Walking through the grand halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is an exhilarating yet surprisingly exhausting experience. After spending hours marveling at ancient Egyptian artifacts or European masterpieces, the need for a quality caffeine fix or a restorative bite to eat becomes undeniable. While the museum itself offers dining options, the true character of the Upper East Side is found just outside its doors.
The area surrounding Fifth Avenue is a haven for coffee connoisseurs and food lovers alike. From historic institutions that have served the neighborhood for decades to sleek, modern roasters pushing the boundaries of specialty coffee, the variety is staggering. Whether you are looking for a quick espresso to power your afternoon or a leisurely brunch to decompress, the vicinity has something for every taste.
However, navigating the busy streets of Manhattan can be daunting, especially if you are visiting from out of town. The last thing you want after a long museum tour is to wander aimlessly in search of a decent cup of coffee. That is why we have curated a guide to the best establishments within a short walking distance of the Met.
We have evaluated these locations based on the quality of their beans, the atmosphere, the speed of service, and their proximity to the museum steps. You will find a mix of grab-and-go counters perfect for a quick recharge and cozy corners ideal for resting your feet. This ensures you can match your caffeine break to your current mood and energy levels.
Whether you are a local looking for a new regular spot or a tourist wanting to experience the neighborhood like a native, this list offers a curated selection of the finest brews. We understand that a great cup of coffee is often the bridge between a good day at the museum and a perfect one.
Below is our definitive list of the top coffee destinations near the museum, curated to help you refuel and relax without wasting precious time.
Café Sabarsky
| Address | 1048 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (212) 288-0665 |
Stood in line for an hour to visit the café. Did not disappoint. Beautifully appointed. Lovingly restored. Snagged a lovely booth by a large picture window looking out onto 5th Avenue. The menu looked good. Since I had already had lunch, I just had the hot chocolate with rum. Yum! Can’t wait to come back and try the full menu and linger longer. The 15 varieties of dessert looked delectable. Note reservations are available for dinner on Resy, but not for breakfast or lunch. The wait gets very long. Also be sure to check the website if the café will be closing early for a private event on the day that you visit.
A lovely lunch stop on the way to the Met. I got a beet salad and my companion ordered a liverwurst sandwich. Both were fresh and flavor-forward, well presented and served promptly. We also got the Adele dessert, a passion fruit and coconut mousse cake. Oh, it was phenomenal balance of rich and light flavors on the tongue. A delectable sweet to set is up for the rest of our art-laden day. The waitstaff was very attentive and we didn't have a problem getting a seat but I could tell there was a line forming when we left. Best recommend a reservation if booking at the traditional meal hour.
Beautiful dining room and prompt service and gorgeous plating. The waiters can’t really pronounce the names of the menu items either so English or pointing works well. I decided to add rum to the Viennese hot chocolate and it was perfect. The whipped cream was rich but not sweetened which balanced out the sweetness of the hot chocolate. It was also served at the perfect temperature. Hubby got the smoked trout crepe which was delicious. My roasted potatoes with egg, cheese, bacon, and pickles was also tasty although I did add salt and pepper. The bread and butter that came with the entrees was a nice touch. There were two types of bread. My only complain is that the butter could’ve been a bit softer for spreading purposes. We arrived right at 9:00 (opening time) and there were already a few people in line ahead of us.
Note: The Cafe is in a museum. Your bags will be searched upon entry and they also dump out any water bottles you may have. There is a water filling station in the basement near the restrooms that can be visiting after your meal.
Excellent, authentic and well balanced Austrian dishes and drinks. Life piano enables authentic and enlivened atmosphere with swift service and very kind staff. Clean premises, friendly service and quick kitchen to top off. No reservations, slim chances to get in. Do reserve ahead if you're up to experience this must do New York City- Austin import space! Wholeheartedly recommend.💕👌
We made a coffee stop here before strolling through the Central Park. What a beautiful place to visit!
We had to queue up, but I’d say the line moved fairly quickly and staff there managed everything so well (if you’re there only for food or drinks, they’d recommend you to skip the line and go directly downstairs where you can get the same food without a view).
