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CaféEast Village
Abraço on East 7th has poured a single-origin cortado in the East Village, New York City since 2007. Standing-only counter, olive oil cake, no Wi-Fi.
DrinkCortado
TipCash and counter-only. The savoury empanada is the lunch order; the olive oil cake is the dessert.
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CaféLower East SideWifi
Russ & Daughters Cafe on Orchard Street is the sit-down sister of the Houston Street counter in New York City. Located in Lower East Side. At 127 Orchard St..
DrinkEgg cream
TipBrunch books two weeks out on weekends. Tuesday and Wednesday lunch is the easy walk-in for the same plates.
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CaféWest VillageWork-friendlyWifi
The Elk on Charles Street runs a quiet, daylight cafe in the West Village, New York City. Order the maple latte. At 128 Charles Street. Booking recommended.
DrinkMaple latte
TipTwo tables, four counter seats, no laptops at peak weekend hours. Tuesday afternoons are quiet enough to work.
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CaféEast VillageWork-friendlyWifi
Saltwater Coffee on East 12th roasts daily in-house in New York City. Located in East Village. Order the filter coffee. Booking recommended.
DrinkFilter coffee
TipThe communal table at the back is wifi-friendly until 16:00. Counter ordering only; no table service.
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CaféMidtownWork-friendlyWifi
Blue Bottle's Bryant Park counter in Midtown New York City pulls 48-hour-old roasts under the public library steps. Order the new orleans iced coffee.
DrinkNew Orleans iced coffee
TipPark benches across the street are part of the order. Avoid 08:30-09:30 if you want a fast cup.
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CaféPark SlopeWork-friendlyWifi
Kos Kaffe roasts its own beans on Park Slope's Fifth Avenue in New York City. Order the single-origin espresso. At 251 5th Ave. Booking recommended.
DrinkSingle-origin espresso
TipOrder at the counter, sit on the back patio. Saturday brunch has a 30-minute wait; weekday mornings are open.
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CaféWilliamsburgWork-friendlyWifi
Devoción on Grand Street in Williamsburg flies fresh-harvest Colombian beans into the cafe every week in New York City. Order the cold brew on tap.
DrinkCold brew on tap
TipThe greenhouse skylight room at the back is the working-from-cafe spot. Closes 19:00 on weekends, 20:00 weekdays.
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CaféNomadWork-friendlyWifi
Stumptown's Ace Hotel cafe in NoMad New York City has poured Portland-roasted Hairbender espresso since 2009. At 20 W 29th St. Booking recommended.
DrinkHairbender espresso
TipUse the Ace lobby seats if the cafe is full; same wifi, same vibe, more room. Closes 20:00 daily.
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CaféMidtown
Ralph Lauren's Madison Avenue cafe pours a custom-roasted house blend in Midtown New York City. Order the ralph's blend latte. At 888 Madison Ave.
DrinkRalph's blend latte
TipTwelve seats inside, six on the sidewalk. The chocolate-chip cookie is the unanticipated standout, not the latte.
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CaféGreenwich VillageWork-friendlyWifi
Third Rail on Sullivan Street has poured Stumptown espresso in Greenwich Village, New York City since 2010. Three counter stools, four sidewalk tables.
DrinkStumptown espresso
TipCloses 18:00 daily. NYU students fill the seats from 14:00; come early or late for room.
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CaféUpper East Side
Lexington Candy Shop at 83rd has poured chocolate egg creams from a 1940s Hamilton Beach mixer on the Upper East Side of New York City since 1925.
DrinkChocolate egg cream
TipEgg cream is a $6 single-pour at the counter; the butter burger and the Lexington special sandwich are the lunch orders.
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CaféFlatiron
S&P Lunch on Fifth Avenue reopened the former Eisenberg's counter in Flatiron, New York City in 2022 under Court Street Grocers. Same egg cream.
DrinkChocolate egg cream
TipThe chocolate egg cream is the order. The tuna melt and the Flatiron Delight sandwich keep the room's Jewish-deli line.