A Coffee Lover’s Guide by Eliza Parker
Chelsea is full of charming streets, stylish boutiques, and most importantly, very good coffee. Living in the neighbourhood, I have had the pleasure of sipping my way through an embarrassing number of lattes in the name of research. Today I am sharing my favourites. Whether you want a cosy corner to write from, a quick caffeine fix before you head uptown, or a sweet treat to justify the cappuccino, these are the Chelsea coffee shops worth knowing.
A lot of my regular spots are clustered around Seventh Avenue, which is convenient and slightly sentimental, because it is also close to where I went to school at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I like a neighbourhood that can do nostalgia and productivity in the same hour.
One small note before we start. I live in Chelsea, which means my coffee routine is equal parts habit, comfort, and a little bit of creative procrastination.
1. Yanni’s Coffee
📍 96 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Yanni’s is my go to when I want a latte that feels like a warm hug. Their secret is a sprinkle of cinnamon on top that adds just enough warmth to make you believe the day will be manageable. The space is small and unassuming, but do not underestimate it. This place knows how to make a stellar cup of coffee. It is the kind of spot where you become a regular quickly, and the baristas somehow remember your order after one visit, which is either charming or mildly suspicious. Either way, it works. And somehow, without fail, I run into someone I know every single time I go in.
2. Stumptown Coffee Roasters (Ace Hotel)
📍 20 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001
Stumptown inside the Ace Hotel is an entire mood. The coffee is always on point, and if you need a serious wake up call, the cold brew does not play. It’s my unofficial starting line whenever I have a full day planned on Fifth Avenue. One latte will usually get me all the way to Rockefeller Center, unless I make the mistake of losing an hour in Macy’s on the way. If you are not on the go and have time, sit in the lobby for a while. It is a revolving door of creatives, fashion people, travellers, and anyone who wants to look busy in public. At the very least, while you wait for your coffee of choice, park yourself at the window bench and watch the New Yorkers walk by, each one living out their own cover story.
3. King’s Street Coffee
📍 121 W 30th St, New York, NY 10001
If you are looking for the ideal place to set up your laptop and actually get something done, King’s Street is your spot. I do a lot of writing here, but you have to get in early because it fills up fast. The coffee is smooth and rich, and the pastry case is a genuine threat to productivity. Buttery croissants, decadent brownies, seasonal specials that make it impossible to order just one thing. It is an easy place to lose track of time and deadlines, but honestly that is part of the charm.
4. The Commons Chelsea
📍 128 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011
The Commons Chelsea feels like a neighbourhood secret, even though it is right there on Seventh Avenue. It has a warm, inviting vibe that makes you want to linger, especially if you are the kind of person who brings a book and actually reads it. The coffee is rich and smooth, and they make an excellent lavender latte, which is my personal favourite when I want something that feels a little special. They also have a solid selection of pastries and breakfast bites, which makes it an easy stop before a busy day in the city.
5. Coffee Project New York
📍 155 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011
If you are serious about coffee, Coffee Project is a must. This is craft coffee with opinions. Their deconstructed latte is an experience, and yes, it is slightly theatrical, but it is also genuinely good. You get to taste the elements before they come together, which is both educational and mildly addictive. The space is modern and minimalist, which makes it a great place to sip and stay for a while, especially if you like your coffee served with a side of design.
6. Amy’s Bread
📍 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011 – Chelsea Market
If there is one thing I love more than a great cup of coffee, it is a great cup of coffee with something baked and unreasonable on the side. Amy’s Bread inside Chelsea Market is a must for both. They serve Fonte Coffee, a Seattle based brand known for rich espresso and smooth brews. Pair it with one of their cinnamon challah knots or a slice of layer cake and you have basically found heaven in Chelsea. It has that old school bakery charm with a hint of New York bustle, which is exactly the kind of place I find myself accidentally stopping by whenever I am in the area.
