But First, Coffee.

I truly love a good latte, cappuccino, cortado, or simple espresso. There is something so comforting about warm milk and hot espresso (especially on a cold winter day). I have been in search of the perfect espresso in NYC. And, having come close many times, I think I have finally found it. While my research will most likely continue on throughout my time living in NYC, here is a short list of my favorite coffee spots.

1. Happy Bones NYC: This tiny coffee spot on Broome street offers the best coffee with some of the best baristas. The space is open and inviting and is decorated with local art and interesting publications from around the world (which are available to read/purchase). I love Happy Bones because it is the perfect place to enjoy my daily cortado. The quietness and quaintness allows for inspiration and relaxation; making those hectic NYC streets that much easier to enjoy once you step out the door. (P.S. The peanut butter cookie is absolutely mouth wateringly (is that a word?) delicious).
2. Gasoline Alley Coffee: Gasoline Alley Coffee has two different locations, one on Grand Street (at Lafayette) and the other on Lafayette (at Bleecker). I enjoy both spots equally. They serve Intelligentista's Black Cat Espresso and plenty of delicious local pastries (including Dough Donuts, cookies, Mast Brothers chocolate, and Granola Lab granola bars.
3. Lafayette Grand Cafe & Bakery:  This up and coming brunch spot is literally taking over the New York City as one of the most talked about restaurants. A mix between Balthazar and Laduree this french bistro offers an awesome brunch and, in my opinion, an even more delicious bakery. The bakery is located at the entrance of the restaurant. From croissants to colorful macaroons and even fresh squeezed green juices this little bakery seems to have it all. Their cortado is close to perfect and their peanut butter cookies definitely make the top of my list. 
4. Bluebird Coffee Shop
5. Bluestone Lane Coffee: their avocado smash with red pepper chili flakes (and feta and cherry tomatoes) is delicious! They use Sightglass coffee from California and they get their pastries from Balthazar.... what more could you ask for? 
6. Bowery Coffee
7. Ost Cafe
8. Oro
9. El Ray
10. Birch Coffee: the cutest little coffee shop. 
11. Blue Bottle Coffee
12. Stumptown 
13. Why Not Coffee and Wine: It's all about the ambiance at this unique West Village coffee shop. And the peanut butter cookie. 

Lafayette Grand Cafe & Bakery. Daily cortado and a peanut butter cookie. 

Happy Bones NYC. Daily Cortado and a peanut butter cookie. 

Happy Bones NYC.

Bluestone Lane Coffee Shop. Daily cortado. 

Gasoline Alley. Daily cortado.