NYFW | coffee shop hot spots

every year the women of new york leave the past behind and look forward for the future. this is known as fashion week.

carrie bradshaw | sex and the city

labor day has come and gone, and like clockwork, fashion’s most stylish set have descended on to the streets of new york city.

whether you’re an editor, blogger, photographer or admiring from afar, here’s a list of eyd approved coffee near the home of so many of this season’s shows.

grab a cup on your way to a show, or take a seat to sift through emails aka insta. i’ve made it easy for you and denoted which shops will suit your needs.

coffee near sklylight clarkson sq

joe's coffee in the cadillac house | hudson square | near the skylight clarkson NYFW

one

joe coffee in the cadillac house | on hudson, btwn charlton & vandam

.3 mi from skylight clarkson sq

330 hudson street
new york, ny 10013

note: if you’re nearby go! super chic space with wifi and a beautifully designed seating area. indoor & outdoor. tables large enough to meet with 4-5 people.

la colombe hudson square, nyc | near skylight clarkson NYFW

two

la colombe | on vandam, btwn hudson & varick

.3 mi from skylight clarkson sq

75 vandam st
new york, ny 10013

note: no wifi, but it’s la colombe so we always let that slide. gorgeous as per usual and some of the best (&strongest) coffee.

coffee near milk studios

kobrick coffee - meatpacking districty, nyc - near milk studios NYFW

three

kobrick coffee co. | on 9th ave, btwn 13th & 14th st

.2 mi from milk studios

24 9th ave.
new york, ny 10014

note: darkly lit and good for day or night meetings. wifi & plenty of lush velvety seating.

 

four

blue bottle coffee | on 15th st, btwn 10th & 9th ave

.0 mi from milk studios

450 w 15th st
new york, ny 10014

coffee near pier 59 studios

under line coffee - chelsea, right below the high line at 20th street

 

five

under line coffee | on 20th st, btwn west st & 10th ave

.2 mi from pier 59 studios

511 w 20th st
new york, ny 10011

note: wifi & indoor seating. for outdoor seating, take it up to the high line. there’s an entrance just a hop & a skip from the shop’s front door.

intelligentsia, highline hotel, nyc

six

intelligentsia at the high line hotel | on 10th ave, btwn 21st & 20th st

.3 mi from pier 59 studios

180 10th ave
new york, ny 10011

note: wifi, indoor & outdoor seating. perfect place for a quick meeting. this space makes you feel as if you’ve travelled back in time.

coffee near spring studios – varick

maman in tribeca, nyc | near spring studios NYFW

 

seven

maman tribeca | on broadway btwn white & franklin

.2 mi from spring studios

211 w broadway,
new york, ny 10013

note: one of the most enchanting spaces. no wifi, but you don’t come here for that anyways, you come for the coffee, food & ambiance.

 

eight

everyman espresso | on broadway, btwn canal & grand st

.2 mi from spring studios

301 w broadway
new york, ny 10013

note: wifi & some wonderful window seating for people watching while you scroll through that insta feed.

 

coffee near skylight at moynihan station

nine

culture 36 | on 36th st, btwn 7th & 8th ave

.3 mi from sklylight at moynihan station

247 w 36th st
new york, ny 10018

note: wifi & indoor seating. get the cookie.

bean and bean coffee - chelsea, nyc - NYFW close to skylight moynihan station

 

ten

bean & bean | on 8th ave, btwn 26th & 25th st

.4 mi from skylight at moynihan station

318 8th ave
new york, ny 10001

note: super large space with wifi and plenty of places to sit. a little loud, but a good place for a quick meeting.

pushcart coffee - chelsea, nyc - near NYFW skylight at moynihan station

 

eleven

pushcart coffee | on 25th, btwn 10th and 9th ave

.5 mi from skylight at moynihan station

401 w 25th st
new york, ny 10001

note: wifi, spacious and low key. doesn’t get as packed as other shops, so you can really hunker down and get to work here.

