Coffee Houses in Harlem, New York

The number of coffee houses springing up in an area is a sure signs that a neighborhood is in the midst of an economic transition . Harlem is no exception to that rule. Below are 10 neighborhood favorites.

Sugarhill Java & Tea Lounge

This charming neighborhood cafe fills the need of a rapidly growing area that was sorely lacking a place where residents could sit with a hot beverage and leisurely chat with friends and neighbors. Josai, the owner of Sugarhill Java and Tea Lounge hand makes sandwiches, wraps and fresh green salads every morning. Pastries come from the neighborhood bakery, Make My Cake, and there are specialty tea blends like the popular Velvet which seems to appeal to both coffee and tea lovers.

Sugarhill Java & Tea Lounge is located at 344 West 145th Street near Saint Nicholas Avenue. The hours are Monday through Friday 8 am to 8 pm and Weekends 9 am to 8 pm. No website or Wi-Fi access. Whole beans available for purchase.

Settepani [website] [map]

Settepani Bakery and Cafe was one of the first Harlem cafes to offer sidewalk seating along Lenox Avenue. The owners started out by offering their specialty pastries and Italians breads but soon discovered that they needed an added touch in order to reach the unique Harlem community. With some help from the Clinton Foundation, Settepani expanded their menu to include sandwiches, salads and pasta. Settepani is located 196 Lenox at 120th Street. Call for hours. 917-492-4806. Wi-Fi access.

Saurin Parke Cafe [website] [ map ]

This popular cafe is located at 301 West 110th Street at Central Park West. They are open seven days a week from 7 am to 12 midnight. In addition to coffee they offer hot and cold sandwiches, fresh pastries, soups and salads, a full bar and free Wi-Fi.

Society [website] [map]

Society Coffee on Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 114th Street is self-described as an espresso and wine bar. They offer specialty coffee blends, tea by the pot, smoothies, fresh juices, salads, omelettes, soups, paninis and baked goods. What sets them apart from other coffee houses is the fact that they also offer wine by the glass or bottle and small plates of assorted cheeses. Call for hours 212-222-3323. Wireless ready.

Starbucks [website] [map]

One of the first signs of a renewed Harlem appeared on the corner of Lenox Avenue and 125th Street. The only Starbucks in central Harlem is a small space with several tables (often occupied by chess players and students) and the usual Starbuck's elixirs. Call for hours 917-492-2454. This store has T-Mobile HotSpot wireless broadband Internet service.

Boma [map]

A simply delightful cafe located inside of the beautiful Nubian Heritage flagship store on the corner of 126th Street and 5th Avenue offers an urban oasis complete with fresh cofee, tea and treats. Boma has book signings, wine tastings and other cultural events, so drop by and find out what's on the schedule. Free Wi-Fi. No website.

Les Ambassades [map]

Also known as Patisserie Des Ambassades is Harlem's own boulangerie offering a taste of France on the ever busy 8th Avenue. Les Ambassades serves breakfast through dinner as well as brunch on the weekends. They are located on 8th Avenue between 118th and 119th Streets and are one of Harlem's only sidewalk cafes. Call for hours and wireless access information. 212-666-0078

Java Brewing [map]

A hidden coffee house just blocks from City College on Amsterdam Avenue at 140th Street offers the usual cafe fare of coffee, tea and muffins in a bright but tight space. On Thursday evenings a trio of City College music majors will set up to play live jazz as an accompaniment to your study break. No information about Wi-Fi access available.

Hue-Man Bookstore Cafe [ website ] [map]

Located inside of the Hue-Man Bookstore between 124th Street and 125th Street on 8th Avenue, the Hue-man cafe offers a quick cup of coffee and typical pasteries while you browse the shelves, attend a book signing or wait for a movie to start upstairs in the Magic Johnson theater. Store hours are 10-8 Monday through Saturday and 11-7 on Sundays. Email the store for Wi-Fi information: i nfo@hue-manbookstore.com

Cafe e-go [website ]

This homey little cafe is located directly across the street from the Hue-Man Bookstore and offers internet access, computer rental, faxing and photocopying. They have a variety of coffees, teas and refreshments at reasonable prices. The hours are 7-10 Sunday through Thursday and 7-11 Friday and Saturday.