Where to Read a Book in Nyc
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12 Favorite Places to Think, Read, and Write in New York City (Manhattan)
(Updated Jan, 2022 since this is my all-time almost read blog postal service)
It feels both awfully foreign and excitingly exhilarating to be finally tapping the keyboard of my laptop and not be writing a paper, or a proposal, or fifty-fifty an electronic mail! To whoever is even so perusing this blog every at present and then, thank you for not giving upward on me— it has been an experimental year for me in so many ways that I have lost count. Every bit of Thursday, July four, 2019, my showtime year of doctoral studies at Teachers College finally drew to an finish. I tin can't quite express in words how I felt most this commencement year; in that location are too many emotions involved. While I felt uncertainty during part of the journey, one thing is articulate: I take grown a lot from the challenges, and I believe that is what I wanted.
2019 has been a awe-inspiring yr in a myriad of ways and we are just half-way through. In my head, I have made a listing of blog posts to write, just take not had the courage to execute them. I suppose I have had a serious instance of writer's block and imposter syndrome, often doubting my ability to write, perhaps from writing also much in an academic setting and so overthinking it all. I have to keep reminding myself non also accept this blog also seriously, or else information technology ceases to be fun. And to accept some fun with writing and sharing was one of the master reasons I even started this project.
Earlier I become side-tracked in my random thoughts, let me attempt to return to my original aim: to begin sharing my favorite places to daydream, read, doodle, and get piece of work done in New York Metropolis. I acknowledge that there are likely hundreds of like weblog posts out there with recommendations of places to get in the city for these purposes. What I am offer is the perspective of a 29-year old instructor-turned-student who has lived in the city now for a little over a yr, who is a self-identified introvert, an enthusiastic user of public ship, and an avid people-watcher (i.due east., ethnographer-in-training).
I have a feeling that I have forgotten 1 or two favorite places, in which instance, I will salve them for a hereafter postal service. Hither are 12 of my favorite places, organized by neighborhood, beginning with the one in which I reside.
#1 Stella and Fly, Upper East Side
Official website | Google map location
I take lost count of the number of times I take frequented this local coffee shop (and wine bar at night!) that is but mins away from where I live. All I know is that I am on reward punch card number v or 6 (I call up now discontinued? Although, if you're a regular, y'all can occasionally get a free drink if you only mention information technology), so information technology is fair to say that this is a local favorite. Although I cannot exist further away from existence Irish, this Irish coffee shop and I go mode back—Max and I moved into the neighborhood some one month afterwards Stella and Fly opened in 2018, then I'd like to recollect that nosotros are connected somehow.
This is non the starting time time I have spotlighted Stella and Fly in my blog. I believe it was the start coffee store that really made me experience at domicile hither in the city. Perhaps the industrial chic interior design reminded me of our previous loft apartment in New Haven (oh, what a dream apartment that was and how much more affordable information technology was!); perhaps the alpine window and the comfortable chairs lining the window resonated with the inner-cat-sitting-by-the-window in me; peradventure the warm smiles and Irish gaelic accent of Kate and Nigel (the coffee shop owners) and the Castilian (spoken by many of the baristas) made me feel welcomed and less alone in this at-times-overwhelming city.
