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New Yorkers 1st Choice
River North's best

Pastry and latte spots

A morning ritual requires both a precise pastry and a properly pulled latte.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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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.

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.

Sweet cheese and almond milk lattes stand out with unique flavors and come with a wafer and local sweets. Presentation is beautiful, making each latte a distinct experience.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was super good."

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

"I found some of the best latte I've had in downtown."

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
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.

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.

Unique flavors like charcoal, baklava, and Turkish delight stand out in the latte selection. Every latte features impressive latte art and consistent quality.

People are saying

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

"The lattes here are unique, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"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.

03
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.

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

Lattes here come in various milk options like honey oat, almond, and oat milk, all served with good flavor balance. The lavender latte stands out for its strong yet balanced floral taste, and the iced versions maintain quality and freshness.

People are saying

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

"I found the latte here to be really good."

"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.

04
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.

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

Lattes come in various flavors like caramel, chai, and matcha, all made fresh and full of flavor. Seasonal options include a fall-themed spice latte that stands out for its taste.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really good."

"I thought the spice latte and the Black Tie latte were amazing."

"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.

05
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.

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

Iced caramel lattes stand out with their smooth texture and chocolate-adjacent caramel flavor in every sip. Mocha lattes are rich and smooth, offering a deep, satisfying taste that many find exceptional.

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 the best I've had."

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.

06
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.

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.

Latte here features phenomenal presentation with latte art like a cute bear. Options include Honey Bear latte and Vanilla Latte, all crafted with high-quality beans for a smooth, rich flavor.

People are saying

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

"The latte here is smooth, creamy, and perfectly sweet."

"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.

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.

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.

Sweet coffee lovers find the Galleta Latte a standout with its rich flavor. The ube latte tastes like real ube, though it leans on the sweeter side. The oat milk latte with honey offers a smooth, well-balanced option.

People are saying

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

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

"I expected the ube latte to be artificial, but it tasted like real ube."

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.

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.

Lattes here have a perfectly balanced sweetness that lets the natural coffee shine. The creamy foam and skilled latte art highlight the barista's craft, with options like the black cardamom iced latte and matcha lavender yuzu latte offering rich, smooth flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really good."

"I found the latte to be good, not too acidic."

"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.

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