 

the 7 | brooklyn outdoor coffee shops edition

brooklyn. home of girls, iconic street art, the bk bridge and copious amounts of coffee. with coffee shop vibes that rival portlandia, and vast open spaces that feel more la than nyc, brooklyn knows how to do coffee. editing down my favorite brooklyn outdoor coffee shop spaces meant having to play favorites amongst a list of 20+ spaces that are each special in their own right.

i used my usual scientific method, which is kind of konmari-esque now that i think about it. i took a deep breathe before i visualized the space on my list, and i thought back to how it made me feel at first sight. i only included places that quite literally took my breathe away.

in no particular order, here are my lucky 7 brooklyn outdoor coffee spaces.

(note, if you’re looking for manhattan spaces, click here.)

i call them lucky, because visiting one on a warm afternoon can turn a lackadaisical day into the most magical experience. coffee sessions in these outdoor spaces almost always result in the greatest of aha breakthrough moments, or epic life talks with friends.

i’m not a 100% sure why our hearts are apt to feel so open in these spaces.

maybe it’s the expansive, peaceful haven of space brooklyn offers, or the heart aching intention behind the design of each space?

whatever it is, a visit to any of these 7 spots will leave a lasting imprint of summer lovin’ on your heart.

sweatshop, a coffee shop in williamsburg, brooklyn

one. sweatshop

williamsburg, brooklyn
232 metropolitan ave, brooklyn, ny 11211
m – f  7am – 6pm
s – su 8am – 6pm

tiny, but mighty. the outdoor seating area of this shop is small, but is strategically laid out to accommodate a sizeable amount of people. much like the interior of the shop, its exterior carries out its chic minimal industrial design. lush green plants line the crates-turned-tables and sleek black aluminum benches. everything about the space feels so creative, from its decor to its inhabitants, you’ll feel inspired the entire time you’re here.

oh and i can’t forget about their epic, “don’t look for love look for coffee,” signage. makes for the perfect photo back-drop.

black brick coffee, williamsburg, brooklyn - outdoor space

two. black brick coffee

williamsburg, brooklyn
300 bedford ave, brooklyn, ny 11211
m-f 7am – 8pm
s-su 8am – 8pm
fyi, cash only

want to know what it would feel like to step out into an upscale
and impeccably edited junkyard set? visit black brick coffee in williamsburg and you’ll wonder no more.

the backyard space feels like a legitimate movie set. rich in color and texture, you’ll try to photograph the space, but photos won’t do it justice. black brick manages to make a mish mash of outdoor furniture from the past 100 years feel incredibly current and heart achingly good.

the vale collective | a williamsburg brooklyn boutique and coffee shop

three. the vale collective

north side williamsburg, brooklyn
113 n 7th st, new york, 11211
m – su 10am – 7pm

part clothing boutique part coffee shop, the vale collective is a fashionista’s dream. in addition to its vibrant coffee shop bar and interior decor, there’s a perfectly manicured backyard space that’ll have you longing to host an afternoon tea. its marble tables, perfectly trimmed hedges and floral arrangements are perfect for a girls day spent chatting and sipping on an iced latte.

freehold, brooklyn, williamsburg - coffee shop & bar

four. freehold

williamsburg, brooklyn
45 s 3rd st, brooklyn, ny 11249
m – w 7am – 2am
thu – sat 7am – 2am
su 7am – 2am

when i first moved to new york city, freehold was one of the first coffee shops i worked from. back then it was called “the den,” and it was just a coffee shop front with oh so many dreams behind its construction doors. its expansive windows let in the most beautiful sunlight and i felt so at home amongst the chatter of meetings and keystrokes.

now it’s a vibrant entertainment space that lives up to its meet-work-play tagline. co-work during the day and enjoy its grassy courtyard late into the evening.

kave, bushwick, brooklyn - backyard space

five. kave

bushwick, brooklyn
1087 flushing ave #121, brooklyn, ny 11237
m – su 8am – 8pm

known for its iconic street art, bushwick is making moves in coffee culture scene. i make the hour trek from the upper east side to bushwick just because the coffee scene is that good.