Stella and Fly has been with me through the highs and lows of outset and second years of grad school. I have done enough of brainstorming here, and have edited countless numbers of papers on its wooden tables, drinking my usual latte (to stay) in 1 of the distinctive blue-colored handcrafted cups (from the pottery shop next door). I try to come up here in the early morning, but not too early (I believe the coffee store opens effectually 6am!) then that I tin snatch ane of the window seats (FYI there are at present 4 chairs by the windows instead of the previous iii lounge chairs and plenty of pillows to go effectually!). The latest I have stayed is until 6pm, when lights are dimmed and laptops are swapped out for candles to transition into a wine bar. I have even so to stay for wine, but take not gathered upward the courage to mingle in this very social infinite (it is E'er packed!). I volition make that my goal for year two :)
For the practically-minded person, Stella and Fly will not disappoint. There is a restroom downstairs, to the left of the staircase. It is ever clean and well-stocked with Mrs. Meyer's lather and hand lotion. The downstairs area has plenty of seating but no windows, and then if that'due south your study atmosphere, go for it. There is wifi that has never failed me, and unless information technology has recently inverse, the password is "coffeeandwine." In that location are various seating options; even during the busiest hours of the twenty-four hour period, I have consistently been able to get a seat at the "bar" and then switch to a different seat every bit people exit. With the increased popularity of Stella & Fly (I'd similar to recollect that this weblog post has something to do with it haha), information technology has been more challenging to secure my favorite table past the window; nonetheless, this is ever my go-to work place. There are hangers behind the entrance, equally well equally hooks underneath tables for you to hang your bag/umbrella/jacket. Importantly, there are outlets to charge your gadgets (some are hidden, then look nether your table) and complimentary lemon-chilled water. In other words, this is a java store where yous tin stay for hours and your presence would exist appreciated.
By at present, I tin probably proper noun all of the people who accept ever worked at Stella and Fly since the summer of 2018; merely as the shy person I am, I have not engaged in conversation with any of them across the "hello," "thank you," and "may I have a latte to stay please?" (although ane day in the fall of 2018, Nigel recognized me and individually greeted me and thanked me for spreading the word nigh this place—that fabricated me SO happy). I call back Nigel knows who I am now (in 2020), given that I've been a regular presence for some 1.5 years.
My taste has also shifted a bit; my usual drinks are either the "latte with macadamia nut milk" or "hot chocolate with oat milk." Another change (since 2018) is that Stella & Fly has a food carte du jour and a pretty extensive cocktail carte du jour. Nutrient is served offset at 11am, although you tin can nonetheless get sweet and savory croissants (along with other sweet treats) in the mornings.
#2 Hutch & Waldo, Upper East Side
Official website | Google map location
Hutch & Waldo is an Upper East Side coffee shop that I would like to call my other regular spot; however, it is located some xv-minutes abroad by foot so when I am tight for time (which has been the case during my first year of grad school), I stop up visiting a java shop in the high E 80s rather than the low E 80s. But when I am in the expanse, I e'er peek within, crossing my fingers for a rare costless seat. As my photographs show, this is a small coffee store with limited seating. When the weather is nice, however, in that location are tables and chairs set up exterior.
What keeps me coming back is the charm of this coffee shop. I love the concept of a car garage converted into a coffee shop. I appreciate the latte/cappuccino art and the beautiful to-go cups. And I am slightly obsessed with the popular of turquoise confronting the exposed brick walls. Unlike Stella and Fly, Hutch & Waldo offers meals (salads and small dishes) so can be a place for brunch or luncheon. Over again, if you lot manage to find a seat!
The people working hither are super friendly, which is an absolute plus for me. And last time I checked, there is no wifi, then this is a place where I like to practice offline work, including reading manufactures that I have downloaded into my iPad and taking notes from a volume.
#3 Cafe Sabarsky (within Neue Galerie), Upper East Side
Official website | Google map location
Cafe Sabarsky is a java shop located on the starting time floor of the Neue Galerie museum for German language and Austrian fine art located along the Museum Mile on 5th avenue. To me, it brings back precious memories of my time in Vienna, which is where I studied abroad for half a yr during my junior yr. I am old-fashioned at heart so this coffee store/cafe is right upwards my alley, serving a wide range of espresso drinks, a mouthwatering array of frail cakes, and delicious hearty meals for those who are willing to splurge a scrap. The waiters are dressed in black-and-white, the plates and napkins are adorned with "Cafe Sabarsky" in the aforementioned font, and occasionally, in that location is alive piano music.
As you are reading this, you might wonder to yourself, how is this a place to do work? Information technology sounds more like a place to eat and socialize. I consider Cafe Sabarsky a place to do artistic piece of work. I take done plenty of brainstorming in this space, as I oftentimes find inspiration from observing social interactions, attuning to details across the room, and listening to the hums and chatter filling up the space. The final time I was hither, I saw an older woman seated at a corner table, reading a book. She was there for at least a good 60 minutes, had finished her drink, and showed no signs of leaving, which manifestly was acceptable! I imagine she is a regular. How awesome it is to have Cafe Sabarsky as your regular spot!
