There’s a reason they call it the city that never sleeps: New York loves its caffeine. After all, in a city that’s always pulsing with energy, keeping up with the fast-paced bustle often requires a little jolt (especially when you’re looking to make the most of your Manhattan getaway).
Whether you’re seeking an exceptional espresso or piping mug of English Breakfast tea, here are some of the best spots in the Nomad neighborhood to get your buzz on, each in close proximity to Mondrian Park Avenue.
LÜLÜ COFFEE CO.
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Opened late this summer, this neighborhood newcomer is the talk of the town with its uncommon specialty: Turkish coffee. What makes this beverage so special? For starters, the finely ground coffee beans are not filtered out of the finished cup, meaning you’re drinking the grinds, too. On top of that, owner David Kasparov and his skilled team carefully warm each serving of Turkish coffee on heated sand. This traditional technique might take some time, but it ensures the perfect temperature for your cup of joe. (Plus, it’s fun to watch the process.)
Grace Street Cafe
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Don’t be fooled by its address in Nomad-adjacent Koreatown, a neighborhood frequented for its low-key restaurants and late-night revelry. This charming cafe, discreetly tucked away on lively 32nd Street, is doling out some of the city’s most whimsical caffeinated creations. Take, for example, Grace’s best-selling Rose Petal Milk Tea. A smooth and subtly sweet blend of rose syrup and tea, it’s finished with real rose petals for a positively pretty effect. Also not to be missed are other Korean treats, such as the Shaved Snow and Ho-Dduk, flat Korean donuts filled with brown sugar syrup and nuts.
Felix Roasting Company
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Once you step into this sumptuously appointed space — imagine a bold palette of pink, teal, and bronze, a wood-paneled bar, and lots of vintage art — you’ll forget you’re in a coffee shop. This is exactly the point, as envisioned by acclaimed designer Ken Fulk. Owned by Matt Moinian and Al Ansari, Felix aims to dole out more than your average cup of joe. From Deconstructed Espresso Tonics to Hickory-Smoked S’mores Lattes to Ethiopia Guji Hambela Filter Coffee, there’s something original for even the most discerning coffee drinkers.
Cha Cha Matcha
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If hardcore coffee creations are too intense for you, consider matcha, a finely ground powder of green tea that’s been enjoyed in Japan for over 1,000 years. And it’s easy to see why: Not only does the caffeine release more slowly into your system thanks to the amino acid L-theanine, which prevents those pesky coffee-related crashes, it also has 137 times more antioxidants than conventional green tea. Even better? In addition to sipping the healthful ingredient the traditional way (whisked into hot water), you can also enjoy it in the house lemonade, a coconut milk latte, or even soft-serve ice cream.
Featured Photo: Cha Cha Matcha
- Story by Katie Chang