NEWSLETTER
Credit: @ja.coffeeculture on Instagram
There’s a latte to love in New York State, and we’ve brewed up a list of the most unique coffee spots to make yourself at home. Whether you crave a classic drip or pour-over, a seasonal gourmet latte, or a smooth nitro cold brew, you’ll find a perfectly crafted cup (and so much more) waiting in cozy cafés, sip-and-stays, eclectic eateries, and historic haunts that keep New York buzzing. Wake up and go discover your next favorite coffee shop.
Adirondacks
Capisce Coffee (Lake Placid)
Coffee with a view is exactly what you’ll find at Capisce Coffee in Lake Placid. Just one mile from downtown hotspots like the Olympic Center, Olympic Museum, and Mirror Lake, this cozy coffeehouse serves breakfast, lunch, latte flights, artisanal light bites, and a lineup of Italian and seasonally inspired specialties. Local and fair-trade art and mementos adorn the walls and shelves, framing their state-of-the-art La Marzocco espresso machine. Kick back and relax with a made-to-order French press, chill out with an affogato, or treat your taste buds to a tiramisu latte or latte flight, featuring three mini versions of any flavors you desire. Earn some Barista-worthy bragging rights by taking one of their latte art classes, and stick around on Friday nights for live jazz and Sicilian cocktails.
9 Mile Coffee Company (Schroon Lake)
Lake life begins after coffee. On Main Street, directly across from Schroon Lake Beach, you’ll find 9 Mile Coffee Company, housed in one of the North Country town’s oldest buildings. Here you can enjoy a full lineup of coffees complemented by homemade syrups in flavors like salted maple, lavender honey, and coconut. Pair your drink with a breakfast sandwich, bagel, or pastry. If you want to turn your visit into a sip-and-stay lakeside getaway, plan ahead and book one of their Adirondack 9 Mile Getaway Airbnbs located just upstairs.
Capital-Saratoga
Jacob Alejandro (Albany, Troy)
Credit: @baristaonthestreets on Instagram
“Drink coffee, meet the world” is the slogan to savor at Jacob Alejandro, a stylish shop run by an award-winning husband-and-husband team. With locations in Albany and Troy, they serve artisan coffee and baked goods, all made on-site. The Albany café sits across from Washington Park and recently expanded to include a larger lounge and a natural wine bar. The Troy location sits right in the heart of River Street, a year-round postcard location that happens to be home to one of the country’s best farmers markets. Enjoy a perfect pour-over or cappuccino, try one of their specialty cold brews in flavors like strawberry milk and toffee coffee, or opt for a seasonal carrot cake or maple popcorn latte, always made with homemade syrups.
Arthur’s Market (Schenectady)
Arthur’s Market spans back to 1795, when it was created so rural farmers could bring their produce to the growing community of Schenectady. Now 225 years later, it remains a vibrant marketplace, community hub, and cherished coffee shop in the idyllic Stockade District. Once inside, you’ll find best-in-class coffee from drip to cold brew to flavored lattes, scratch-made baked goods (make sure to try the cinnamon roll or scones), soups, salads, sandwiches, and shelves full of local and artisan products. When the weather warms up, sit outside on their patio or take your coffee to go and walk over to Riverside Park for serene greenery and Mohawk River views.
Catskills
Wakeman Coffee (Sidney)
Photo: Toni Walley Photography
Wake up at Wakeman Coffee. This community-centric café is owned and run by Jesse Wakeman, a lifelong Sidney resident dedicated to serving ethically sourced, single-origin, hand-roasted specialty coffee and thoughtful food offerings, all in a warm, welcoming space. Housed in a historic firehouse, the building still held fire engines and equipment right up until 2021 when Wakeman Coffee took the wheel. The food menu is sourced from local farms, creameries, and bakeries. Pair your creatively crafted “Brie Arson” (house-made bacon jam, brie, your choice of bread, two fried eggs, arugula, and hot honey) with a perfectly poured coffee. And if you’re not ready for the libations to end, just a mile down the scenic road you’ll find Awestruck Ciders.
Cafe Mornings (Arkville)
Photo: Torkil Stavdal
In a homey hamlet in the Western Catskills you’ll find Café Mornings, a family-run Korean cafe and market serving a mouthwatering mix of specialty coffees, rice-based dishes, sandwiches, brunch bites, and desserts. Start your day with a black sesame or honeydew melon latte, or try their pistachio orange cardamom latte paired with a Korean toast sandwich layered with soft-scrambled furikake local eggs, corn, avocado, cheese and ketchup-Kewpie mayo on a brioche bun.
The adjoining market features a thoughtfully curated selection of unique food items, artisan gifts, Korean cookbooks, wellness and skincare products, and the cafe hosts popular Korean Dinner Parties. This kid-friendly spot even has a playroom off the main dining area. You’re also perfectly placed to explore more of the Catskills. Right next door is the Delaware & Ulster Railroad, offering seasonal scenic and themed train rides.
