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TLDR: SoHo's coffee scene ranges from Melbourne-inspired espresso bars to Danish specialty roasters and French bakery cafes. Top picks include Ground Support for consistent quality and La Cabra for cardamom buns with Nordic-style brews.
Finding good coffee in SoHo used to mean overpriced hotel lobbies and generic chains. That's changed completely.
After working through this neighborhood's coffee options across multiple visits, I've found spots that rival the best specialty cafes anywhere. Some serve coffee that would impress Melbourne baristas. Others pair their brews with pastries worth crossing the city for.
Here are eight places where the coffee actually matches the aesthetic.
1. Ground Support
Ground Support has anchored West Broadway since 2009, and it feels like SoHo's communal living room. The Australian-inspired approach means excellent espresso and flat whites prepared by baristas who actually know what they're doing.
The sandwiches are made in-house daily and pair perfectly with their coffee. Large windows overlook the street.
Did You Know? Ground Support was one of the first cafes to bring Melbourne coffee culture to SoHo, opening when specialty coffee in the neighborhood was rare.
2. La Colombe
La Colombe put draft lattes on the map when they introduced coffee on tap back in 2016. The SoHo location at 270 Lafayette Street opened in 2009. The signature drink is the Oat Milk Draft Latte, frothy and naturally sweet without added sugar.
The space is small and perpetually busy during morning rush. Get there early or prepare for a line.
Did You Know? David Bowie reportedly got his coffee from the SoHo La Colombe location when he lived in the neighborhood.
3. La Cabra
This Danish specialty roaster La Cabra opened its SoHo location at 284 Lafayette Street in 2023, and the lines haven't really let up since. The minimalist Scandinavian design feels like stepping into a Copenhagen cafe, with an open bar concept where you can watch the baristas work.
The cardamom buns are the real draw here. Soft, chewy, with crunchy bits of sugar baked inside. The head baker previously worked at Dominique Ansel Bakery and Bien Cuit, which explains the quality.
Did You Know? La Cabra means "the goat" in Spanish, and the roaster was founded in Aarhus, Denmark in 2012 before expanding to New York.
4. Maman
Maman started right here in SoHo in 2014, and their Centre Street location remains the flagship. The French bakery and cafe blends Southern French cooking with North American comfort food.
Their Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookie has become legendary, but don't overlook the coffee served in mismatched vintage blue and white cups.
Did You Know? Maman means "mother" in French. Founders Elisa Marshall and Benjamin Sormonte named it after their own mothers.
5. Matchaful
If coffee isn't your thing, Matchaful offers what might be the best matcha in SoHo. Their cafes at 184 Prince Street and 217 Mulberry Street specialize in organic, ceremonial-grade matcha from multi-generational Japanese tea farms.
The lattes are customizable with add-ins like MCT oil and collagen. They whisk the matcha traditionally in Japanese ceramics.
Did You Know? Matchaful partners directly with Japanese tea farms using their "Farm-to-Whisk" model for pesticide-free, single-origin matcha.
6. Butler
Butler opened in 2016 at 177 Lafayette Street, serving Intelligentsia coffee from Chicago's respected roaster. The beans are known for being smooth and balanced, and the baristas here know how to work with them.
The interior is clean and modern, perfect for laptop work. It stays calmer than some Instagram-famous spots.
Did You Know? Butler pairs its coffee with a curated food menu designed to complement rather than overwhelm the drink.
7. Cafe Leon Dore
This cafe sits inside the Aimé Leon Dore clothing store, serving Greek-inspired coffee and pastries. The Freddo Cappuccino is the signature: cold espresso topped with cloud-like foam that's become a New York cult favorite.
The Parisian aesthetic inside a streetwear shop creates an interesting contrast.
Did You Know? The Freddo Cappuccino originated in Greece, featuring frothed cold milk layered over cold espresso.
8. Citizens of SoHo
This Australian cafe brings Melbourne brunch culture to SoHo, which means the coffee is taken seriously. The flat whites are textbook perfect, and the Famous Smashing Avo toast draws a crowd.
Co-founded by an Australian and a New Yorker, the cafe captures that neighborhood feel. It stays open for brunch all day.
Did You Know? Melbourne is widely considered one of the world's best coffee cities, and Citizens brings that standard with Australian-trained baristas.
How much does coffee cost in SoHo?
Expect to pay more than outer boroughs. A standard latte runs $6-8 at most specialty shops, with draft lattes and specialty drinks hitting $8-10. Matchaful's customized lattes with add-ins can reach $12-14.
These prices are standard for Manhattan specialty coffee. The quality generally justifies the cost, but budget-conscious visitors should know what they're walking into.
What's the best time to visit SoHo coffee shops?
Early mornings (7-8 AM) offer the shortest lines at popular spots like La Colombe and La Cabra. The mid-morning rush from 9-11 AM brings the longest waits. Weekday afternoons around 2-4 PM are surprisingly calm.
Weekend mornings are the most chaotic, with lines stretching out doors at the Instagram favorites. For laptop work, aim for weekday mid-afternoons.
Do SoHo coffee shops have WiFi and seating?
Most do, with variations. Ground Support has communal tables with outlets and free WiFi. La Colombe's SoHo location has limited seating and feels more grab-and-go. La Cabra added dedicated seating with their SoHo expansion. Maman offers a beautiful dining area in back.
For serious work sessions, Ground Support and Maman work best. Check individual policies as some restrict laptop use during peak hours.
Which SoHo coffee shop has the best pastries?
La Cabra wins for pastries, particularly the cardamom buns with a cult following. Their head baker's pedigree (Dominique Ansel, Bien Cuit) shows in every item. Maman's Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookie is legendary and pairs perfectly with coffee.
La Colombe has excellent cookies and croissants. For French pastries, Maman is your best bet. For Scandinavian bakes, La Cabra can't be beat.
What else should you see nearby SoHo coffee shops?
SoHo packs countless attractions into a compact area. After your coffee, consider exploring:
- Cast-iron architecture on Greene Street for the world's largest collection of these historic facades
- The Drawing Center on Wooster Street for contemporary art
- Housing Works Bookstore Cafe on Crosby Street for used books supporting HIV/AIDS services
- Fanelli Cafe at Prince and Mercer for one of NYC's oldest bars, operating since 1847
Most coffee shops sit within blocks of these spots, making it easy to combine caffeine with culture.
Is it worth seeking out specialty coffee in SoHo?
Yes, if you care about quality. The neighborhood evolved from overpriced chains to genuine specialty roasters that hold their own against any coffee city. Ground Support and La Colombe have been proving that for over a decade. La Cabra brought world-class Danish coffee culture. Prices are high but quality matches. If you appreciate well-sourced beans and skilled preparation, SoHo delivers.
Find Your Perfect Cup
Want to discover more of what SoHo has to offer - besides a great coffee scene? StoryHunt's Personal Tour Guide creates customized audio walks based on your interests.
Build a route connecting cafes with cast-iron facades, street art, and neighborhood history. The interactive map guides you with stories that bring each block to life. Explore SoHo at your own pace, coffee in hand.
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