
I was out at one of my favorite cafes this past Sunday, Irving Farm, and thought it was about time I did a top ten best coffee/writing spots in New York (State). A big shout out to Irving Farm for making the list, not once but twice, for their two locations in the city and upstate.
The city location, at 71 Irving, just east of Union Square, is what I like to call my scone-away-from-home. I should seriously be paying rent for as much time as I spend at this place. Across the street from Pete’s Tavern, and tucked in beneath a row of charming old apartment buildings, you descend the steps into a cozy, brick-walled cave. The tables (about a dozen or so) are usually all taken, but there’s a counter where you can hang out until something frees up. Right beside the counter is a display of Irving Farm postcards and take-out menus that list the mysterious second location in Millerton, NY.
For New Yorkers who have little to do with upstate NY, Millerton is just another word for Canada. But in actuality, it’s only about 2 hours from the city, and a half an hour from my house. Which makes it an easy drive on a Sunday afternoon when I feel like getting some writing done.
I’m happy to report that this was a particularly productive Sunday – complete with apple spiced muffins, turkey reubens, and a second draft of my newest short story, What Comes After. More on that later… For now, the list!
Okay, so the rating system is based on the following factors:
• Lighting
• Coziness
• Ability to get a table
• Concentration of smarty-pants girls
• Quality of all things percolated
Best Coffee/Writing Spots in NY
1. Irving Farm, Milerton, NY
I love this place because it’s full of ex-New Yorkers, and yet down-to-earth enough so that you feel like you’re still upstate. The space is larger than the one in the city, and comes complete with a full kitchen and a roaring fireplace. I recommend the muffins and the reuben sandwiches.
2. Irving Farm, New York, NY
When I’m here, I like to make believe I own one of those townhouses on Grammercy Park, and this is just one of my neighborhood hang outs. Get your chocolate fix with either a mochaccino or one of their double chocolate brownies.
3. Think Coffee, New York, NY
This place is crammed full of NYU students getting their smart on. Check out their selection of teas, and grab a table if you can find one. I like the little busy body section towards the front.
4. The Hungarian Pastry Shop, New York, NY
This one is a trek, all the way up to Columbia, but their eastern block assortment of coffees and pastries will make it well worth the trip. But make sure you bring an extra battery for your laptop. There isn’t a single wall socket in the place. I think they run the lights on whale oil.
5. Spin Caffé, Rochester NY
Spin Caffé, spelled (annoyingly) with two F’s, makes up for its spelling skills with its coffee and upbeat atmosphere – not to mention its friendly, knowledgable staff. Whenever I’m in Rochester you can usually find me here, eating a biscotti and soaking up some free wifi.
6. Columbus Bakery, New York, NY
This has always been one of my favorites on the west side. It’s right near the Natural History Museum and it serves up some amazing chocolate chip (w/ caramel?) cookies. Things get a little hairy with baby strollers in the afternoon, but they tend to clear out by dinner time. I went by the other day and noticed they were closed for renovation. I have no idea why. Lets just hope it’s not a change for the worst.
7. Café Pick Me Up, New York, NY
I base myself here whenever I’m in the East Village or heading down to the LES. I like the side room. It feels like an old gaslight saloon. And it’s right next door to San Loco’s, so I can hook up some borrito loco action if need be.
8. French Roast, New York, NY (West Village)
I am definitely a sucker for all things French. Babar? I’m all over it. I prefer this location to the one on the upper west side, mainly for its layout. It just makes for better people watching. Consistently great coffee and amazing molten chocolate cake. A perfect escape from the city’s wintery streets.
9. Peekskill Coffee House, Peekskill, NY
Victoria from Vik Can’t Cook pointed this one out to me. I love the old time vaulted ceiling. A great place to get some reading or writing done, or to just break up a day of antiquing. Yes, I did just say that. Speaking of which, if you’re in the area and feeling rather Victorian, I’d recommend checking out Cold Spring NY, which is full of great places to buy beautiful things you probably don’t need. My favorite: Downtown Arts & Antiques.
10. Café Angelique, New York, NY (Grove Street)
On the rare occassion that I find myself in the West Village, I almost always end up spending a couple hours here. Usually in the back room, at one of the tables by the window. The West Village is ideal for people watching, and Café Angelique serves as the perfect perch. And their cappuccinos aren’t bad either.