Espresso Yourself: Readers Weigh In On Favorite UES Coffee Spots

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY – Coffee culture is thriving on the Upper East Side, and Patch readers have spoken, contributing their top recommendations for the best local cafes and espresso bars after we wrote about some of the neighborhood’s favorites in August.

“I recently discovered L'Avion Café,” says Ellen. “The coffee was wonderful, better than most, and the pastries, the home-made ones especially, were delicious. I recommend the apple turnover,” she adds.

Best of all? “The lovely, kind, attentive staff.”

Located at 338 East 92nd Street between 1st and 2nd avenues, L’Avion, which opened less than a year ago, is owned by the same local family behind Yorkville Indian favorite The Drunken Munkey.

Ellen isn’t the only fan. “You missed L’Avion on 92nd,” writes Heidi S. “Great coffee in a French-themed café and very friendly staff.”

A theme emerged.

“There is one very popular destination you overlooked,” says Rick. “Le Moulin, [which] offers an extensive & delicious selection of French salads, sandwiches, and pastries. It’s open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Check it out, I’m sure you will enjoy it,” he adds.

Le Moulin à Café, located at 1439 York Avenue between 76th and 77th Street near John Jay Park, provides “a slice of Paris,” according to its website, and has reportedly been open since 2011.

“French. Authentic. Great coffee and food. Fabulous staff and owner! A gem,” Lynn agrees.

Don’t forget about Caffe Aronne, at 976 Lexington Avenue between 71st and 72nd Street, says Peggy. Known for its clean, organic coffee, per its website, the New York-based roaster also operates a location downtown, in the West Village.

Nearby, Elaine is partial to Java Girl, which has been open at 348 East 66th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues for more than 20 years, according to its website. The space is “quaint” and the coffee is excellent, Elaine assures.

And that’s not all.

“My favorite cafe is Coffee Inn,” says coffee nerd Heidi P. “Great (black) coffee and such lovely people.” At 1314 1st Avenue between 70th and 71st Street, the Inn is rumored to serve Kossar’s bagels.

Finally, readers love Black Star, at 1597 York Avenue between 84th and 85th Street – not far from Carl Schurz Park – and which Patch included on our previous list. The latest hot tip? It has the “absolute best breakfast burrito in ALL of Manhattan,” says Rosemary.

A worthy subject for a future story.

From breakfast burritos to BLTs to bread pudding, what’s one of your favorite Upper East Side treats – and the best place to get it? Email michael.mcdowell@patch.com.