I don't believe I will go a regular here whatever time soon given my student budget, but if yous have some coin to spare, or are willing to indulge every now and then, this is a fantastic identify to have family and friends or to treat yourself! Sometimes there is a line, simply I accept not needed to wait for long for a seat. I usually get the Wiener melange (very similar to a cappuccino), which is a staple in all Viennese java houses. The Sabarsky Heisse Schokolade (hot chocolate) is homemade and very rich! For dessert, a popular one is the Sachertorte (an exquisite chocolate cake, the most famous of which is served at Hotel Sacher in Vienna); however, I vouch for the Warmer Milchrahmstrudel (a cheese-filled strudel served warm with vanilla sauce; see to a higher place photo) and the Apfelstrudel (a classic!).
You tin see the residue of the menu hither.
#four Conservatory Water, or "Alice in Wonderland," Central Park
Official website | Google map location
Solarium Water in Central Park has been a regular reading spot for me and Max this summer. For the longest time, nosotros called it "Alice in Wonderland" considering of the name of a statue nearby. If y'all love being outdoors, this is a place yous might like. It gets pretty decorated here during the summer, but it is never really loud, and Max and I take always managed to find a bench in the shade. There is something very calming about working next to a body of water, and I absolutely love watching the mini sailboats canvas by. More often than not, the "chimera homo" is present and you become to experience sunlight diffracting through the thin films of bubbles. Every time I am here, I am reminded of happy childhood memories.
What makes this spot a practical report spot is that there is a Le Hurting Quotidien located at one finish of the "swimming," and so yous tin buy yourself a beverage, a meal, or use the restroom. Wifi is available through Le Hurting Quotidien, and so if yous are seated close to the cafe, you might exist able to connect to the free wifi.
Moving to the other side of Central Park, nosotros reach the Upper W Side, which is where Teachers College is located. When I find myself with an 60 minutes to spare earlier piece of work or the start of class, I will often frequent World Cafe, which has become a favorite that rivals Stella and Fly on the Upper Due east Side. Globe Buffet is Max's favorite coffee shop that I have taken him to, and Max is one strict critic—he is all nigh getting serious work done, which means whatsoever place I take him to must take sufficient seating, stable wifi, a restroom, skilful espresso drinks, lots of calorie-free (natural light preferred), and treats. This identify has it all and then some.
There is much to dearest about this local cafe, beginning with its convenient location. I tin can hope on the one, 2, or 3 railroad train and get off at 96th station, walk a few steps over to W 97th and I am at that place! When the weather is nice, at that place is outdoor seating, and the cafe's corner location makes information technology an ideal location for people watching. I don't know what I love more—the indoor seating or the outdoor seating. Quite frankly, given the affluence of light that fills this airy space, information technology is hard to separate indoor and outdoor. There are ii full walls lined with gridded windows; the other walls are busy with art that is intriguing to wait at. I appreciate the brick walls painted white because information technology really opens upwards the space. i also love the popular of cherry of the espresso auto. The lattes are smooth and the nutrient is tasty.
Earth Buffet is where I camp out for hours when I am on the Upper West Side. I am never in a rush to leave and I absolutely love the salads (they are and then refreshing). I practice plenty of writing past hand here. This summer, I accept done the majority of my statistics piece of work here. Even with statistics beingness over, I programme to come dorsum often. It is nearly impossible to be in a bad mood here; there is something about bright cheerful colors that really exercise brighten your day.
#half dozen Fika Tower and Bakery, Hell's Kitchen
Official website | Google map location
This summer was my outset fourth dimension exploring the Hell's Kitchen area, and from my short fourth dimension there, I know I will be back to explore some more. I came here for one reason: to visit the Swedish coffee shop Fika, which has numerous locations scattered beyond the isle. I did my homework prior to visiting and decided on this item location because I read the words "outside patio" and I was immediately hooked. The trek to this spot, however, did require some legwork. I got off at the Columbus Circumvolve subway stop and walked west toward tenth artery. If convenience is important to you, unless you live in the neighborhood, this Fika might not exist an optimal report location. Since I'chiliad an avid walker, I did non heed one scrap.