nestled inside an urban strip mall, you’ll find kave at the end of the most vibrant emerald green hallway. after you’re done gawking at the space’s impeccable details, make your way into this clandestine coffee shop and place your order at the coffee bar. grab your drink and make your way outside to the patio space.

yes, it’s huge. and yes, it’s got twinkle lights. come in the late afternoon with some friends and stay until the sun sets. i promise you’ll have a magical time. it’s impossible to not.

father knows best, bushwick, brooklyn - coffee shop, cafe and bar

six. father knows best

bushwick, brooklyn
611a wilson ave, brooklyn, ny 11207
m – su 8am – 2am
productivity in the am. promiscuity in the pm. now that’s a tagline.

the backyard at father knows best will leave you feeling like you’ve escaped to a tropical island. seriously, you can sip on your coconut drink while you lay in a hammock that sits next to a baby palm tree.

tekoa, a coffee shop in cobble hill, brooklyn

seven. tekoa

cobble hill, brooklyn
264 clinton st, brooklyn, ny 11201
m – f 7am – 5pm
s – su 8am – 5pm

tekoa is the perfect place to take out-of-town visitor to. located in cobble hill, its close proximity to historical brownstones, the brooklyn heights promenade and dumbo make it the perfect location to kick off a day of exploring.

or if you’re a local its set of outdoor seating, and it being adjacent to the cutest historical park, sets the tone for a splendid day of the leisurely lounging. i can’t pinpoint exactly what makes this place so zen, but go, and you’ll see what i mean. its rich red exterior and corner location gives you all the right kind of weekend feels.

 

 

the 7 | nyc backyard living edition

saturdays soho | coffee in a backyard oasis

dearly beloved
we are gathered here today
to get through this thing called life

the beat drops. my eyes open.

my alarm’s gone off (yes, it’s prince). i reach for the phone and slide right.

it’s a saturday in july, and for a lot of new yorkers that’s become synonymous with workout, iced latte & backyard coffee shop chill time.

my ideal situation would be workout, iced latte & pool, but i live in nyc now and those pools are way too hard to come by. so, i’ve adapted to a new, and slightly more productive, summer living routine.

now back to that coffee shop backyard life. in nyc, on our lucky non-thunderstorm/hazy days, the sun’s warm rays, light outdoor breeze, and hustle and bustle of a coffee shop compound into a form of cosmic seasonal magic. it’s the type of energy that puts you in the zone, and you become inspired, present, productive and entranced at exactly the same time.

whether you’re on a solo mission, or you march in with your squad, it’s hard to leave an outdoor coffee sesh without feeling as if something special transpired.

it’s a chance to change up your scenery, recharge and just be.

it’s summertime and the living is easy, so here are my 7 favorite backyard spots – manhattan style.

enjoy that backyard life.

(don’t fret my friends, the brooklyn 7 will be coming very soon)

 

greecologies outdoor space in the springtime

one | greecologies, soho

greecologies is the spacious oasis you could spend hours on end in. this beautes industrial-esque seating, set against the lush green ivy covered walls, is quite enchanting. while an iced beverage is a must, their made-in-house greek yogurt options complement the space’s earthy scenery perfectly.

lounge in the back and listen closely. you’ll notice that beyond the chatter of friends, the location of this backyard is able to somehow block out the city’s noise. this space is magic. so much so that there’s a whole post dedicated to its magic.

cooper design museum garden, upper east side

two | cooper hewitt museum garden, upper east side

living on the upper east side, the arthur ross terrace and garden at the cooper hewitt has become a go-to destination. its prime location on museum mile, right on fifth and across from the reservoir, makes it the perfect place to simultaneously people watch and let your daydreams run wild. unlike other backyards, this garden isn’t surrounded by tall skyscrapers, and at times you’ll forget you’re in the middle of the concrete jungle.

with a cafe inside the museum, and free entrance to the grounds, you’re always welcome to spend hours and hours here.

saturdays soho backyard garden, nyc

three | saturdays, soho

if you prefer feeling like you’re on a sun-drenched tropical island, then may i suggest you visit saturdays in soho. the coffee is always incredibly rich, tasty, and served with a smile. this uber chic surf/coffee shop is definitely where you’ll find the beautiful people. amidst the clamor of conversations, coffee, and lush greenery, you’ll definitely style stalk and leave creatively inspired.

