As one of the most underrated neighborhoods in Manhattan, Washington Heights is known for its beautiful parks, spacious low-rent apartments, and fantastic restaurant scene. Washington Heights restaurants are heavily influenced by the neighborhood culture, as are the cafes. The best cafes in Washington Heights are not only delicious, but they’re usually relatively empty compared with the rest of Manhattan.
As a coffee addict myself, I ventured up to Washington Heights to scope out some of the best coffee and espresso bar experiences I could find. I consider the best coffee shops qualifications to go beyond just the taste of the bean— there have to be good vibes, yummy food options, and of course, seating.
That said, of the cafes in Washington Heights, these are among the best!
Best Cafes in Washington Heights

1. Forever Coffee
If you, like me, need bright spaces to get work done in, then Forever Coffee is for you. It’s a well-lit, high energy cafe with spacious communal seating options that are great for getting your to-do list done!
In addition to some very fun, unique coffee flavors, Forever Coffee has some truly delicious food options, too. I went with the classic breakfast burrito, and couldn’t have been happier with my decision. Anytime I can find a cafe with food that rocks, I’m coming back for seconds.

2. Cafe Bloom
Born and raised in Washington Heights, Cafe Bloom is a Latina female-owned cafe that incorporates all the culture and energy of Washington Heights.
One of my favorite parts of this cafe is the seasonal menu. More restaurants and establishments should be doing this– I just want different options depending on the weather. Bloom operates as a cafe (with some amazing, Madrid inspired coffee options), but they serve alcohol as well! Get there at 9 AM, and stay till happy hour.

3. Buunni Coffee
Buunni is beloved not only for their untouchable Ethiopian blend coffee, but also for the cozy, wood coffee bar aesthetic. The best coffee bar, in my mind, has to be cozy. Covered in unique and fun wall art, Buunni is a super chill place to perhaps catch up with a friend or read a new book.
While they do have pastries, Buunni is more about the drinks than the food. Don’t show up too hungry!

4. Green Juice Cafe
Green juice is in many ways the opposite of coffee. Cold and actually beneficial to your health, it makes sense to sell them together. They must off-set, right?
Green Juice Cafe, despite the name, is so much more than a health foods store. The sandwiches are as delicious as they are nutritious. The coffee is such a high point of this cafe. They make truly artisanal cups that will make you feel like you’re their first and only customer.

5. Duaa’s Cafe
Duaa’s Cafe is a force in Wash Heights! Family owned, this is one of the best coffee shops if pastries are your guilty pleasure. They serve a variety of incredible baked goods that are made fresh each day on site.
Plus, there are a ton of unique and interesting coffee flavors to try. It’s not everyday you can get a rose mocha latte.

6. Milo Coffee Shop
I am such a sucker for a pastry display shelf. Milo Coffee shop has a vast variety of treats to choose from, in addition to a super solid, very basic coffee menu.
While there’s no seating area, there is a wrap around standing bar to hangout at while you sip and eat. I personally am a huge fan of this style of cafe, especially when I’m a little too sick of sitting around for my work from home.

7. Five Flies Coffee
In many ways, Five Flies is more of an open office space that happens to have top notch coffee and some very unique eating options. Combining French & African American influences, this is one of the top eateries in town for both an amazing culinary experience and a quiet spot to get some emails answered.
In addition to being known for their coffee, Five Flies is also a brewery. There is an open seating area on the side, featuring eclectic decorations and comfy seating options that look great for a first date.

8. Espresso Heights
This is a totally authentic Italian cafe. Right down to the plastic casings they keep their pies and tarts in. I am obsessed.
One of the unique things about Espresso Heights is that they serve pizza in addition to coffee and coffee-adjacent treats. All my favorite things in one place!! My one note would be that seating is semi-limited, so get there early in the day if you want to spread out.

9. Andiamo Cafe
Known for their smoothies and insanely good empanadas, Andiamo Cafe is a Wash Heights staple. Their coffee is very basic, but as someone who mostly drinks a cup of black, this is exactly what I’m looking for.
Seating is a major plus here. There are plenty of tables to sit at if you decide not to take your food and coffee to go. However, it can get a little loud, so probably more of a sit-down-with-friends situation than a read-a-good-book.

10. The Plug
I’m a fan of The Plug for their punny chalkboard signs alone. They are known for delicious lattes, light snack fare, and tons of off-beat trinket art that make The Plug absolutely one of a kind.
The vibes of The Plug are hipster, indie, skater energy. It’s giving Urban Outfitters in the best possible way, and I can totally see myself curling up with a massive, soup sized cappuccino and a magazine.
Best Cafes in Washington Heights
As I’ve said, there is a lot more to a good coffee shop than the quality of the beans (though they’re definitely related). I am all about looking at the full picture of a cafe, beyond coffee alone. All of the shops on this list have much more to offer than just a good dark roast.
Next time you’re visiting Manhattan, or even if you’re local, come up to Wash Heights! There’s tons to see and do, and lots of coffee to drink.
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