Hi all! If you love coffee, like I do, this post is perfect for you! After trying tons of coffee shops around Long Island City, Queens these are 6 of my absolute favorites.
As many of you know, this year I moved to NYC in order to take classes at NYU as part of my PhD program. When I first began planning my move to New York City I was super hesitant to live in Queens, as I thought that it was far removed from the city and more suburban. I quickly realized that I was wrong, especially about Long Island City.
Long Island City is only one stop on the E train from Midtown Manhattan, and there are tons of other subway lines that stop at multiple stations, all within a 5 minute walk from my apartment. Long Island City is definitely still up and coming, but there are tons of new cafes, restaurants and shops popping up all the time. After living in Long Island City for a few months, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite coffee shops/cafes that I think are definitely worth a trip – even from other boroughs.
Partners Coffee
Partners Coffee is located about two block away from the Court Square Subway, one of the largest subway stops in in Long Island City. The cafe is rustic and features exposed beams and wide paneled wood floors. There are many tables in the main seating area of the cafe that are perfect for small groups or individuals. They also offer counter seating at the coffee bar and an outdoor courtyard. I arrived at 10am on a Tuesday and the place was packed. Although it was very busy, there were tables available as many people were getting coffee to go.
The coffee was really good! I had a latte and it was presented with a beautiful heart design – they definitely get points for presentation here. Although the coffee was really good, I was a little surprised by the prices. My latte was $5.20 and only came in one size (which was just a standard mug).
In addition to coffee, the cafe also serves breakfast and lunch items (like avocado toast with scrambled eggs) as well as pastries. I tried the mini frittata sandwich ($6), and it was delicious. Partners Coffee has free wifi and they also have cold water out for you to enjoy with your coffee. Definitely check out Partners Coffee if you’re looking for a relaxed spot in NYC that also offers great food options!
Indoor seating 
Outdoor patio area
Latte 
Frittata Sandwich
Indie
Located about two blocks from the Court Square Subway station and two blocks from the Queensboro Plaza station is an adorable cafe called Indie. The restaurant/coffee shop features a modern design with huge widows that allow for tons of natural light. There is lots of indoor and outdoor seating and it is the perfect place to come with friends for brunch, or alone (maybe with your laptop) for a coffee.
In addition to being a great place for coffee and breakfast/brunch, Indie also serves lunch and dinner and they offer a full wine, beer and cocktail menu. All of their food menus are great, and in addition, they are super reasonably priced. Salads and sandwiches run around $10-13 and breakfast items priced between $3-11. Definitely try the breakfast sandwich with avocado, it’s super good! I love going to Indie at any time of the day. I always find the atmosphere so welcoming and relaxing. Additionally, they also have trivia night on Saturdays at 8pm – this is super fun and I highly recommend it!
Indie Interior 
Enjoying dinner with Sam 
Yogi Bowl ($13)
Clever Blend
Located next to the Queensboro Plaza subway, Clever Blend is a quaint cafe offering a large variety of coffee, tea, bagel sandwiches and pastries. The cafe features adorable rustic decor and although it only has a few tables it is also a great option to get bagels and super yummy coffee to go.
Their menu is also very reasonably priced – making the cafe stand out even more. Bagel sandwiches are about $5.75 each, and you can get a combo with a bagel sandwich and a hot coffee for $6.65. They have a wide variety of bagel flavors and toppings, so you’re sure to find something you like. Keep in mind that they do have a no laptop policy from 8am-2pm, due to the small space. This is probably not the best location to come to get work done – but it is an awesome breakfast spot!
Lox and cream cheese bagel + a cinnamon raison bagel with cream cheese 
Yummy iced-coffee (sorry about the straw)
The Mill
Located right in the heart of Long Island City, just a few blocks from the Court Square subway, The Mill is a rustic, cozy coffee shop with great coffee and food options. The quaint cafe is peaceful and relaxing. It’s the perfect location to grab a coffee and a snack with friends, or to visit on your own for a little caffeine pick-me-up.
The shop is small, but it does offer seating at four large round tables, which serve as the perfect location to chat, read or work on your laptop. The coffee is good, and also reasonably priced at $2.50 for a small drip coffee and $3.75 for a small cold brew. I regularly stop by The Mill for coffee to-go and have always had a great experience.
cafe au lait 
Coffee Menu 
Yummy baked goods and snacks
Etto Espresso Bar
Etto Espresso Bar is an adorable coffee shop located near the Queens Plaza, and Queensboro Plaza Subway stations. This little coffee shop has indoor and outdoor seating and is super cozy and cute. I stopped by on a Sunday, and although the seating is limited, there was plenty of room to sit with friends to enjoy coffee and a snack.
The coffee is good, but it is a little expensive at around $5.00 for a latte. In addition to coffee, Etto Espresso Bar also offers a wide variety of food options. I had the marshmallow cookie and it was super yummy, I highly recommend trying it!
Outdoor seating 
Interior of Etto
Latte 
Food menu 
Coffee Menu
Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters
This laid back coffee shop has multiple locations across Long Island City and Brooklyn. I visited the location near the Hunter’s Point subway station in Long Island City, and instantly loved the coffee shop. The coffee is yummy and I love the chill, homey vibes of the cafe. The shop has multiple rooms, tons of seating and a dedicated laptop area. In addition to coffee and tea drinks, they also have pastries!
The drinks are reasonably priced – with a small coffee costing $2.50. Definitely check Sweetleaf out. It’s a great spot to get some work done, read a book, or hangout with friends!
New coffee shops are popping up across Long Island City all the time, and I’m super excited to keep updating this list as more cafes open!
LOVE Indie, some of the best breakfast sandwiches I’ve ever had!!!
Ooooh, we love cozy little spots like The Mill! Love that Patio at Partner, too. Okay, we have a list. Now we just need to get to Long Island. 😉