15+ Coziest Cafes in NYC for a Wintry Afternoon
When the temperature drops and that sideways wind starts whipping down the avenue, all you want is a warm spot. Forget huddling on a subway platform; we’re talking about finding one of the coziest cafes in NYC for a wintry afternoon. That perfect place where you can thaw out, grab a hot drink, and just exist for a while.
Just a heads up, hours and menus can change faster than a cabbie’s mind in traffic. Always check their official pages before you trek out there.
Our Picks for the Coziest Cafes in NYC for a Wintry Afternoon
Maman
You’ve seen this place on Instagram, and for once, it’s legit. It’s got that French country thing down with the floral-print cups and vintage furniture. Their nutty chocolate chip cookie is famous for a reason. It’s a reliable spot to settle in with a lavender latte and feel civilized for a minute.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: French Bakery, Café
- Location: 239 Centre St, New York (and many other locations)
- Contact: https://mamannyc.com
- Pro Tip: The Centre St spot is classic, but all locations get slammed. Try for an off-hour, like 3 PM on a Tuesday, if you actually want a seat.
Caffè Reggio
This is old-school New York. They claim to be the first to serve cappuccinos in the US, and the place looks it. Dark wood, old paintings, and an espresso machine from 1902. It’s where you go to feel like you’re in a movie, not just scrolling through one.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Italian Café
- Location: 119 MacDougal St, New York (Greenwich Village)
- Contact: www.caffereggio.com | (212) 475-9557
- Pro Tip: It’s cash only. I’m repeating this because you’ll forget. It’s tiny and always packed, but that’s part of the charm. Don’t plan on opening your laptop.
Book Club
It’s a bookstore, coffee shop, and bar. This is the trifecta for a miserable winter day. You can grab a book, get a coffee (or a beer, no judgment), and find a leather armchair. The exposed brick and general quiet-ish atmosphere make it a perfect solo hideout.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Café, Bar, Bookstore
- Location: 197 E 3rd St, New York (East Village)
- Contact: www.bookclubbar.com | (646) 678-4160 | info@bookclubbar.com
- Pro Tip: It gets more bar-like and louder at night. For max coziness and actual reading, go in the afternoon.
L’Appartement 4F
Yeah, this is the spot with the tiny croissant cereal you saw on TikTok. It’s designed like a chic Brooklyn apartment, and honestly, it’s adorable. Getting a pastry and a coffee here feels like you’re visiting your friend who has way better taste than you.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: French Bakery
- Location: 115 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY (other locations)
- Contact: www.lappartement4f.com | (347) 599-0006 |
- Pro Tip: The line is no joke, especially on weekends. Go on a weekday if you can. Get the raspberry croissant, it’s worth it.
Devoción
If the gray sidewalks are getting to you, go here. The Williamsburg location is basically a greenhouse with a skylight, a ton of plants, and a giant leather couch. It’s bright, smells like coffee roasting in-house, and feels alive.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Colombian Coffee Roaster
- Location: 25 E 20th St, New York (other locations)
- Contact: www.devocion.com | 1 929-262-1241
- Pro Tip: That big yellow couch is the prize. It’s laptop-friendly, but don’t expect library-level quiet. It’s a scene.
The Elk
This West Village spot is modeled after a Pacific Northwest general store. It nails the rustic-modern vibe with wood-paneled walls and minimalist furniture. It’s a favorite for locals who want a quiet meeting or just a really good cup of coffee without a fuss.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Café
- Location: 128 Charles St, New York (other locations)
- Contact: www.theelknyc.com | (212) 933-4780
- Pro Tip: They sell nice home goods and wellness stuff, so you can browse while you sip. The food is simple but always fresh.
Alice’s Tea Cup
Escape the gray city and fall down the rabbit hole. This Alice in Wonderland-themed spot is pure magic, especially on a bleak day. It’s quirky, colorful, and perfect for a “Mad Hatter” tea service with scones and sandwiches.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Tea House, Bakery
- Location: 102 W 73rd St, New York
- Contact: www.alicesteacup.com | 212-799-3006
- Pro Tip: It’s very family-friendly (so, kids). Chapter II (the UES one) is often a bit calmer. Reservations are a good move, especially on weekends.
Remi Flower & Coffee
What’s cozier than being surrounded by flowers in the middle of winter? This Midtown East shop is half-florist, half-coffee shop, and 100% charming. The floral lattes (like rose or lavender) are a must-try. It’s a tiny oasis.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Café, Flower Shop
- Location: 810 2nd Ave, New York (other locations)
- Contact: www.remi43.com | (212) 918-8122 | info@Remi43.com
- Pro Tip: Seating is extremely limited. This is not the place to hang out for hours. It’s better for a quick pick-me-up or a coffee date with one friend.
