Where to Read in NYC: A Book and Coffee Lover’s Guide

I feel like discussing this spot is divulging a well-kept secret but I don't regret it for a minute! This coffeeshop in my neighborhood seemed displaced at first but has become a staple. I have no idea where we got our caffeine fix before. There are so many reasons I love this place. First and foremost, it is as local as local gets. The dairy products are from Amish country and the difference in quality is apparent. They have seasonal food and drink menu items, many of which are homemade and all of which are delicious. There is plenty of table, booth, bar stool, couch, and outdoor seating so it’s easy to find a spot that fits your mood. The atmosphere and baristas are so welcoming and friendly, you can easily spend hours here and feel right at home. I can’t recommend Shepherd’s Cup enough.

Hungry Ghost is one of my favorite coffeeshops in NYC. I especially love this location in Fort Greene because it is so spacious! There is a variety of seating, bar stools, tables, and recliners, so you can get as comfortable as you like. It is a busy spot, but I’ve always managed to at least get a bar stool, which isn’t half bad! The cappuccinos are my favorite here, so smooth and creamy, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the coffee options. This location also has some brunch options, which is nice if you want more than a pastry with your coffee. Once you are comfortably settled here, it’s easy to lose track of time at this neighborhood locale. I encourage you to try!

Book Club is THE place where reading and coffee drinking collide. Everyone is united with a common purpose: to drink coffee and read. The front features a bar that serves coffee and wine, if that’s what you’re in the mood for, where people can be found reading, chatting, and sipping. The middle is the bookshop with a great curation. The back has tables and even an outdoor space. This setup gives you plenty of reading space and even space to browse for more books. The baristas here are great. I purchased a book and had a lovely chat with the barista about it! New Yorkers are nice people guys! If you are looking to leisurely read, drink coffee, and perhaps browse for books, this is the place for you.

This Greek-themed coffeeshop is another great and unique SoHo location. I’ve never been to Greece, but this place made me want to go that much more! It’s so easy to enjoy a cappuccino and sit here for a while. The barista is so friendly and, from what I’ve seen, works there alone so be patient! While there isn’t too much seating, people are constantly coming in and out so finding a spot, indoors or out, is doable. Either way, it’s a great place to enjoy a book in a really special space.

Housing Works Bookstore is one of my favorite used bookstores in the city. Not only is it in a prime SoHo location, but it also supports a great cause and has a great selection of books and a lovely coffee shop setting. Housing Works aims to help end homelessness and those affected by HIV/AIDS. I love spending time here browsing, then sitting down for a coffee and pastry and reading. You will find lots of others doing the same. I also recommend the Housing Works Thrfitshop on the same street. You never know what you might find! The only downside is that it opens at noon, so don’t try to come there early like I did.

Felix Roasting Co. is gorgeous! Before visiting, I admired pictures of the interior online and couldn't wait to sit and read here! Honestly, I sometimes found myself distracted from my book simply because I would stare at the beauty of the location. Although the food is overpriced for the quality, I got a subpar chocolate croissant for over $6, I quickly forgot about it when I sat down and had the chance to admire where I was. Maybe I’m romanticizing here, but you must see it for yourself! You will not be disappointed. There is plenty of seating here too, so finding a reading spot is typically not a problem. Many people run in for coffee without staying as it is near many Park Ave offices.

Admittedly, Midtown is probably not the first place you think of when it comes to reading in coffeeshops, but this Maman location feels so disconnected from the craziness. Part of this feeling is there no-laptop rule: rather, they encourage reading with a sign on each table! While the front of the store is busy with people grabbing to-go orders, you can find a table and escape into a book without being bothered. What I love here is the variety! There are a lot of coffee, food, and pastry options. If you’re here midday, it's a perfect brunch and lunch spot and a welcome respite from the lunch spots that cater to the office and tourist crowd. Even after the kitchen closes at 4pm, there are plenty of baked goods to choose from, some of which are vegan! I also love their mugs and plates. I can’t get enough of the gorgeous blue and white designs. There are a few other Maman locations in the city, all of which are great, but I chose to mention this one because it’s nice to have this kind of setting in the Midtown area otherwise packed with Starbucks.

Variety Coffee Roasters is one of my NYC go-tos. The service is always fast and the coffee is strong! This place is no frills, but in this case, less is more. I love this location because there are so many young people working on laptops and reading too. Even if you are alone and don’t talk to anyone, there is a sense of comradery and community here, as cheesy as it may sound. Perhaps it’s the neighborhood, nonetheless, it's a great feeling! The baristas are very nice and accommodating; when I came in there was one open table and he immediately cleaned it off for me to sit. Talk about great service!

This location opened in summer 2022 and has become an instant neighborhood favorite! I love that Frame is now near my job and it has become my afternoon pick-me-up coffee spot. The décor is so cozy and welcoming; just passing by makes you want to go in and sit with a cup of coffee and a good book! I love the exposed brick wall and framed photographs and cameras on the wall. The only downside is that it is a small space, so get here early if you want a reading spot!

The Upper West Side (UWS) is one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC. There is a plethora of diverse restaurants and cafes and beautiful architure with tree-lined streets. Peaky Barista is the perfect UWS site. You can find people reading, drinking coffee, chatting, and working until it closes for the day. There is a variety of sitting places including some awesome soft chairs. It’s a great pit stop or sit down spot in the area!

Another UES location that is perfect for coffee, drinks, food, reading, browsing, and hanging out. If you come early and stay long enough you can transition from coffee to happy hour (M-F 3-8!!!). The decor, ambience, and prices are unbeatable and will keep you coming back. I could easily spend all day here with other young people on laptops, reading books, or talking!

As a lifelong New Yorker, I’m a bit ashamed to say that I visited Roosevelt Island for the first time in 2021. Boy was I impressed! I was especially impressed by Anything At All. It’s located in the lobby of the Graduate Hotel on Cornell Tech’s campus. The hotel is very modern and chic and the decor is ALL books! There are books, mainly textbooks, all over the vast walls. There is expansive couch and table seating in the lobby. While Anything At All is not a traditional coffeehouse, they do serve coffee as well as all day eggs, sandwiches, salads, and more! The lobby also has great lighting given its full glass windows. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon!