5 Best Coffee Shops In New York City

What would so many New Yorkers do without coffee? Probably some unspeakable, and possibly illegal things. Coffee is what gets us through the work day, it's what wakes us up on a Sunday morning after a night out on the town, it's what perks us up when we're feeling down. So of course there is an entire day dedicated to the delicious, aromatic brew. Celebrate National Coffee Day on Monday, Sept. 29, by stopping by one of these New York City coffee shops and picking up a cuppa.

More: NYC's 6 Best Organic Coffee Shops

(Credit: Silverleaf Coffee & Tea)

Inside Kimpton's 70 Park Avenue Hotel you will find the quaint Silverleaf Coffee & Tea cafe serving up grab-and-go coffee blends from Caffee Vita (a farm direct, Seattle-based coffee roaster with a cafe on the LES). In honor of National Coffee Day, this Midtown cafe is spreading the coffee love with a special offer. The first 200 visitors to stop by the coffee shop on Sept. 29 will receive a free, branded travel mug and complimentary drip coffee for the entire week. Stop by the cafe anytime during the week and you could also receive one-time complimentary drip coffee in celebration of the holiday.

(credit: Abraco)

There are no seats in this tiny joint, so take your java to go or sip it as you stand along the wooden counter outside. This flavorful coffee is for purists only. There's no skim milk or artificial sweeteners available — just strong coffee and espresso with real sugar and organic milk. Don't miss out on their olive oil cake as a sweet breakfast or to soak up last night's sins with your caffeine pick-me-up.

(credit: Ninth Street Espresso)

A quick read through Ninth Street Espresso's small (as in a total of four items) drink menu proves coffee doesn't need to get intricate with flavors and mix-ins. The business boasts a menu that is "The most genuine approach to coffee possible." Sip on their robust caffeine options to wake you up before a morning run or when strolling through the Tompkins Square Park dog run with your pooch.

Photo Credit: Blue Bottle

This trendy Brooklyn spot only brews organic beans and uses local, sustainable ingredients in their baked goods. They're serious about coffee — no fancy, whipped cream-topped, calorie-filled concoctions here — and they're just as serious about being nice to the environment. Cups, lids, and even coffee filters are compostable. Blue Bottle also has cafes in Chelsea, Hell's Kitchen, Rockefeller Center, at High Line Park, and on Dean Street in Brooklyn.

(credit: Roasting Plant)

For an extensive variety of free trade and organic coffee beans, brewed individually for ultimate freshness, The Roasting Plant is the ideal stop for true coffee aficionados. Javabot, a patented Roasting Plant invention, holds "green" beans in a series of clear storage columns. Select your bean choice from the daily list, and then watch your beans measured out by weight and then "whooshed" into the roaster to where a cup is brewed just for you. Blend up to three different varieties in a single cup for something new each visit. Don't skip the chocolate chip cookies, either.