2 Coffee Shops You Should Know About in Midtown Manhattan

Note: This post is not sponsored.

Unsurprisingly, my favorite coffee run includes a lavender latte. As a freelancer who is out and about the city most days, this coffee run serves as a simple personal treat and/or rest break for me. I care about quality of of the latte, but also the shop’s service and uniqueness. As NYC has now entered Phase 4 of reopening, I wanted to share my favorite places for lavender lattes (in midtown Manhattan) with you. Both shops are “mom and pop” shops and are simply listed in alphabetical order.

1) Bibble & Sip

Address: 253 W 51st St. (between 8th Ave. and Broadway)/bibbleandsip.com

I hesitate to list Bibble & Sip in order to keep it a secret. Located next to a Dunkin Donuts on the corner of 8th Avenue and 51st Street and conveniently close to the subway, it is a relief when I see people wander into Dunkin Donuts when I’m rushing to Bibble to grab a latte before work. Less waiting in line for impatient me. You know a shop is good when New Yorkers wait in line, which Bibble often has around lunchtime and late afternoon. I have even seen people start lining up before opening time on the weekends. 

Self-described on its website as a fusion of French cooking and Asian flavors, Bibble & Sip is a unique take on the traditional coffee shop. Boasting an Alpaca mascot, the family-owned business makes the food in-house…including the lavender syrup used in its drinks. The lavender latte is a bit milky with a strong taste of sweet lavender. At last check, the small (12 ounce) hot latte costs $4.75 and the small iced latte (16 ounce) is $5.25. For the size, both prices are a good deal compared to other lavender lattes I have had in the city. 

And if you are not needing caffeine, I would recommend ordering a lavender hot chocolate…hot chocolate with added lavender syrup. It is sweet, but a fantastic combination in my opinion. During the summer months, they also serve lavender lemonade, which is ice cold and not too sweet. It is absolutely divine on a hot humid day. 

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If you are feeling a bit peckish, Bibble also has some tasty and unique food. Sandwiches, quiche, cookies, assorted flavors of cream puffs, croissants, scones, etc, are all part of the menu. My personal favorite grab was the Spiced Pear Scone, although I have enjoyed trying various other items on the menu. They do have a slightly updated menu for Summer 2020, as pictured below. I liked the orange scone, but was not as pleased with the Nutella pear scone, as the dough was a bit different in this new one compared to their previous pear scone. They still are serving old favorites such as earl grey banana bread, various cakes, etc. And of course their fantastic cream puffs are still there—and are not heavy feeling with the lighter creamy cream.

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I will admit that Bibble & Sip has an extra special place in my heart, as it was the setting for my first date with the guy who would eventually become my husband (good first date place!)…and this was before I knew about the lavender items on the menu. However, it is a testament to its quality that I often return. At the risk of my having to wait in a dreaded line, I urge you to check it out yourself. 

2) Remi Flower and Coffee

Address: 906 2nd Ave. (between E. 48th and 49th St.)/reminyc.com

I discovered Remi Flower and Coffee through an internet search for lavender lattes and was able to try it on multiple weekend work commutes. Located a 7 minute walk from the subway, but in good proximity to the United Nations and FDR drive, this quaint shop serves as both coffee shop and florist. It is absolutely lovely to sit amongst all the scented flowers while enjoying your coffee and a pastry. The live plants certainly create an unique garden-like atmosphere.

The coffee shop boasts a range of coffee and tea along with pastries. For floral drinks, they serve both lavender and rose lattes. Even though lavender is my favorite, the rose latte is also quite good with a robust rose flavor. The lavender also has a strong flavor, augmented by the lavender buds sprinkled on the top of the drink. The rose latte has dried rose petals sprinkled on top as well, but I don’t find those to have a strong taste. Both drinks are not quite as sweet as other places. For a non-coffee drink, I recommend the Berry Rose Tea Latte—it has strawberry and rose flavors.

Aside from the atmosphere, the other incredible part of this shop’s experience is the jaw-dropping latte art. Not only are flower petals sprinkled on top, but the baristas also add coloring to the intricate floral art design they carefully create. The lavender latte has purple color and the rose latte becomes a healthy pink mixed with the white and brown foam of a regular latte. It is a true shame when I have to cover my drink with a to-go lid. 

Unlike Bibble & Sip, the limited selection of pastries at Remi Flower and Coffee are not baked in-house. Instead they are ordered from a selection of recognizable NYC bakeries, including Amy’s Bread. So there’s an assortment of yummy pastries for everyone’s taste!

This small shop is definitely worth a stop if you are in the area…and please enjoy the flowers if you have the chance to dine-in! (Or a nicely set-up sidewalk seating at moment!)

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