New Yorkers are known for being great coffee lovers and it’s definitely part of their daily routine. That said, we also know that locals love going to hidden spots, far from tourists. So, we united both and explored 3 hidden coffee shops in New York City.
With over 3,400 coffee shops, New York City is surely the coffee capital of America. While other cities may claim better coffee, none can top NYC in sheer quantity.
A New Yorker who sets out to try a different coffee shop every day won’t be finished for over nine years – and likely longer that, since in nine years, another 1,000 cafés may have opened.
Yet, in knowing how many small, boutique coffee shops are tucked inside NYC, it’s inevitable that a New Yorker who attempts this coffee quest may miss a few.
Luckily, investigators have placed a pin in those shops whose hidden locations preclude them from fame.
So, take a look at 3 hidden coffee shops in New York City.
Swedish Seamen’s Church
If you think that this name is ironic – something that is young, hipster proprietors thought up – think again.
Inside the Swedish Church of New York is a coffee shop of the kind frequented by Scandinavian seamen and emigrants at the turn of the century.
Approximately 1.3 million Swedes settled in New York during the 19th and 20th centuries, churches and cafés were their oases in a foreign land.
Today, the coffee shop is connected to the church’s library on 5 East 48th Street. It would be concealed from passers-by if not for a small chalkboard sign. The clientele is still, for the most part, Swedish, and snacks and coffee are Swedish in origin and in name.
Smørrebrød sandwiches, lingonberry juice and aromatic, rich coffee are available and affordable.
Location: 5 East 48th Street
Voyager Espresso
Voyager Espresso is underground – literally.
The shop is located underneath 110 William Street in a subway station hallway that is accessible via the John Street subway exit or the building’s lobby.
From both entrances, patrons must descend staircases before coming upon the rounded, austere space of Voyager Espresso, where staff roast their own beans and brew coffee and espressos with machines of the kind that Majesty Coffee ranks highly for small businesses.
The shop contains a Fetco batch brewer and a three-group Synesso Hydra machine.
In addition to delicious hot beverages that also include cappuccinos, lattes and hot chocolate, Voyager Espresso sells cold drinks, breakfast foods, salads, sandwiches and toast.
Location: 110 William Street
The Cobra Club
The Cobra Club is part yoga studio, part bar and part café – a combination that you may only find in New York City
It’s located at 6 Wyckoff Ave in Bushwick and provides 2,500 square feet of room for yoga, partying and coffee drinking. However, you might actually have to enter the building to discover that it’s a coffee shop.
The coffee has been rated as excellent – as has the vibe. By day, patrons can get their yoga and coffee fix; by night, they can get their alcohol and entertainment fix.
Karaoke, self-defense classes, and heavy metal yoga are just some of the entertainment options offered by The Cobra Club.
Location: 6 Wyckoff Ave
Coffee shops are abundant in New York City, but some of the best and coolest cafés are easy to miss.
Swedish Seamen’s Church, Voyager Espresso and The Cobra Club are three coffee shops hidden from the hustle and bustle of NYC. Now that you know where they are, be sure to stop in and have a brew.
Finally, if you’re a coffee lover and an explorer that loves seeing other spots in town, take a look at our YouTube video on “The 5 Top Coffee Shops In Greenpoint Brooklyn”.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of 3 PHOTOGRAPHERS and courtesy of venues.