We had a slice of chocolate cake and latte. The cake was a little bit too sweet for us, but it went well with coffee. Staff were super friendly and attentive. Overall, we enjoyed our visit. (Pro tip: there is a museum above the cafe. Worth a visit if you like German/Austrian arts)
Church of Heavenly Rest Café
| Address | 1085 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 AM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (718) 374-6858 |
The Church of Heavenly Rest Cafe has such an interesting vibe - probably because it's actually within a church! I received good service from the friendly staff and enjoyed some decent food. You should try their banana bread, though I wasn’t too sure of the salad in the athlete's burrito - just seemed a bit lack of processing and thought in terms of ingredients used. Keep in mind the seating area is tight - don’t order too much so that you can fit everything on the table. It’s a peaceful, unique spot for a quick bite!
First time coming here and service was quick and efficient. Ambience was super aesthetic and gave a “heavenly church” vibe. Central park is literally right across and the Guggenheim museum is a block away. My friend and I were seated right away! Probably also helps that it wasn’t crazily packed with tourists due to the Knicks parade. Drinks were delivered timely and our server Abel was so kind enough to make sure our first time experience was amazing and memorable. He is truly a gem in this place! Would highly recommend this to everyone and of course I would definitely be coming back. Thank you again Abel and see ya soon ☺️
The Church of Heavenly Rest Café is such a unique spot with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The café is set inside a beautiful church, making for a really special and memorable dining experience.
From the moment we arrived, the hostess was friendly and welcoming, and both Abel, our server, and Andy went above and beyond with their kindness and genuine hospitality. They made us feel right at home and added so much to the overall experience.
The food was excellent. The chicken parm toastie was packed with flavour, perfectly toasted, and satisfying. The Sunshine Burrito was equally delicious. Fresh, hearty, and full of vibrant flavours that made it a standout breakfast.
Between the unique setting, outstanding service, and delicious food, this café is a place I’d happily return to and recommend.
I am blown away by this spot! Abel took such great care of us, and gave me the best recommendation for the Chicken Parma Toasty… easily like top 3 best sandwiches I’ve ever had! Not only was the food phenomenal, but the atmosphere was so warm and Abel made us feel so welcome. Thank you Abel, and thank you to everyone that made such a great lunch for my wife and I!
We waited 50 minutes for our order and we had a flight to catch and we still didn’t end up getting our order to go in time. The only thing we’ve got was our only drink order, which was an iced matcha and it tastes bad too. I’ve kindly asked the server several times to speed up our order a bit due to our flight but didn’t end up working. Tables that arrived later than us got their order so much sooner than us. Even at a busy cafe it shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes for orders to come out. We had great expectation and the atmosphere was good but this was a huge disappointment.
WatchHouse 5th Ave.
| Address | 660 5th Ave, New York, NY 10103 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Had a wonderful experience at WatchHouse on 5th Avenue ☕️✨
The service was incredibly friendly, and the drinks were consistently excellent. We usually ordered the large cappuccino with oat milk, both hot and iced, and they were always delicious. We also tried the black iced tea, which was very refreshing.
The pastries looked amazing, although we didn’t get a chance to try them this time. The café is definitely popular and can get quite busy, but it still feels cozy and welcoming. With a little patience, you can usually find a nice seat either inside or outside.
Another plus is that this location has a restroom, which is always convenient when exploring the city. Overall, a great coffee spot with excellent drinks, a lovely atmosphere, and friendly service. Highly recommend!
Such a cool place with delicious matcha (ceremonial grade, comes with a certificate). It might get very busy during rush hours, but their drinks and pastries are completely worth it. Freshly baked and freshly brewed, their goodies are worth the visit! Totally worth checking out if you are in the area.
I really enjoyed WatchHouse 5th Ave.
A beautiful coffee shop with a clean, minimalist and contemporary design, and a very pleasant atmosphere — both inside and at the small seating area along the street.
The coffee here is truly outstanding. One of the best coffees I’ve had in New York. You can feel the attention to detail in the beans, the preparation and the presentation. Alongside the coffee, they offer excellent fresh pastries, including a delicious gluten-free chocolate cake.
The only downside for me was that I didn’t see sandwiches or breakfast options, so it may be less suitable if you’re looking for a full meal.
