Back in 1475, the world’s first recorded coffee shop began serving rich, thick black coffee to the residents of what is now Istanbul. Over the following years, the concept spread worldwide and became a fashionable gathering spot for Europe’s elite. In New York City, the first coffee shop likely opened in the late 1600s, marking the beginning of a vibrant coffee house culture.
Today, hundreds of coffee shops are scattered across the Big Apple. While they remain prime spots for enjoying coffee, as sitcoms like Friends and Frasier have shown us, they also serve as important social hubs. Post-pandemic, many have evolved further, doubling as flexible workspaces for remote workers and freelancers alike.
If you’re looking for the best coffee shops with vegan options in New York City, you’ve come to the right place. Find some of our top picks below.
The iconic Central Perk coffee shop in ‘Friends.’ | Warner Bros
Dairy-free milk is now the norm: how coffee shops have evolved
In recent years, the coffee shop industry has adapted to growing consumer demand for plant-based options. Just a decade ago, non-dairy milk was a rarity, but today, fewer Americans choose cow’s milk in their lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos. In fact, it’s now rare to find a coffee shop without dairy alternatives.
Recognizing these changing preferences, Starbucks made a significant move last year by eliminating the extra charge for non-dairy milk in their drinks. “Core to the Starbucks experience is the ability to customize your beverage to make it yours,” CEO and chairman Brian Niccol said. “By removing the extra charge for non-dairy milks, we’re embracing all the ways our customers enjoy their Starbucks.”
Starbucks
Soon after, other chains followed. In February 2025, Dunkin’ dropped its non-dairy surcharge, and in March, Peet’s Coffee did the same. A report from December 2024 revealed that over half of US coffee chains had ended their extra fees for plant-based milks.
“The era of the ‘milk tax’ is ending,” said Taylor Warren, president of the Center for Responsible Food Business. “With the largest US coffee chains eliminating their non-dairy upcharges, it’s clear consumers have won this fight. Coffee companies that continue charging extra for plant-based milk are now out of step with customer expectations and market trends.”
The best coffee shops with vegan options in New York
All the coffee shops listed below reflect these changing consumer attitudes. They don’t just offer dairy-free milk with coffee, they also provide a variety of plant-based food options, including pastries, sandwiches, and more.
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Familiars Vegan Coffee Shop
1 Familiars Vegan Coffee Shop
This Brooklyn favorite is 100 percent plant-based and serves locally roasted coffee alongside freshly baked bagels, available with a variety of fillings. You can also enjoy delicious doughnuts from the local New York company, Duh Donuts. It’s the perfect spot to hang out with friends, catch up on emails, or simply relax with your favorite latte while people-watching.
Find it here
Drip Drop Cafe
2 Drip Drop Cafe
Since opening in 2021, Drip Drop Cafe has quickly become a New York coffee shop favorite, and for good reason. The menu features a variety of unique options, including ristrettos and coconut americanos. While it still charges an extra fee for dairy-free milk, many agree that the coffee is well worth it.
Find it here
Forever Coffee
3Forever Coffee
You’ll come to Forever Coffee for the excellent coffee, but you’ll stay for the delicious vegan food. The vegan breakfast sandwich is a standout, featuring chickpea eggs, avocado, tomato, butter lettuce, and tofu cream cheese.
Find it here
4Cuffie Ridge
This plant-based Jamaican café and coffee shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, is a must-visit. Enjoy a rich mocha latte alongside a flavorful jerk tofu sandwich and you’ll definitely want to come back for more. It’s “good food and great vibes to match,” notes the shop’s website.
Find it here
5Cafe Luna
Located on Hudson Street, Cafe Luna serves a wide variety of coffee and tea, all available with dairy-free milk. If you’re in the mood for something stronger, its cocktail menu has you covered. Don’t miss the food; vegan options include tofu cream cheese, vegan bacon, and avocado smash.
Find it here
6Beepublic
Head to Beepublic in the evening and you’ll find a full bar menu, complete with sustainably crafted cocktails, white wine, and IPAs. Visit earlier in the day, and the space transforms into a laid-back coffee shop. Enjoy an iced matcha latte with oat milk alongside tasty vegan options, like BLTs and hand-rolled empanadas.
Find it here
7Down Under Coffee
With an extensive menu featuring cortados, iced chai, and turmeric lattes, Down Under Coffee brings a taste of Australia’s renowned coffee culture to New York. Even better, the café also serves a variety of vegan cakes and sandwiches to complement your drink.
Find it here
8Planted
Dairy-free milk is standard in most coffee shops these days, but homemade dairy-free milk is a rare find. At Planted, that’s exactly what’s on offer. This cozy café makes its own cashew milk in-house, adding a rich, creamy touch to lattes and other drinks. The menu also includes a variety of vegan and gluten-free sandwiches, salads, and nourishing bowls. In the evening, you can stick around for a glass of wine or a cold beer.
Find it here
9Moss Cafe
Moss Café is a community-driven, sustainability-focused café that celebrates local, seasonal ingredients in every dish. The menu features thoughtfully brewed drinks like seasonal lattes, cold brew, and espresso, paired with hearty vegan options such as the tofu bánh mì and hummus served with market greens.
Find it here
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
