You asked,* The Curious Uptowner answered!
Question (from a follower on Instagram): What are some good coffee shops between 125th and 160th Streets on the West Side?
Answer: The number of independently-owned coffee shops west of Edgecombe Avenue in Harlem has ballooned in recent years. And they don't all just have distinct vibes, but singular coffee as well. From south to north, here are the most notable:
1. Plowshares Coffee, 1351 Amsterdam Avenue between 125th and 126th Streets
This new, 3,500-square-foot location roasts its own beans on premises, so you know the coffee's fresh.
2. Dear Mama, 611 West 129th Street between Broadway and 12th Avenue
Offering Devocion coffee, sunshine and light bites in an atrium-like new space on Columbia's growing Manhattanville campus. Coming soon: a bar and expanded hours.
3. Double Dutch Espresso, 1616 Amsterdam Avenue between 139th and 140th Streets
Serving Counter Culture brew, this hip spot across from City College hides a cozy seating area in the back.
4. Cafe One, 1619 Amsterdam Avenue at 140th Street
One of the first specialty coffee shops to arrive in the area, it's a favorite with the City College crowd, especially during lunch.
5. Manhattanville Coffee, 142 Edgecombe Ave at 142nd Street
Intelligentsia Coffee, pastries and more in an atmospheric corner cafe with sofas and shared tables.
6. Sugar Hill Cafe, 410 West 145th Street between Convent and St. Nicholas Avenues
This cheerful basement cafe feels tucked away, but is just steps away from the 145th Street subway stop; try the matcha tea.
7. The Monkey Cup, 1730 Amsterdam Avenue between 145th and 146th Streets
A tiny, jungle-themed coffee bar with endless varieties of specialty coffee–from the Cortadito to the Red Eye–plus tea, hot chocolate and pastries.
8. Hamilton's Bakery, 3570 Broadway between 146th and 147th Streets
A roomy spot where you can pair Abbotsford Road Coffee with a large array of baked goods made in-house.
9. The Chipped Cup, 3610 Broadway between 148th and 149th Streets
Frequently crowded, this basement space serving Counter Culture coffee describes itself as a "Victorian psychedelic coffee shop with a touch of grandma's attic, wabi-sabi, and political sass"–all pretty accurate.
10. Taszo Espresso Bar, 5 Edward M Morgan Place between 157th and 158th Streets
This bohemian coffee spot offers panini and more on a quiet side street just steps from Broadway in Washington Heights.
* Questions can be sent via email to thecuriousuptowner@gmail.com or via message on social media (see links below).