Other than that, this is a wonderful, elegant and very relaxing place for a high-quality coffee break in the middle of the day.
Watch house was an absolute treat. The pastries all looked delicious and I wanted to try everything but we only tried the chocolate croissant and the cardamom bun. Both were equally delicious love the saltiness of the croissant and the cinnamon orange of the cardamom bun.
Coffee was good too!
Bathroom was great !! Super clean and the staff was quite friendly.
Everything is just so perfect! The flat white, the toffee sticky pudding and the croissant I ordered for my toddler. Our family enjoys everything here. The staff is very friendly and the restroom is so clean!
The Great Hall Balcony Cafe
| Address | 1000 5th Ave 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10028 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 4:15 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 4:15 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:15 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:15 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:15 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:15 PM |
| Phone | (212) 535-7710 |
We have been members of the Metropolitan Museum of Art 🎨 for many years now. One of the main reasons is this space...the Balcony Lounge. Amazing cocktails and seasonal menus. The room is filled with all the Art books from the gift shop and are free to skim through at your table while you dine and drink 🍷.
I arrived here quite tired and hungry after walking through the Met’s excellent exhibition of religious prints found in Hindu households. This café sits beside the South Asian galleries, where Kamasutra poses continue to titillate centuries
I ordered the Mediterranean salad and a Coke, for which I practically mortgaged my house.
Before taking my first bite, I consulted an artificial intelligence bot to ask whether feta cheese would aggravate my lactose intolerance. It persuaded my natural intelligence that I would be fine and I was fine and satisfied with the meal.
Vegan brownie AND an oatmilk cappuccino? Made my day. Yes it was overpriced, that’s why it’s not a 5 star
Sandwich was soggy and horrible. Very expensive while food was barely edible with minuscule portion. Genuinely the worst thing I ate in my life
September 2025:
Eugene and Augosto were very helpful
Billy and her staff do a good job
Reasonable prices for Manhattan
Tartinery Café - Bar | Olympic Tower
| Address | 645 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
I discovered this place recently and I am glad I did! The food is amazing. I ordered the tuna salad snd mushrooms soup! My goodness, the taste was mind blowing.
Prices are very reasonable. Portion size is perfect and the vibe is chill.
Jonan, was my server and he provided excellent service. He was helpful, kind and on top of everything.
Please please please check this place out. I promise it’s worth it.
The food we had was very tasty. When I ordered coffee and it wasn't hot the waiter took it back. He bought a new hot coffee with steamed milk which was very good, however it took about 20 minutes. Along with the other food, we ordered some fruit for my granddaughter. The fruit never came and it was on the bill. The POS terminal only had the total so if I didn't aks about it, I would have been overcharged.
We stopped by both for breakfast in the morning and for happy hour in the late afternoon. The venue is spread over a very large area and feels quiet and clean, with high ceilings that create a great sense of openness. The food we tried was also tasty ,for breakfast, we chose goat cheese and avocado omelets, as well as avocado toast with hummus. Everything was tasty, and the service was at a satisfactory level.
The food took half an hour but it’s taste so good it was worth the weight I got to hang out with my friends and talk about life for 30 minutes I learned that my white friend is really Latino on the inside.
This is my friend Lesli’s idea it was definitely the right choice I love it so much I’m coming back with more friends for more conversations.
Honestly I woke up like 4:30 AM and didn’t need anything so getting here 9:30 AM waiting almost half an hour I’d say the weight was worth it this food was an experience I feel like a better person after this I will come back hungry for more five stars
Just wanted to share how much we enjoyed our visit to Tartinery! The eggs with smoked salmon were absolutely delicious, and the croissants were perfect. buttery, flaky, and clearly made with care. On top of the great food, the service was excellent and the staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back. Thank you for a lovely experience!
Café at Saks
| Address | 2nd floor, 611 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
I only stopped by for coffee but all the sandwiches look very good. The variety of deserts were good. My cappuccino was very hot exactly how I like it without having to ask. The service wasn’t very nice the barista/server was a bit blunt and not friendly when she answer my question. She seemed like a security guard more than a barista 😆
Casual café-bar with decent bites and sweets, actually a great place to hang about before and after a long day (window) shopping on Fifth Avenue. Chamomile tea, cocktails, champagne—choose your poison any time of day, and see/hear/taste something beautiful along the way.
