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New Yorkers 1st Choice

Top 10 cafes perfect for reading spots to Enjoy in Upper West Side, New York City

Based on 911 Reviews
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01
Slate Cafe Upper West Side image 1
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📚 Reading Spot
Cafe
🍞 Toast
🥑 Avocado Toast
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Modern cafe with high ceilings and plant-filled walls offers a cozy spot for work or socializing. Friendly staff enhance the neighborhood vibe making it great for meetings or dates. Outdoor tables provide a quiet nook perfect for reading or breakfast.

People are saying

"The cafe's staff is so friendly and attentive."

"The cafe has a cozy vibe and attracts all kinds of people."

"The bacon scramble at this Reading Spot is full of flavor."

Good to know

1

All sandwiches at Slate Cafe can be made gluten-free.

2

Slate Cafe has a 90-minute time limit for tables.

3

You order at the counter and they bring your food to your table.

02
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📚 Reading Spot
Cafe
😎 Chill
Coffee
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Spacious interior and comfortable seating make it ideal for reading or work. Staff deliver quick, dependable service with a friendly vibe. Dogs get treats, adding to the community feel. Classic rock and R&B from a DJ enhance the welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"I love the cozy vibe and perfect coffee here."

"I love this cafe; the coffee is always delicious and made to perfection."

"I love how cozy and friendly this neighborhood cafe feels."

Good to know

1

There is no bathroom available.

2

The weekly membership costs $17 for unlimited drinks.

3

Consider implementing a time limit of 2 hours for laptop users.

03
Charlotte Cafe image 1
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Cafe
📚 Reading Spot
🛋️ Cozy
Cappuccino
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Cozy coffee shop offers soft lighting and comfortable seating for work or casual chats. Quiet atmosphere makes it a perfect reading spot. Serves coffee and baked goods that brighten mornings and fuel focus.

People are saying

"The baristas at this cafe are so friendly and remember my order."

"I highly recommend stopping by this cafe."

"The staff here are the kindest, nicest people I've ever met."

Good to know

1

Be prepared to wait due to the crowd.

2

Customers are only allowed to stay at the table for 90 minutes at this cafe.

3

The hours of operation are limited during the week, until 6 PM.

04
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Cafe
📚 Reading Spot
🛋️ Cozy
🍞 Toast
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Spacious seating and bohemian decor create a chill vibe perfect for coffee lovers and readers alike. Strong coffee and house-made pastries fuel quiet study sessions. Weekend no computer zone keeps the atmosphere peaceful and inviting.

People are saying

"The cafe feels cozy and has plenty of space to work."

"This coffee shop stands out as the best and most unique around."

"The cafe staff here is super nice and pleasant."

Good to know

1

Outside food and drinks are not allowed in the coffee shop.

2

They have a 'no computer zone' on weekends.

3

Gluten-free and vegan options are available.

05
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Cafe
📚 Reading Spot
💻 Work Friendly
☕️ Turkish Coffee
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Spacious Yemenite coffee shop offers authentic cultural flavors and luxurious Middle Eastern pastries. Calm music and a quiet atmosphere create a perfect reading spot with natural light from a window wall. Comfortable seating invites relaxation or work.

People are saying

"I love how calm and roomy the place feels."

"The coffee and pastries here taste amazing and unique."

"I loved the cardamom-infused Yemeni coffees and delicious pastries at this cafe."

Good to know

1

The coffee shop is open until 9 PM daily.

2

There is a 10% student discount available.

3

Expect to pay around $9 for a regular iced coffee.

06
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Cafe
📚 Reading Spot
🛋️ Cozy
Black Coffee
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Cozy coffee shop with vintage camera decor and wide north-facing windows creates a calm, spacious atmosphere. Music plays softly, supporting a quiet, relaxed vibe ideal for light work or casual hangouts. Many sit with laptops, blending casual socializing with focused moments.

People are saying

"I loved the smooth, rich coffee here."

"The food is good, but the cafe feels unsure of its purpose."

"It's a cozy and quiet reading spot, perfect for a break."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers free WiFi but has no restroom facilities.

2

Expect limited seating, especially during peak hours.

3

They serve a variety of drinks, but no decaf coffee options.

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Mille-feuille Bakery Cafe image 1
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Mille-feuille Bakery Cafe

Cafe
📚 Reading Spot
🥐 Bakery
🥐 Almond Croissant
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Small patisserie with cozy, warm atmosphere and quaint Parisian vibe offers a gorgeous aesthetic and traditional French pastries. Space feels intimate and unhurried, with a few tables inside and a small terrace outside. The bakery emphasizes graceful simplicity and a clean, welcoming environment.

People are saying

"The pastries and coffee at this cafe are delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during busy morning hours due to hotel guests.

2

The bakery offers a 25% discount on a box of 6 macarons.

3

Weekdays in the morning are the best times to visit for fewer crowds.

08
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📚 Reading Spot
Cafe
🤫 Quiet
🧘🏻‍♂️ Relaxing Spot
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Spacious bookstore offers quiet atmosphere and thousands of books including new releases and Spanish titles. Small cafe serves good coffee and seasonal desserts like pumpkin cheesecake. Reading chairs and open displays create a welcoming spot to relax and explore.

People are saying

"It's a peaceful, quiet reading spot to escape the city noise."

"The cafe has lots of seating and is a great place to work."

"I love how peaceful and quiet it is for reading upstairs."

Good to know

1

Bathrooms are locked and only available to customers with a purchase receipt.

2

The washroom is located on level 2 in the kids section.

3

The store is closing on January 14, 2024.

09
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Cafe
📚 Reading Spot
😎 Cool
🛋️ Cozy
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Space features pastel colors, artificial cherry blossom trees, and a vintage speakeasy accessed through a pink telephone booth. Atmosphere stays laid-back and relaxing with a lively, cool vibe. Visitors often enjoy the unique decor and photo-friendly setting.

People are saying

"I love the tasty donuts and cute pastel decor."

"I would definitely recommend this place to friends."

"The mochi donuts at this Cafe are so tasty and bouncy."

Good to know

1

Karaoke starts around midnight on Thursdays, so plan accordingly.

2

The venue accommodates large groups well, making it great for parties.

3

Expect higher drink prices compared to other places in the area.

10
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Cafe
📚 Reading Spot
🍵 Iced Chai
🛋️ Cozy
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Bright and airy space offers varied comfortable seating with outdoor tables and abundant outlets for electronics. Atmosphere feels clinical and unwelcoming but suits working or quiet conversation. Local art decor adds some interest to mostly bare walls.

People are saying

"The coffee here is super fresh and really yummy."

"It's a perfect, quiet Reading Spot for studying or working."

"The cafe feels plain and not very cozy inside."

Good to know

1

The location is great for pre- or post-AMNH caffeination.

2

There is no bathroom for customers at the coffee shop.

3

They have a policy that prohibits bringing dogs inside, even for to-go orders.