my favorite cafés in harlem (and beyond) to sip + write this spring.

spring in harlem hits different. there’s something about the energy shift when the sun actually sticks around and the sidewalks start blooming with tulips, toddlers, and iced oat lattes. i’ve been reclaiming my writing rhythm lately, and that means finding little corners of the city that let me sip slowly and think clearly.

if you're like me — looking for cafés with charm, caffeine, and a seat in the sun — here are two of my favorite outdoor spots in harlem right now. both are perfect for getting some writing done, people-watching, or just giving yourself a moment to breathe.

☕ Monkey Cup

222 Convent Ave, Harlem

aesthetically? 10/10. the energy? chill but buzzy. monkey cup has this whimsical, lived-in feel that just makes you want to stay. it’s tucked on the corner like a secret, with vines creeping around the windows and a sweet little sidewalk patio that gets the perfect amount of sun mid-morning.

i posted up here with my journal and an iced lavender latte (don’t knock it ’til you try it — floral, not soapy), and genuinely forgot time was passing. the neighborhood is quiet but not boring, and the staff have that perfect balance of friendly and unbothered.

writing vibe: solo girl in her flow.
best time to go: weekday mornings or early afternoon.
power move: order a croissant and dip it in your coffee. trust me.

☕ Double Dutch Espresso

2194 Frederick Douglass Blvd, Harlem

this spot is a neighborhood staple for a reason. it’s cozy inside, but when the weather’s warm, i always grab a table outside. the patio faces the boulevard so you get all that harlem motion — people chatting on the stoop, music humming from cars, the smell of somebody’s brunch drifting down the block. it’s chaotic in the best way.

my go-to here is a dirty chai with almond milk (extra shot, no shame), and if i’m feeling snacky, their banana bread is criminally good. there’s just something grounding about sitting outside, headphones in, and letting the city be your background noise while your fingers move across the keyboard.

writing vibe: main character with a mission.
best time to go: late morning after the rush dies down.
power move: bring a friend, then pretend you’re both working on your screenplays. bonus points if one of you actually is.

☕ Fellini Coffee
Address: 2751 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
Nestled right on the Upper West Side, Fellini feels like stepping into a cozy European café, minus the long flight. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time — soft lighting, tiny tables tucked by the windows, and a constant hum of neighbors catching up. Their espresso is smooth, strong, and full of character, and their pastries are honestly so underrated. Whether you're grabbing a quick cortado or sitting down with a book for an afternoon, Fellini gives classic New York coffee shop energy with just the right amount of charm.

☕ Birch Coffee
Address: 750 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10025 (multiple locations, but this is a good UWS one)
Birch Coffee is one of those New York staples that just gets it right. The moment you walk in, you’re hit with the rich, warm smell of freshly brewed coffee — and somehow, it always feels both lively and chill at the same time. Birch is perfect whether you’re picking up a flat white on your way to the park or posting up with your laptop for a low-key work session. Plus, their library-inspired seating areas? A literal dream for book lovers. It's approachable, cozy, and proudly local — basically everything a city coffee shop should be.

☕ I Like it Black Coffee
Address: 250 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019
Minimalist to the core and focused completely on quality, I Like it Black Coffee doesn't do gimmicks — just really, really good coffee. Their vibe is super clean and modern, which makes the rich flavors of their brews stand out even more. If you're someone who truly appreciates a well-poured black coffee, this place will feel like a hidden gem. It’s also a refreshing reminder that sometimes the simplest things — a perfect pour, a warm smile, a no-fuss setting — leave the biggest impression.

☕ Plowshares Coffee Roasters
Address: 2730 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
Plowshares is a roastery-first coffee shop, and you can taste the difference in every single cup. Their beans are roasted in small batches right here in New York, and the care they put into their craft absolutely shows. The vibe inside is bright and welcoming, with a laid-back neighborhood feel that’s perfect for anything from a morning cappuccino to an afternoon pick-me-up. If you love coffee that’s bold but balanced — and you want to support a spot that really respects the art of roasting — Plowshares deserves a top spot on your list.

final thoughts:

i’ll be honest — writing in cafés isn’t always productive. sometimes you’ll open your laptop and stare at the blinking cursor for 45 minutes while eavesdropping on the table next to you. but honestly? that’s part of the joy. getting out of your apartment, soaking in the neighborhood, and giving yourself permission to just be — that’s where the creativity lives.

so if you're in harlem this spring and looking for a place to sip something strong and get some words on the page, start with monkey cup and double dutch. bring your journal, your laptop, your dream project. or just bring yourself.

you deserve that quiet little moment in the sun. 🌞