You had a whole day planned: a leaf-peeping stroll through Central Park, brunch in the West Village and running errands in Union Square. But alas, the weather had other plans, and trekking around town in your rain boots doesn’t sound like much fun. Here are eight inviting cafés where you can wait out the storm.
8 Cozy Cafés to Spend a Rainy Day In
A cappuccino by the fire sounds just right
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Published Oct 21, 2016
The Marlton Hotel
The Marlton Hotel
OK, it’s technically a hotel lobby, but there’s an all-day espresso bar, tons of seating and a dignified “grandfather’s study” vibe. And did we mention there’s a fireplace?
5 W. Eighth St. (between Fifth and Sixth aves.); 212-321-0100 or marltonhotel.com
Ost Café
This East Village mainstay makes us feel like we’re sipping espresso on a side street in Prague, and we’re not mad about it. Also: that tile floor.
441 E. 12th St. (at Ave. A); ostcafenyc.com
61 Local
It may be a bar by night, but by day this sprawling space is the perfect low-key place for a latte, a truffled grilled cheese and some good conversation.
61 Bergen St. (between Court and Smith sts.), Brooklyn; 718-875-1150 or 61local.com
Birch Coffee
Birch Coffee
Can we talk about that wall of books for a sec? Along with plenty of reading material, this neighborhood spot has some of the best cold brew under the sun. (It’s never too chilly for iced coffee, if you ask us.)
21 E. 27th St. (between Fifth and Madison aves.); 212-686-1444 or birchcoffee.com
The Elk
What this West Village nook lacks in size it makes up for in thoughtful details: blond-wood accents, strong coffee and really good food (avocado bánh mì, anyone?).
128 Charles St. (at Greenwich St.); 212-933-4780 or theelknyc.com
@nastia_ugo/Instagram
Sweetleaf
The original location of this Queens roastery has the ambience game on lock: embossed tin walls, antique Parisian furniture and stacks of records and a turntable for picking your own jams.
10-93 Jackson Ave. (at 49th Ave.), Long Island City; 917-832-6726 or sweetleafcoffee.com
The Chipped Cup/Facebook
The Chipped Cup
Just in case you weren’t already sold on the name alone, this uptown spot boasts adorable Victorian-esque decor, well-made Counter Culture java and—for when the weather is eventually warm again—an incredible back patio.
3610 Broadway (between 148th and 149th sts.); 212-368-8881 or chippedcupcoffee.com
Devoción/Facebook
Devoción
OK, maybe you’re a little bummed you don’t get to spend the day outdoors. Sipping Colombian brews under a skylight and a living wall of plants is just the remedy your soul needs.
69 Grand St. (between Wythe and Kent aves.), Brooklyn; 718-285-6180 or devocion.com