Caffeine is a college student’s drug of choice— and fortunately for MMC academics, the Upper East Side provides a wealth of (coffee) dispensaries to choose from. Within just a few blocks of campus are cafes for studying, grabbing a drink between or before lectures, and iconic shops for snapping photos. Below is a list of shops for every occasion, from one addicted college student to another. 

Shops with internet and bathrooms for studying:

• Frame NYC

Located at 1413 2nd Ave, Frame offers a place for students to study for hours. Between the wooden tables, warm brick walls, and vintage camera decor, students can find a cozy place to work with coffee and a pastry. The wide-open windows give the interior seating as much exposure to sunlight as the exterior patio— giving students a variety of warm and airy spaces to study. 

• The Fancy Kook

Baked goods, pillows and comfy benches, funky wall art, and window seating— what more can you hope for in a coffee shop? The Fancy Kook is a family-owned and women-run bakery and coffee house just a few blocks from MMC at 1433 1st Ave. Laptops are limited to high-top seating, but the bathroom and outlet access welcome students to grab a treat and stay a while. 

Quick and easy coffee:

• Matto Espresso

The shop closest to MMC, excluding our very own David’s Cafe— is Matto Espresso. At ​​1353 2nd Ave, students can use dining dollars and grab a fast drink and pastry during a busy day on campus. Matto is also one of the cheapest cups of coffee you can find in the UES. 

• Blank Street

Blank Street Coffee at 985 Lexington Ave is a quick two blocks from MMC for students in need of a fast pick me up. The Blank Street app also offers a convenient order-ahead option for when you’re really in a rush. With their new autumn drink lineup, students are sure to be filing into Blank Street for an energizing banana bread matcha or the classic pumpkin spice latte.

• Le Reveil Coffee

This railroad-style coffee shop is perfect for a great espresso drink with a friend. The seating is tight, but the clean and contemporary atmosphere is ideal for a quick coffee date. Make your way to 1322 2nd Ave to grab a classic coffee and an array of pastries (GF options included). 

• 787 Coffee Co

The iconic yellow aesthetic of 787 Coffee is hard to miss. The bright and happy interior of 340 E 70th St provides a sweet escape from the busy day of a college student. Wifi and inside/ outside seating— including a swing by the window— are provided, but there is no bathroom at the 70th St location. 

• The Coffee Inn

Craving a smoothie? The Coffee Inn offers a variety to choose from and a comfy spot to sit for a moment. Located at 1316 1st Ave, the Coffee Inn is a great option for a quick bite or drink, with some nice sidewalk seating in their neon orange chairs. 

• Oslo Coffee Roasters

Located at 422 E 75th St, Oslo Coffee Roasters is further from campus than other options. However, their espresso drinks are exceptional for any interested coffee aficionados. The limited seating makes for a quick in and out, but Oslo Coffee is worth the quick stroll from MMC. 

Destination coffee shops: 

• Ralph’s Coffee

Just three blocks from campus MMC students can find the iconic Ralph’s Coffee. Behind the beautiful entrance is a plethora of pricey coffees and goodies, but the pictures may just be worth it. Stop by 888 Madison Ave to get your fix of UES tourism.

• Sant Ambroeus

Check out 1136 3rd Ave for a bougie lunch or desserts, such as Gianduia, hazelnut sponge cake, or Tiramisù. Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar at Hanley is the perfect place to fuel up before an afternoon of window shopping. Wifi, outlets, and a bathroom are also accessible for the interested academic.