intelligentsia, highline hotel, nyc

four | intelligentsia inside the highline hotel, chelsea

intelligentisia. oh how i wish you had more locations in manhattan. the intelligentsia in venice is the coffee shop that pretty much birthed escapeyourdesk, so whenever i am yearning for that og feeling i head to the highline hotel.

the outpost within the historical highline hotel will leave you feeling as if you’ve traveled back in time. once a theological seminary, and the birth place of ‘twas the night before christmas,” the space’s rich history is something you’ll feel as you make your way through the hotel’s lobby. grab your cup at the indoor coffee bar, and make your way to the front or back patio. take a seat, and a moment, to just gaze at the hotel’s exquisite original brick exterior.

rapha cycling club backyard, soho, nyc

five | rapha cycle club, soho

rapha cycle clubs have been created to serve as an inspiring meeting place for road riders. in addition to riders, i think this space is also inspiring to anyone who appreciates a space designed with effortless intention. this curated shop and cafe come together to serve as the perfect creative meeting space. the steady influx of riders hanging up their bikes, chatting & picking up some coffee makes for the right amount of bustle you’d hope to find in a cafe.

what’s key about this location is its backyard. lots of seating, and with its location in soho, it’s a welcome reprieve from the high volume of foot traffic that line prince street on a busy weekend. and if you’re a rider, rapha holds regular rides, events and viewing parties of the season’s biggest races.

toms coffee roasting company, nolita, nyc

six | toms roasting company, nolita

tom’s is a brand that knows how to carry its experience beyond just the wares that it sells. they’re experience builders, and their expertise is showcased in the nolita space. much like its counterparts in venice and chicago, the nolita location is home to a tom’s roasting company and an eclectic outdoor gathering space.

designed to a t, this space feels as if you’ve stepped right into a tom’s ad. rich colors, textures and patterns are impeccably on brand, and when the sunlight hits this place just right its warm tones give it an ethereal glow. i love that the back yard never gets too busy and you can spend a few hours here working, or chatting away, completely undisturbed.

seaport district outdoor seating, nyc

seven | the coffee port, seaport district

the seaport district is for anyone who has ever wished they could go back to the early 19th century. back to the days when ships sailed into the ports of manhattan, and horses worked for the mta. lined with cobblestone streets, and some of the oldest architecture in manhattan, this neighborhood is bursting with historic charm.

coined as a modern-day entertainment district, it’s become home to a diverse mix of up-and-coming designers, shops and food destinations (aka smorgasburg). grab a cup of coffee from the design market’s coffee portal window and recline in one of the many hammock like seats.

west village trifecta

west village trifecta - chalait, dominique ansel kitchen, toby's estate coffee

chalait
224 west 4th street
new york, ny 10014

dominique ansel kitchen
137 7th ave s
new york, ny 10014

toby’s estate coffee west village
44 charles street
new york, ny 10014

sad news you guys 🙁
chalait, an og of the nyc matcha scene, is closing their west village outpost at the end of the month.

learning about chalait’s closure was particularly sad for me, because this space is a part of one of my favorite escapes – the west village trifecta.

with one piece of my beloved trifecta closing in a few weeks i debated publishing this piece.

should i post about a love triangle that will no longer be?

is two weeks enough time for people to enjoy the trifecta that will soon cease to exist?

ultimately, i decided to post this piece as an ode to this vibrant trifecta.
the one that i’ve loved so dearly and embodies so much of what it means to escapeyourdesk.

so long for now, west village trifecta; i thank you for your memories.

notice: you’ve got less than two weeks my friends.
less than two weeks to experience the complete west village trifecta.

chalait - iced matcha tea

thanks for the memories, chalait.

to ease the pain, chalait will be opening up two new locations: one in the nomad neighborhood (on july 30th) and another inside chelsea market (tbd). their original location, at the convergence of christopher and w4th, will no longer exist come august, but the space’s design and decor will live on as a classic example of #whywhiteworks.