Great spot to grab a coffee along with pretty awesome desserts including very unique baklavas
I indulged in a few light refreshments at Café at Saks. The Roasted Pumpkin Salad, a tall mocha and a cacao muffin was undeniably delicious. Café at Saks is a small café, located on the 2nd fl..Saks should expand the size of the café in order to accommodate more patrons. Due to the petite size of the café they do suggest a 25 min. limit of table occupancy as a courtesy during peak hours of operation.
Upon my next visit I will complement my tall mocha with a croissant au chocolat!
Their coffees are delicious, but the baklava is $4 per piece, which is quite expensive. Other than that, the ambiance, food, and sandwiches look great. Coffee prices are pretty much the same everywhere.
LOX
| Address | 1109 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (212) 423-3200 |
This is an amazing place, great service, food, and decor. They give us free drinks after we bought our food. That free food was not mentioned before hand, we were completely uninformed they would be this nice! Also when somebody in our family spilled some Bubka Ice Cream, my son wanted to clean it up, and they were absolutely insisting that they should clean it up. The employees were very kind, my final review is 5/5 stars!
Absolutely loved my experience at LOX at the Jewish Museum. The server Arlan really made the visit very special was the service.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Arlan went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and taken care of from start to finish. Friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about creating a great experience you can tell he truly cares about the guests. It’s rare to find service that leaves such a strong impression. Service like this is rare and made our visit so memorable. Can’t wait to come back again soon!
Our fav place. We have been more than ten times. Best food and best service. Lox five ways is to die for. And everything else we had has been delicious.
Thank you
We had a wonderful experience at Lox! The food was delicious, but what really stood out was the exceptional service from Arlan. He was incredibly kind, caring, attentive, and professional throughout our visit. He made us feel welcomed and ensured everything was perfect from start to finish. It’s rare to receive such genuine and thoughtful service these days. Thank you, Arlan, for making our experience so enjoyable. We’ll definitely be back!
A hidden gem in the basement of the Jewish Museum. Coffee and pastries were delicious, freshly made.Do not skip dessert! Staff are kind and accommodating a perfect place to take a respite after visiting the museum or for a good cup of coffee. Not to be missed.
The Eatery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
| Address | 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: Closed Friday: Closed Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (212) 535-7710 |
Excellent spacious cafe with nice dessert and coffee and helpful staff to write my notes:
Multiple visits to American Wing are contributing to my still vague Masters thesis about need for public intellectuals- their making and their un-making; I am getting the sense that wilderness itself served as our self-definition even as it dispossessed the people who lived in it.
The portraits of founding fathers and paintings of landscape give me a sense of recognizing and building our character , always in comparison to our European roots.
What a fascinating picture that develops as you climb up its thoughtfully curated three floors which also display living rooms, decorative arts , furniture, china, clocks. This is the world we created and lived in. And we continue to engage in self definition when other older nations have somewhat more settled histories.
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Surprisingly good food for a museum cafe. Fewer stars for the service - a woman working there asked if I wanted my latte iced, and I both shook my head and said, "No," but she made it iced anyway. It was still good, just not what I ordered. Fewer stars for the atmosphere as it can be near-impossible to find seating on a weekend.
I really wanted this spot to be a convenient lunch break during my museum visit, but it ended up being a letdown. The biggest issue is the pricing — almost everything feels wildly overpriced for what you get. Simple items like a peanut‑butter‑and‑jelly sandwich or a basic burger cost as much as a full meal elsewhere, and the quality doesn’t match the cost. Several dishes tasted bland or overcooked, and nothing felt fresh or worth the premium.
The convenience of staying inside the museum is nice, but the food itself just doesn’t justify the price tag. With so many great food trucks and cafés right outside, I left wishing I had stepped out for something better.
The prices here are truly outrageous. I spent $31 on a burger, soda, and tater tots. Additionally, the food wasn’t even that good. The burger I got from the Ted’s Fish Fry food truck was better than my charred burger. Not worth the price. Chicken was dry and the tater tots were covered in so much cheese you fought for your life while eating them.
