.
In addition to the delicious cakes, the iced coffee is also a popular choice. The coffee is made quickly and efficiently, and the person serving it is known for being friendly and charismatic. Customers enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and efficient service.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
14. MJ (Manny Janeth) Café
Hand-poured coffee and unique latte art

Manny Janeth Cafe, located at 70 Hester St in New York, is a popular destination among consumers, with many of them expressing their satisfaction in their reviews. Out of the 43 feedbacks, 25 have given the cafe a perfect 5-star rating. Here are some of the recent reviews: "Great service, delicious food, and a cozy atmosphere" - these are just a few of the positive comments made by customers of Manny Janeth Cafe.
The cafe's menu, hours, phone number, address, and map are all available for viewing online. Manny Janeth Cafe is known for its excellent service, tasty food, and comfortable ambiance, making it a go-to spot for many. Whether you're in the mood for a cup of coffee or a full meal, Manny Janeth Cafe is a great choice. With its convenient location and positive reputation, it's no wonder that many consumers are happy to visit this establishment.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
15. Mabu Cafe NYC
Offers a variety of Asian-inspired coffee and tea drinks

Mabu Cafe NYC 麻布冰室 is a restaurant that evokes contrasting emotions. On one hand, its ambiance is charming and delightful, and the staff is known for their speed and patience in answering questions. Among their menu, the cheese fries are a must-try, as they offer a unique taste that is reminiscent of a potato lasagna.
However, there are also negative experiences associated with Mabu Cafe NYC 麻布冰室. Some visitors have reported bland and horrible food, with long wait times that were not worth the experience. The social media advertising has been criticized for being misleading, and the portions served are described as small, with prices that are unreasonably high. Moreover, the staff is accused of being unfriendly and disrespectful, having no proper training. Instances of unprofessional behavior, such as staff snatching a drink and still charging for it, have also been reported.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
16. Mee Sum Cafe
Serving Cantonese pastries since 1920

Mee Sum Cafe, located in Chinatown, has received mixed reviews. Many visitors have found the service to be lacking, but are willing to overlook this due to the cultural differences in the area. However, the small and dirty venue, as well as inconsistently prepared dim sum, are harder issues to overlook. The dim sum can be either warm or freshly prepared, which can affect the taste and quality.
One of the biggest disappointments at Mee Sum Cafe is the wonton noodles. Despite being a staple dish at most Asian restaurants, the wonton noodles at Mee Sum Cafe fall short of expectations. The quality of the dish varies greatly, and it is not consistently enjoyable. Therefore, while Mee Sum Cafe has its occasional highlights, the overall experience is disappointing, with more misses than hits.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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