The outdoor patio on the 2nd flooring did not disappoint. At that place are plenty tables and seats to go around. The last time I was hither, I settled on the long wooden tabular array, which I shared with a few other people who seemed to be New York Metropolis locals. In that location is wifi, even exterior, two restrooms, and all kinds of drinks (not only coffee) and snacks. There are two floors to this java shop, which is designed in a loft style with very tall ceilings. The space is airy, light, minimalistic, and in an endearing mode, reminds me of IKEA (I admire IKEA by the way, as I grew up in Sweden). If you are someone who likes clean lines, symmetry, and minimalism, I believe you will enjoy working hither.
#7 The Map Room, New York Public Library, Midtown
Official website | Google map location
When given the choice between doing piece of work in a coffee store or in a library, I will almost ever choose the erstwhile. I exercise, all the same, brand an exception for 2 libraries in Manhattan— the primary branch (the Schwartzman building) of the New York Public Library and the Jefferson Marketplace Library (also a branch of NYPL). The main branch of the NYPL is centrally located in Bryant Park and the building is absolutely grand. The main reading room—the Rose Room—gets nearly of the attention, only my personal favorite room is the Map Room—a smaller, more intimate, but nonetheless exquisite infinite. I did not take many photos of the room when I was last there, but from the photo shown above, you tin encounter the beautiful alpine biconvex windows that let in a steady stream of light. There are two long rows of wooden tables, one of which has desktop computers yous tin use if y'all are a holder of a NYPL card. Otherwise, you tin seat yourself at the other table and stay for as long as y'all want. While the seats are comfortable and at that place is wifi, what prevents me from staying too long is the prohibition of drinks and snacks. Nonetheless, if y'all are someone who needs peace and quiet to get work done, then this library (and especially this room) would be ideal. Compared with the Rose Room, there is less foot traffic, and so fewer interruptions.
#8 Cafe Intelligentsia (inside The High Line Hotel), Chelsea
Official website | Google map location
Cafe Intelligentsia was a elevation find from last summertime, when I did a lot of wandering of the city as a way to go myself settled into my new home. The Loftier Line and the Chelsea Market are peak tourist attractions in the area, just I am a bigger fan of the fine art scene (the many independent, private galleries!), the building architecture, and the java houses.
Hotel lobbies are oft a secret source of neat lounges and coffee shops. Information technology took some courage for me to confidently walk into a hotel lobby; for the longest time, I thought you had to exist a customer/resident to enter the space (wrong!). As an aside, did yous know that if you lot are in demand of a restroom, you can try the restrooms in hotel lobbies? They are considered public! Y'all cannot be denied access! There is a LOVELY bath in the Hotel Waldorf-Astoria (I believe on the second flooring; y'all have to walk up the stairs. I too believe there is a public Starbucks nonetheless, so catch a java and head for one of the comfy lounge chairs and enjoy!).
The Loftier Line Hotel is a flake similar a secret garden. Yous don't quite know what is inside unless you walk in. Once you walk past the outdoor cafe, yous will enter the lobby of the hotel, which is adorned with a Persian rug, exposed brick walls, golden frames but no paintings, and antique typewriters. The seating is express in this indoor infinite. Personally, it is likewise dark for my gustation and prefer taking my drink outside, to the subconscious garden in the dorsum. There is enough of seating here, but in that location is non always shade, so you have to choice your battle. The constitute life here is robust .
Because Chelsea is quite a distance from where I live, I am not a regular at Cafe Intelligentsia, simply I imagine it would be if I lived in the expanse. It is a true hidden gem in the neighborhood and I would highly recommend it to those who bask studying in the open air. It does become too hot hither in the summers, and then I would suggest coming hither in the autumn and spring (unless you have seasonal allergies like I accept).
If you are on a lookout for other java shops in hotel lobbies, here are a few more to try out:
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Hotel Stanford in midtown has partnered upwardly with Remember Java and offers comfortable leather lounge chairs in a modern chichi environs.