Incredibly overpriced, food absurd. A skinny peanut butter and jelly for $10. Sushi is actually decent ($16 for a California roll, though). Save your money, go elsewhere.
Balcony Lounge
| Address | 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (212) 650-2910 |
Great cafe with friendly staff to gather my thoughts on an exhibit.
Curiously, the Met’s Costume Art exhibit left me in love with the classics: satin white Greek dresses and gowns; diaphanous, translucent dresses in light pink that begin the runway through which I glided exclusively with women. Men were busy watching the World Cup between, I think, Spain and the Yankees.
Special mention to Gaultier’s black dress, strapped at the shoulders—perfect for when you lose at the Oscars and arrive instead at a funeral, but dressed with the right armour. Loved the Asian designer Issey Miyake’s dress that seem to fold like an airplane and ready for a flight home with me .
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Such a lovely lunch after the Raphael viewing. Very relaxing, calm atmosphere. Incredibly helpful maître d’ and thoughtful knowledgeable waitstaff. My seafood salad was exquisite and the espresso was perfection. I so enjoyed this time and I’ve planned to return with a friend after the new Costume previews. This is the perfect oasis for a delicious meal alone or with friends. Thanks to all.
I was disappointed with my recent visit to the Balcony Lounge at the Met.
The wine I was initially served tasted strongly of vinegar. I alerted the waiter, who promptly brought a replacement, but unfortunately the second glass was just as bad.
The food itself was only okay, acceptable, but far from memorable.
This was particularly disappointing because the lounge used to be consistently great. Given that they’ve just completed a renovation, I was hoping for a refreshed experience to match the updated space.
I truly hope they take this as an opportunity to revamp not just the look, but also the quality of the food and beverage program, because the potential is certainly there…
Lovely lunch at the Balcony Lounge inside of the Metropolitan Museum. I had no idea this was here and it was a nice place to have a quiet solo lunch. Loved the spicy cocktail and would return just for that. I would like to come back with a few friends and sit in the lounge area, feels like a living room, and just face drinks and appetizers. Many art books to take in and it just had a nice vibe. My salmon salad was good and I will definitely try again during my next day at the Met.
A great place where you can take a break between long-term exploration! Disadvantage: Pretty expensive 🙂 Friday and Saturday nights include life music!
Frame NYC
| Address | 1413 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (646) 719-1147 |
Cute little coffee shop. I had a mushroom toast with eggs and it was very good. My latte was great as well. Everyone was friendly and pleasant there. There wasn’t much space to sit, but I still enjoyed my experience. I saw some baked goods as well, that looked good.
Best brunch ever!! You’ve got to try yogurt bowl and truffle egg Benedict. My husband loves the coffee here so much and I love matcha coconut with oat milk. Their croffles are the best. Definitely come back.
Frame NYC offered a mixed bag of emotions when it came to the experience. We stopped by for a late brunch on a Saturday and ordered the Prosciutto Scramble, Turkey Sausage Bagel Sandwich, a Cappuccino and a Matcha Latte. Each dish had a bit of a yin-yang experience, the prosciutto dish was really good and well priced, but the sandwich felt pre-made and double what it should have been. The cappuccino was super sour but the Matcha was good. I wouldn't go out of my way to go back.
Had a lunch break from Hunter classes between 12-1PM. Wanted to come here since it was very good the last time I came with a friend. Walked over and ordered avocado toast. So creamy and refreshing. It's pretty filling. Since it came out pretty quick and I ate it fast, I thought I can order more. I ordered the croffle with ice cream and cheese shavings (don't know the name on menu - described it when ordering 😂 my friend was the one that ordered last time). After 13 minutes passed.. they were busy.. Afraid I was gonna be late, I asked for them to pack it. Wondered if I should have came back to eat it after class instead while waiting. Speed-walked the couple blocks back to Hunter. Ate it in the classroom with 10 minutes left. The ice cream did pretty ok 🤪 normally served with the ice cream actually on the croffle but I wanted to keep the ice cream contained in the little cup. Mmmmm the cheese on the ice cream and then the cheese on the croffle.. then all 3 together in one bite 😋😋😋 just soooooooooo good. Messy and rushed but was still satisfied. The croffle was super crunchy btw 😂 ASMR for the few classmates that were present. Maybe best if you don't do takeout for that one if ur walking many blocks like I did. 🙂
"Found a gem in NYC! ☕️✨
This is hands down my new favorite spot. The coffee is easily the best in town—pure perfection! For matcha lovers, their green tea is a must-try; it’s that authentic, original taste with a deep aroma that hits just right. To top it off, the food is incredibly delicious. The cafe itself is super aesthetic and every corner is picture-ready. Highly recommended!!
