The 15 Best Cafés & Coffee Bars in the Upper East Side, New York

Besides a touch of old world charm, what feature would most people say is of paramount importance when choosing a bed & breakfast (b&b)?  We maintain that location is the most important feature. 1871 House has the good fortune to be centrally located to Upper East Side museums, excellent restaurants, chic galleries, exclusive shopping & of course Central Park. In summery, the  best NYC has to offer. So what else could anybody ask for in a neighborhood? Well, until a few years ago local artisan coffee bars were somewhat hard to come by. Fortunately, these days there are cafes to satisfy even the most fussy of coffee snobs.  Recent times have brought numerous openings of cafes and coffee bars to the 1871 House neighborhood.  The result is 1871 House guests now have loads of chic cafes to choose from to get their mornings off on the right foot and to get their daily java fix. It doesn’t get any better this. 

So now can we finally put to bed the notion that the Upper East Side is stuffy? We’re pretty sure we’ve seen a few hipsters lurking around Birch Coffee.  It’s hard to keep up with all the new places that have arisen, and while we’re sure new options will continue to open, we’ve put together a fairly comprehensive list.   For information about staying at 1871 House, visit our website 1871 House

Below is our list of some of the best neighborhood Cafes and Coffee Bars in the Lenox Hill area of the Upper East Side neighborhood .  We’ve included both old and new cafes. 

Birch  Our neighborhood’s own little hipster joint is located right across Lexington Avenue on East 62nd Street.   This tiny shop serves various types of coffee products: Espresso, Americano, Macchiato, Cortado, Cappuccino, Latte, Flat White, Cafe Au Lait, Mocha, Drop, Tea, Chai Latte, Hot Cocoa, Cold Brew.  They have various non-dairy milk options–including hemp milk. Additionally, to satisfy your sweets craving, they also feature pastries from some of New York’s beloved bakers from gluten-free gems to donuts.  Birch prides itself on creating a sense of community amidst the chaos of New York City. 134.5 East 62nd Street. 

Joe & the Juice

Coffee, Juice, Sandwiches & more – served mostly by male employees with sculpted arms covered in tattoos.  You may catch them flipping pitchers into the air & juggling ice cubes. Rumor has it, they all live together in a shared apartment.  Located on the corner of East 62nd Street and Lexington Avenue, Joe & the Juice has created a cozy little corner cafe furnished with comfy banquettes. It’s a good thing because this spot is perfect for gazing out the windows.  801 Lexington Avenue.  

Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar     


Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar has been our go to place since it opened a couple of years ago. By any standard, it is not your ordinary cafe. From the most perfect foam on their cappuccinos to the delectable little sandwiches and pastries they serve. The level of care and attention to detail weather it be the refined atmosphere, the design, the first class service or the quality of craftsmanship. As you can tell, we’re big fans!

Sant Ambroeus takes it inspiration from lively coffee bars in Europe. The espresso and cappuccino bar also features warm pressed Panini and desserts, pastries and croissants. Guests can also enjoy a selection of savory Paninetti, soft home-baked rolls with a delicate crust perfumed with olive oil, and Le Foccaccine, a flaky and slightly salted interpretation of Focaccia. Afternoon and evening hours offer a menu of cocktails and wines by the glass. 61st Street between Park Avenue & Madison Avenue at the Regency Hotel (though it has it’s own entrance on East 61st Street).

Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar at Hanley New York

Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar features an assortment of coffee drinks in addition to lunch and cocktail options. The Espresso and cappuccino bar also features breakfast pastries including Italian cornetti, scones and cookies. For lunch, guests can enjoy warm pressed panini, including the Duomo with tuna, olives, celery and cherry tomatoes and a selection of paninetti—soft house-made rolls. Other savory items include salads and seasonal soups made to order. The coffee bar also serves  desserts. Each day from 5pm-9pm, the coffee bar welcomes guests for Aperitivo Hour, a traditional Italian custom, featuring an assortment of small bites with the purchase of cocktails or wine.  1136 3rd Avenue @66th Street. Mon – Fri 7:00am to 9:00pm; Sat-Sun 8:00am to 9:00pm

Café Bilboquet


Offers breakfast pastries, fancier sweets like éclairs, and ready-made panini and salads, along with coffee, tea, beer and, soon, wine in an elegantly gilded setting with plush garnet banquettes.  26 East 60th Street (between Park and Madison Avenues), no website.

Gregory’s Coffee

Working with Irving Farm Coffee Roasters, Gregory’s roast their own coffee.  They serve an assortment of coffee products & a wide variety of snacking foods including gluten free options.  (Espresso, Macchiato, Cortado, Cappuccino, Lattes, Mocha, Americano); Juices (cold pressed grapefruit juice, cold pressed kale, spinach, apple, lemon, agave juice, cold pressed lemon, ginger, agave juice, OJ);  Swiss Oatmeal (Fat free milk, low fat vanilla yogurt, apple, oats, peanuts, banana, raisins); Gluten Free Blue Star (low fat vanilla yogurt, banana, blueberry & granola); Gluten Free Green Wonder (Low fat vanilla yogurt, apple, pomegranate juice, spinach, carrot, kale, coconut, granola, flaxseed, dates, almonds, walnuts and lemon juice) ; Peanut Pleaser (low fat vanilla yogurt, banana, peanut butter, coconut, flaxseed, granola, dates almonds, walnuts, coconut, flaxseed), bakery (banana nut pound cake, carrot pound cake, brownie, pumpkin muffin, croissant, rugelach, biscotti, donuts, scone, vegan bar, muffins, cookies); chicken salad peanut butter banana power bit, chia pudding, banana pudding. 878 Lexington Ave. 

Via Quadronno 


Coffee Bar in the tradition of Coffee Bars in Europe (similar to Sant Ambroeus) plus a full dining menu. A large selection of made to order paninis composed of one single ingredient on freshly baked bread, as open-faced sandwiches or alla Milanese with several ingredients.  Sample their delicious Lasagna Bolognese or try our personal favorite – Sferzata Di Salute – pureed mixed vegetable soup. Homemade pastries. Wine.  25 E 73rd St.