A coffee cold war is brewing in New York City.
Starbucks, once a dominant force in the city’s coffee landscape, seems to be losing steam. Recently, the Seattle-based chain shut down 42 locations in the Big Apple as part of a broader plan to close 400 stores nationwide amidst dwindling sales.
This decline may stem from various factors, like inflation and a general drop in post-pandemic office workers buying coffee. New Yorkers appear to be opting for fresher, more exciting spots over the traditional corporate brands.
One prime example is Gregory’s Coffee, a local favorite launched in 2006, which has expanded its presence across the city. There’s also Blue Bottle, a California brand owned by Nestlé, known for its high-quality cappuccinos that often outshine those from Starbucks, and all for just a little extra cash.
But that’s not all. A wave of quick-service coffee shops from China is making its way to New York, introducing a new flavor to the scene. With promises of rapid service, mostly automated operations, and impressively low prices—just $1 or $2 for a cup—these newcomers are attracting attention.
Brands like Luckin Coffee, Kotti Coffee, and Mixue are popping up throughout the city, and many local coffee enthusiasts are catching on to their charm.
“Using automation and quick service helps keep prices down in a place like New York,” coffee expert Peter Giuliano mentioned, likening these chains to the vending machines that were once all the rage.
The Post took a closer look at three of these new players and how they stack up against the established names.
Luckin Coffee
Since its debut in New York in June 2025, Luckin has quickly ramped up to ten locations, some filling former Starbucks spots. This growth mirrors its rapid rise in China, where it first emerged in 2017 and has since gained a significant following.
When Luckin opened, customers reportedly waited hours just to get their hands on a drink, and lines still persist. Its app-only ordering process eliminates many traditional costs, which allows for higher efficiency and promotional pricing—like first-time users snagging drinks for as little as $1.99.
The coffee menu includes a unique variety, with options like Iced Caramel Popcorn Latte, which has achieved impressive global sales. In taste tests, the coffee was strong and enjoyable, but some found unusual flavors, like a Valentine’s “tiramisu” latte, a bit over the top.
Manhattanite Alexa Speciale praised the coconut latte for its rich espresso flavor and, of course, enjoyed the low price of just $2. However, she noted the “mobile-only” system felt a bit lifeless, with many customers glued to their phones.
While the app offers significant savings, the process of navigating it can be cumbersome, which can feel unnecessary when simply ordering a cup of coffee seems easier at a traditional café.
Cotti Coffee
Cotti Coffee, created in 2022 by former Luckin executives after a scandal, first launched in Hawaii before making its way to California and New York. Like Luckin, it features unique drinks, particularly if you’re looking to contribute to charity, with first orders at just 99 cents.
Unlike its counterpart, Cotti allows for orders through human-operated kiosks, adding a personal touch—at least for now. The menu boasts enticing creations like a brown sugar oolong oat latte and fruit-infused Americanos.
One standout is the collaboration with a local pastry shop offering Portuguese egg tarts, which provided a delightful change from the standard coffee shop offerings.
While their cappuccinos tended to be a tad too milky, the Pampas Blue Coco Latte was a hit, giving a solid energy boost.
Giuliano believes that continuing to tap into trends, such as fruit lattes, could appeal to a diverse clientele, particularly with many Chinese residents in New York.
Mixue
Mixue, which prides itself on being a digital-only beverage brand with many global locations, has made its entrance into New York with three outlets where customers order via kiosks. While this can lead to longer wait times, especially as they crank out an enthusiastic jingle on repeat, it does have a diverse menu priced under $5.
You can find options like the Jasmine Latte and Affogato Latte at very affordable prices. However, there are some concerns about quality; the iced black coffee tasted a bit off, reminiscent of something unpalatable.
Adding something sweeter, like a vanilla ice cream cone, greatly improved the experience, providing a little nostalgia at a fraction of Manhattan’s usual prices.
Conclusion
Can these Chinese coffee shops reshape the caffeine landscape in New York? While they present a cost-effective refuge for those frustrated with rising prices, and have intriguing offerings that might attract coffee lovers open to experimentation, bringing something fresh to the table, they can’t replace the deep-rooted café culture of the city.
As Ms. Speciale asserts, there’s a unique charm to the traditional coffeehouse experience, which isn’t going anywhere, even with the rise of convenient, mobile-only options.