Bibble & Sip
| Address | 253 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (646) 649-5116 |
This place was much anticipated after coming highly recommended from a family member. Our selections were hit or miss with flavors some being excellent while others falling flat.
The bad: the drip coffee, according to my partner, was the worst they ever had. Extremely sour, so much so that they were puckering, whereas the honey lemon dream that should be a little zesty and make you pucker with lovely lemon flavors, tasted more like slightly sweetened honey water. Not good at all. The sour dumpling was so adorable, but the flavors was not pleasant.
The good: the Black Cold Foam was great. Love the subtle salt on the foam. The alpaca macaron was not only adorable, my son said it was the best macaron he ever had. The cinnamon roll was also good. My daughter said the lavender lemonade was good, very lavender-y.
The food, as others mentioned is highly instagrammable, but you should probably stick to the less cutesy snacks if you want something that tastes amazing.
I was also thankful they had a restroom.
Beautiful and very Instagram-worthy desserts. Everything looked amazing and tasted good, especially the cream puffs.
However, the photos online make the place seem bigger than it is. The shop is quite small and crowded, prices are on the high end, and the staff wasn’t particularly friendly during our visit.
Worth trying once for the unique pastries and presentation.
B&S is a great cafe with great pastries and drinks! And yet I'm deeply concerned about its recent use of AI art on its monitor menu. Your hand-drawn sharpie art is so cute and wonderful! I don't think you need to follow the 'trend' for your monitor menu.
But onto the food: After 8? 10? years of coming here, I can happily say its quality hasn't gone down. The lavender lemonade has been around many years and is wonderful! Same with their Hong Kong Ducks. Food-wise, their egg sando always looks delicious, but I usually get their lychee berry pastry and black sesame cream puff. Occasionally, there are off days on the drinks, but that's very normal for a long-time cafe in the middle of Hell's Kitchen.
I wish y'all the best going forwards, and stick with your sharpie art!
We tried the hot chocolate, matcha cream puff, matcha croissant, and lavender latte at Bibble & Sip.
The matcha croissant was the standout—flaky, buttery, and filled with a rich matcha cream that wasn’t overly sweet. The matcha cream puff was also delicious, light, and well balanced. The hot chocolate was comforting and satisfying, perfect for a cozy break.
The only miss for us was the lavender latte—the floral notes were a bit too strong for our taste. Everything else, though, was beautifully made and clearly high quality. It does get busy and seating is limited, but it’s still a great stop if you love matcha-forward desserts. We’d definitely come back to try more from the menu.
Quite possibly the best matcha I’ve ever had!!! I decided to try their Banana Pudding Matcha this morning and it was absolutely incredible!! So delicious and had a perfectly creamy matcha-banana taste. They also had the cutest pastry options. I would definitely come here again and try their Matcha Cream Puff next time!
maman
| Address | 1424 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (917) 675-7667 |
Maman quickly became one of my favorite cafés in NYC! Everything I tried was fresh, delicious, and exactly what I was looking for after eating so many heavier meals while traveling.
I ordered the chicken wrap, which was really flavorful and satisfying, and the croissant was absolutely delicious—perfectly flaky and buttery. You can tell they use quality ingredients.
I also loved the overall atmosphere. It has such a cozy, charming feel, and I appreciated that the menu had healthier options while still being really tasty. It was the perfect spot to grab breakfast or lunch and recharge before exploring the city again.
