Wikipedia describes Coffee as “a brewed drink prepared from roasted seeds, commonly called coffee beans, of the coffee plant.” So technically right and so very boring! For us, coffee is a drink that aids conversations, that stimulates the mind for a long day of work and relaxes it when the day gets over. Coffee is the best known companion for a good book or a good movie. And if you plan to catch up with your friends after work and don’t want to end up with a hangover, what better place to meet up than a coffee shop?

Having said this, it is our duty to take you on a caffeine high trip to the best coffeehouses in New York. No more will you have to rack your brains to choose coffee shops to hang out with your friends. It’s all here, your coffee bible.

Abraço (86 E 7th St between First and Second Aves; 212-388-9731)

Abraco, meaning “embrace” in Portuguese, draws inspiration from Spanish, Italian and Middle Eastern traditions. It may a little too small for your preference and there are no tables and chairs to accommodate you and your gang of friends; but, their coffees is absolutely irresistible. And so are the snacks that are served along with them. Dig into the olive-oil cake or cured-olive cookie with relish as you sip espresso drinks made from Counter Culture Coffee beans. Pure heaven!

Café Grumpy (224 W 20th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves; 212-255-5511)

You do wonder at the name but there is absolutely nothing grumpy about this place. Café Grumpy is owned by a coffee loving couple and they also have outlets at Chelsea, Greenpoint, and Park Slope. They take their profession very seriously and the high point of this place is that each cup of coffee is individually brewed. Pastries from Balthazar, Blue Sky, and other bakeries are available as delicious accompaniments to your cuppa!

Café Pedlar (210 Court St at Warren St, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn; 718-855-7129)

Café Pedlar has been opened by the Frankies duo behind Frankies Spuntino – Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli in partnership with Stumptown. This is a bright and airy place with slate floors, frosted glass hanging lamps, rustic mirrors, and a general vintage feel about it. You can tell from the spelling that they like things to be a little old fashioned and quaint. Among other things, they serve espresso drinks from the La Marzocco espresso machine. You can choose from a wide array of ever changing homemade German and Austrian desserts, such as a pretzel knot with Brie and Vermont butter, banana spelt bread, hearty “camping” rolls filled with raisins, and gingery stout cake.

Well, we are going to sign off here for the day, but don’t fret. We are going to be back with our second installment of the best coffeehouses in NYC. Till then, wake up and smell the aroma of the coffee.

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