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1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (where Max and I stayed for our wedding) is habitation to Neighbors Cafe (where y'all tin grab coffee and breakfast treats to go, or sit down on one of their bar stools or small tables), The Osprey (Actually expert brunch with both indoor and outdoor seating—both are mannerly! I LOVE the ornamentation), and an unforgettable hotel lobby with all kinds of greeneries and seating arrangement (and wifi and outlets!).
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There is some other 1 Hotel in the city, located close to the southern edge of Central Park. There is a restaurant/buffet equally well, but I haven't been inside so cannot speak personally of the identify.
#9 La Lanterna di Vittorio, Greenwich Hamlet
Official website | Google map location
The photo to a higher place shows Macdougal Street, one of my favorites in Greenwich Village (or is information technology West Village?) because of the diversity of establishments. I had walked by La Lanterna di Vittorio numerous times without going inside, thinking it was only a restaurant and assuming it would be very pricey. 1 day in the early jump, I decided to walk within. The "winter garden" sign piqued my interest.
Once I entered the winter garden tucked away in the back of the restaurant, downwardly a short flight a stairs, all I could retrieve was "WOW!" My photograph does not quite capture the ambiance of this space; there is a certain warmth that you can but experience once you are physically in the space. Last time I was here, I stayed for hours, reading articles on my iPad, brainstorming ideas for a new paper, and people watching. It does not get very busy hither during the weekday and is a groovy place to work side by side to an espresso drink and dessert.
There is wifi for those who need it, although I personally wouldn't bring a behemothic laptop here, as it sort of ruins the atmosphere (an iPad or smaller device is fine!). The tiramisu is oh-so-good, and the dessert menu is extensive, as is the beverage menu… Espresso drinks are e'er served with a glass of h2o, which reminds me of my time in Vienna! This is a place to exercise serious writing, peculiarly in the winter time, when calorie-free is limited and the cold can be unbearable.
#10 Jefferson Market place Library, Greenwich Village
Official website | Google map location
The Jefferson Market Library in Greenwich Village was a regular spot for me and my study grouping during first year of graduate schoolhouse. Nosotros convened here nearly every Sabbatum forenoon in the fall semester for some 2-3 hours. I forget how I came across this library; I imagine it was during a random stroll through the neighborhood when my curiosity got the meliorate of me and I stuck my head inside this ruby-red brick tower.
This library is some other wonderful space to utilise if you are someone who prefers working in peace and quiet. There is an outdoor garden, but seating is limited. There are three floors to this library. The first flooring has a reading room that is reserved for children; I did not realize this the starting time time I was there, and was respectfully asked to exit. The basement floor is filled with periodicals, magazines, and desktop computers. There is likewise a rotating art installation (generally photography). My favorite space, however, has to be the second flooring, where the main reading room is.
I love the walk upwardly to the second floor. When you lot practice, you volition be greeted past subtle calorie-free shining through the stained glass windows. Be sure to await up, and so you tin can enjoy the beautiful ceiling ornamentation (meet photograph above).
The main reading room has plenty of seating options—individual lounge chairs with small tables to residue your reading materials, and long wooden tables to share with other fellow library goers. Along the center of the tables are outlets for you to accuse your devices. This room is meant to be a silent reading/writing room. When my report group would meet, nosotros would claim one of the tables in the side room on the second floor. Here, nosotros conversed quietly and most of the fourth dimension, people would not listen, but one weekend, at that place was a grumpy former man who kept shushing us (me specifically! and I don't fifty-fifty consider myself to be loud!).
While the Jefferson Market Library is well-nigh perfect for working, it has one major flaw: there is no public restroom. My study group and I would sometimes run across the street to Lenwich to employ the restroom. Other times, we would motion to Mah-Zeh-Dahr, a modern bakery/coffee house that has a large working tabular array in the dorsum, complete with wifi, outlets, restroom, and treat galore. It tin get a bit busy hither (and there is background music).