I would definitely come back the next time I’m in New York. Highly recommend! 🏙️🌿🧺🌼🥐☕️
Had a pistachio croissant and latte. Both were excellent the pistachio cream was delicious. My wife had the Nutella beignet which was outstanding. Server was very friendly.We sat on the stool in the front nice views of street. Place was packed but relaxed .We will give them a try for full breakfast next time.
While coming back from the MET, we stopped here for a quick coffee. It was around 6 PM, so I’m guessing it was close to closing time.
Whenever I go to a coffee shop—especially a local one—I prefer getting my drink in a proper cup instead of those plastic ones. Anyway, I ordered a classic latte, but the taste felt very generic and nothing special to me.
The ambience was good and the service was nice too; I just didn’t really connect with the place.
Such a cute spot for brunch. It was a little crowded on Sunday morning but that was expected. There was also only one server working so it was a bit slow but I’m not complaining, just maybe don’t come to sit down if you’re in a rush. They have takeout options as well. For our party of 3 we had to wait just a couple of minutes but I am not too sure how well sitting a larger party would go. I had the ratatouille and chai and wow! I never thought of ratatouille for breakfast but now it’s something I’ll have to have often. That and the chai were perfect! I can’t wait to come back and try the pastries.
Went here on a Sunday. This place was packed. I had no idea this was Martha Stewart's place. It was nice and cozy. Had baked good and coffee on a cold day. Nice!
Little Collins
| Address | 708 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (212) 308-1969 |
Little Collins was quite busy when Chris and I arrived. We were meeting a guest who was running a little late, and we had to wait until the entire party had arrived before we could be seated.
Once we were at our table, everything was great. My shakshuka was absolutely delicious and the portion was very generous. Chris had the egg and spinach sandwich, which he really enjoyed, and our guest’s burrito was also excellent.
The atmosphere was lively, the staff were friendly, and the food was fresh and full of flavor. We had a lovely brunch and would happily come back again. A great spot for a relaxed breakfast or brunch.
Love this place. The lineup was too long so we did take out. Our burrito and BEC sandwich were amazing. Coffee was great. Service was great. We stood near the kitchen and saw so many great plates of food go by. Highly recommend.
Awesome spot for breakfast/brunch in midtown! Very busy so you may need to wait but it’s worth it. We had a slice of the olive oil cake, Shashuka and mushrooms on sourdough toast. All were delicious! Coffee is good here too.
A truly unmissable place in the city. Every dish we’ve had the chance to try has been delicious, and the coffee is prepared to perfection. The space is beautiful, although it can feel a bit uncomfortable and is almost always crowded. Still, it is a real gem in the city. Even though there is usually a wait, every second is worth it. They offer unique products that you simply have to try.
The breakfast food was great, the eggs were fluffy and tasty, the sourdough very flavorful, and the quinoa bowl elaborate and surprisingly delicious. The pour over coffee sadly was not very good, it was too sour, which is a shame, because I was excited to find a brunch spot that served pour over.
It gets extremely busy and they only take people on a wait-list.
Trump Cafe
| Address | 725 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (212) 715-6788 |
Trump Tower is fantastic. If you love the man names Donald J. Trump you will enjoy Trump tower. Great spots to visit. Get your picture taken, fo shopping and deciding on a quick lunch, a drink, dinner or just a tasty sweet pastry. Highly recommend.
Blueberry muffins were delicious, you can see nice, big blueberries inside. And I loved the Ice Vanilla Coffee were great! I don't normally get flavored ice coffees but the woman who made them said she makes good ones so I had to try it. She wasn't lying!
It was very nice and clean inside and the prices weren't bad at all.
I was very impressed with the food here and considering we were in what I cam assume is one of the nicer buildings in Manhattan I was pleasantly surprised by the moderate prices. My wife and I had more than enough food and beverages for less than $30 which I have not since been able to accomplish during our stay in the city. I would certainly eat here again if I wasn't inclined to try new places each day we're here!
Whilst the service was pleasant the presentation of the food was a little surprising. Despite asking for an eat in option, I was served food in plastic and tin foil. Ok if you want a quick bite, but you expect a little more from the 'Trump' brand.
