Birch Coffee

My favorite!
Voted the #7 Favorite Coffee of New Yorkers according to this list:

I’m a big fan of Birch Coffee and I come here every week to get a refill on my Cold Brew bottle. Their coffee is really good, and you should definitely try it if you haven’t. But the only problem I have with this place is that the people working are always more concentrated on goofing around with one another than helping the people.
I’ll give you some examples: I always end up waiting for my order for a good 5 to 10 min (considering how small this place is, it’s kinda ridiculous), they see me staring at their coffee beans on display like an idiot, and ask me if I even ordered. EVERY. TIME.
They always tell me something different about their stamp card. Some baristas would give you two or three stamps for getting a whole bottle of cold brew. Some don’t at all. Please don’t stare at me like I’m an idiot, because I get a different response from you every time I come in.
I’m not sure if this place has a manager or if the owner takes care of all baristas, but some kind of discipline is needed.

Loved this small, but perfect, hole-​in-​the-​wall coffee shop.
Service was excellent, but I can not speak highly enough of their lattes with hemp milk. It was so good that we ordered a large, left and went to breakfast, and then walked back for another round.
Latte with hemp milk, for the win.
Thanks Birch. I feel like you really do love us like you claim. I love you too.

My review is based almost entirely on the cashier, I know, a bit unfair. But if your customer service stinks, I will write about it.
My first impression when I walked in was that I thought the interior was very cute.
The cashier was nice but she could not open her eyes. I mean I know, Mondays. Gah. Who likes Mondays? But really? You’re coming to work half asleep?
Then, this was my actual conversation with the cashier today.
Me: Hi. Can I have a cappuccino with almond milk?
Cashier: We don’t have almond but we have hemp seed or soy.
Me: Oh ok. Do you usually have almond milk but just not today?
Cashier: No. We’ve never had almond milk. I mean it tastes like chemicals when it’s steamed. *Disgusted face, then turns to Barista.*
Barista: Eh yeah, it tastes like chemicals.
Me: Uhhhh ok. I’ve been drinking coffee with steamed almond milk for years and never thought that.
Cashier: Ehh yeah, no it tastes like chemicals. It tastes like chemicals.
Me: Uh ok.
Um, yeah. I probably won’t be returning.

The most perfect coffee shop in all the land!
Awesome staff, killer donuts, delicious lattes with hemp milk and great croissants.
How can you go wrong? This place is perfection! The hot chocolate is amazing as well!

Tiny place with solid coffee. I got my Americano iced to go. I wish it were a little less watered down, but there is a lack of coffee shops on the UES so can’t really complain! I still love La Colombe in SoHo for the best coffee in town. They also have doughnuts and pastries if you’re so inclined.
I will note that the tip jar is creative; there are two answers for the daily question and you throw your tip in the answer you think is correct. Yesterday’s question was «What does the female praying mantis do after mating?» Ha. Like we all don’t know the answer to THAT question ;)

Smooth cold brew, and cortados that I am completely addicted to. This cute, hipster-​ish coffee shop is a great place for coffee connoisseurs who work in the area to grab a drink. The lines get a little long around morning rush hour though.
But they have consistently made well-​brewed cortados and smooth flat whites. The cold brew is also great for the summertime. And a huge plus in my book is that Birch sells Dough doughtnuts!!! Yay, what an awesome pairing!

Being a Brazillian I can say this was one of the best coffees I had in NYC!
Had a great espresso at this fun and trendy Coffee Shop.

Great service, great cold brew, and they carry dough donuts :) all great things in my mind. I’ve been multiple times, once in particular I went in looking hot and sweaty and they gave me a free cup of water — very nice bc many coffee shops similar would make you at least pay for the cup.
Also, I adore the interior design.

I’m a huge fan of the coffee at Birch, and was a frequent patron to the Upper West Side location back when I lived on the west side. When I moved to the east side, I was ecstatic to find out that there was a Birch right round the corner from my apartment!
Coffee-​wise, I was not disappointed at all. It was smooth, strong, and smelt amazing. I wouldn’t have expected any less. However, I was surprised to see that the space was tiny, with no tables at all except for a small bar top that sits a maximum of 4 people. I visited on a Saturday afternoon, and the line was going out the door. The small space and long line made it really cramped inside, with people having to squeeze past others to pick up their coffee and to put their milk/​sugar etc.
This east side location is definitely meant for people to grab and go, so just be aware that if you’re looking for a coffee shop to sit and relax, this probably ain’t for you.

