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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of River North

Coffee and Pastry Spots

A quiet moment with a warm cup and a fresh pastry.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated May 2026
01
TARY image 1
TARY image 2
TARY image 3
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Cafe

Cozy, minimal cafรฉ with authentic Kazakh decor and subtle cultural elements creates a calm, pleasant atmosphere. Plenty of seating and strong WiFi support work or socializing, while unique Central Asian pastries and dishes offer a distinct culinary experience.

Coffee here has a distinct flavor and richness that stands out. The cappuccino and sweet cheese latte offer unique tastes not found elsewhere.

Freshly baked Central Asian pastries take center stage, made right in front of you. Pastries like baursaks with irimshik pair well with aromatic coffee options.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was super good."

"You have to try the unique Kazakh food here; it's so authentic."

"The pastries here are fresh, homemade, and perfectly sweet."

Good to know

1

Parking is reserved for commercial vehicles only, leading to potential tickets.

2

TARY serves unique Central Asian pastries and drinks not found elsewhere.

3

The cafe gets packed, making tables hard to get at times.

02
Peet's Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop offers indoor and outdoor seating with fast internet and plenty of space to work. Atmosphere stays cozy and quiet despite steady flow of people, making it suitable for breaks or remote work. Location near the river adds a pleasant outdoor vibe with shaded patio seating.

Coffee here is delicious and smooth, with options like Americano that keep their character. Staff provide friendly and fast service, and prices for drinks like cold brew are often lower than other shops.

Pastries here are very tasty and pair well with coffee or frappes. They offer a good variety that complements the drinks nicely.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really good."

"The outdoor seating here is very pretty and nice."

"The pastries here are quite good."

Good to know

1

The takeout process is easy and quick.

2

Expect a long queue for the single restroom in the cafe.

3

The cafe is busy, especially on Saturday afternoons.

03
Sinya Mediterranean image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers an airy, spacious interior with tasteful decor and soft lighting that creates a calm, casual vibe. Plenty of seating and outlets support relaxed dining or working. The atmosphere balances upscale design with a welcoming, comfortable feel.

Coffee here stands out with exceptional quality and unique flavors like the Turkish delight and charcoal lattes. The latte art adds a thoughtful, beautiful touch to each cup.

Pastries come out delicious and pair well with lattes. The combination of coffee flavors and pastries creates a great spot to enjoy a quick bite or a relaxed break.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is fresh, flavorful, and authentically delicious."

"The hazelnut coffee with pistachio was perfectly balanced and not too sweet."

"I found the pastries here delicious and really good."

Good to know

1

Knafeh is only available at the River North location from 4 PM to 10 PM.

2

The place is legit zabiha halal.

3

They give free hummus and salad with each order.

04
Caffe Umbria image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop with cozy indoor and outdoor seating offers a truly Italian atmosphere and friendly service. Space includes free wifi and outlets, supporting work or casual meetings. Music and water station add to a relaxed, inviting vibe.

Coffee here features freshly roasted beans and authentic Italian style espresso served in ceramic cups. Drinks like the lavender latte offer strong, smooth flavors without bitterness or excessive acidity.

Pastries offer a delicious variety with fresh, flavorful options. The peach flavored pastry stands out as especially tasty and highly recommended by staff.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be really great and tasty."

"It's a cozy spot with friendly service and great coffee."

"The espresso was bold and smooth, a perfect coffee."

Good to know

1

The shop is small, and seating is very limited.

2

Expect a line during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

They have a Friday special that offers a free drink with bean purchase.

05
Levain Bakery image 1

Bright, cozy bakery with a warm, inviting vibe and irresistible chocolate and brown sugar aroma. Small indoor space with limited seating and a few outdoor seats on a patio. Known for exceptional cookies that set a high standard for deliciousness.

Coffee here is smooth and balanced, pairing perfectly with baked goods. The cappuccino stands out as especially good, rivaling those found in France.

French pastries match the quality found in France and New York. Cookies and chocolate chip brioche stand out alongside other commercial pastries and bread.

