Best cups of coffee in New York City

Years ago, New Yorkers had to settle for only decent coffee. It might have bested other cities when it came to pizza and bagels, but when it came to serving up a good cup of joe Seattle and Portland were the clear winners. But over the last few years there has been an espresso explosion; high-quality coffee shops have been opening up throughout the city. These are my favorite:


Gimme! Coffee (228 Mott Street): Celebrating seven years of serving up good coffee to locals, Gimme Coffee originated in Upstate New York before expanding to the big city (the Nolita neighborhood, to be more exact). Now while getting a good cup of java is a "gimme" around here, make sure you try their ultra rich cappuccino with a beautifully steamed top. Stay nearby at the Crosby Street Hotel.


Jittery Joe's (216 East 45th Street): While Georgia natives are familiar with this coffee chain, New Yorkers are enjoying their only Jittery Joe's location in Midtown East. Talented baristas whip up a variety of micro-roasted coffees (hot and cold), espressos, and mochas. Stay nearby at the Alex Hotel.


RBC NYC (71 Worth Street): Boasting New York's only coffee shop to carry a Slayer espresso machine (only twenty exist in the world), RBC NYC offers coffee aficionados such heavenly drinks as the Americano, Espresso, Cortado, and Vietnamese. Guest can also order cookies, fruit, sandwiches, and even a hard boiled egg.Stay nearby at Gild Hall.


- Andrew Hickey of The Brooklyn Nomad