Upper West Side Coffee Shop Among NYC's Best: Ranking

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY - Harlem is home to one of New York City's hottest coffee shops, according to a list published Wednesday in Eater New York.

“There’s no shortage of cozy neighborhood coffee shops in New York City, welcoming in customers with frothy cappuccinos and friendly conversation,” the curators wrote. “And while every New Yorker has their favorite corner spot, some cafes rise above the rest with expertly brewed cups of coffee and award-winning pastries.”

Starting in 2009 as a wholesale roasting company in upstate New York, Plowshares Coffee Roasters now boasts two locations in West Harlem and the Upper West Side offering drip coffee, espressos, cold brew, and other standard drinks.

Other menu highlights include hot breakfast tacos, baked pastries, overnight oats and an array of grab-and-go salads and sandwiches.

Self-described as a “small boutique roasting company,” Plowshares’ Upper West Side location opened at 2730 Broadway near West 105th Street in 2014. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

The West Harlem location opened at 1351 Amsterdam Ave. near West 126th Street in 2019. Hours are Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesdays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Laptop workers, be warned: limited seating and WiFi are available at the Upper West Side location, with Wifi available weekdays after 11:30 a.m. with a purchase, according to Plowshares’ website.

“Saturday and Sunday are our busiest days so WiFi availability begins a little later at 1PM,” the website reads. “At our Harlem location … we offer 3 hours of free WiFi with a purchase. If you need more then 3 hours, we ask that you make a small purchase to get another 3 hours of WiFi after your initial term expires.”

Other notable roasters include Variety Coffee Roasters (Upper East Side), St. Kilda Coffee (Midtown) and La Cabra (East Village).

You can view the full Easter ranking here.