i’ll surely miss this location, but as the age old saying goes, “tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”

disclaimer: the below was written prior to learning about chalait’s move. i decided to keep the story the way i originally wrote it, so that these memories would remain frozen in time.

the escape

to know the west village is to love the west village.

unlike the rest of manhattan grid, the west village is a magical maze of the most charming historical streets.
no lie, it’s quite likely that you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

if you’re in town for a visit and you’ve got the time, i suggest wandering with the intention of getting lost. between gawking at the brownstones, popping into the shops, eats and coffee, you’re bound to run into one of the village’s many hidden gems. walk along bleeker and greenwich and you’ll find your heart aching for its quaint charm, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled back in time.

the west village trifecta

i’m 99.99% sure that this trifecta was not established on purpose, but man oh man am i thrilled it exists.
if i’m in the mood to treat myself, i almost always hit up the trifecta.

what is the trifecta?

if you look on a map, you would see that chalait, dominique ansel kitchen and toby’s estate coffee neighbor one and another, and by cosmic chance their location points align in the shape of a triangle.

these three places are each spectacular in their own right, but if you enjoy them together they are the perfect escape.
the best way to describe the trifecta is as a serendipitous experience that engages and pleases each and every one of your senses.

there’s truly something for everyone, and i invite you to take a few hours and escape to the west village.

chalait west village exterior

first stop, chalait.

you’ll find your first destination, chalait, situated on the north west corner of 7th avenue and 4th street.

i’m going to go ahead and make the claim that chalait is probably the most instagrammed coffee shop in the west village.

the space is a dream.

first of all it’s on a corner, so hello to windows that let in an exorbitant amount of natural light.
the ultra light beams this corner experiences enhance the already appealing bright and white aesthetic of the shop. add in the contrast of black stools, and deep green matcha to the equation, and hello, you’ve got instagram heaven.

oh yeah, i can’t forget to give a shout-out to their open face sandwiches. each one of those is delectable to both the eye and palette.

every. single. one. is always ready for its close up.

no lie about the space’s gifted aesthetic. i’ve heard of people trekking to the shop with the sole purpose of taking a photo of a random stranger’s sandwich and matcha latte. #someonescaptiononinstagram

if you get anything matcha from here you won’t be disappointed. i am a big iced drink drinker, so for my first visit i naturally opted for an iced matcha fizz. i was not disappointed and get it each time i visit.

side note: i say get matcha here, because you’ll be getting your coffee fix in about two stops.

chalait, iced matcha

second stop, dominique ansel kitchen.

the second space, created by cronut brainchild dominique ansel, is a feast for all of your senses. whatever your preference, sweet salty or somewhere in-between, there is something for everyone. a lot of places like to make this claim, but da delivers on it.

they’ve got monthly creations that are always a must-try, but something to keep in mind as you order is – you can never go wrong with anything on the menu. no joke. it’s all delicious.
just go with your gut instinct.

dominique ansel kitchen, west village patio seating

my personal sweet favorite is the made-to-order chocolate mousse, and for something savory, the edamame avocado toast or garlic croissant hits the spot.

the kitchen also offers a selection of ready-to-consume items in case you need to grab and go, but i suggest opting for a made-to-order selection. there’s something so exquisite about enjoying a creation that was put together especially for you. the kitchen believes in “fusing together a retail bakery with a restaurant service kitchen, here more than 70% of the menu is finished, assembled, or baked right when you order them.”

another huge plus about this place is that the quality and taste of each item is consistent, and for the goods you’re consuming, everything is very reasonably priced.

dominique ansel burrata and balsamic soft serve ice cream

in the neighborhood on a summer weekend? well then you must try their soft serve. their soft serve marries items like burrata, potato crisps and chocolate together in the most delectable way.

not only is the food spectacular, but the man, the myth and legend himself is incredibly kind. on a recent visit, my sister and i brought our mom to the kitchen and she was able to check off a major item off her bucket list – meet dominique ansel. our mom is a super fan, and with each visit she makes, we always make sure to stop by one of his outposts. she’s always hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous creator, so she was thrilled to be able to have a nice chat and photo taken with him. he was incredibly gracious and patient with her – i’ll never forget that.

