Oh no, Joe!
This week, coffee-loving New Yorkers are feeling a bit jittery after Bean Juice’s flagship Starbucks closed down numerous local stores.
The New York City Department of Consumer and Workers’ Protection reports that 54 shops, each under 200 square feet, will vanish from the city’s landscape.
At least the good news is, those looking for a new caffeine fix won’t have to walk too far—local coffee experts shared that NYC boasts around 1,744 coffee spots and 956 cafes. It’s pretty remarkable, really.
In fact, New York has more coffee shops than any other city in the U.S., even beating out places like San Francisco and Seattle.
Need suggestions for your new morning routine? Thankfully, there are plenty of great independent cafés to explore.
Two of the best coffee roasters in the country, Sei Coffee and Daylow, are worth the trip to Bushwick. Also, Suitable Coffee has garnered quite a following, as has Black Fox Coffee.
But let’s not forget about the more mainstream options. Here are five popular coffee chains in New York City that you can grab your morning brew from without having to tunnel through the subway.
For Frappuccino Fans
Krispy Kreme has long been a go-to for donuts and coffee, especially at Times Square and Penn Station. Recently, Sugar Slinger has been rolling out frozen lattes that rival Starbucks’ Frappuccino.
One standout is The Star—it’s creamy and reminds you of a Krispy Kreme donut. Plus, they also have a seasonal frozen latte featuring brown butter and pumpkin spice that’s worth trying.
Latte Lovers Take Note
Luckin Coffee, a recent arrival in NYC, may not yet rival Starbucks, which has around 35,000 locations globally, but it’s making waves. People love its coconut latte, made with pure coconut milk, which offers a rich flavor that many enjoy.
And hey, the Luckyne app seems like it might be a treasure trove compared to Starbucks’ complicated rewards system.
Refreshing Changes
Starbucks isn’t the only go-to for refreshing beverages. Dunkin’s Zippy Shippers line, including flavors like strawberry dragon fruit and mango pineapple, has been a hit. These drinks have higher caffeine content too—Dunkin’s 16 oz serving has 66 mg compared to Starbucks’ 44-55 mg.
Dunkin even had a buzz with Sabrina Carpenter’s limited edition Strawberry Daydream Refresher this past summer.
The Clear Cup
If you’re aiming for a solid cup of drip coffee, Starbucks might not be the best choice anymore. It’s been a while since it was a real contender in that arena.
Now owned by Nestlé, it doesn’t quite have the same charm, although its widespread availability is a plus. There are definitely better spots for a freshly brewed cup.
Moving to Matcha
Suddenly, it seems like Blank Street Coffee has taken off, offering a range of impressive matcha drinks. While they’re not necessarily using New York’s finest beans, they’ve made quite an impact.
They have a variety of matcha offerings, including a hot matcha latte with a unique twist—think honey, cinnamon, and vanilla icing mixed with oat milk. And for those who prefer something cool, there are some sweet iced options to savor during the warmer days.
