Russ & Daughters Cafe on Orchard Street is the sit-down sister of the Houston Street counter in New York City. Lox boards, egg creams, black-and-white cookies.
Tip: Brunch books two weeks out on weekends. Tuesday and Wednesday lunch is the easy walk-in for the same plates.
Address: 127 Orchard St., New York, NY, 10002, New York City
The Elk on Charles Street runs a quiet, daylight cafe in the West Village, New York City. Counter-roasted beans, maple latte, sourdough toast with cultured butter.
Signature drink: Maple latte
Tip: Two tables, four counter seats, no laptops at peak weekend hours. Tuesday afternoons are quiet enough to work.
Saltwater Coffee on East 12th roasts daily in-house in New York City. Single-origin filters, a flat white from a Marzocco lever, and pastry from Bourke Street Bakery.
Signature drink: Filter coffee
Tip: The communal table at the back is wifi-friendly until 16:00. Counter ordering only; no table service.
Blue Bottle's Bryant Park counter in Midtown New York City pulls 48-hour-old roasts under the public library steps. Pour-over by the cup, NOLA iced coffee year-round.
Signature drink: New Orleans iced coffee
Tip: Park benches across the street are part of the order. Avoid 08:30 to 09:30 if you want a fast cup.
Kos Kaffe roasts its own beans on Park Slope's Fifth Avenue in New York City. Bright single-origin espresso, all-day breakfast, a back patio with eight tables.
Signature drink: Single-origin espresso
Tip: Order at the counter, sit on the back patio. Saturday brunch has a 30-minute wait; weekday mornings are open.
Devoción on Grand Street in Williamsburg flies fresh-harvest Colombian beans into the cafe every week in New York City. Cold brew on tap, brick-walled atrium, indoor garden.
Signature drink: Cold brew on tap
Tip: The greenhouse skylight room at the back is the working-from-cafe spot. Closes 19:00 on weekends, 20:00 weekdays.
Stumptown's Ace Hotel cafe in NoMad New York City has poured Portland-roasted Hairbender espresso since 2009. Cold brew bottles, leather banquettes off the lobby.
Signature drink: Hairbender espresso
Tip: Use the Ace lobby seats if the cafe is full; same wifi, same vibe, more room. Closes 20:00 daily.