*Please annotation that as of July 7, 2019, the Jefferson Market Library is undergoing renovation and is currently airtight :(
#eleven Partners Coffee, West Village (formerly Toby's Estate Coffee)
Official website | Google map location
Partners Coffee (formerly Toby'due south Estate Java) at the intersection of Charles Street and 7th Avenue S is one of the about intriguing places for people watching (and studying of form!). Perhaps it has something to practice with its location, being situated at a 45 degree angle intersection that is reminiscent of the Flatiron building, thereby allowing for ample views of passersby. The place is small and cozy with bar stool-like chairs lining both walls, a few small tables in the center of the room, and a coveted costly sofa that is near e'er occupied (ane day, I will claim you…). I appreciate the pops of red and blue against an otherwise blank canvas of white-pigment exposed brick walls. In that location are wooden and metallic elements throughout the room, contributing to an industrial chichi vibe.
The photo above is former (you can see the erstwhile proper noun printed on the newspaper loving cup), but the vibe remains the same for this space. At that place is e'er subtle decoration that rotates with the season, mirroring the passing of fourth dimension. The espresso drinks and the chai latte are delicious. Max is an avid cappuccino drinker and he would say the espresso is on the strong side.
This is a place to stay for hours. There is simply virtually everything that you need to feel comfortable: wifi, a few outlets, a bath downstairs (though the wait can be long…), enough of natural light, background music, and really adept drinks and snacks. I have yet to order food here, but I hear it does not disappoint!
Charles Street, which is where this coffee shop is located, is some other favorite street in the neighborhood. At that place is another lovely coffee shop downwardly the street (going west) that is filled with local villagers; it is called The Elk. The sign is barely noticeable, and the coffee shop is tucked away in the quieter end of the street then it is piece of cake to miss. As much every bit I love The Elk, information technology is and then difficult to find a seat; for this reason, I am not making information technology an official part of this post. If yous do manage to catch a seat, stay and try their grain bowl :) And casually heed in on conversations— they are really fascinating; you will soon find that this identify tends to describe an creative person/creative crowd.
#12 Jack's Stir Mash Coffee, West Village
Official website | Google map location
Equally our tour nears the end, I would similar to innovate yous to Jack'south Stir Brew Coffee in West Village, specifically on W 10th Street, which is another quintessential West Village/Greenwich Hamlet street that has then much charm. Max and I are huge fans of brownstones (a honey that originates from my time in the greater Boston surface area) and every time we frequent this neighborhood, we daydream nearly life in one of them. Jack'southward Stir Brew Java is part of a chain of coffee shops scattered throughout the city. At that place is a tiny outpost in my Upper Due east Side neighborhood, simply it is nowhere most as mannerly as this i.
This particular Jack'due south Stir Brew Coffee has mayhap the best window seat (see photograph in a higher place), and it is worth information technology to come here but for an attempt to secure information technology for an hour or so. Don't be fooled past the photograph, nevertheless; the space is small. If I recollect correctly at that place are only four small tables, along with a narrow bar-like tabular array along one side of the wall (you lot would be sitting on bar stools). Most people come here go java to go, just I almost always go java to stay. The people working here are super kind and immediately make you lot experience at home.
If you need a report break, there are enough of interesting photographs to look at for a welcome lark. Framed photos and artwork cover the walls on all sides. They are great chat starters with the barista, if that is something you fancy. Equally for me, I prefer listening to the conversations and observing the various interactions taking place in this intimate infinite :)
Beginning in 2020, I started going to Jack'due south Stir Brew Coffee on the Upper East Side. It is not equally charming as the 1 in Due west Village, only I'm a huge fan of their Sugariness Mary tea drinkable and the people who work there are SO nice. Plus, there is happy 60 minutes Mon through Friday beginning at 4pm (50% off coffee and teas!)
And… that is all for now! I hope this has been an interesting read! I hope to create a part two of my favorite places for my second year living in the city.
As e'er, thank y'all for reading and post-obit forth both my physical and intellectual journey!
Catherine
Source: https://www.booksmartstreetsmart.com/blog/2019/favorite-places-to-think-read-and-write-in-new-york-city-manhattan
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