Catskills Coffee Lodge (Roscoe)
Credit: @alwaysdrvng on Instagram
Nestled in the Catskill Mountains along the banks of the Willowemoc Creek, the Catskill Coffee Lodge offers a rustic retreat to adventurers and coffee lovers alike. With two Culinary Institute of America graduates at the helm, every sip and every bite is unforgettable. Indulge in a full espresso bar, house-made syrups, and an array of breakfast sandwiches, quiches, and baked goods. After the perfect cup, step outside for the perfect catch! Cast a line into a body of water that makes up the “birthplace of American fly fishing.” Still reeling for more? The renowned Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum is mere minutes away.
Central NY
Utica Coffee Roasting Co. (Utica)
Credit: @lovelivinglocal315 on Instagram
Utica Coffee Roasting Co. has earned a devoted following not just in the Central NY region, but statewide and beyond. With its original shop on Genesee Street, a colorful new café in Clinton, a world-class roasting and education center on Hotel Street, and a production facility housed in a historic Utica freight depot, this espresso empire is a true city staple. Settle in and enjoy your coffee of choice alongside a bacon, egg, and cheese against a backdrop of marvelous murals. Once you leave the local watering hole, head over to the Utica Zoo to visit the lions, tigers, and bears that call it home.
Chautauqua-Allegheny
Labyrinth Press Co. (Jamestown)
Credit: @aleidaillustrates on Instagram
What began as a simple coffee shop and espresso bar soon grew into a global indie music venue, and eventually evolved into an art-filled vegetarian and vegan dining destination. Through it all, Labyrinth Press Co.’s roots remain intact, with fair-trade coffee, live music, and lounge vibes feeding the soul of the experience. Grab a spot on the outdoor patio or inside the eclectic, art-packed interior and peruse the diverse menu. Aside from the usual coffee options, they’ve got the cocopresso (a blend of real coconut creme and soy milk steamed with a shot of espresso), a Thai iced coffee, and a banana bread chai latte. Taste your way around the globe with menu items like the Peruvian Tofu Sandwich, the African Peanut Burger, Peanut Ramen, or the Havana Shakedown Burrito. If you just can’t get enough of this spot, booking one of the equally eclectic Airbnbs located directly above the café and lounge. You’re just a short walk from the National Comedy Center and Lucille Ball Museum.
Finger Lakes
Ugly Duck (Rochester)
Credit: @uglyduckcoffee on Instagram
Known for excellent espresso and simplistic style, Ugly Duck has become a top coffee spot in Rochester. Stick to your regular order, or turn up the heat with a spicy mocha made with espresso, milk, and SPICY Holy Kakow Mexican Chocolate Sauce, or the Cry Baby, made with espresso, milk, honey, and habanero bitters. For something sweeter, you can’t go wrong with the banana bread latte or The Snug, featuring maple syrup and molasses bitters. Ugly Duck is also just a short walk from two of Rochester’s most celebrated destinations, The Strong National Museum of Play and the Memorial Art Gallery.
Recess (Syracuse)
Credit: @recesscoffee on Instagram
Early birds and night owls will flock to Recess, which opens as early as 6am and stays open until 10pm. With three locations across Syracuse, you’re never far from great coffee, fresh pastries and sandwiches, and some of the city’s top attractions. With its flagship location in the vibrant and trendy Westcott Neighborhood, you can grab a breve, cappuccino, nitro cold brew, or affogato, and settle right into ‘Cuse. During the summer (August 26 - September 7, 2026), Recess operates a buzzworthy booth at The Great New York State Fair!
Amity Coffee Co. (Penn Yan)
Credit: @amitycoffeeco on Instagram
Just off the shores of Keuka Lake, the only lake in the country that flows both north and south, you’ll find Amity Coffee Co. This small-town gem roasts its coffee in-house and offers an impressive selection of house-made bagels, croissants, scones, and more, all crafted by the bakery chef. After meandering Main Street, make your way around the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, home to six vineyards including the Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, where the first Vinifera vines were planted in the Eastern United States.
Greater Niagara
Raha Coffee House (Buffalo)
Credit: @rahacoffeehouse on Instagram
Raha Coffee House brings authentic Yemeni coffee and a warm, communal atmosphere to the heart of Buffalo. Inspired by the ancient coffee traditions of their homeland, the owners source their beans from Yemen’s highlands, known for producing some of the world’s finest coffee. From the moment you step inside, the aromas of cardamom and cinnamon fill the air and invite you to experience the true meaning of “Raha”, comfort, peace, and relaxation. Sip a local favorite, the Raha signature latte, or explore unique offerings like the rose velvet latte, Spanish latte, Turkish coffee, Raha Mofawar (medium roast with cream and cardamom), or Jubani (coffee and husks with ginger and cinnamon). The Bee Bites are a must-try! Sink into this traditional Yemeni dessert of soft, buttery cheese-filled pull-apart rolls shaped like a honeycomb and drizzled with honey.
