New York City Coffee

Joe's

Joe's make a good coffee, but I don't find much about it distinctive.  The coffee doesn't really have any unique notes, and the selection of pastries is lackluster.  Its a good option if you live near Union square, but otherwise not worth a special trip. 

9th Street

9th Street Espresso is my absolute favorite coffee shop in NYC.   The aesthetic says it all.  Way out in alphabet city, 9th Street, offers a hardcore, punk rock vibe.  The coffee follows suit.  Robust and full flavored, it is a quintessentially American blend in comparison to some of the more refined European coffees in the list

Grumpy's

Grumpy's is the best place in the list to while away a morning.  The coffee is full-flavored and the pastries come from the best bakeries in the city (e.g. Baked in Red Hook and Blue Sky in Park Slope).  There's plenty of room to sit and read the paper as well.  You might even get lucky enough to score a spot on the bench in front where you can enjoy a sunny day on a picture perfect quiet Chelsea block.

Gimme!

Gimme! is a recent discovery.  I actually never had coffee there while I lived in NYC, but I visited on a recent trip back and was pleasantly surprised.  Again the coffee was full flavored -- I like boldness in my coffee -- with a dark roasted brown color.  The staff was friendly too and took the time to engage in some banter about the city which made things fun as well as tasty.

Irving Place

Irving Place is really just a supped up Starbuck  in a nice location.  Burnt insipid coffee and bad pastries make the bland environs all the worse.  This is the one place that makes many top lists that I would steadfastly suggest you avoid.

Tarallucci e Vino

This is where I go when I want a refined European coffee.  Coffee here is more mellow but still satisfying, with a sweet smooth flavor.  I've been stung by the service a few times, but Taralucci e Vino is still worth a visit when you're looking for a relaxing afternoon cup with your Italian friends.  Just make sure to go to the 10th St. location.  The location outside of Union Square is too large and trendy to really enjoy your coffee.  The 10th St. store has more of the warm cozy feeling that will really round out the experience.