People are saying

"I thought these cookies were the best I had ever tried."

"The chocolate chip cookies and pastries here are amazing."

"I thought the coffee here was very good."

Good to know

1

Levain Bakery opened in the River North area in September 2023, between Kinzie and Hubbard Streets.

2

The cookie costs over $5 each, so plan your budget accordingly.

3

Levain Bakery only offers one vegan flavor for those with dietary restrictions.

06
L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates image 1

Chocolate shop offers an intimate, cozy atmosphere with French cafe-style decor featuring wood accents and soft lighting. Guests linger comfortably in a relaxed setting with in-shop seating and a beautiful garden patio. Display cases showcase an elegant array of handcrafted chocolates and confections.

Mocha lattes stand out for their rich and smooth flavor. Lattes and iced caramel lattes consistently impress with their quality and taste.

Pastries here stand out for their unbelievable quality and rich flavors. The Burdick pastry is a highlight, often recommended for its taste and craftsmanship.

People are saying

"This hot chocolate is thick, rich, and perfectly sweet."

"The pastries here are delicious and rich, like melted chocolate."

"Their iced caramel latte is superb and might be my new obsession."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait for hot chocolate during peak hours.

2

They only serve drinks in to-go cups due to a broken dishwasher.

3

The tea and coffee are priced at $5 each.

07
Happy Monday Coffee - River North image 1

Coffee shop occupies a spacious lobby with an adjacent garden-themed room and a closed-off garage patio. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and cozy to occasionally loud due to music or phone use, with a generally chill vibe suited for studying or working. Decor includes elegant touches but some worn furniture, and dogs are welcome.

Coffee here offers creative options like ube and lavender lattes that taste authentic. The oat milk latte with honey and cappuccinos come creamy and perfectly brewed, served in a spacious, quiet spot with a cozy vibe.

Cinnamon pastry stands out with its incredible flavor. Croissant crossover pastry offers an excellent twist. Happy Monday Coffee serves a solid range of food and pastries.

People are saying

"The ube latte tasted like real ube and was surprisingly flavorful."

"This spot is quiet and spacious, making it great for work."

"I'd go back just for the creamy, perfectly-tempered cappuccino."

Good to know

1

Dogs are allowed at the coffee shop.

2

The coffee shop is located in the lobby of an apartment building.

3

There are plenty of seats inside the coffee shop.

08
Blue Bottle Coffee image 1

Coffee shop offers calm, classy atmosphere with amazing city and river views. Seating includes indoor and outdoor options, featuring a beautiful terrace ideal for relaxing or people-watching. Space suits those seeking a high-quality coffee experience in a cozy, focused setting.

Coffee here stands out for its well-crafted quality and wonderful aroma. The cafe latte and other drinks like green tea and hot chocolate are consistently excellent and well prepared.

Pastries come with morning coffee and pair well with lattes. Staff help with selections, and the pastries taste crafted to perfection. A waffle wrapped in a coffee filter adds a unique touch.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really good."

"You get a gorgeous city view from the windows."

"I thought the pastries were excellent and complemented the coffee well."

Good to know

1

Brunch is offered on weekends, but check availability.

2

Expect to pay over $8 for a latte.

3

Parking is very difficult, so plan ahead.

09
Ralph's Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Museum-like interior with vintage-style decor creates an elegant, classy atmosphere. Space feels posh and comfortable but often overcrowded with limited seating. Souvenirs and stylish design add to a unique coffee shop experience.

Coffee here features a custom blend with a smooth, rich flavor. The espresso and latte stand out for their high-quality beans and excellent taste.

Chocolate tucked inside offers a dark, slightly bitter flavor that melts into the folds of pastry. Pastries come with a custom blend connection to Polo Ralph Lauren, alongside classic coffee and tea options.

People are saying

"The coffee here is smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced."

"It's a super cozy and stylish place."

"The pastries here are so cozy and stylish."

Good to know

1

They only accept card payments; cash is not accepted.

2

Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

Expect a 10โ€“20 minute wait to enter during busy hours.

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