Orange Cat Cafe (Lewiston)
With all the creative coffee concoctions at Orange Cat Café, you’ll need nine lives just to try them all! Inspired by the warmth and playfulness of cats, the café provides a curl-up-and-stay-awhile atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Offering more than 50 coffee bean flavors, you can enjoy a freshly crafted cup on-site or take beans or grounds home for your own purr-fect brew. Sip a seasonally themed latte, try one of the daily brews, or order any hot or iced drink you can dream up. When the weather heats up, you’ll want to perch on the expansive outdoor patio and enjoy the sunshine. After your caffeine fix, wander over to Artpark, an outdoor sculpture park featuring a world-class amphitheater and a collection of interactive public art installations.
Hudson Valley
Rough Draft Bar & Books (Kingston)
Credit: @booksthatbreakme on Instagram
A storybook sip awaits at Rough Draft Bar & Books, a hybrid of coffee cafe, bar, bookstore, and community gathering spot, culminating in a bestseller experience in Kingston’s historic Four Corners. Housed in a Revolutionary-era building that once served as a schoolhouse, the space holds onto its historic charm with exposed brick walls, warm wood accents, and communal seating throughout. Choose from a variety of cleverly-named coffees, including the Polar Espresso or Days of Abandon-mint, or opt for something a little stronger from the cider, beer, and wine lists. Every book on the shelves is for sale, so browse around, brew in-hand, and discover your next favorite read. The venue also hosts a lively lineup of events, from trivia and game nights to book clubs and community conversations. And each October, Rough Draft plays a key role in the citywide O+ Festival, a weekend celebration of art, music, and wellness for a cause.
MOTO Coffee Machine (Hudson)
Credit: @speedshark_moto_dept on Instagram
Motor on over to Hudson’s famed Warren Street and drop into Moto, a high-end motorcycle shop with a world class, Italian-style coffee counter. You don’t need to be a rider to enjoy Moto, the space welcomes all walks (and wheels) of life to admire the vintage and classic bikes and paraphernalia, all while enjoying an expertly crafted espresso. Cruise down the road to Olana State Historic Site and explore Frederic Edwin Church's iconic landscape, where five miles of winding carriage roads offer sweeping views of the Hudson Valley, ultimately bringing you to the Persian inspired mansion at the summit.
Beacon Coffee Co. & Mercantile (Beacon)
The mission behind Beacon Coffee Co. & Mercantile is to transport you back to the roots of coffee brewing with a manual-pull lever technique that extracts the most exquisite espresso. Set in Beacon’s bustling Main Street, the coffee house boasts an expansive menu including pour-over and syphon brews, Turkish and Kona varieties, and espresso classics like a ristretto, cortado, and breve. Indulge in specialty creations such as the Milano, Pistachio Crème de Blano Latte, or the indulgent Carmellattii. Pull up a stool at the coffee counter to watch the skilled baristas at work, unwind in the lounge, or enjoy some people-watching on the outdoor patio. And the latte art isn’t the only art around, just a mile down the road, Dia Beacon awaits with its world-class contemporary exhibitions.
Long Island
Flux (Farmingdale)
Credit: @fluxcoffee on Instagram
The only thing that rivals the coffee and ambiance at Flux is the exceptional service. The team ethically sources all of their beans, roasts them weekly, manually brews every cup, and makes all of their syrups in house, making Flux the perfect place to indulge in inventive drinks like the salted tahini date or smoked maple lattes, or the seasonal tonics (espresso over tonic water and ice.) If you’re curious about the journey from bean to cup, dive deeper by joining one of their many interactive classes, including Intro to Coffee & Cupping, Pour-Over Basics, Brewers Cup Presentation, and Roasting Basics. After your world-class coffee experience, head over to Bethpage State Park for a different kind of elevated endeavor. This park is home to the famed Black Course, one of the most renowned (public) golf courses in America, and proud host of the 2025 Ryder Cup.
Southdown (Huntington, Oyster Bay, Northport, Glen Cove, Port Jefferson, Patchogue, Point Lookout)
Credit: @filipinogirleats on Instagram
Recognized as one of the Best Coffee Shops in America, and earning national acclaim for expert-level roasting, Southdown Coffee is Long Island’s must-sip destination. With seven distinctive shops across the island, you’re in for brews and views no matter which one you visit. Pair your maple spice or ginger turmeric latte alongside a homemade muffin, scone, cookie, biscotti, or banana bread. Every menu item is hand-prepared with high-quality ingredients, from sandwiches to homemade baked goods. Looking for more low cost things to do on the island? Check out our list of ideas!