toby's estate coffee, west village - coffee bar reflection

your last point in the trifecta, toby’s estate coffee.

across the street from dominique ansel kitchen, you’ll find some of the city’s best coffee at toby’s estate.

i love each and every toby’s location (love note here), but their west village spot is something special. it’s corner location, on a quaint street of brownstones, sets the tone for some of the most relaxing coffee shop vibes.

sitting in this space will leave you feeling as if everyone around you is whizzing by at a 100 mph while you sit, at the windowsill, enjoying every sip of your coffee.

the space itself is light and bright, and while it’s on the smaller side, there’s quite a bit of seating. take a seat, and whether you’re solo or with a group a friends, let yourself get lost in the moment.

sip slowly and enjoy every last drop. this space was made for lingering.

these three places complement one and another in the most magical way,
so try to visit within the next two weeks to enjoy the fully intact west village trifecta.

museum mile | city guide

museum mile nyc city guide | the met museum & bluestone lane coffee

bound between 82nd and 105th street on fifth avenue, museum mile is home to one of the densest displays of culture in the world. the mile, which is actually three blocks longer than a mile, comprises eight of the city’s most coveted museums. a visit to the mile is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the arts, and a chance to experience the upper east side’s most beloved coffee, cafes, and sights.

if you’re a museum fiend, here’s a complete list of museums on the mile:

with so many wonderful things to do and see along the mile, i thought i would share my favorite scenic route – which includes both hidden gems and must-see tourist sights. filled with coffee, food and art, this guide will keep you busy for an entire day!

conservatory garden crab apple trees

getting to museum mile

start your morning with a cup of joe.

96th and lexington is where this guide kicks off (the 6 train will drop you off here). i recommend you start your day around 9 – 10 am, so that you’ve got enough time to spend at each destination.

after you’ve popped out of the subway station, start heading west towards madison avenue. on madison and 96th, there are two places i love to frequent for a cup of joe and morning treat: de capo and le pain quotidien.

de capo: on madison in-between 96 & 97th, this classic italian shop serves up an authentic shot of espresso and some indulgent treats.

le pain quotidien: located on the north-east corner of 97th & madison, le pain offers a full and self service french countryside experience. if you’re in the mood for simple, delicious and healthy food this place is perfect.

central park conservatory garden in the spring and summer

the conservatory garden

aka the secret garden

after you’ve fueled up, keep walking west until you dead end at central park. the entrance at 97th and fifth ave will lead you right into the park’s east meadow. being farther north, you’ll find a much more serene central park – think less vendor carts and more nature.

start heading north while you’re in the park and make sure to stay close to the eastside. the entrance to the grand conservatory garden borders the east side of the park on 105th & fifth, and if you walk too far west you’ll find yourself in the midst of the baseball fields. now, you could enter the garden through the park entrance, or you could walk out onto fifth and make use of its magnificent main entrance, vanderbilt gate, which is between 104th and 105th street. the grandeur of the main gate will render you speechless. the iron gate, made in paris in 1894, originally stood in front of vanderbilt mansion on fifth avenue and 58th street. it’s all kinds of old world nyc vibes.

spread across six acres, the conservatory garden is central park’s only formal garden, and it’s divided into three smaller gardens each with a distinct style: italian, french and english.

step through the garden’s main entrance and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into the secret garden (think mary lennox). this italian inspired garden’s massive lawn, 12 foot high fountain, and perfectly trimmed hedges will literally take your breathe away.

walk to the north-side of the garden and you’ll find its french influenced floral and sculptural elements. depending on the time of year you visit, you may find spring tulips or korean chrysanthemums in the fall.

to the south, you’ll find an intimately set english-style garden. with five mixed borders of trees, shrubs and perennial plants, you will find some of the most serene privacy available within central park. icing on the cake- a sculpture that pays homage to the book ‘the secret garden’.

