The Best Coffee Shops in NYC to Meet A Friend
We are scouting out the best spots - with great outdoor seating, fun fall decor, and particularly radiant vibes - all over the city. We want you have a solid list of places to choose from for your socially distanced meet-ups with friends or your much needed escape from your work-from-home office.
if you’re in flatiron…
devoción.
Devoción is open for business with a few tables and chairs, most of which are under a cabana. The nice thing — if you visit at the weekend, E 20th St is closed off to traffic so you can enjoy your coffee in relative peace and quiet. Coffee is some of the best. What we especially like is that Devoción supports women coffee growers and small farms. Their coffee beans are flown in fresh from Columbia and roasted in Brooklyn. Way to go, Devoción, for helping women, not only in NYC but across the world, become radiant.
Devoción — 25 E 20th St, New, ny 10003 | (718) 285-6180
if you’re in Chelsea…
The Commons.
The Commons is popular. On a morning, there is a constant stream of people in and out of this tiny shop. It’s also a popular place to meet a girlfriend. The Commons may be on the busy 7th Ave but cute blue tables and chairs directly out front on the wide sidewalk make it pleasant. The Commons also serves food beyond the usual coffee shop pastries, so why not make your meetup a brunch.
The Commons — 128 7th Ave, NY 10011 | (212) 929-9333
if you’re in astoria…
Gossip coffee.
This coffee shop offers both indoor and outdoor seating on its back patio.
From the moment you step foot into Gossip Coffee, you are in for an uplifting experience. The beautiful space is decked out eclectically with its white tile and brightly colored houndstooth entry and further stepping into its green, lush back patio offers a refreshing and grounding vibe. Both the black drip coffee and amazing breakfast options will make your tastebuds happy and more than satisfied. It’s a wonderful place to find some peace and quiet or to meet a friend and enjoy some conversation. This coffee shop will certainly make you feel radiant and well cared for. It creates an elegant coffee moment and revisiting in the near future will happen.
Gossip Coffee — 37-04 30th Ave Astoria, NY 11103 (corner of 30th Ave and 37th Street) | (718) 440-8792
Madame Sou Sou.
Madame Sou Sou is an eclectic little gem of a coffee shop on the corner of 33rd St & 31st Ave, just 5 minutes away from the Broadway stop. It has ample outdoor seating and great wifi, making it ideal to have a coffee date at a safe distance or get some work done on your laptop for an hour or two. They also have an incredible selection of pastries and treats that are baked right there in the shop — the croissants are highly recommended. And if you like a soothing atmosphere, this is the place to be: they always play the most soulful background music.
Madame Sou Sou - 31-05 33rd St, Astoria, NY 11106 | (718) 710-6577
if you’re in nomad…
Maman.
We are not going to be girls who shy away from a little bit of femininity. Instead, we want to welcome it in our often harsh city. So, at Maman you can embrace their beautiful blue and white floral motif which adorns the walls, the espresso machine, and the coffee cups. If you dine in, then you can sip from fine blue and white china cups. Delightful. And, the coffee is great too. Maman has indoor and outdoor seating with umbrellas for a sunny day but no shelter for a rainy day.
Maman - 22 W 25th St, NY 10010 | (646) 838-0700
if you’re on the UES…
Irving Farm.
Irving Farm on the Upper East Side is open again after being closed for a few months during the pandemic. You can find a location in Gramercy but this UES one has a larger menu and indoor space. Enjoy outdoor seating with your favorite coffee and a delicious choice of pastries (including gluten free and vegan options!)
Irving Farm UES — 1424 Third Ave, New York NY 10028 | (212) 206-0707
if you’re in midtown…
Rex Coffee.
Rex Coffee is the perfect quick escape for a cup of joe that will help you forget your pandemic cares and worries for a moment. It’s off the beaten path and has simple outdoor seating, with a few benches set up just in front of the shop that are rarely contested. We suggest making this spot your solo getaway. Bundle up in your favorite fall layers, order a yummy mocha from the cool baristas, and then sit and savor a moment of stillness amidst the uncertainty.