10 Best Cafes in Lower East Side, New York, USA
The Lower East Side is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood in New York City, and is home to some of the best cafes in the city. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to work or a trendy place to people-watch. Here are a few of our favorites.
1. Pause Cafe
Established in 2010 by Amine Sadki from Morocco, Pause Cafe is renowned for its superfood bowls with a Moroccan influence. The menu also boasts a delightful selection of sweet and savory crepes, fresh salads, sandwiches, and a variety of coffee drinks. The warm and inviting interior features cozy wooden furniture, abundant natural light from glass windows, and Moroccan-inspired tables and decor. Guests can enjoy complimentary WiFi and access to electrical plugs.
📍Address: 3 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002, United States
🕑 Store hours: Monday to Saturday, 7:00 am – 8:00 pm | Sunday, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
🔗 Website: http://www.pausecafenyc.com/
2. Good Thanks Cafe
A local favorite for its fantastic food and laid-back atmosphere, Good Thanks Cafe is a charming brunch spot. Nestled inside a brick-walled building with simple yet spacious interiors, it caters to small and larger groups alike. The menu offers a range of light bites and substantial plates, with standout dishes including Avocado Toast, Smoothie Bowls, and Eggs Anyway.
📍Address: 31a Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, United States
🕑 Store hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Friday to Sunday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
🔗 Website: https://www.goodthanksnyc.com/
3. Roasting Plant
Founded by Mike Caswell, the mastermind behind the innovative Javabot coffee roasting system, Roasting Plant takes pride in being the only chain that roasts its coffee in all of its locations. This unique feature allows customers to witness the coffee bean roasting process firsthand. Beyond the spectacle, Roasting Plant is renowned for its meticulously crafted and exceptionally flavorful coffee. Light snacks such as bread and pastries are also available.
📍Address: 81 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, United States
🕑 Store hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm | Saturday to Sunday, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
🔗 Website: https://roastingplant.com/
4. Joey Bats Cafe
Joey Batista, also known as Joey Bats, founded this cafe, which gained popularity for its “Pastéis de Nata” — a warm creme brûlée encased in a flaky croissant. This pastry has been a beloved treat in Lisbon, Portugal, since the 1800s.
📍Address: 29 Allen St, New York, NY 10002, United States
🕑 Store hours: Open daily, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
🔗 Website: https://joeybatscafe.com/
5. Sweet Dreams Cafe and Bakery
A family-owned Italian cafe located within the Blue Moon Hotel, Sweet Dreams Cafe and Bakery offers a nostalgic journey with its vintage European interiors. The menu features delectable kosher-certified Italian dishes such as Gnocchi, Burrata Salad, Caprese, Broccoli Rabe & Ricotta, and Lasagna.
📍Address: 100 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, United States
🕑 Store hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm | Friday, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm | Closed on Saturdays
🔗 Website: https://www.sweetdreamsbakerynyc.com/
6. Bungee Coffee
Combining novelty shopping with coffee, Bungee Coffee has eclectic and artistic interiors along with an extensive book collection. Please note that seating is limited, and restroom facilities are not available.
📍Address: 13 Stanton St, New York, NY 10002, United States
🕑 Store hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 am – 7:30 pm | Closed on Mondays
🔗 Website: https://3ssstudios.com/
7. Cafe Grumpy
Independently owned and a certified women-owned business enterprise, Cafe Grumpy has multiple locations across New York. Established in 2005 by Caroline and Chris, the cafe sources and roasts its own coffee beans. The Lower East Side coffee shop, though small in size, offers a range of takeaway drinks. Many patrons opt to savor their coffee in the nearby park, with the Cardamom Rose Latte being a standout favorite.
📍Address: 13 Essex St, New York, NY 10011, United States
🕑 Store hours: Open daily, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
🔗 Website: https://cafegrumpy.com/locations/lower-east-side/
8. Kodawari Coffee
Drawing inspiration from Japanese culture, Kodawari Coffee presents a diverse selection of coffee beverages and light snacks. Their coffee beans are sourced from small cooperatives and individual farmers and roasted through Kopi Trading. The cafe exudes a charming and relaxed ambiance with its white-painted walls, simple decor, and cozy seating arrangements.
📍Address: 100 Forsyth St, New York, NY 10002, United States
🕑 Store hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm | Sunday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
🔗 Website: https://www.kodawarinyc.com/
9. Ost Cafe
Nestled in a brick building on Grand Street, Ost Cafe is a picturesque neighborhood spot. Adorned with brick walls, plant decor, and wooden furnishings, it emanates a soothing and homely atmosphere. The menu includes espresso and tea beverages, complemented by a selection of fresh bread and pastries. It’s a tranquil haven frequented by locals.
📍Address: 511 Grand St, New York, NY 10002, United States
🕑 Store hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 am – 3:00 pm | Sunday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
🔗 Website: https://www.instagram.com/ostcafenyc/
10. Round K by Sol
Owned by South Korean immigrant Han-Sol Kim, Round K, formerly known as Round K, was originally founded by Ockhyeon. After the pandemic forced its closure, Han-Sol, with the blessing of the former owner, revived the cafe. It features an offbeat, vintage-inspired interior and an all-white outdoor area. The menu offers delectable dishes inspired by Korean culture, including the K-BBQ Party Toast, I am Avocado, and Seoul Braised Pork Belly. Round K is also renowned for its signature drinks, such as the Buttered Covered Latte, Flat Purple, and the Sol Ade & Tea.
📍Address: 78 Canal St, New York, NY 10002, United States
🕑 Store hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm | Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
🔗 Website: https://www.roundkbysol.com/
Note: Featured photo by Jeffrey Blum on Unsplash
