Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Coffee Lovers in Queens
Top Things to Do in New York City for Coffee Lovers in Queens
1. Coffee Project NY Roastery & Academy
Queens’ premier specialty roastery and training campus in Long Island City, where you can watch beans roasted, taste flights, and learn pro techniques at the brew bar.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a hands-on gateway to third-wave coffee with classes, cuppings, and expertly pulled espresso—all in one spot dedicated to education and craftsmanship.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for a calm bar experience; late afternoon for scheduled classes and cuppings.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for the deconstructed latte flight or check the calendar for public cuppings to sample several origins side by side.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Coffee geeks praise the knowledgeable staff and consistently balanced extractions; newcomers love how approachable the classes feel.
2. Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters
A LIC staple for years, Sweetleaf blends neighborhood character with serious coffee, from meticulous pour-overs to signature iced concoctions.
✓ Why Go:
House-roasted beans, barista craft, and a lively community vibe make it a must on any Queens coffee crawl.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-morning on weekdays to beat commuter rush; weekends early for a seat.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the Rocket Fuel—an iced, chicory-tinged pick-me-up—then stroll over to nearby waterfront parks.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals rave about the bold flavors and ‘just-right’ sweetness of signatures, plus friendly service even when it’s busy.
3. Baruir's Coffee
A Sunnyside icon since the 1960s, this old-school roaster specializes in freshly roasted beans and classic brews with heritage and heart.
✓ Why Go:
You’ll experience Queens coffee history while picking up expertly roasted beans to take home—freshness and tradition in one stop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning for attentive service and a relaxed chat about beans and grind size.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff for brewing recommendations tailored to your home setup; their grind advice is spot-on.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars love the no-frills authenticity and consistently fresh roasts that punch above their weight.
4. Kinship Coffee
Astoria’s community-forward cafe pours reliable espresso drinks and creative seasonal lattes in a bright, plant-filled space.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the neighborhood living room—great coffee, easy seating, and a steady hum perfect for catching up or planning the rest of your Queens day.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for a quick espresso; late afternoon for laptop time between rushes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Try a seasonal special (think lavender or cardamom notes) and grab a window seat for prime people-watching on 30th Ave.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests highlight balanced drinks and a welcoming staff that remembers names and orders.
5. Ground Central Coffee Company
A cozy, book-lined LIC cafe serving robust espresso and smooth cold brew—an oasis near Court Square’s bustle.
✓ Why Go:
Quality shots, comfy nooks, and playlist vibes make it perfect for a mid-route recharge or remote work pit stop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays 9–11 a.m. for quicker lines; post-lunch lull for seats.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about limited single-origin offerings for Americanos and pour-overs; they rotate interesting beans.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers love the ‘city refuge’ atmosphere and consistently smooth espresso.
6. Aubergine Cafe
A Woodside favorite blending European-style cafe charm with reliable coffee drinks, light bites, and a neighborhood pace.
✓ Why Go:
Come for relaxed cappuccinos and stay for the pastry case—ideal between Sunnyside and Jackson Heights exploring.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning to early afternoon for the calmest vibe; evenings get lively.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair a cortado with a savory pastry, then wander Skillman Ave’s indie shops.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons praise the unhurried feel, fair prices, and friendly staff who never rush you.
7. Martha's Country Bakery
Beloved Queens bakery where espresso meets towering cakes and flaky pastries—an indulgent stop for coffee pairings.
✓ Why Go:
Late hours, broad pastry selection, and solid espresso drinks make it a reliable finale to a Queens coffee crawl.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late evening on weekdays to avoid lines; weekend mornings for fresh bakes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a freddo-style iced espresso with a slice of signature chocolate mousse cake for a decadent combo.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests swoon over dessert-and-coffee pairings and appreciate the extended hours.
8. Topos Bookstore Cafe
Ridgewood’s indie bookstore with a thoughtful coffee bar—sip while browsing shelves of curated new and used titles.
✓ Why Go:
A rare mashup of literary browsing and quality espresso makes this a slow-travel gem for coffee-loving readers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for reading nooks without crowding.
✓ Insider Tip:
Buy a used paperback and settle in with a macchiato; staff can suggest pairings for page-turners and poetry alike.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the cozy calm and say the shop feels like a neighborhood secret.
9. Omonia Cafe
A longstanding Greek cafe in Astoria known for classic frappé and modern freddo drinks alongside impeccable pastries.
✓ Why Go:
Experience Queens’ Hellenic coffee culture in a lively setting that runs from daytime pick-me-ups to late-night sweets.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons for leisurely sips; late evening for a bustling dessert-and-coffee scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a freddo cappuccino and share a slice of mille-feuille—locals swear by the combo.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners praise the consistent frappés, generous pastry portions, and energetic Astoria vibe.
10. Porcelain
An Austrian-influenced LIC cafe pairing carefully extracted espresso with Central European pastries in a sunlit corner space.
✓ Why Go:
For lovers of nuance, the espresso here is clean and precise—ideal with apple strudel or a buttery croissant.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning when pastries are freshest and seats are plentiful.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about their current single-origin espresso; it often features bright, fruit-forward profiles.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests highlight refined flavors, calm ambience, and pastry quality that matches the coffee.