Air conditioning, food and a table with seating. Food was good, egg bacon cheese, roll and chicken tenders and fries.
American Wing Cafe
| Address | 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (212) 396-5414 |
They have pre-made salad and sandwiches. They also have cookies, brownies and a few other desserts. They have water, sodas, and a small selection of canned alcoholic beverages. It is a decent place to eat while you are in the museum with the expected price inflation and basic choices.
The only good thing about this place is the location at a nice museum. The food is overpriced and awfully mediocre. Paying $5 for filtered dirt and $16+ for a sandwich that’s no better than one from a convenience store at a location similar to a fast food place is obscene
I'd say this is the nicest cafe in the museum.
You have a view of Central Park on one side and a lovely view of the sheltered statue courtyard (Charles Englehard Court) on the other.
The prices are as expected for a museum cafe, but it's not expected to tip which brings it somewhat closer to the total price you'd pay elsewhere.
Under the big skylight in the American Wing, where everything feels still and timeless, I took a break with a Pistachio Frangipane & Rhubarb Tart and a hot cup of green tea.
The tart looked as good as it tasted. Pink rhubarb slices sat on a soft green pistachio layer. The filling was lightly nutty and buttery, with a nice chew that went well with the tart rhubarb. It wasn’t too sweet, which made it feel fancy and balanced.
The green tea was warm, earthy, and calming. Perfect for a peaceful museum afternoon.
A chocolate cupcake was rich, moist, and full of chocolate flavor, with creamy frosting on top. Nothing fancy, just a classic done well.
The café is on the pricey side, but this little treat felt like a nice reward after wandering through art. Totally worth it if you can find a seat with a good view.
They had PB&J. Also located in a world famous NY museum. For that I gave it 4 stars. Convenient to have a place to buy drinks (good variety), a sandwhich (good selection to choose from), and a coffee. Brew was ok. Self serve which surprised me. [All you can drink?]
Plenty of seating, but tables are closes together. No real complaints.
I do wish they had a latte machine.
Tips for Choosing the Right Cafe
To make the most of your coffee break near the Met, it helps to know what to look for before you walk through the door. The Upper East Side offers a diverse range of experiences, and your perfect spot will depend on your specific needs at that moment. Whether you prioritize speed, ambiance, or the quality of the roast, a little foresight can significantly enhance your visit.
First, consider the time of day and the weather. If it is a beautiful spring afternoon, grabbing a cold brew to enjoy on the steps of the museum or in Central Park might be ideal. Conversely, if it is a rainy winter day, you will want to prioritize a cafe with ample indoor seating where you can linger without feeling rushed.
Second, think about your dietary requirements. While most cafes offer oat and almond milk alternatives, not all have extensive food menus. If you are traveling with children or have specific allergies, it is wise to check the menu online or call ahead to ensure they can accommodate your group comfortably.
Third, be mindful of the "museum rush." Immediately after the Met opens or right around lunchtime, the nearby cafes can become incredibly crowded. If you prefer a quieter experience, try to time your coffee break for mid-morning or late afternoon when the lines are shorter and the baristas have more time to craft your drink carefully.
Fourth, decide between a local chain and an independent shop. The neighborhood boasts a few high-end local chains that offer incredible consistency and speed, while independent shops often provide a more unique, artisanal atmosphere. Supporting local independent businesses also gives you a taste of the community’s unique character.
Finally, do not underestimate the value of a bakery pairing. A great cafe is often defined as much by its pastries as its espresso. Look for spots that bake their goods in-house or source from renowned local bakeries. A perfectly flaky croissant can be the perfect complement to a well-pulled shot of espresso after a long walk through the galleries.
The area surrounding the Met is more than just a transit point; it is a vibrant culinary landscape waiting to be explored. Taking a break to enjoy a quality beverage allows you to process the art you have just seen and recharge for the rest of your day. The right cafe can turn a simple caffeine stop into a memorable part of your New York City itinerary.
Whether you choose a historic institution with old-world charm or a minimalist space focused on single-origin beans, you are guaranteed to find a welcoming atmosphere. So, step out of the museum, breathe in the fresh air of Fifth Avenue, and let the local coffee culture give you the energy to continue your adventure.