designated an official quiet zone, the conservatory garden is the perfect place to relax and reflect. my favorite time of year to visit the park is of course, the spring. it truly is a sight to be seen. being able to find a place that makes you feel as if you’re in the countryside, in the middle of the most bustling city, is part of that only in new york city magic.

jackie kennedy onnasis resevoir view | central park, nyc

that jackie o view

with some of the most breathtaking views of the park and surrounding cityscapes, visiting the jackie kennedy onassis reservoir is an absolute must. if you’re a runner, wear your sneakers and run the 1.58 mile-track, or if you’re in it for the views you can take some spectacular photos at its main entrance on 90th and fifth avenue.

additional stop: if you can fit it into your day, the cooper design museum in-between 91 and 90th on fifth avenue is a beautiful museum. they’ve also got a lovely cafe inside where you can pick up a latte and a panini. 

time to eat

brunch at bluestone lane

after all that walking you’re probably pretty hungry, and bluestone lane is the perfect spot to satisfy all your senses. located in-between 90th and 89th on fifth avenue, it’s situated within a beautiful dome of the church of the heavenly rest. feast on the fare and some of the most impeccable decor on the upper east side. seriously, the design of the shop is phenomenal.

i recommend ordering a flat white and their famous avocado smash. you might be thinking okay, it’s just avocado toast i’ll pass, but i promise you it is the best in the city. side note: i’m not the only one that thinks so – see here. if you’d like a non-caffeine option my best friend, who is a hot chocolate connoisseur, thinks their cup is rich perfection.

it’s the perfect light brunch to take in before you make your way through the heavy hitters – the famed museums.

other coffee & cafe options: russ & daughters (inside the jewish museum), dean & deluca, via quadronno, eli’s essentials and café sabarsky.

the met steps

the museums

guggenheim museum

now that you’ve fueled up for the rest of the afternoon it’s time to visit the famed frank lloyd wright designed guggenheim museum. deemed one of the 20th-century’s greatest works of architecture, this building has become as famous as the art it was designed to display. if you’re a fan of modern and contemporary art, you’ll certainly enjoy the artwork and architecture the guggenheim has to offer. walking up and down the museums circular walkway is in itself an experience unlike other; it also makes for the perfect instagram shot.

the metropolitan museum of art

after you’ve spent an hour or two at the guggenheim, start making your way down fifth to the metropolitan museum of art. i’m 99% sure you’ll stop in your tracks the minute you spot it in the horizon. its monumental size, unforgettable façade, and striking steps make it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.

note: you will need to budget a few hours for the met. as one of the world’s largest and finest art museums, its collection spans across two million square feet, it contains over two million works, and is divided amongst seventeen curatorial departments. yes, you read that correctly – two million!

depending on your taste in art your must-see list may differ from mine. but, if you love to feel completely immersed in what you’re experiencing, i have a feeling you’ll enjoy my go-to sections of the museum.

the temple of dendur | the sackler wing of the museum is home to the actual temple of dendur which dates back to 10 b.c. the temple is displayed within what is arguably the most beautiful area of the museum. with floor to ceiling glass windows that overlook central park, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to the realms of your childhood imagination.

roman sculpture court | the leon levy and shelby white court is home to an opulent collection of sculptures created under roman patronage. set within a skylit dome, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported in time to a grand court of the roman era. come on a sunny day and be prepared to take in some of the loveliest light. if it were socially acceptable, and the security guards would allow it, i would lay down in the middle of the court and just stare up at the sky.

the charles englehard court | as you can probably tell i’m a big fan of museum settings that incorporate natural light and vast open spaces, and the american wing of the met delivers on this type ambiance. filled with a collection of american monumental sculpture, architectural elements and stained glass, the charles englehard court provides a mesmerizing entrance to the american wing.

oh, and one last suggestion – don’t forget to head up to the met’s rooftop! it’s open from may – october.

the metropolitan museum of art rooftop | central park views

museum mile is one of the most satisfying escapes in the city and with so much to see, you should dedicate full day to exploring all the sights. whether you’re a local or a tourist, immersing yourself in the lost art of museums, nature, and cafes along this stretch of manhattan is like nothing else in this city.