Felix Roasting Co.
If your idea of cozy is less “rustic cabin” and more “Gilded Age hotel,” this is your spot. The interior is incredibly ornate with velvet chairs, marble, and intricate murals. It’s a very extra cup of coffee, and sometimes that’s what a winter day calls for.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Coffee Roaster
- Location: 280 Park Ave, New York (other locations)
- Contact: https://felixroastingco.com | hello@felixroastingco.com
- Pro Tip: The Hickory-Smoked S’mores Latte is as over-the-top and delicious as it sounds. Dress up a little, you’ll feel weird in sweats.
Partners Coffee
This small-batch roaster (it used to be Toby’s Estate) has some seriously warm and inviting locations. The West Village cafe, in particular, is a bright, welcoming space with a classic NYC feel. It’s a no-fuss, high-quality spot to just enjoy a perfect cup of coffee.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Coffee Roaster
- Location: 44 Charles St, New York (other locations)
- Contact: www.partnerscoffee.com | 1 917-675-7668
- Pro Tip: They have great seasonal drinks, and the baristas are super knowledgeable if you want to try a new brew method.
St. Jardim
This Portuguese-inspired spot in the West Village is a bright, garden-like café by day and a moody wine bar by night. The greenery and airy feel are a great antidote to the winter blues. It’s a great place for a date, day or night.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Portuguese, Café, Wine Bar
- Location: 183 W 10th St, New York (West Village)
- Contact: www.stjardimnyc.com | 1 917-938-5829
- Pro Tip: It’s walk-in only for coffee and brunch, so plan accordingly. If you stay for food, the Piri-Piri chicken sandwich is fantastic.
Kobrick Coffee Co.
By day, it’s a chill café with serious coffee chops. By night, it transforms into a speakeasy cocktail bar. The daytime vibe in the Meatpacking District is surprisingly relaxed, with plush seating and a vintage-industrial feel.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Café, Cocktail Bar
- Location: 24 9th Ave, New York
- Contact: www.kobricks.com | 1 212-255-5588
- Pro Tip: This is a great “late afternoon” spot. Grab a coffee around 4 PM and then slide right into happy hour with one of their coffee-based cocktails.
Ralph’s Coffee
For a dose of classic, preppy Americana, Ralph Lauren’s coffee shop is it. The bright green and white interiors, marble tables, and perfectly uniformed baristas make it feel clean, classic, and comforting.
- Price: $$$
- Cuisine: Café
- Location: 888 Madison Ave, New York (other locations)
- Contact: www.ralphlauren.com | 1 212-434-8000
- Pro Tip: The UES location inside the mansion is the coziest one. Grab a coffee and a brownie, and feel fancy for an hour.
Oslo Coffee Roasters
With Scandinavian roots, Oslo knows a thing or two about hygge (that’s Danish for “cozy”). The spaces are often minimalist but always warm, focusing on incredible coffee without the pretension. A great place to just… be.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Coffee Roaster
- Location: 236 W 10th St, New York (other locations)
- Contact: https://oslocoffee.com | 1 516-355-8385
- Pro Tip: The UES and West Village spots are best for sitting. The Bedford Ave location in Williamsburg is more of a grab-and-go stop.
Abraço
This tiny East Village spot is a neighborhood institution. It’s standing-room-only for the most part, but the warmth comes from the buzzy energy, the friendly staff, and the incredible espresso. They also have a legendary olive oil cake.
- Price: $
- Cuisine: Spanish/Italian Café
- Location: 81 E 7th St, New York (East Village)
- Contact: www.abraconyc.com | info@abraconyc.com
- Pro Tip: This is not a “work from here” spot. It’s a place to have a 15-minute European-style coffee break to recharge.
Butler
This Australian bakery has a few locations, and the Dumbo and Williamsburg spots have cozy nooks. It’s known for incredible pastries (get the sticky bun or a lamington) and solid coffee.
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Australian Bakery, Café
- Location: 95 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY (other locations)
- Contact: www.butler-nyc.com | 1 718-489-8785 | info@butler-nyc.com
- Pro Tip: The Dumbo location has epic views of the skyline right outside, making it a perfect destination before or after a freezing walk across the bridge.
Already Planning Your Night Out?
Once you’re all warmed up, you’re probably thinking about your next move, especially with the holidays coming. If you’re trying to figure out where to be when the ball drops, you need a solid plan. Make sure you know where to go by checking out our 21 Best Spots For New Year’s Eve Fireworks In NYC for the real details on the best views and parties.
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