One reason New York is called “the city that never sleeps” is because it runs on coffee — but not just any coffee. Some of the blends and roasts sold in the five boroughs rank among the world’s best. Where to find the most concentrated array of top-tier coffee establishments? Rockefeller Center. While perusing the midtown blocks, you’ll discover a curated, caffeinated coterie.
Midtown often gets associated with the large chain beverage establishments — an idea that’s not without its merits. But Rockefeller Center’s current roaster roster cuts through that noise to deliver an array that offers a point of view you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you consider yourself a java novice or a Lorelai Gilmore-level connoisseur, read on for the best coffee shops in midtown to add to an NYC coffee crawl.
% Arabica
30 Rockefeller Plaza
Coming to Manhattan by way of Kyoto, Japan, this internationally-oriented coffee brand delivers blends and single-origin beans from the world’s finest coffee-growing farms. Highlights from the coffee menu include the Kyoto Latte, described as “aromatic and richer in body…with a slight sweetness,” and the quintessentially Japanese Matcha Latte. With an elegant yet simplistic space designed by SelgasCano, you’ll come for the coffee and stay for the interiors.
Blue Bottle Coffee
1 Rockefeller Plaza, Rink Level
When real New Yorkers are looking for a fast-yet-reliable cup of coffee, they go for blue. Blue Bottle Coffee has mastered the balance of cranking out high quantities of coffee without compromising taste and integrity, always using high-quality beans and serving up standout blends. Seasonal menu items make for a delicious and special experience.
Photo by Braden Collum via Unsplash
Café Grumpy
30 Rockefeller Plaza, Rink Level
It’s the Greenpoint coffee establishment that HBO’s Girls turned into a household name. This women-owned-and-operated business is a true reflection of the New York borough’s influence on café culture, taking special care to control the quality of their product. The team roasts in small batches on a vintage Probat roaster and maintains close personal relationships with the families in Central and South America who grow the beans they source.
Magnolia Bakery
1240 Avenue of the Americas (at 49th Street)
You know them, you love them — enjoying their banana pudding is largely considered a religious experience. It also pairs well with a cup of coffee while you’re taking part in everything Rockefeller Center has to offer. Consider it your respite from the busy, bustling traffic of Sixth Avenue; it’s a place where you can stop in and feel everything slow down around you.
Ralph’s Coffee Truck
45 Rockefeller Plaza
Fashion’s favorite coffee that’s constantly going viral on social media has made it to Rockefeller Center. The special blends and roasts bearing the name of globally beloved American designer and icon Ralph Lauren are sold from a truck so adorable, in a cup so stylish, that your phone might drink the coffee before you do.
The Tipsy Baker
30 Rockefeller Plaza, Rink Level
The latest addition to the Pain D’Avignon empire, this establishment draws you in with its expertly crafted bakes and drink pairings, from wine (as the café’s name would suggest) to coffee. And during the holidays, there’s truly nothing better than pairing freshly baked bread with a freshly brewed cup of coffee by The Rink at Rockefeller Center Presented by Chase Freedom.
The Weather Room
30 Rockefeller Plaza, Top of the Rock’s 67th floor
Named after the Doppler radar that once sat on the roof of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, The Weather Room’s all-day café takes “elevated dining” to another level. With a ticket to Top of the Rock, you get it all: artisanal coffee, locally sourced eats, and a front-row seat to the best views of New York City.
