Italians and Australians in my experience are two of the fussiest coffee drinkers in the world. And it just so happens that most of my friends living in NYC are either Australian, Italian, or people who have lived in Italy for a substantial time ”“ basically; my friends are a bunch of coffee snobs.

Since arriving in NYC my coffee snob friends and I been busy researching, sampling and compiling this list of the best coffee in the city. I do have one caveat though; consistency is a bit of an issue here. Some days the coffee can be amazing and other days it can be average, that said, they wouldn’t make the list if they weren’t worth coming back for!

Oh and if you click through to the Google map you’ll find all of the coffee bars I mentioned here plus a whole bunch other (coffee and non-coffee) NYC tips ”“ It’s my work-in-progress map so I’ll keep on adding to it whenever I find a place that’s inspiring enough to make the cut!

*Tips for using the map: Clicking on the printer icon in Google Maps will bring up a list with images and details that you can print and take with you on your trip. You can also send the link to yourself and use your phone browser to view the map on the go ”“ remember caching the map is the best thing to do to avoid spending a lot of money on data roaming!

NEW YORK CITY COFFEE HIT LIST

LA COLOMBE TORREFACTION, NOHO
This one happens to be a favourite among a few of my friends, although it could be because we live in the area. The light and space really makes the café a nice place to start the day if you don’t mind lining up for a bit. Cappuccino and cortado (with a slice of olive oil cake) are the way to go here.

http://lacolombe.com/

 

THE COMMONS, CHELSEA
The Commons does two things right according to Michael, my Italian/Australian friend ”“ they make a proper espresso (it’s short) and they do it with La Colombe coffee.

http://thecommonschelsea.com/thecommonschelsea/Home.html

 

PORTS COFFEE & TEA CO, CHELSEA

(Ports Coffee & Tea Co has been reported CLOSED)

 

When we first moved to NYC, our temporary apartment was in Chelsea and Ports was our beloved daily pit stop. The service is great, no line and quality coffee. We love the cappuccino and macchiato.

http://portsnyc.com/

 

STUMPTOWN @ THE ACE HOTEL

Our group is divided on this one. The Australians love it but the Italians hate it. I think it’s down to the blend and the roast, Stumptown tastes very new world to me and maybe the Italian purists just aren’t having it 🙂

http://stumptowncoffee.com/location/manhattan/

 

SMOOCH, FORT GREENE

An Australian café in Brooklyn! The coffee is great but make sure the Australian guy (listen for the accent) with the dreadlocks is behind the machine. The food is okay, but nothing you couldn’t prepare for yourself at home, although the cute menu and vibe makes up for all that anyway.

http://www.smoochorganic.com/index.html

 

IL CANTUCCIO, WEST VILLAGE

Il Cantuccio is the American outpost of the Florentine bakery that Chris (my Sydney friend who has moved to NYC via Milan) rates as his fave espresso in the city.

http://www.ilcantuccionyc.com/

 

LIL FRANKIES, EAST VILLAGE

Better known for its pizzas, Lil Frankies also makes coffee good enough to make a Melburnian smile. Soph from Melbourne loves that Lil Frankies always make her coffee with zero bitterness.

http://www.lilfrankies.com/index.asp

 

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