Smooth sexy cold brew. And a block from my apartment?!
The baristas are very friendly. The cold brew is expensive, but definitely worth it.

What a gem! It’s a tiny tiny little place, with a window seating area that’s indoor-​outdoor, but is actually so cute with plenty of table-​top space. Seats are both inside and out. Inside, they’re going for the rustic look.
The prices are a bit high, but you’re getting very high quality product. I ordered the Kyoto cold brew coffee, where they brew it for days, I believe? I also saw who I presumed was the owner hand pour the water over beans into someone else’s brew. Their small display of snacks was nice, and I got a chocolate chip cookie. A great mix of crunchy and soft.
I thoroughly enjoyed my cold brew and cookie. I just relaxed at that high table at the open window and chatted with a friend for a while. They have the good stuff here!

I’m not about that mediocre Starbucks life anymore. Conveniently located near my office, this is my new spot for a pick me up before I start the daily grind and really hits the spot.
PROS:
*Friendly baristas that greet you with a smile. I love when people start your morning off right.
*They serve Dough donuts, oh hello delicious pink Hibiscus.
*Their latte is awesome, and I like the beans they use. Not too acidic.
*Wide variety of sugars with creative labels — Real (brown sugar), fake (splenda), and refined (white sugar)
CONS:
*Small space, limited seating so plan on a grab-​and-​go.

I am a Birch Coffee fan and have been to all their locations in NYC. The baristas are always friendly, the coffee is great and reasonably priced. This time I bought their beans, Emma’s Espresso. It is their signature blend for espresso shots and tastes good with half & half.
If you want a suggestion, try their Flat White!

Everyone who works at this location is absolutely a gem. I love all of their beverages and have never been disappointed. These are people who know their coffee but are definitely not in your face about it. If you have any questions, all the people on staff have been thoroughly trained (I know this because I asked about their training process).
I definitely recommend their cold brew. Also, the iced latte is the best I’ve ever had. Wonderful, small, cozy atmosphere. Don’t count on a seat, though, as it is limited. Pastries are killer too. Dough donuts, anyone?!

With a love for coffee and experience working at Caribou Coffee for a little while I started out 2014 with the mission to visit all of the coffee shops in my area. After visiting a few, I thought why not write reviews and share my thoughts on each of them. So here we are… without any further ado let’s dive right in to my unbiased review of Birch Coffee.
Location and Ambiance:
Location was solid, and ambiance was great!
Coffee:
I’ll get right to the point, the coffee was really delicious!
Staff:
The staff was nice, and knowledgeable.
In summary, definitely stop by!
Side note, if your looking to do some work on your laptop there is definitely NOT room for that!
Thanks,
Connor Brady

I just spent 10 minutes explaining to my friend why I don’t like cold coffee yesterday and here I am already eating… Err… Drinking (?) my own words.
Such a quaint shop! They have a small bar area facing the street and a bench outside but its fine since I wanted to walk while drinking my coffee. I never thought I’d describe coffee as refreshing. I mean I’m fine with Folger’s day in and day out. But of course their cold brew is a must try.
I think I’m gonna look for cold brew at coffee shops moving forward.
I was also surprised to see donuts from Dough? Well can’t pass up on that fo sho!
Great way to start my layover misadventures on Noooo Yawk.

Cold brew. I’m sold.
I’m pretty picky about my coffee. Not into the bitter aftertaste of so many of the «hip» coffees. This was well balanced and flavorful.
Also the location is cute. Some seating. Open to the street. Nice way to spend a Sunday morning.

The service is good. The latte art is cute and its better when you decide to stay. They have a few options for pour-​overs too, which is highly appreciated.
I am glad it opened, although it opened in a neighborhood where most residents think that Starbucks has good coffee. Smh.
They only have three seats, so scoring one is honestly a mini victory. haha
A cortado tastes better when you sit down to enjoy it. I was finally able to take a look at their book exchange shelf, which is mostly filled with rejects, but there was a HP Deathly Hallows and that made me happy :)
Good concept, fast and professional service. I am a fan.
This is a very cute little place indeed!

Sooo glad to have Birch in the neighborhood. The cold brew is amazing. The space is small but charming. More of a grab and go place than somewhere you can linger. I didn’t notice pastries the few times I have been, but would love more food here for sure.
My wallet is empty but I love Birch!