Witches Brew Coffee House (West Hempstead)
Credit: @rosemarymalettoares on Instagram
Hop on your broomstick and fly over to Witches Brew Coffee House, where it’s Halloween all year long. This whimsical, mood-lit witchy wonder is brewing far more than potions in its cauldron. Sink into cozy seating surrounded by troves of trinkets, and enjoy enchanting drink specials such as the Black Cat, Ghost, or Black Magic lattes. The food menu is as bewitching as the ambiance, showcasing internationally-inspired dishes like vegetable lo-mein, gnocchi, samosas, and curry.
NYC
Caffe Paradiso (Manhattan)
You’ve probably seen this cafe going viral for its on-tap salted brown butter oat milk latte. Every drink is pure Instagram gold, so let your phone sip first at this chic-yet-inviting cafe. Try the signature white chocolate shakerato, paradiso cream top, or espresso & Mediterranean tonic. Just a few blocks away, the Museum of Ice Cream is dishing out even more sweet, snap-worthy scenes.
REMI Flower & Coffee (Manhattan)
Photo: Marta Zielinska
You’ll want to stop and smell the roses at REMI, an enchanting café and flower shop that blends the best of both worlds. Shop cut flowers, hand-tied bouquets, plants, and breathtakingly beautiful cups of coffee. Seasonal delights include a peanut butter cream latte or toasted marshmallow mocha, or enjoy menu staples like the honey latte, butterfly pea latte, lavender latte, or rose latte. For even more floral inspiration, venture into the boroughs and check out the New York Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Queens Botanical Garden, or Snug Harbor Botanical Garden.
Cafe Joyeux (Manhattan)
Credit: @cafejoyeuxus on Instagram
Inclusivity, equality, and opportunity are at the heart of Café Joyeux, founded in France and opening its first US location in New York just last year. The café employs and trains people with mental and cognitive disabilities, fostering a space of learning, growth, and of course, exceptional coffee. The bright, bubbly environment and staff will bring a smile to your face as you savor great drinks and delicious French treats. Afterwards, head to the city’s most iconic green space, Central Park, and explore its famous sights on a self-guided stroll or a docent-led tour.
Principles GI Coffee House (Brooklyn)
Credit: @hflsnewyork on Instagram
Let your moral compass lead you to Principles GI Coffee House in Brooklyn, owned and operated by Marine Corps veteran, musician, cyclist, and activist Katie Bishop. Guided by five core principles, the cafe reimagines what a coffeehouse can be: gratuity-free service fosters genuine connections, employees earn a living wage with stable schedules, the space is welcoming to people from all walks of life, cafe resources are freely available to everyone, and a “pay-what-you-want” model makes foundational drinks accessible to all. If the mission alone doesn’t inspire you to visit, the menu certainly will. Try a mocha, maple latte, espresso old-fashioned, cortado, or macchiato. Principles GI also hosts weekly events, offering anyone the opportunity to share their passions with the community.
Caffe Reggio (Manhattan)
Credit: @caffe_reggio on Instagram
Credited with introducing the cappuccino to the United States, Caffe Reggio in Greenwich Village has been a New York City landmark since 1927. Cappuccino first gained popularity in Italy in the early 20th century and soon after was introduced to America by the cafe’s original owner, Domenico Parisi. The 1902 first-of-its-kind espresso machine remains a focal point of Caffe Reggio.
As you sip an “Original Cappuccino,” look around at the stunning artwork, some dating back to the Italian Renaissance. Beyond coffee, the café serves brunch, dinner, and dessert, complemented by a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. A cappuccino is a must, but double down with a double espresso with Irish cream or a minty mocha. Breakfast offerings include savory crepes, omelets, or the Canarino Voltaire (two poached eggs over yellow rice with melted European cheeses.) For dinner, enjoy classic Italian dishes such as ravioli al pesto, a Parma panino, or Campagnola Bianca. You’re just around the corner from Washington Square Park, home to the iconic Washington Arch. For nearly two centuries, this small but energetic park has served as a place for people from around the world to mingle, perform, celebrate, and demonstrate.
Thousand Islands-Seaway
Lyric Coffee House (Clayton)
In the waterfront village of Clayton, Lyric Coffee House hits all the right notes, blending creative coffee drinks with inviting, cozy charm. Once home to The Historic Lyric Theater, the space now welcomes guests to sink into its signature red chairs by the crackling fireplace and enjoy specialties like the samoa cookie latte, blueberry coconut latte, Hawaiian salted caramel latte, or a frozen white mocha, among many other coffee creations. Step outside and enjoy beautiful views (and direct access to) the majestic St. Lawrence River, and you’re just steps away from the acclaimed Antique Boat Museum.
Share New York State adventures with us on TikTok, Instagram and X with #ILoveNY and #iSpyNY, and tag us on Facebook!