It’s a tale as old as time: coffee shops are some of the best places to have a date. The daytime atmosphere and casual setting make for an ideally relaxed mood. Hotels Above Par and Coffee Meets Bagel collaborated to bring you a curated list of our favorite New York City cafés that imbue romantic vibes for a first date.
Café-Flor (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s most visually pleasing coffee shop divides into two: One side is a dark-blue moody room with impressionist paintings adorning walls, then the other is a plant shop where banquettes and two-person tables occupy passageway spaces in between verdant foliage and potted flowers. A coffee shop by day and bar come night, bring your date here and you’ll get major “cool points.”
Devoción (Williamsburg)
Sip sensational coffee amidst an industrialist-style space at the Williamsburg location of NYC coffee shop staple, Devoción. Red brick walls encircle brown furnishings, from leather sofas to copper-toned tables. The coffee here is straight from independent Colombian coffee producers — it’s the crème-de-la-crème of cup of joes, if you ask us. If you plus your date are foodies and coffee bean connoisseurs who value supporting small businesses, consider heading here for some one to one time.
Remi Flower & Coffee (Midtown East)
Henry Matisse once said, “There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” And we couldn’t agree with this approach more, especially when it comes to romance: Not only do we advise finding the positives in going on dates and meeting new people, but we also think you should be surrounded by flowers while doing so. Without further ado, let us introduce you to Remi Flower & Co: a trifecta coffee shop, florist, and indoor garden in Midtown East that functions as an adorable arboretum.
Felix Roasting Co. (NoHo)
Design-centric coffee shop Felix Roasting Company catches eyes at its NoHo location. Marble Calcutta and Alpi Verde diamond floors pay homage to thoughtful classical décor. Blue banquettes share space with walls and ceilings kitted out in over 5,000 hand-designed tiles that depict an arabica flower motif. If your date appreciates knockout interior design and exceptional coffee, opt to bring them here for a latte or two (or three if the conversation is that good).
Café Lyria (NoHo)
Café Lyria is a new neighborhood coffee spot in NYC’s trendy NoHo neighborhood. Taking inspiration from the Greek village of Kefalos and its New York City environs, the cozy space boasts dark wood furnishings, exposed brick interiors, and Mediterranean-inspired decor (think: Roman sculptures, newspaper stacks, and photographs of Kefalos). With minimal seating and a line of people wanting to try their signature Freddo Espresso, this makes for a casual meet-and-greet ambiance.
Maman King (Lower Manhattan)
While Maman has multiple locations throughout New York City, its Downtown location on 375 Hudson Street, dubbed “Maman King,” flaunts the loveliest antique provincial decor: a shabby chic counter, lush overhead garden, rustic exposed brick, and wooden tables spawn a romantic café ambiance. Coffee and pastries are served on their classic blue-and-white china, making Maman all the more adorable for an outing with your significant other.
La Cabra (East Village)
La Cabra’s New York East Village spot attracts the masses for its minimalist, Scandinavian-style interiors and ridiculously delicious Nordic-influenced coffees, pastries, loaves, and desserts. If your date has a knack for cardamom buns, this is the café for you and bae (or your potential bae).
Hungry Ghost (West Village)
While multiple Hungry Ghosts dot New York City, their West Village outpost is our favorite, with its clean, modern design and reliable espresso concoctions via Stumptown Coffee. Plus, few things are more romantic than strolling through the charming West Village with a coffee in one hand and your special someone in the other.
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